Barbie finds her Prince Charming- our English wedding & Disneymoon June 2011!

[Mindy5767]

Haha...maybe! It's kind of stressing me out but we'll see...I think I'm too much of a spaz for facebook.

Spaz's on Facebook! I can't imagine! I'm glad you gave in and we can share our lives more often!

That would be cool to live in Europe and just drive by such famous places and go to places we only hear about on TV..... but then again.... I just drive by the Washington Monument and the White House whenever... and Nikki and Brook can see the Statue of Liberty and Times Square and Empire State Building just any old time!

Your plans sound fabulous and I can't believe how close it is. Next Friday I'll be getting up in the middle of the night to watch coverage of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, just like I did in 1981 for his parents wedding!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Spaz's on Facebook! I can't imagine! I'm glad you gave in and we can share our lives more often!

That would be cool to live in Europe and just drive by such famous places and go to places we only hear about on TV..... but then again.... I just drive by the Washington Monument and the White House whenever... and Nikki and Brook can see the Statue of Liberty and Times Square and Empire State Building just any old time!

Your plans sound fabulous and I can't believe how close it is. Next Friday I'll be getting up in the middle of the night to watch coverage of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, just like I did in 1981 for his parents wedding!

Haha!! I am actually enjoying reading everyone's updates and looking at pictures on FB.

I really like your thinking about the monuments. It's all about perspective, I suppose! There is a bridge on the parkway, just before the exit where I get off, that I can see the Empire State Building quite clearly. Used to be able to see the twin towers from that bridge too. Even though I go over that bridge many, many times a week, I still have to look. I definitely appreciate it!

Oooh, I'll be up for the royal wedding too! Up until a few months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about the royal family and could not care less! But ever since seeing The King's Speech, I've kind of been obsessed with the royal family! I'm such a sucker for a good true story so to think about how this generation is related to the people in that movie is pretty cool to me. Especially when you think about the fact that if King George VI's brother did not have a scandalous affair and abdicate the thrown, there would be a whole different lineage of royals and no one would give a crap about who William marries....it's very interesting to me! When did I become such a geek?!

 

[Mindy5767]

I've always been a fan of the Royal family. I have a large format photo filled book about Elizabeth The Queen Mother. I really enjoyed reading about her life story. My father had a lot of books about the Russian Royal family, and I've seen movies about them and read a book or two of dad's. In fact, I think that the Crystal Palace Restaurant is styled after a real Crystal Palace in Russian. I'll have to look into that because its one of those very faded childhood memories.

 

[disneybarbie]

I remember hearing about Torquay on Fawlty Towers, that old John Cleese show (so funny!)-- looks like a lovely place from your pictures.
Your menu looks great- I think you definitely made a good call with the entree-- people are definitely fussy with beef!

lol that's funny how you know how about Torquay from Faulty Towers!
The beef was delicious at the tasting, but I'd hate to look around and see lots of our guests had left the food because it wasn't cooked how they would like it - chicken should work much better for us

Looks like you had a lovely weekend and your wedding menu sounds great Love the cupcake tower, they are becoming more and more popular now over the traditional wedding cake, really cute idea

Thanks Stefy - I liked the cupcake towers really early on in our wedding planning, it'll work as a dessert on the evening buffet too!

I wish I lived in Europe so I could just "drive past" something like Stone Henge. It looks like you had a fun weekend away. I've never heard of Torquay, but it looks really beautiful.

I love everything you chose for the menu! It sounds so yummy and what a great variety! I think your guests will be very happy!

Can you believe we're under 2 months?!

Hi Courtney! less than 8 weeks to go.. it's crazy!!

Thank you for the comments on the wedding food, I hope we've made good choices so everyone can find something they like

Yes, I had a fabulous time in England!!! My sister goes to Worcester College and so she was able to give us an 8 day sight seeing adventure and it was spectacular!!! Yep, they're baked potatoes here! I like "jacket" better though so maybe I'll borrow that!

The wedding plans are wonderful!!!

Hi, that's great to hear you enjoyed your trip here! There are a lot of sights to see but 8 days sounds like a good number - how was the weather?! we're having a really unusual heat wave at the moment - the last week it's been over 70 degrees everyday & sunny; sooo unusual for England in April (or summer really lol)

Haha!! I am actually enjoying reading everyone's updates and looking at pictures on FB.

I really like your thinking about the monuments. It's all about perspective, I suppose! There is a bridge on the parkway, just before the exit where I get off, that I can see the Empire State Building quite clearly. Used to be able to see the twin towers from that bridge too. Even though I go over that bridge many, many times a week, I still have to look. I definitely appreciate it!

Oooh, I'll be up for the royal wedding too! Up until a few months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about the royal family and could not care less! But ever since seeing The King's Speech, I've kind of been obsessed with the royal family! I'm such a sucker for a good true story so to think about how this generation is related to the people in that movie is pretty cool to me. Especially when you think about the fact that if King George VI's brother did not have a scandalous affair and abdicate the thrown, there would be a whole different lineage of royals and no one would give a crap about who William marries....it's very interesting to me! When did I become such a geek?!

Hi Nikki! That's really interesting how you've started learning about our royal family - I learnt about a lot of the different monarchies while at school (Tudors, Stuarts, Victorians etc) and always have loved history - there's quite a mix of views here about the Wedding next Friday.. but overall I think everyone is happy because it's been made a public holiday!

I've always been a fan of the Royal family. I have a large format photo filled book about Elizabeth The Queen Mother. I really enjoyed reading about her life story. My father had a lot of books about the Russian Royal family, and I've seen movies about them and read a book or two of dad's. In fact, I think that the Crystal Palace Restaurant is styled after a real Crystal Palace in Russian. I'll have to look into that because its one of those very faded childhood memories.

Hi Mindy, what time will you have to get up to watch the royal wedding?! I'm not really sure that I'll be watching it - we will be off work so could have the tv on while I'm doing some of my own wedding planning - I'm actually going to a friend's wedding in Windsor the day after.. it'll be a wedding-filled weekend!

 

[Mindy5767]

lol that's funny how you know how about Torquay from Faulty Towers!


I think I learned alot from watching my favorite British comedy "Keeping Up Appearances". I had bought some episodes on VHS, so now I have to go back and get them on DVD! I especially love the episode where they all sail on the QEII.

Thanks Stefy - I liked the cupcake towers really early on in our wedding planning, it'll work as a dessert on the evening buffet too!

Cupcakes are very popular in my area too. There is a pair of sisters who opened up a cupcake shop in Washington DC called DC Cupcake and they have a TV show about it, so everyone here is doing the cupcake towers. I think they're great ideas.

Hi, that's great to hear you enjoyed your trip here! There are a lot of sights to see but 8 days sounds like a good number - how was the weather?! we're having a really unusual heat wave at the moment - the last week it's been over 70 degrees everyday & sunny; sooo unusual for England in April (or summer really lol)

It was 92 here today! It felt so DISNEY!

Hi Mindy, what time will you have to get up to watch the royal wedding?! I'm not really sure that I'll be watching it - we will be off work so could have the tv on while I'm doing some of my own wedding planning - I'm actually going to a friend's wedding in Windsor the day after.. it'll be a wedding-filled weekend!

Our news coverage begins at 3am on BBC America and on another channel. I think FOX news begins at 4am. If I can't wake up to watch it, at least I can record it. I hope that the royal family knows to watch for little signs that Diana is there... cause she will be!

 

[jenneth79]

Our news coverage begins at 3am on BBC America and on another channel. I think FOX news begins at 4am. If I can't wake up to watch it, at least I can record it. I hope that the royal family knows to watch for little signs that Diana is there... cause she will be!

I just heard on the news that there will be Wedding viewing parties at a few locations around here in DC, as well as a number of bridal salons. Sounds like people are going all out!

I for one will probably watch the highlights later on. I think it's a huge event, but I'll admit I like my sleep much more

 

[Mindy5767]

I just heard on the news that there will be Wedding viewing parties at a few locations around here in DC, as well as a number of bridal salons. Sounds like people are going all out!

I for one will probably watch the highlights later on. I think it's a huge event, but I'll admit I like my sleep much more

Yes, its true. The Ritz-Carlton in DC is having a big party including an English tea. Its around $45 a person. They also have a bigger package with an overnight stay and lots of souvenirs. The party starts at 5am! Its in DC though. Not the Tyson's location which is easier to get to from here. I like the Tyson's Ritz. I wouldn't do either though. I can watch on TV at home. I might just record it.

I did read that Twinings created a special tea blend for the occasion. Since I collect Twinings teas, I MUST have that. I need to find a mug or plate for my collection. I have a Charles and Camila mug that my sister bought me on her trip to London several years ago right before that wedding. That mug has the wrong (original) date on it because if you recall, that wedding got postponed because Charles had to go to the Pope's funeral.

 

[disneybarbie]

Mindy that English afternoon tea in DC sounds lovely! I'll have to keep an eye out for that Twinings tea, I hadn't heard of it before


So I have a few updates on the wedding and honeymoon!


Our travel agent emailed today to let us know that she'd been able to apply another discount on our Grand Floridian booking due to us having annual passes!
We have saved just over $300.. which leaves our remaining balance to pay at check-in of.... $1.94 !
Really pleased, she had hinted that Disney might bring out AP discounts but it's great now it's happened - so I think that means we are pretty much paid in full for the honeymoon now!


Wedding news... yesterday I designed and printed out the menu cards for our wedding breakfast (I'll post photos soon) - they are on ivory card to match the invites/other stationery - we're going to put 3-4 on each table, didn't think it was necessary to have one per person as our guests will probably just read over the food items once

We've had a few more RSVPs back, just waiting on a handful more - the 'respond by' date was April 30th so next week we'll start to email/phone people to check they are coming.

Only a little thing, but I burned a cd yesterday of our wedding ceremony music! I made two copies (one for back up!) - there is a sound system in the ceremony room so they'll play our music choices during the ceremony

The music will be..

Bridal Party entrance - "When You Wish Upon A Star" (orchestral version)

Signing the Register - "Por Ti Volare" (Andrea Boccelli) and "Married Life" (theme from 'Up')

Bride & Groom Exit - 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' (Handel)



I realised that on Friday (the Royal Wedding) we will have just 50 days to go until our big day!!



Emma x

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

We're having a party in the library at my school on Friday morning!! Haha! We're going to have breakfast and watch the wedding! Such fun!

 

[jenneth79]

I did read that Twinings created a special tea blend for the occasion. Since I collect Twinings teas, I MUST have that. I need to find a mug or plate for my collection. I have a Charles and Camila mug that my sister bought me on her trip to London several years ago right before that wedding. That mug has the wrong (original) date on it because if you recall, that wedding got postponed because Charles had to go to the Pope's funeral.

Ooh, I love tea, so I'll have to look out for that one!

 

[Mindy5767]

Ooh, I love tea, so I'll have to look out for that one!

I read about it in the Washington Post. I just went to Twining USA's website and I can't find it. I searched. I even looked in the direct from England section. I wrote them an email and asked. I'll let you all know what they say. I must have this!

 

[Stefy]

Ooh I like the sound of your Wedding Music great choices reminds me that I have to get onto ours. Not looking forward to it as I have to found an instrumental MP3 and then edit it.

Your menu cards sound lovely, you must post a pic

 

[Mindy5767]

Just got an email back from Twinings. Their Royal wedding blend is not available here in the U.S.A.

I should have asked if they'd get it in at EPCOT since the pavilion is supposed to stock things from England.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi Emma! Yay on getting further discounts!! Lol at your remaining balance - I bet that feels great!

Looking forward to seeing pics of the menu cards and the music selection sounds great as well

Wow on it being 50 days until the big day - not long to go at all!

 

[disneybarbie]

We're having a party in the library at my school on Friday morning!! Haha! We're going to have breakfast and watch the wedding! Such fun!

aww Nikki that sounds like fun! what time do you have to be at school?! news coverage here starts at 6am - so I'll probably see some of the pre-wedding stuff while I'm at the gym in the morning - I noticed a pub that I drive by on my way to work had a sign up saying "bucks fizz & breakfast while watching the royal wedding"

Ooh I like the sound of your Wedding Music great choices reminds me that I have to get onto ours. Not looking forward to it as I have to found an instrumental MP3 and then edit it.

Your menu cards sound lovely, you must post a pic

Thank you Stefy.. hmm MP3 editing sounds tricky! I'm glad that we're able to include some Disney music to our ceremony - hoping it's subtle enough but makes people smile, the version of 'When you wish upon a star' is beautiful - it's by the London Pop Orchestra

Just got an email back from Twinings. Their Royal wedding blend is not available here in the U.S.A.

I should have asked if they'd get it in at EPCOT since the pavilion is supposed to stock things from England.

Hi Mindy, I'm really surprised they're not selling that tea in the USA, thought there'd be pretty high demand for it? never mind.. hope you are excited for the early wakeup call tomorrow!

Hi Emma! Yay on getting further discounts!! Lol at your remaining balance - I bet that feels great!

Looking forward to seeing pics of the menu cards and the music selection sounds great as well

Wow on it being 50 days until the big day - not long to go at all!

Hi! Yes I still can't quite believe we only have $2 left to pay for Grand Floridian - I had to calculate the costs again to check it was right!


The table name cards arrived today from the stationery company - so I'm planning a day over the weekend doing 'wedding crafts' - I'll make sure I take photos of all the bits I get done!


Emma x

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi everyone,

This evening I've been on the phone to the Disney Florist!
I wanted to order something special for our honeymoon - and, after reading about it on Stefy's TR, I decided to book the 'From Mickey & Minnie with Love' in-room celebration!

This cost a bit more than I'd usually spend, but I had my bonus from work to spend

Here is a picture of it from the website..

This is the description of it..

From the moment you step into your Walt Disney World® Resort room, you step into a world of romance, experiencing all the magic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have arranged just for you! They heard congratulations were in order, so they turned back the bed and sprinkled rose petals on the sheets and chocolates on your pillows. Cozy bath towels, specially embroidered with your names, are draped across the foot of the bed and a spa basket for two sits waiting for you. On the table nearby, a splash of Mickey-shaped confetti, a dozen pixie-dusted roses, and a custom-matted photo of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse stands to congratulate you. Then, for the final touch, three magically lit candles are scattered about to set the mood for romance - and, when you turn the lights low, you’ll find Tinker Bell’s shadow spreading a little magic too, she’s twinkling and changing colors somewhere nearby! All of this is not only meant for you to enjoy - now every piece has been selected for you to take home - with love

It'll be set up on the second day we're at the Grand Floridian, while we're out for dinner in Epcot (between 7-9pm) - everything will be personalised with our names & celebrating our honeymoon ... I cannot wait to see it (and DF's reaction)!!

The Disney Florist 'dream maker' that I spoke to was really lovely - she asked if we'd been to WDW before (!!) and so we got chatting about the GF and also that we're going on the Disney Dream before - she got so excited for us & said she'd told her husband they needed to go on that ship soon!

Emma x

 

[klacey1]

That sounds great!! I think the embroidered bath towels sound like a great thing for your to be able to bring home and keep!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

OMG, I can't wait to see it! I was debating on ordering it for us when we went in December this past year! You HAVE to let me know where/what Tinkerbell is!

 

[disneybarbie]

That sounds great!! I think the embroidered bath towels sound like a great thing for your to be able to bring home and keep!

Thank you! I like that there's the towels & also spa items to bring home with us

OMG, I can't wait to see it! I was debating on ordering it for us when we went in December this past year! You HAVE to let me know where/what Tinkerbell is!

I'm really pleased I've booked this now - I read about the 'in-room celebrations' a while ago and thought how great they sounded!

lol the CM on the phone said to me "... the dozen roses are sprinkled with pixie dust.. and you know how brings the pixie dust, right?! so you have to look out for her because she'll be helping the dream-makers decorate the room"


Emma x

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi everyone,

Thanks to a little wedding in London today .. it's been a public holiday so DF & I have had a lovely day off work!
Neither of us were too worried about seeing the royal wedding live on tv, it's so easy now to watch it again online/on tv - so instead we went to the zoo!

It's a zoo in Hampshire that's not too far from where we live, but we've never visited before - we had a nice morning there, but both commented what a shame it was the animals were in cages.. not like Disney's Animal Kingdom hehe

Here's a zebra we saw..

We had a lovely lunch at a pub by a lake, then came home - and I've spent this afternoon doing wedding crafts & planning!

First up... table names.

We'd decided not to number our tables, but instead name them after 1) places we'll be visiting & staying while on honeymoon and 2) places related to DF's football (soccer) team.

I had the names printed, but then added some decoration to personalise them:

The names are:

Grand Floridian
Dream
Castaway Cay
Boardwalk
Nassau

Vale Park
Railway Stand
The Bycars
Bull's Head (.. this is a pub near the football stadium!)

I've added a pastel pink butterfly to each card - and on the back they have either..

a hidden mickey shape

or

the football team's emblem

Really pleased how they've turned out! our wedding planner at the venue has said he'll laminate these so they last longer