Bewitched, Betrothed, and Bewildered

[shellteach]

It happened. It actually happened. For years I gripped and grumbled that no one would ever propose to me; that I would live out my days in a lonely old lady with a house full of pugs and old tabloid magazines. My natural inclination towards the theatrics of despair contributed nothing towards my cause, except for further annoying my already bothered friends and family. My boyfriend in particular scoffed at my pathetic self-deprecating habits. "Sigh, I guess we're never gonna get married. Oh well. I'll just die alone. Love you!" Little did I know that in the weeks leading up to our annual trip to Disneyworld, my boyfriend was plotting his magical plan to prose in front of Cinderella's castle. He did an amazing job of discretely orchestrating the event. His magical illusions let me wonderfully bewitched. I didn't see any of the small notes he was secretly handing to TSA officials to get the ring through security without my noticing. He had stack of notes that he handed to managing cast members, photo-pass photographers, he even notified a Canadian film crew who was shooting a segment for Breakfast Television Toronto. The hardest part was getting me in position. I wanted to be everywhere except in front of that darn castle. It took 3 hour of boundless excited zooming from land to land before he was able to calm me down enough and lead me to the desired location. He almost broke down on popped the question on the People Mover, which had broken down and left us in the dark for five minutes. I’m glad he resisted that urge and stuck with the original plan. His newest favorite running joke is, "I proposed in front of the castle, bet I'm the first one to think of that!" Needless to say, my answer was a resounding yes, yes, yes! That was an easy decision, but the choice about how to proceed with exchanging nuptials is proving to be impossibly difficult. Nine months have passed and I still have no plan as to where, when, or how we are going to get this done. We are on a very limited budget, but the one thing we can both agree on is that we love Disney. I’ve looked into the Disney wedding options, and even the most basic package (place airfare, hotel, etc.) puts our budget to shame. There is no place on Earth that we love more than the land of mouse, and it’s hard even entertain the thought of entering marriage anywhere else.
Questions, I have so many questions. Is the only way to get married on Disney property through Disney Dream Weddings? Could we just hire some non-denominational officiant and a photographer and do it at some random spot, like in front of the Generation Gap bridge or something? If we made a reservation at a place in the magic kingdom for breakfast, could we bring a photographer in to take early morning pictures when the park is empty? We would buy them a ticket! Heck, we’ll go on Space Mountain with them! Do we need witnesses or can we just do it on our own? California or Florida? Where can I get my hair and makeup done? I just don’t know where to start. It’s all so overwhelming.
Anyways, I just wanted to share my engagement story with all my fellow DISboarders. The boards and podcasts have become my sanctuary in these cold Chicago months. Any advice, answers, or ideas for a Disney wedding would be warmly welcomed. I would love to share some of the pictures of our engagement, but I guess I haven't posted enough. I better get caught up! Thanks all!

 

[andeesings]

Why not the Swan & Dolphin? They have very affordable packages. But no you can't bring a photog with you... :-(

 

[mb187143]

It happened. It actually happened. For years I gripped and grumbled that no one would ever propose to me; that I would live out my days in a lonely old lady with a house full of pugs and old tabloid magazines. My natural inclination towards the theatrics of despair contributed nothing towards my cause, except for further annoying my already bothered friends and family. My boyfriend in particular scoffed at my pathetic self-deprecating habits. "Sigh, I guess we're never gonna get married. Oh well. I'll just die alone. Love you!" Little did I know that in the weeks leading up to our annual trip to Disneyworld, my boyfriend was plotting his magical plan to prose in front of Cinderella's castle. He did an amazing job of discretely orchestrating the event. His magical illusions let me wonderfully bewitched. I didn't see any of the small notes he was secretly handing to TSA officials to get the ring through security without my noticing. He had stack of notes that he handed to managing cast members, photo-pass photographers, he even notified a Canadian film crew who was shooting a segment for Breakfast Television Toronto. The hardest part was getting me in position. I wanted to be everywhere except in front of that darn castle. It took 3 hour of boundless excited zooming from land to land before he was able to calm me down enough and lead me to the desired location. He almost broke down on popped the question on the People Mover, which had broken down and left us in the dark for five minutes. I’m glad he resisted that urge and stuck with the original plan. His newest favorite running joke is, "I proposed in front of the castle, bet I'm the first one to think of that!" Needless to say, my answer was a resounding yes, yes, yes! That was an easy decision, but the choice about how to proceed with exchanging nuptials is proving to be impossibly difficult. Nine months have passed and I still have no plan as to where, when, or how we are going to get this done. We are on a very limited budget, but the one thing we can both agree on is that we love Disney. I’ve looked into the Disney wedding options, and even the most basic package (place airfare, hotel, etc.) puts our budget to shame. There is no place on Earth that we love more than the land of mouse, and it’s hard even entertain the thought of entering marriage anywhere else. Questions, I have so many questions. Is the only way to get married on Disney property through Disney Dream Weddings? Could we just hire some non-denominational officiant and a photographer and do it at some random spot, like in front of the Generation Gap bridge or something? If we made a reservation at a place in the magic kingdom for breakfast, could we bring a photographer in to take early morning pictures when the park is empty? We would buy them a ticket! Heck, we’ll go on Space Mountain with them! Do we need witnesses or can we just do it on our own? California or Florida? Where can I get my hair and makeup done? I just don’t know where to start. It’s all so overwhelming. Anyways, I just wanted to share my engagement story with all my fellow DISboarders. The boards and podcasts have become my sanctuary in these cold Chicago months. Any advice, answers, or ideas for a Disney wedding would be warmly welcomed. I would love to share some of the pictures of our engagement, but I guess I haven't posted enough. I better get caught up! Thanks all!

What kind of budget are you working with? That might help some of us give you some suggestions

 

[shellteach]

Why not the Swan & Dolphin? They have very affordable packages. But no you can't bring a photog with you... :-(

This is a great idea! I had no idea it was an option. Looking into it now. Thanks!

 

[andeesings]

This is a great idea! I had no idea it was an option. Looking into it now. Thanks!

Let us know what you decide!! LOADS of brides on here go Swan/Dolphin! You're still a a Disney bride (sort of) only... Cheaper! You can't get the Magic Kingdom photo shoot, but that's $1700 by itself. Does anyone know if you can purchase a shoot on the other parks?

 

[Bewitch324]

The Swan/Dolphin weddings that I've seen on here have been beautiful and the brides have seemed very happy with their choice! If you look through the planning journals, you will find lots of information.

You can book a bridal portrait shoot at Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. The only bridal park shoot that is exclusive to DFTW brides is Magic Kingdom.

I'm not sure what your budget or guest list looks like, but Disney Fairy Tale Weddings does offer two packages that are somewhat more economical than a Wishes wedding...The memories package, limit is 6 guests (including the Bride and Groom), and it's designed for more of an "elopement" feeling I think; the Escape package is limited to 18 guests (including the Bride and Groom). You might want to look into those two packages in addition to researching the Swan/Dolphin options to help you determine the best fit for you and your fiance.

And of course, I highly recommend you check out Carrie's Passporter ebook "Disney Weddings and Honeymoons" as it is treasure trove of information and ideas.

Good luck with your planning!
Brooke