CJ and Alaina's PJ for a October 2013 Wishes Wedding!

[foolinthemoon]

I'm Alaina and I'm 30 and His Name is Cj he's 31.
We are a Disney loving Couple and one of us is DETERMINED to tie the knot on Disney Property.
It's probably not the one you think it is...
I was okay with Eloping in a Drive thru chapel by an Immatation Elvis...
But It's hard to say no when you've fallen in love. (Double entendre there)

Chapter 1: More of Us and How We Met...
Chapter 2: A Few Confessions
Chapter 3: Themes... SO... MANY... THEMES...
Chapter 4: Creative Update with Invitations!

​

 

[foolinthemoon]

My first steady job outside of babysitting was at Burger King when I was 16. I loved my job and took pride in it, but was a bit of a loner. There weren't many people there I got along with... Most were just strange, and a few were just (IMO) idiots... One of these particular Idiots was named George... He was always trying to intimidate me and pull pranks... I didn't trust him, or his goofy grin.

As time went by, I experienced life, found a new job, bloomed from a loner to a slight social butterfly. I forgot almost all about Burger King... and George. 12 years had gone by I decided to reconnect with an old friend and a cousin. She was always talking about her best friend Cj... I naturally assumed Cj was a girl! Eventually, I met Cj... who was ... a guy!

CJ and I were both coming out of relationships... He'd been out of one for only one day, I had been out of one for 5 days. But we kept meeting through our mutual friend and realized fast we kinda liked each other... While I wasn't looking to jump right back into a relationship, I did like Cj... He was sweet, he was thoughtful, he gave a MEAN back rub (which i've only recieved two of since then! lol) It was hard time in my life, and he got sucked in and he was there for me. I didn't realize till later how much he was putting himself out to help me... to put minutes on my phone, cash in my pocket, someone to lean on during a family emergency and he fixed my car in the time span of only a few days... I was out of a current place to live... he also took me in.

After we'd been together only a few months, He told me he was taking me on a trip! I was ecstatic! Where?? DISNEY! I'd only been once as a child, and couldn't remember much, except for seeing Snow White... and RUNNING for her! I was meeting a real princess after all! So, i was pretty excited, but not sure how much i'd really enjoy it. It was for kids right?

Now, Cj had been planning a Disney wedding once before. He was planning an Escape wedding, and had his package, with only a few months out. (he was engaged to the girl he was dating back when we worked at Burger King) But lets just say that the internet really screwed up their relationship. So tucked away, were redemption Annual Passes for two.

When we redeemed them, They thought (obviously) that i was his wife, so i got called Mrs.Spence and was given a 'Just married' button. His story wasn't something he was going to share, so i went with it. He then proceeded to tell me that since we had legal paper work with my name being Alaina Spence, that we were married... but i bust that bubble quick! lol, As far as i know that's a NC law (where we were from) and this 'document' was from Florida! So we were still just dating! I don't know to this day if he was joking with me, serious, or maybe a bit of both! But people around his work place lead me to think he was more serious. But only about three months of dating... marriage was a bit soon!!!

So he drug me around Disney until my feet were swollen and i couldn't walk anymore, and he STILL made me walk! I about hated him at the end of the trip, but learned two important lessons... NEVER WEAR FLIP FLOPS TO DISNEY. and I LOVE DISNEY! He took me anywhere i wanted to go, and watched me with great amusement as i experienced Disney through a child's eyes. It was so magical, and so much fun, I begged to go on rides twice and laughed so very much!

We've been twice since then, and planning our fourth trip for this october/november time.

 

[foolinthemoon]

I realize that my wedding is a long way off. But I'm a details person when i want to be... and I want this wedding to be as perfect as we can make it. So maybe I'm a little premature about my PJ, but i have lots of questions, and I seem to be around a lot of talented and experienced ladies who can help out.

I'm hoping to (if its not too much) make this a journal just as much as a planning tool.

I'm overweight and no where near happy with myself or the thought of me in a wedding dress. I've got two years to lose at least 75 pounds. I'd actually be happier to lose 100, making me the size i was when i was 16. (wow i miss those days/hips)

Not only that but I'm not even engaged yet! Wow, right? He's not good at keeping secrets or surprising me... He text me one day at work and asked me what kind of ring i would be interested in... next thing i know i got a picture.... I started to see 'Disney Engagements' in our Search box, then he started showing them to me. Then the Disney wedding site its self.

Then the day came that the ring was actually put on lay away, and He told me that i should start planning. Apparently when i have too much on my plate, i have a tendency to give up for a short period of time, then come back to it.

"I'm hoping that you'll get sick of it in about a year and give up for a time, then in a month or two, pick it back up where you left off."

As much as that statement offended me, I couldn't argue. He made sense. Dang it! I HATE it when he's right!!! lol.

Not only that but i DO have so many questions!!!! Room Blocks! and Disney Floral! and Transportation! and Themes! and and and!!!

Sorry If I'm not the best story teller, and my thoughts are random and slightly misplaced... But I hope it gets better! I need practice! lol, been a while since i graced a forum atmosphere, and I've missed it! That may be another reason i've decided to jump in head first!

 

[mjshorses]

Welcome!!! I was perusing the boards before I officially got engaged also and now I only have less than 8 months till the wedding. Hopefully, time will fly for you too.

I look forward to hearing all your plans and stories so keep them coming!

 

[DisneyShamrock]

I stalked the boards for over two years before I was engaged. I also started my planning journal over two years before my wedding. There is NOTHING wrong with being a details person. I am too!

I can't wait to read what you plan!

 

[foolinthemoon]

Thank you both! i'm glad to know that i'm not completely crazy!

I've put my stuff on complete hold right now to help my sister plan hers, which is... two months away!!!

I'm the oldest, but the last to get married... lol. I'm completely okay with it, but at the same time, i feel like maybe i should check my arm pits and make sure i don't have a major BO issue no one told me about... lol!

I've been working on her invites, using Walmart's Instaprint machine, to pop out 75 'photos' in 14 minutes for 20 bucks. It's not that professional (not the back of them at least) but they look good from the front! We're printing out decorative directions on a separate sheet, throw it all in an envelope and off it goes. For the Bride and Groom (and the parents of both) I took a wallet size version of the invite and popped it on a magnetic sheet from the craft section making an instant keepsake. (I'm using the magnet idea as my save the date since i will be sending them out as SOON as a date is locked in!)

By the way! I've been on a diet for about 3 weeks now... i'm down 8 pounds!!!! *SQUEEEEE* if i can just remain focused... this might be easy... *might*

 

[FairytaleBride73]

Welcome!! I'm also a 2013 bride, but at Disneyland! I couldn't wait any longer to start a PJ either! I look forward to hearing your plans... hope you check mine out as well!

 

[foolinthemoon]

Hey! Thanks Kayla! I actually got a few ideas from your thread, so THANKS! I had no idea that i could still get a tour of the property before i was signed, so thats a PLUS!

Things at home have been strenuous... The last thing on my mind is getting married... Everything between us is fine, but His great grandmother became ill about a week ago, and passed away last night. Our celebratory moods have been put on pause. She lived a long life, but we still weren't ready to see her go. She was an angel, a VERY sweet lady, and even the heavens wept to see her leave this earth...

Other than that, we've both been working non stop it seems... putting in extra hours at work to earn some cash to put back for the wedding... we're hoping by the time we sign our contract, we have atleast half of the money we're going to need, giving us another year to come up with the rest.

But I'll try to catch you up on some things we've talked about!

 

[mebbradley]

Welcome! I'm a 2012 or 2013 bride too!

I can't wait to hear what you are planning!

 

[FairytaleBride73]

Hey! Thanks Kayla! I actually got a few ideas from your thread, so THANKS! I had no idea that i could still get a tour of the property before i was signed, so thats a PLUS!

Things at home have been strenuous... The last thing on my mind is getting married... Everything between us is fine, but His great grandmother became ill about a week ago, and passed away last night. Our celebratory moods have been put on pause. She lived a long life, but we still weren't ready to see her go. She was an angel, a VERY sweet lady, and even the heavens wept to see her leave this earth...

Aww thanks! I'm glad that my PJ gave you some ideas

I'm sorry about DF's gramma... its always difficult when something like that happens. We're also experiencing heath issues with a few of our grandparents, and are just hoping for the best. Hang tough!

 

[foolinthemoon]

Originally, When we first started talking about marriage, more jokingly then anything... We wanted a wedding that would be different, Disney, us, and fun! And since It was both our favorite movie, the theme just seemed to fit...

Nightmare Before Christmas​

Oh! It was going to be fun! I wanted dead roses, a night wedding, it had to be on Halloween, my brides maids would wear black fitted 50s cocktail dresses with pill box hats and birdcage veils and I'd ask the guests to wear costumes to the reception! We looked at cakes and wedding cake toppers, and Halloween themes done at Disney previously... We were having a lot of fun with the notion. My family LOVES a Halloween party, and were loving the idea... however... His family is a bit more traditional, and We just weren't sure the older members of his family would enjoy or even approve of it.

So I tried to find other themes... I first had to ask him what his thoughts were on the matter... What did he expect? How traditional did it have to be? What was non negotiable according to him? Did i have to wear white? What was his Ideal? What if money was no object? So on and So on!

There for a while, I thought maybe there wouldn't be a theme... that sucked for me, cause then i had nothing to go on, I would struggle with invitations, with the Save The Dates, with the Reception... Everything.

We had decided first thing we wanted to marry at Sea Breeze Point. Our last visit to Disney, he took me strolling on the board walk and up to the gazebo and asked me if i could see marrying him there... I cried, but tried not to let him see me. It was beautiful. The Era it invoked, the wood walk way, the breeze coming off the water, the whole area was just perfect.

I found my Ceremony location. We were both so taken with it, that we've decided that we will move our date if it means locking in the location.

The next thing was the Reception location... We looked at different options, I really liked the Attic, but hated the fact that we couldn't do much with the decor, and while I loved the boardwalk, and the natural romantic feeling it had, i didn't want that ugly floral print... I was happy with the patio area... and thought about utilizing that. However, Cj liked Tamu Tamu... and after seeing the picture of that, I loved it. I had an instant theme, I loved the idea of a bollywood reception with lanterns and beautiful bright colors...

But I was having issues with the two different themes that seemed to clash... both were romantic... yet didn't go well together at all... That, and I was having a hard time with the idea of renting a bus for transportaion... it just seemed tedious.

Then... I found Sago Cay!!! This is the place I HAVE to have! I want the reception and the dessert party with Wishes fireworks closing our perfect night. I'd pay extra for the the music being piped in... its what i wanted. Some girls want to ride in the carriage... I want to incorporate my favorite Disney moment... Wishes.

Obviously I didn't have to have the bollywood theme but i still didn't have a theme! So I started to google... Etsy... Lurking the Disboards... EVERYTHING... I found something I liked finally...

FINALLY! Something I liked! Something that could inspire me!!! So with that, I started to look into more rustic chic options. I even wanted to use white glass milk jars or mason jars as vases with red wild flowers... I was excited about having a traditional wedding with hidden mickeys all throughout the ceremony and reception to show our respect and love for Disney. I finally asked Cj what he thought about everything I put together... He didn't like the bird cages, didn't like my twine ball lights...

ACK! So I threw it all away... and needed something new... again! I racked and racked my brain... what could i do? what could make our wedding unique, us and romantic? I knew I wanted to celebrate our love for Disney... Hidden mickeys, and refrences to things that maybe only the two of us would understand...

I started with favorite movies... Pirates? No... Fantasia? Maybe...

Meet the Robinsons... yes...​

DF's favorite movie contains a favorite quote... Which I've also got to figure out how to incorporate...

Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long.
We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things,
because we're curious.....And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
Walt Disney​

My DF is constantly walking around talking about Dream... Hope... Believe... Faith... He can have a very romantic whimsical way about him when he wants... And he never gives up... Keep moving forward...

I've got wood letters of the word DREAM painted gloss black sitting on our TV... It occurred to me as I finished painting them the other day... Maybe... THIS was my centerpiece! Words to live by... words to remember when times got hard... Words you wanted to relate to a life long marriage to the one you love...

So Now I've started! I've got a path I think I can do down!!! I'm excited to be out of my box and not so friggin confused about a possible theme! yay!

IDEAS... Hmmm!​

I would LOVE to have my DF some cufflinks made... i can only imagine how much that would be... Like This... but with an S instead of an R

Maybe a peanut butter and jelly cake layer???

Maybe DF could wear a Bowler hat???

lol, they're just ideas... I really think i like the peanut butter and Jelly idea though! The sentiment is just cute.

So what does everyone think so far? and Does anyone have any ideas that they'd like to share? I'm SOOO open to suggestions!

 

[foolinthemoon]

So there isn't but so much i can do right now, my wedding is about two years away now... I've taken to focusing on things i can work on now... I put a list together of things i should work on, i figure i'll add what i need to as i continue...

1. Make 30 Invites. MAKE... I'll be making my own envelope out of scrapbook/cardstock paper... i'm really excited about how they've turned out so far...

(ignore the cd in there, its not the one i'll be using obviously, its just a stand in)

The inspiration for this came from the Vacation planning dvd's that we seem to order every year without fail... He looks forwards to those Dvds, so we decided to do our own...

2. Start on gift bags...
We wanted to make our own lanyards, and since we cant find anyone to do less then 100, we experimented with ribbon and such... i don't have a pic of mine yet, but.... its adorable...
Work on magnets... also no pics yet... i promise i'll update asap, things have been CRAZY... finace's bday (i turned it into a week event) sisters wedding (just saturday, THANK GOD)

3. buy cufflinks...

http://www.cufflinks-for-him.com/mickey-mouse-cufflinks.html

sorry this is so short, but my dinner guest are here!

 

[FairytaleBride73]

I commend you for making your own invites! I made my sisters baby shower invites and I decided I would definitely order my wedding invitations hahaa. However, I'm going to need like 100 invites! Anyway... isn't it totally frustrating that we cant plan more right now! Oh well, 2013 will be here before we know it!

 

[mebbradley]

Everything looks amazing, Alaina!

 

[Chilly]

Congratulations. You've had loads of great ideas.

 

[foolinthemoon]

Thanks everyone! obviously, the envelope i showed you was just a rough draft... its a bit messy with all the glue and different things i've tried... i originally had different hands on the inside, and i've even re engineered the template to make it easier... i know its going to be alot of work, but i'm excited... and when i officially have everything in it done, i'm going to excitedly post a finished result!

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Hi there, another 2013 bride here planning way in advance, haha! I am loving your PJ so far! Your envelopes are so cute and creative... And all that thought you've put into your theme already is amazing! I can't wait to read more of your ideas and plans!

 

[foolinthemoon]

@LittleKittyMarie - Thanks! I'm glad to know its being enjoyed!