Cristina's Real Life Fairytale - 1/5/2014 <3

[leelee9878]

You'll have to visit via Napoli a lot, I feel like that's the only "real" pizza in Florida! I lived in Orlando for a bit and couldn't find any good places. As for bagels I can mail you some haha

 

[1EvilQueenfan]

Nicole... yes... the eraser aspect was defintely helpful! (Mushrooms came out great btw)

LeeLee and Maria... I'm telling you... I have NO idea what I'm going to do about pizza and bagels when we move out of NYC! We'll most likely come back to Florida with in the next year and a half and I just don't know how I'll handle it. We've been in S. Florida all week and I badly miss my favorite hole in the wall Italian place in Queens. Eeek!

LOL! I totally agree with you guys. I was born and raised on Long Island and have lived in 3 other states! Where in S. Florida are you? I lived in Ft Myers for almost 6 years and found a REALLY Good pizza joint! My mom still lives there so it's a spot we always go back to. The pizza is definitely up there with NY

Jodi

 

[WittyAmb]

LeeLee... our hole in teh wall is actually called Napoli!

Jodi my mom is in Miami and we've yet to find a good enough pizza place. Luckily Andy & I are heading back to NYC tomorrow. :-D

 

[WittyAmb]

Like I said, I became a research machine. We'd conquered the Battle of Blocking Rooms... sounds like a movie title...

<insert deep movie preview voice here> ... in a world of darkness and unpredictability... it is one woman's quest to block the perfect number of rooms for an unknown number of people in a time period 8 months from today. Will she succeed?...

My top 4 things to accomplish:

Officiant
Photography
Hair/Make up
Save the Dates (affectionally known as STD's--hehe)

Disney has a list of preferred "vendors" for officiants. I looked at that list, researched the boards and narrowed my choices down by googling and checking out the websites for the officiants we thought we would mesh with us the best. I narrowed the list down to 3:

Tim Herring
Jack Day
Kevin Knox

After researching a bit more, I learned that SOME brides (certainly not all) had an issue with Rev. Herring. Their complaint was that he wasn't as flexible as he claimed to be with his ceremonies and though they made the changes they wanted incorporated, he didn't implement them. This worried me because in no way will we have a set ceremony. We want it to represent our personalities and relationship. A cookie cutter ceremony just isn't going to cut it.

He was nixed.

Rev. Jack Day came recomended to me by a family friend. He had performed both of her sons Disney weddings. This gave me a good source of comfort so I decided to contact him. Along with that, he has pretty good reviews on the disboards along with other wedding websites.

He received an email.

Rev. Kevin Knox has fantastic reviews on all the wedding websites. I think the only complaint I saw was based off of one brides experience as far as payment goes. She said he demanded payment on the day of the wedding. Obviously, this is a turn off but it was just this one girls experience and I knew that I'd be very specific about payments up front.

He received an email.

I got immediate responses from both Rev's. but they were those generic "hey thanks for contacting us we'd love to perform your wedding" yada yada yada...

Rev. Jack's email said he'd send us a "jack pack" via snail mail and we could go from there. I liked that and sent a quick thank you in response.

However, shortly after Rev. Kev's initial automatic response email, we received an actual message from him. This impressed me and we started communicating back and forth with questions about pricing, ceremonies and protocol. He sent us a pdf of all the ceremonies he offers along with extras that we can add on along with ensuring us that we can change whatever we'd like. Within this pdf were little video snippets of him performing ceremonies. This was important to me. You can only get so much from an email.

A few days later and I still hadn't heard anything from Rev. Jack and Rev. Kev (and his wife Teresa) were very quick with responding. Communication is key and we were at that point leaning very heavily towards using his services.

The following week Andy & I planned a phone date with Rev. Kev so we could get his vibe and possibly make our final decision. He was very sweet on the phone and we liked him from the get go. What really sold me though? We learned that Rev. Kev not only lived in my hometown but he's related to my moms neighbors and he actually knows our house! Hellooo small world! I was hooked and we sent him a deposit that night.

I think it's important to say that this is a very personal choice and I definitely don't want my opinion to dictate what you decide (if you're still trying to figure this part of your ceremony out). Surely, all of these men are good people and even if I didn't feel comfortable going with them personally, it doesn't mean they may not be right for you. Do the research and come up with your own conclusions. I know you'll make the right choice!

 

[charliegirl76]

We chose Rev. Kevin Knox as well! DF watched the videos and I really liked the flexibility of, essentially, creating our own ceremony. There is so much information, but I was able to cut/paste together a ceremony that fits us.

DF spoke to him on the phone and we're meeting him after our planning session. I think we're both excited about that.

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Looks like you did an excellent job on the room block. It's crazy that they make you figure all the out, while also giving you intense fear about having to pay for unused rooms, and you have to do all that before you can even sign the contract. It's like some kind of a test to weed out the weak from the real, serious disbrides!

That is awesome that you have a connection to Rev. Knox and that you guys mesh well!

Can't wait to hear how the dress shopping went!

 

[kmg148]

Love your PJ so far. Can't wait to read more!

 

[WittyAmb]

Lol...I love that... separating the weak from the dedicated! We need to have t-shirts or something that say that!

Thanks for all the compliments... I promise to do an update soon... things have been crazy since the semester began again.

Happy Saturday!!!

 

[WittyAmb]

In lieu of the recent announcement about Disney allowing outside photographers for in park weddings, I figure it's the perfect time to talk about how we went about choosing our photographers.

First of all, as usual, the boards were a great benefit here. I read oodles of reviews on the disney photographers along with outside vendors. The mixed reviews for Disney was very discouraging and knowing that we couldn't choose our exact photographer was less than appealing. So DF and I talked about hiring someone outside of Disney.

Based on the boards (and google), I narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Randy Chapman
Regina
David & Vicki Arndt

We first contacted Randy Chapman and got an automated response immediately from him. Here's what turned me off... and maybe it's really silly but his email back was unorganized and in all capital letters. This irked me. There just didn't seem to be anything professional about it. Given his prices are really reasonable though, I gave it a go and took the time to really look at his pictures and read his reviews. The reviews were good but the photos... idk ladies... they just aren't my style. I'm sure for some it floats their boat but looking at them I just got this bad feeling. SO... we moved on.

Next was Regina. I loved her style and her reviews were amazing! Since I had read that she worked for Disney prior to branching off on her own I was more than intrigued. I put in an email but I'm not exactly the most patient person in the world and called her the next day (mostly because I wasn't sure if she actually got the email). She was very sweet and bubbly and was really forth coming saying that she was unavailable for our day. I then asked if she could recommend any one and she without any kind of hesitations mentioned David and Vicki Arndt. They had already been on my short list but to have another photographer give a recommendation so easily told me that I should definitely contact them.

SO... I did. Again, I'm inpatient and given Regina was already booked I was worried David and Vicki wouldn't be available either SOooo I emailed and called. I know I have issues.

Low and behold they were available!!! I had already looked at their work and read reviews online and their style was something I knew we could relate to. Also, I loved that they had worked for Disney as photographers prior to going off on their own and more importantly that they met each other in that job and have been married since!

They have 2 main packages... a 6 hour and an 8 hour... both with the options of having albums made for us alone with a DVD with all our pictures and the rights to it. The best part... they have a 15% of deal for Disney brides!

We started with the 6 hour package but after speaking to my WP for the first time I was convinced that we should get 8 hours. But honestly, we didn't want the package... just the extra hours. I contacted them about this and they were incredibly flexible and within a day I had a new invoice.

Then of course we changed our minds again but this time about having the albums printed for us. This is something we really want to do on our own and incorporate our own style into so once again, I asked them about altering the package. No questions asked, I had a new invoice the following day. I love how flexible they are and when the photo announcement was made I had a few emails back and forth with Vicki and I swear it felt like I was talking to an old friend.

Feeling comfortable about choosing your photographer is so important... and I'm more than happy with choosing David & Vicki and so excited to finally meet and work with them!

Here's the website:

http://davidandvickiarndtphoto.com/

You can access their FB page here too!

I hope everyone has a happy Monday!!!

 

[mariapicardikenyon]

In lieu of the recent announcement about Disney allowing outside photographers for in park weddings, I figure it's the perfect time to talk about how we went about choosing our photographers.

First of all, as usual, the boards were a great benefit here. I read oodles of reviews on the disney photographers along with outside vendors. The mixed reviews for Disney was very discouraging and knowing that we couldn't choose our exact photographer was less than appealing. So DF and I talked about hiring someone outside of Disney.

Based on the boards (and google), I narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Randy Chapman
Regina
David & Vicki Arndt

We first contacted Randy Chapman and got an automated response immediately from him. Here's what turned me off... and maybe it's really silly but his email back was unorganized and in all capital letters. This irked me. There just didn't seem to be anything professional about it. Given his prices are really reasonable though, I gave it a go and took the time to really look at his pictures and read his reviews. The reviews were good but the photos... idk ladies... they just aren't my style. I'm sure for some it floats their boat but looking at them I just got this bad feeling. SO... we moved on.

Next was Regina. I loved her style and her reviews were amazing! Since I had read that she worked for Disney prior to branching off on her own I was more than intrigued. I put in an email but I'm not exactly the most patient person in the world and called her the next day (mostly because I wasn't sure if she actually got the email). She was very sweet and bubbly and was really forth coming saying that she was unavailable for our day. I then asked if she could recommend any one and she without any kind of hesitations mentioned David and Vicki Arndt. They had already been on my short list but to have another photographer give a recommendation so easily told me that I should definitely contact them.

SO... I did. Again, I'm inpatient and given Regina was already booked I was worried David and Vicki wouldn't be available either SOooo I emailed and called. I know I have issues.

Low and behold they were available!!! I had already looked at their work and read reviews online and their style was something I knew we could relate to. Also, I loved that they had worked for Disney as photographers prior to going off on their own and more importantly that they met each other in that job and have been married since!

They have 2 main packages... a 6 hour and an 8 hour... both with the options of having albums made for us alone with a DVD with all our pictures and the rights to it. The best part... they have a 15% of deal for Disney brides!

We started with the 6 hour package but after speaking to my WP for the first time I was convinced that we should get 8 hours. But honestly, we didn't want the package... just the extra hours. I contacted them about this and they were incredibly flexible and within a day I had a new invoice.

Then of course we changed our minds again but this time about having the albums printed for us. This is something we really want to do on our own and incorporate our own style into so once again, I asked them about altering the package. No questions asked, I had a new invoice the following day. I love how flexible they are and when the photo announcement was made I had a few emails back and forth with Vicki and I swear it felt like I was talking to an old friend.

Feeling comfortable about choosing your photographer is so important... and I'm more than happy with choosing David & Vicki and so excited to finally meet and work with them!

Here's the website:

http://davidandvickiarndtphoto.com/

You can access their FB page here too!

I hope everyone has a happy Monday!!!

I just read your post and laughed! I too am extremely inpatient! No question I would have approached this the same as you. I'm a wreck because we can't begin to book anything until we have our 12 month mark in June! I'm enjoying following your pj.

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Lol...I love that... separating the weak from the dedicated! We need to have t-shirts or something that say that!

Yes!

I love David and Vicki Arndt's work! It's so great to hear they were really able to customize a package for you to get exactly what you want!

 

[WittyAmb]

I just read your post and laughed! I too am extremely inpatient! No question I would have approached this the same as you. I'm a wreck because we can't begin to book anything until we have our 12 month mark in June! I'm enjoying following your pj.

I know how you feel! I can't really do much until we have our planning session and that won't happen until August. Basically, all I can do is research pictures. Glad you're following along!

 

[WittyAmb]

Yes!

I love David and Vicki Arndt's work! It's so great to hear they were really able to customize a package for you to get exactly what you want!

It's definitely a relief! So far they've been amazing to work with... I can't wait to meet them in person!

 

[WittyAmb]

One thing about being with someone who is from another country is more often than not, you have to let them go back. Last night Andy went back to London for work. The first few days are always difficult. What's different this time around is we don't know when he'll be back. It could be 2 weeks... it could be 8 weeks. All of it depends on this one client. What's funny is when I moved to NY I was pretty convinced that it was a bad idea to date someone who lived in a different borough from me. In a million years I never would've thought I'd fall for someone who lives across the pond. Am I thankful I have him in my life? Hell yea I am! Will it always be hard when he leaves town? Well, the way I see it, if it's not hard for me to see him go then something is wrong with the relationship.

Bottom line... I miss him and can't wait for him to come home soon!

SO... Save The Dates (affectionately known to me as STD's):

I was INSANELY excited about making these because I knew exactly what I was going to do! It was very easy... we chose pictures from a cruise that we had gone on over New Years. You know how they have all those "professional photographers" on board? Well we took advantage of that and decided that the pictures we get from them could be our STD pics. I really loved the idea of having a magnet. First off, I collect them and my fridge is covered in magnets from places I've been and broadway shows I've seen (along with some of my friends' std's).

Those of my friends who sent out magnets used magnet street so naturally I went with them. It took me a while to find a style that I really liked. I wanted them to be blue because it will be apart of our wedding colors and I knew that we wanted 4 pictures on the magnet. Finally, after lots of editing and playing around with fonts and wording we came up with the magnet below:



The pictures on the bottom are really small but totally worth sharing:

And my personal favorite:

Along with the STD's we sent out a little poem asking guests to pre-rsvp:

If you've received this save the date then all that we can say
Is you're among the few and great we want at our big day.

Now of course we know what we are asking each of you
It's to Orlando you would go our wedding you would view.

Knowing what we ask is not the easiest of all
We'd like to give a little task, look at your crystal ball.

If you know for sure you won’t be able to join us
Send an email saying ”No” and there will be no fuss.

If you're coming then of course we really want to know
Pass along a big “Yes” so our guest list doesn't grow.

If you can't see clearly in your magic crystal ball
That's okay, just tell us now if you “Don’t know at all”.

Formal invitations will be sent from groom and bride
To everyone of you no matter what you do decide.

We truly hope to see you at our celebration day
Thank you for your love and support, it's helped in every way!

With love,
Andy & Cristina


At the end of the letter, we asked guests to Pre-RSVP by April 30th to an email I created specifically for the wedding. Also, I mentioned how all important information such as hotels can be found on our wedding website. So far... I've received 5 RSVP's via email... the rest have been through text or in person.

Of course, before the STD's went out I had to complete the wedding website. This was trickier than I thought it would be. I didn't like the Disney app were you could make your website through them. To me, all of their designs looked tacky and I just wasn't feeling it. I looked at the knot but again... the designs just weren't matching up to what I was looking for. (As a side note, I don't know if any of you have actually done research on the knot but the threads that I've read on there so far... basically...those girls are not nice.)

Finally, I found the design that I wanted on wedding wire and went into creating the site. It took a LOT of time. I wanted to add all the information I could along with helpful hints so guests could navigate their way around the parks. I looked up all hotel information along with how long the bus rides were to each park from the particular hotel they were staying at. Along with this, I gave restaurant recommendations, park tips like fast pass and the rides to really hit up first AND there's even a link dedicated to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. LIke I said, LOTS of work. I'm sure not everyone will look at the site but it's my baby and I'm really proud of it!

If you want to read what I put up online just PM me and I'll send it to you.

When I read over all the information on the website, it reminds me of why I'm having the event at Disney. Not that I need much reminding but it's so exciting to have our celebration at a place that means SO much to me. There are only good memories at Disney and I'm beyond happy that we're getting married there!

PS- I'd like to add some kind of table of contents page at the beginning of the PJ but I have NO clue how to do that. Can anyone help me navigate that?

 

[Mel*Pie]

Just joining in! I LOVE your story! How you met, Conan, Christmas, the application, the **** grab in front of your mom, the proposal- everything! So cute. And I love your narrating style.

Looking forward to the next update!

 

[Mel*Pie]

So funny that the word b o o b was sensored! lol

 

[Bewitch324]

I love your save the dates!!! I think they turned out great and they seem to convey your personality as a couple, too...fun and fearless...

Bummer that DF is away and that you don't know for sure how long...that stinks!! But you are right...it's better that you're sad when he's gone...if you were happy or relieved it would be a VERY bad sign!

Glad you defeated the room block challenge!

I love the Arndts also and hoping to book them for our wedding next fall (2014). It's too soon to really do much yet, but I did at least contact them for information.

I can't wait to read about your wedding dress shopping experience...

Congratulations on selecting your officiant. I've been looking at Kevin Knox as well, and am happy to hear that you've been so happy with their communication and that you've made a connection there. WAY too soon for us to book the officiant as it will be a while before we can even confirm our date but I love reading about everyone's experiences...

Have a great day!
Brooke

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Love the save the dates! Those photos are lovely (and hilarious!). That's a cute poem for the pre-rsvp too.

We made our site on weddingwire too (after trying so, so many other wedding website creators). It has the best "templates" out there.

For the table of contents, if you click the #NUMBER on the upper right corner of any post, it will open up a new window with the post's direct link. Then you can just copy that into your ToC to create a link to jump to your desired post. Hope that helps! Let me know if I can advise more, I'd be happy to help!

 

[WittyAmb]

So funny that the word b o o b was sensored! lol

LOL... I honestly thought there was something wrong with the computer when I kept typing out b o o b and it was coming up with number signs. Breast sounds so formal and I totally didn't think to spell it out with spaces like you did. Genius!

Thanks for joining in Mel!

 

[WittyAmb]

I love your save the dates!!! I think they turned out great and they seem to convey your personality as a couple, too...fun and fearless...

Bummer that DF is away and that you don't know for sure how long...that stinks!! But you are right...it's better that you're sad when he's gone...if you were happy or relieved it would be a VERY bad sign!

Glad you defeated the room block challenge!

I love the Arndts also and hoping to book them for our wedding next fall (2014). It's too soon to really do much yet, but I did at least contact them for information.

I can't wait to read about your wedding dress shopping experience...

Congratulations on selecting your officiant. I've been looking at Kevin Knox as well, and am happy to hear that you've been so happy with their communication and that you've made a connection there. WAY too soon for us to book the officiant as it will be a while before we can even confirm our date but I love reading about everyone's experiences...

Have a great day!
Brooke

Thanks Brooke... I think the STD's are awesome! (hehe) I promise I'll get to dress shopping too. Mom is coming up in a few weeks and I have a sneaky suspicion (or at least an insane amount of hope) that we'll find "the one" when she's up here in NYC. I'll have a nice long PJ entry dedicated to it for sure!

I think you'll love the Arndt's and definitely try to book them whenever they'll let you. With the new photography rules I wouldn't be surprised if they book up quicker than normal.

Hope all is well!!!