**Faith and Max's 12.22.12 Swan/Garden Grove/ADH Wedding!!** UPDATED 16!!

[MrsDuck]

Happy October ladies!!

This year is really flying by! I'm so excited that it's October- Fall is my favorite time of the year and is the start of all the fun holidays!

In regular-life news, not much has been going on. It's midterm time for me which is pretty tiring but I only have a week of tests left. Whew!

I also found out my FMIL will be in town for the month of October to visit a few friends (she lives in NV, we are in FL) so it will be nice to see her!

I figured I'd post today about our tentative wedding weekend plans and ask your opinion on a few things..

Wedding Weekend Plans​

Thursday, December 20, 2012: off to the World!! DFi is going to take a half day off so we'll probably leave the house around 1pm-- it takes us about 2 1/2 hours to get to WDW from the house.
3:30pm: Arrive and check in to ??
4-?: Put together the welcome bags, general wedding housekeeping.
Dinner: Somewhere close to whatever resort we choose. My immediate family will hopefully all be here by this day so we can do dinner and spend the evening together.

Friday, December 21, 2012: This is my FMIL's 50th birthday and I need to figure out something for us all to do to celebrate!! I'll ask for opinions later in the post...
Morning: casual breakfast hopefully alone with close family, friends and DFi.
Mid-morning/Afternoon: FMIL's birthday celebration!
Evening: Rehearsal.. time to be determined!
Welcome Party: I think we are going to just have a casual get together at Ft. Wilderness. They do a really fun campfire with sing-a-longs, marshmallow roasting, etc. I think we'll have everyone who wants to attend meet here to just hang out and relax!

Saturday, December 22, 2012: WEDDING DAY!!! And, our 7 year Anniversary!!
Morning: breakfast with my parents. I just want to be alone with them this morning.
Mid-Morning: lounge around the resort wearing my "Bride" hoodie (I'm going to DIY it!) and ears
Afternoon: start getting ready!! I'm assuming we'll start around 1 or 1:30. I'll be needing my hair done as well as to do my own makeup and to get in my dress.

We are doing a "first look" and taking family pictures before the wedding as well.
5pm: GET MARRIED!!
5:30/5:45: I'm assuming the ceremony will be over at this point. We'll go take some more pictures while our guests go to the Garden Grove.

I think we're making the ADR for 5:30- maybe 5:45.
6: Eat, cut the cake, relax with the guests and mingle with Goofy and Pluto!
Evening: Hit Jellyrolls to have some fun!

Sunday, December 23, 2012
Morning: A Farewell Breakfast.. Location? TBD!

After the breakfast, that is the extent of our plans. Max and I are going to check into our honeymoon resort (probably Kidani at AK) and just enjoy the rest of the day there.

We are spending the next week at Disney World but haven't planned much of the honeymoon. We do know this:
1. We want to spend Christmas Day at MK. Yes, we know it'll be crazy but I really want to!!
2. We want to eat breakfast at Chef Mickey's. It's our favorite character dining spot- regardless of the bad DIS reviews!
3. We want to eat breakfast at Donald's Tusker House Breakfast since it's the only place that Donald and Daisy show up together-- plus, they're wearing their cute safari outfits!

Now, I Need Your Opinion!​

1. Where should my family and I stay before the wedding??

We are DVC members and were thinking about staying at Boardwalk or at Beach Club, just so we are super close to the S/D. BUT, now we are thinking that it may just be worth the money to stay at the Swan. Any thoughts on this?

2. What on Earth should I plan to celebrate FMIL's 50th birthday?!?

It needs to be something we do in the mid-morning or early afternoon as we will have to get ready for the rehearsal/finalize last minute wedding details in the late afternoon.

It also needs to be something affordable as I'm sure DFi and I will be paying for it.

The guests would include: my parents, me, DFi, her, her DH, her DD, her DS, and DS's Wife. It could possibly include a few of her friends if they attend the wedding. I think we'd be looking at approximately 10-15 people.

Any thoughts on this??

3. I need bouquet help!!

I really like the bouquet I picked off of Karen's list but I'm starting to think I want something a little more fun and whimsical-- something more me.

Here is a bouquet made up of ranunculus and some other flower that I don't know the name of... (Sorry if it's huge!!)

Here's one made up of just peonies!

Thoughts on these?

I really appreciate your help!!

I guess that's it for today; can't wait to hear your thoughts-- thanks for reading along, everyone!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Faith,
It is funny how alike we are in many things. My DF is crazy about donald duck which is kind of funny, I love star wars, I scrapbook, and other stuff. I am excited to read your PJ i think it will be fun! happy planning and congratulations! you are getting married just shortly after me and I will still be at disney world when you get married we should meet up!

I see you want to spend christmas day at MK we will be there too i am sure. So I think you should stay at the beach club that is where we are going to stay the swan would make things easier for you but either way they aren't too far from each other i just would not want to stay there if I have the option to stay at the beach club, as far as the other 2 things you asked I am clueless as to an opinion but hopefully i can help you in the future

Teresa

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

Hi Faith!!! So, here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. Hmmm. Honestly, I think if I were you, I would stay at the Swan, at LEAST for the day before/the day of the wedding. It just sounds like the easiest thing to do, you know?!?! You can usually get rates under $200/night for the Swan. However! You also can't use DME at the Swan, and I don't know if that's something you usually do (we do). So I guess it has its pros and cons convenience wise. But I think it would be easiest for you, at least, to stay at the Swan!

2. As to celebrate your FMIL's 50th--- that's a difficult one! You could go mini-golfing? But I feel that's what everyone always says haha! Ummm... what does she like? I feel like it would be really neat if you took her to Japan and got her a picked pearl, and maybe had lunch at one of the Epcot places--- Chefs de France comes to mind. Or you could do tea at the GF--- I like that idea! Or maybe lunch at the GF Cafe. I hope that helps!

3. The picture of the bouquet does not work. However, I am all for whimsy!

Also, thank you for your review of BLT! I am glad you loved it! DF and I will just have a studio, but that will be plenty of room for the two of us. I can't WAIT!

 

[Jilian]

I think your plans sound good so far. As for where to stay, do you know that you get use of the hospitality suite @ the swan the day of the ceremony as long as it is available? I plan on staying @ the CBR and then just heading over to the hospitality suite in the morning. So I don't think you necessarily have to stay nearby, especially since you're driving and will have your own transportation if needed.

What kind of things does your FMIL like? Would she like a fancy tea luncheon at the Grand Floridian? A character breakfast? If you'd be ok spending $55 or so per person you could do hoop de do review or spirit of aloha dinner show, but both are later in the day. I think the first seating is 5:15 or so. But beer/wine is included in the price so it isn't that high when you think about it.

I couldn't see the picture either, but I love whimsey too. I'm sure it is beautiful and Karen can probably help you create anything you can come up with.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Faith sweetie - I agree with what the girls say!! As Jilian says, you can have use of a hospitality room to get ready in (provided it is available on your day - Karen will help with this), but I think you should stay in, and get ready where, you are comfortable. Are you booking a limo or any transport? If so, it really doesn't matter where you get ready. I really enjoyed taking the transport to our ceremony!!! DH and I had done a 'first look' and the journey from BLT to the Swan was a chance to gather our thoughts and be together before the ceremony!!

For FMIL, how about tea at the Garden View Tea Room? I loved my girlie tea here, very elegant and pretty!!! You could also order a cake to be delivered from the GF bakery, who do amazing cakes!!!

Just tell Karen what you want for your floral and she will find a florist who can do it for you. I have every confidence in her!!!!

 

[Chilly]

Tea at the Garden View Tea Room was also what I was going to suggest.

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!

Faith,
It is funny how alike we are in many things. My DF is crazy about donald duck which is kind of funny, I love star wars, I scrapbook, and other stuff. I am excited to read your PJ i think it will be fun! happy planning and congratulations! you are getting married just shortly after me and I will still be at disney world when you get married we should meet up!

I see you want to spend christmas day at MK we will be there too i am sure. So I think you should stay at the beach club that is where we are going to stay the swan would make things easier for you but either way they aren't too far from each other i just would not want to stay there if I have the option to stay at the beach club, as far as the other 2 things you asked I am clueless as to an opinion but hopefully i can help you in the future

Teresa

Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Hi Faith!!! So, here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. Hmmm. Honestly, I think if I were you, I would stay at the Swan, at LEAST for the day before/the day of the wedding. It just sounds like the easiest thing to do, you know?!?! You can usually get rates under $200/night for the Swan. However! You also can't use DME at the Swan, and I don't know if that's something you usually do (we do). So I guess it has its pros and cons convenience wise. But I think it would be easiest for you, at least, to stay at the Swan!

2. As to celebrate your FMIL's 50th--- that's a difficult one! You could go mini-golfing? But I feel that's what everyone always says haha! Ummm... what does she like? I feel like it would be really neat if you took her to Japan and got her a picked pearl, and maybe had lunch at one of the Epcot places--- Chefs de France comes to mind. Or you could do tea at the GF--- I like that idea! Or maybe lunch at the GF Cafe. I hope that helps!

3. The picture of the bouquet does not work. However, I am all for whimsy!

Also, thank you for your review of BLT! I am glad you loved it! DF and I will just have a studio, but that will be plenty of room for the two of us. I can't WAIT!

Hey! I'm thinking the Swan is just going to be easier. Thankfully we are driving so we don't need to worry about DME.. but I do have to remember that for our guests!

I love the idea of taking FMIL to the parks but I don't think we'll have time that day. I will look into tea at the GF or the GF cafe!

Aaaanddd, I updated the pictures!

Thanks!!

I think your plans sound good so far. As for where to stay, do you know that you get use of the hospitality suite @ the swan the day of the ceremony as long as it is available? I plan on staying @ the CBR and then just heading over to the hospitality suite in the morning. So I don't think you necessarily have to stay nearby, especially since you're driving and will have your own transportation if needed.

What kind of things does your FMIL like? Would she like a fancy tea luncheon at the Grand Floridian? A character breakfast? If you'd be ok spending $55 or so per person you could do hoop de do review or spirit of aloha dinner show, but both are later in the day. I think the first seating is 5:15 or so. But beer/wine is included in the price so it isn't that high when you think about it.

I couldn't see the picture either, but I love whimsey too. I'm sure it is beautiful and Karen can probably help you create anything you can come up with.

Jilian- thanks for the reminder about the hospitality suite! I wonder under what conditions is it not available...? Any idea how far in advance you find out if you can use it?

I think FMIL would enjoy the tea at the GF or maybe simply just going to lunch at a nice restaurant. I guess I could always get a cake delievered to the restaurant as well!

Faith sweetie - I agree with what the girls say!! As Jilian says, you can have use of a hospitality room to get ready in (provided it is available on your day - Karen will help with this), but I think you should stay in, and get ready where, you are comfortable. Are you booking a limo or any transport? If so, it really doesn't matter where you get ready. I really enjoyed taking the transport to our ceremony!!! DH and I had done a 'first look' and the journey from BLT to the Swan was a chance to gather our thoughts and be together before the ceremony!!

For FMIL, how about tea at the Garden View Tea Room? I loved my girlie tea here, very elegant and pretty!!! You could also order a cake to be delivered from the GF bakery, who do amazing cakes!!!

Just tell Karen what you want for your floral and she will find a florist who can do it for you. I have every confidence in her!!!!

Jo- we aren't booking transportation as we figure that we will just stay close enough to walk. Or, we will have at least 2 cars we can use. Not super glamorous but it is afforadable!!

So many suggestions for the Tea! I will certainly look into it! Thanks!

And, I will definitely get in contact with Karen about the floral. Your bouquet came out gorgeous and I hope mine is just as pretty!

Tea at the Garden View Tea Room was also what I was going to suggest.

Thanks Chilly!!

Thanks for reading along everyone!

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Just caught up on your PJ. I love your dress, it's so beautiful! And those bouquets are so lovely, I particularly like the second, but the colours of the first are so pretty too! I am loving all your plans so far, and I can't wait to read more!

Also, I was also going to say tea at the GF, but I see everyone beat me to it, haha.

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!


Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Faith,
Seriously what is up with the clown pool it significantly freaks me out. Greg (DF) and I were just at Disney and went to MNSSHP We just wore t-shirts and orange bandanas but we had a blast. I did not even think to ask around for the just married buttons. I am not sure I really care that much about it honestly I kinda like the happily ever after ones. I think everything is coming along great I love your dress and all that stuff.

Are you guys going in december? we will be there the 21st-27th and we will be signing some contract stuff and trying to plan some other things.

well i will talk to you soon,

Teresa

 

[MrsDuck]

Just caught up on your PJ. I love your dress, it's so beautiful! And those bouquets are so lovely, I particularly like the second, but the colours of the first are so pretty too! I am loving all your plans so far, and I can't wait to read more!

Also, I was also going to say tea at the GF, but I see everyone beat me to it, haha.

Hi there! Thanks for reading along!

I appreciate your kind words and the tea suggestion! I'm going to look into it!

Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!


Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Faith,
Seriously what is up with the clown pool it significantly freaks me out. Greg (DF) and I were just at Disney and went to MNSSHP We just wore t-shirts and orange bandanas but we had a blast. I did not even think to ask around for the just married buttons. I am not sure I really care that much about it honestly I kinda like the happily ever after ones. I think everything is coming along great I love your dress and all that stuff.

Are you guys going in december? we will be there the 21st-27th and we will be signing some contract stuff and trying to plan some other things.

well i will talk to you soon,

Teresa

I really hate the clown pool. I am terrified of clowns and there's nothing appealing about going down a clown tongue slide or having to see him staring at me while I'm swimming! (<--- I laugh but I'm so NOT kidding!!).

Getting the Just Married buttons is a lot of work! If you aren't crazy about them, just get the the Happily Ever After ones! They're still fun and there's a possibility that there will be *new* Just Married buttons out by the time our weddings roll around.

We are going up this December. I'm not sure when yet but we want to try to go as close to our date as possible (12/22). Hopefully we can meet up!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

I really hate the clown pool. I am terrified of clowns and there's nothing appealing about going down a clown tongue slide or having to see him staring at me while I'm swimming! (<--- I laugh but I'm so NOT kidding!!).

Getting the Just Married buttons is a lot of work! If you aren't crazy about them, just get the the Happily Ever After ones! They're still fun and there's a possibility that there will be *new* Just Married buttons out by the time our weddings roll around.

We are going up this December. I'm not sure when yet but we want to try to go as close to our date as possible (12/22). Hopefully we can meet up!

Cool well we will be there we want to go and see all the christmas stuff and the decorations and all of that. it would be fun to do something christmas like together for sure. Have you given any thoughts to music for your ceremony or anything like that yet?

Teresa

 

[emoses]

Hi love!!

Um excuse me, but you forgot to put in our slumber party Thursday night!! Anyway I think you could stay at Boardwalk or Beach Club, they're close enough that you could easily just ride over there and get ready. But I guess you don't like the Boardwalk...Really?? It's one of my faves! And clowns are definitely not my favorite, but I don't really go to the pool anyway, I just love the hotel itself . You could take FMIL to downtown disney? Like to Rainforest or T-rex (Build a Dino!) and then do some shopping. But you might want something a little nicer, in which case...maybe the character breakfast at the Contemporary? Or tea at Grand Floridian like everyone suggested sounds nice! I like the second bouquet better actually, I think it's a little simpler and cute. Can't wait!!

 

[Tinkerkell007]

Faith- I think both bouquets are goregous but I'm liking the green/pink in the first one.

Maybe you could find something at downtown disney to do for your FMIL's bday depending on what she likes. Maybe even ask her in a casual way if there is something she has always wanted to do at disney or what her favorite thing to do there is and plan accordingly. I'm sure whatever you come up with will make her feel special!

 

[virtuous girl]

Hey... I think u should stay at the beach club Bcuz u r already DVC members, that way u can save money .. Plus u said u will b having 2 cars & also u can take the boat over 2 the swan & dolphin resort... I like the idea of the tea garden & downtown disney 4 ur FMIL.. i also like fulton crab house... I like the whimpsy flowers bcuz i like everything bold ... These r just my 2 cents on things.. whatever u decide will b perfect 4 u!!

 

[MrsDuck]

Hello ladies!!

I am an active member on the Knot (great wedding planning tools!) and saw that one of the girls on my local board posted that she was going to use "Wedding Poppers" for her exit after her and her DH were announced and leaving to go to the reception:

I did a little Googling and fell in love. Here's a picture:

Doesn't it look fun? I think it would make for some cheery pictures too.

Then I got to thinking... you all know that I am a self-professed glitter lover ... I would absolutely love it if everyone threw glitter at us. BUT, the voice of reason inside me says that this would be super messy and get everywhere (not a bad thing, IMO.. but FI might not like it.. ).

What does everyone think about the glitter-- too messy and crazy, or fun? What about streamers vs. glitter?

I've also emailed my beloved wedding planner to ask if either would be allowed so that clearly plays a role.

In other news, tomorrow (10/14) is our 1 Year Engagement Anniversary!! It's crazy to think that it's already been a year. This time next year we will be super close to the wedding!

I hope things are well with everyone! Thanks for reading along-- there isn't too much to read, I know, but I appreciate each of you!

 

[emoses]

Yah!!!! Happy Engagement Anniversary!! One year ago I walked out of my Calculus exam and found the best news waiting for me!
Anyway I like the glitter, but I feel like it would stick to everything, including the guests and your dress. And who has to clean it all up off the street? lol I really like the streamers idea though!! Let me know what your WP thinks

 

[virtuous girl]

GLITTER, GLITTER, GLITTER!!! I love that idea but i do have 2 say that it will get a bit messy (i cant believe i just said that being as though i just cant live without it )... the poppers r just as festive as the glitter.. it has that sparkle 2 it & not that messy... Great idea on the poppers

 

[tric8783]

So exciting!! I agree with the previous ladies, even though I glitter, it will be everywhere! The rest of the day/night, you will keep finding glitter everywhere. haha

Even though you don't like the Boardwalk (so sad since it's one of our fav's too) haha, we just stayed there last week for our regular vacay, and our room was on the back facing the waterway between BW and S&D. The area of rooms on the DVC side looking at the Croquet Lawn is absolutely adorable, no clown pool in sight, you'd have a perfect view of the Swan... and we discovered, the rooms back there have stairs right to the service road/walkway , which would be super close for getting to the Swan. And your wedding morning you can wake up and look out at the Swan. Not sure where your ceremony is exactly, but if it is on the side of the Swan (between the S and the waterway), you would have a perfect view! Just a thought, I like cheesy stuff like that. haha I would definitely use DVC points rather than pay to stay, but that is IMO! :

As for FMILs birthday, how about looking into having a lunch at the Attic at the BW, or even the Captain's Grill at YC? Again, just my thought but if you are coming back to the area for rehearsal, I personally wouldn't want to plan something over in the MK area and feel rushed to get back. Or would you want to possibly rent a float boat and take your 10-12 guests to view Illuminations after your rehearsal for her birthday celebration? You can book one through recreation at the YC/BC, they seat 15 people and are between $300-400 I believe. We might get a DVC discount there as well! Something that would definitely be different and unique!

Looking forward to seeing what you plan!

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Ooh, I've never seen those popper things before, they look super fun! I can just picture how awesomen the glitter toss would be, but I'd have to agree that it would be so messy. I know there are times when I somehow manage to get a single piece of glitter on my cheek (or something) and always find it so difficult to remove. I shudder to think of the clean up of that much glitter. Unless someone else was willing to clean it up for you... but then you'd still be covered in glitter, probably for days! Haha. But I do think it would look really lovely.

 

[MrsDuck]

Yah!!!! Happy Engagement Anniversary!! One year ago I walked out of my Calculus exam and found the best news waiting for me!
Anyway I like the glitter, but I feel like it would stick to everything, including the guests and your dress. And who has to clean it all up off the street? lol I really like the streamers idea though!! Let me know what your WP thinks

You're so sweet! Love you Lizzy!

Karen, the WP, said there are no restrictions on throwing but she did say glitter would be a pain for me as I'd be covered in glitter the rest of the evening and for pictures.. I guess I'll go with the streamers!

GLITTER, GLITTER, GLITTER!!! I love that idea but i do have 2 say that it will get a bit messy (i cant believe i just said that being as though i just cant live without it )... the poppers r just as festive as the glitter.. it has that sparkle 2 it & not that messy... Great idea on the poppers

I know.. I feel like I'm betraying glitter by deciding not to use it!! I'm going to use the poppers I think!

So exciting!! I agree with the previous ladies, even though I glitter, it will be everywhere! The rest of the day/night, you will keep finding glitter everywhere. haha

Even though you don't like the Boardwalk (so sad since it's one of our fav's too) haha, we just stayed there last week for our regular vacay, and our room was on the back facing the waterway between BW and S&D. The area of rooms on the DVC side looking at the Croquet Lawn is absolutely adorable, no clown pool in sight, you'd have a perfect view of the Swan... and we discovered, the rooms back there have stairs right to the service road/walkway , which would be super close for getting to the Swan. And your wedding morning you can wake up and look out at the Swan. Not sure where your ceremony is exactly, but if it is on the side of the Swan (between the S and the waterway), you would have a perfect view! Just a thought, I like cheesy stuff like that. haha I would definitely use DVC points rather than pay to stay, but that is IMO! :

As for FMILs birthday, how about looking into having a lunch at the Attic at the BW, or even the Captain's Grill at YC? Again, just my thought but if you are coming back to the area for rehearsal, I personally wouldn't want to plan something over in the MK area and feel rushed to get back. Or would you want to possibly rent a float boat and take your 10-12 guests to view Illuminations after your rehearsal for her birthday celebration? You can book one through recreation at the YC/BC, they seat 15 people and are between $300-400 I believe. We might get a DVC discount there as well! Something that would definitely be different and unique!

Looking forward to seeing what you plan!

I love the idea of staying at BW with views of the Swan-- I guess I'm cheesy too because I love the idea of seeing it when I wake up that morning!! We are thinking that using DVC points is just smarter. Why pay when we don't have to, right?

I didn't even think of an Illuminations cruise!! Good idea! I also agree- keep the party local, I don't want to run around the World!

Thanks for all the good ideas, girlie!

Ooh, I've never seen those popper things before, they look super fun! I can just picture how awesomen the glitter toss would be, but I'd have to agree that it would be so messy. I know there are times when I somehow manage to get a single piece of glitter on my cheek (or something) and always find it so difficult to remove. I shudder to think of the clean up of that much glitter. Unless someone else was willing to clean it up for you... but then you'd still be covered in glitter, probably for days! Haha. But I do think it would look really lovely.

You're right.. the glitter will be too messy and FI will hate me if I have him dowsed in glitter..

Thanks girls!! Hope to have a good update soon!