Gertiesquidge and Mr Messy's Relaxed Vow Renewal 27th August 2013 LOGO ADDED :-)

[gertiesquidge]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd start this Planning Journal to keep my thoughts in order and because I'm already so excited, even though I have over 2 years yet to wait until our Vow Renewal. We are going to have our VR on our 25th Wedding Anniversary and the plan is to hold the ceremony at the West Courtyard (with the Swan fountains) at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel. I love the connection another Disbride (thank you Tinkerbell 766) mentioned of swans mating for life, symbolised by holding the VR at the Swan and Dolphin, and especially of the Swan Fountain at the site of our actual VR ceremony.

Introductions first:-
Me/Gertiesquidge (40 something year old) housewife and Mum. I have always loved Disney and especially the Big Cheese himself. Disney (WDW and DLRP) have always been my Happy Place.
Hubby/Mr Messy (50 something year old) professional photographer and Dad. He says he hates Disney, but will sneakily watch with us when we put a Disney DVD film on lol. And despite the whinging he does, he is usually happy(ish) when we are at DLRP or WDW. Although I do take the children on my own too, to give him a break!
Mrs Little Miss Sensible aka Mrs LMS (early 20s) Our lovely eldest daughter, who has always been the most sensible child/adult on the planet! Until she sent us an email the day after she eloped!! Never expected that!! She married her American fiance and they are now going through the headache of Visa applications so they can finally be together as a couple.
Mr LMS (early 20s) Husband to Mrs LMS well duh lol. Hoping to move to the UK in the next few months, when his Visa is granted, so that he and Mrs LMS can finally start their married life together.
Drama Teen (late teens) our gorgeous and crazy teenage daughter. In complete contrast to our first child she is completely bonkers - we didn't know what had hit us when she arrived lol.
Little Prince (8 years) our handsome son. He has special needs (ADHD and ASD) which can be challenging, but he is never dull to be around lol.
Princess Lollipop (2 years) our adorable youngest (and definitely last) child. She is currently going through the "terrible twos" and making sure we all know it!

Its a bit early to be planning, but I've got the main outline of the day sorted in my head, even if I can't book it for ages yet lol. I'll do another post later to describe that!!

Love
Gertiesquidge x

 

[gertiesquidge]

Outline of the day (subject to change at any time )

We'll all be staying together in an off-site villa, but the night before and after our VR me and Mr Messy will stay at the Swan and Dolphin As our lovely older children have volunteered (well didn't disagree when I asked!!) to look after the little two for a couple of nights k: I'd like for me and Mr Messy to have a romantic meal at Shula's the night before our VR, he LOVES steak so it should be the perfect place to dine.

The actual ceremony will be in the late afternoon, fingers crossed it will be cool enough for us to be outside by then!! Coming from rainy old England we aren't used to the heat AT ALL!! We'll hold he ceremony in the S&D West Courtyard (the one with the swan fountains) as its small, private and looks perfect for us

After the ceremony I'd like us to walk over to Beaches and Cream to grab something to eat and share a Kitchen Sink for dessert. The menu at Beaches and Cream looks like it will suit us all, and is relaxed enough for the youngest members of our party to enjoy.

Then I'd like us all to go on a Wishes Cruise together. I LOVE the Wishes Fireworks and I've always wanted to go on one of the Fireworks Cruises, but never seemed to be able to justify the cost! Well this IS a special occasion so I think it deserves a special celebration

The only "worries" I've got are

• Can we survive the heat?!?!
• How far away is Beaches and Cream?!?!
• Will we be able to get a table (I think its a CS so we can't reserve one)?!?!
• Can we secure a booking for the Wishes Cruise?!?!

Anyone got any advice to calm my nerves???

 

[pixie921]

I think your plans sound wonderful!

August will definitely be hot! And Beaches & Cream is a bit of a walk from the Swan, for sure. Honestly, I don't think personally I'd want to make that walk all dressed up in the August heat. It will be *sweltering*. We've been in late September a few times and every time we'd say "never again". We held to that for a few years, but I got it in my head that I wanted to spend my 40th at WDW, so that meant another September trip. Honestly, we'd walk outside and it felt like walking into a furnace. And August will be even hotter. So if you can drive over, I recommend it!

B&C is sit-down, but you're right that it's considered counter service, so no ADRs. During a busy time, there can be quite a wait for a table, as B&C really doesn't hold that many people. So as long as you're prepared for that, you'll be fine!

As far as the Wishes cruise, we haven't done one in a long time, but I think if you're on the phone right at 7 a.m. when your reservation window opens, you'll have a good chance of securing one.

I look forward to hearing more of your plans!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Pixie,

Thanks for stopping by

We've been in July before and like you said never again!! We really suffered with the heat!! However, I really want our VR on our actual 25th Wedding Anniversary, so its got to be August whether I like it or not!! Wonder who decided on a Summer Wedding the first time round

If the walk is more than a few minutes little stroll then I think we'll take your advice and drive, or maybe send the kids in our hire care, and get a limo or something for me and Mr Messy

I'll probably try ringing Beaches and Cream nearer the time and letting them know a "wedding party" will be arriving and see if they would hold a table for us!! You never know they might.

Did you enjoy the Wishes Cruise you went on? Do you think it will be ok for a 4 year old and 10 year old? And I'll be on the phone as soon as my 180 days is up - keep your fingers crossed for me

Are you planning a Disney Wedding/Vow Renewal? I'd love to read your plans too Everyone on here seems to have such lovely and creative ideas, and I as I don't have a creative bone in my body I need the inspiration

Love
Gertiesquidge

 

[pixie921]

So you're an experienced summer traveller! And a braver one than I, going in July!

I totally understand wanting the renewal on your actual anniversary. I'm sure the Swan will do everything they can to help you stay comfortable for your VR. And a car is a wonderful idea, especially since you have younger children.

It's been a long time since we did a fireworks cruise, but we enjoyed it and I think your children will be perfect ages to enjoy one.

We were actually planning a VR for our 20th anniversary this October at the Swan, but encountered numerous bumps in the road and have cancelled for now. We still want very much to do a vow renewal, we're just unsure when we will have the opportunity.

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Pixie,

I'm so sorry to hear you've had to postpone your VR (that sounds so much less final than "cancelled"). I hope your road becomes smooth and you can re-start your plans again soon

We weren't brave going to WDW in July!! Just naive, it was our first visit to Florida and we had no idea it was THAT hot All our visits since have been in February or November and the weather was much better for us

Thank you for your reassurances about the Wishes Cruise Our son has special needs and I'm a bit worried he will find the whole day overwhelming, and I don't want him trying to go for a swim to cool off at the end of the day!! He does love parades though, so I'm sure the Cruise will keep him entertained. And there are enough of us adults to keep a very close eye on him so he doesn't get chance to "jump ship."

Gertiesquidge x

 

[gertiesquidge]

I'm so excited I've got to tell someone, and as its stupid o'clock at night here, everyone is in bed!! So I'll tell anyone out there who is reading instead

I've just heard from the Etsy seller who has THE most beautiful fairy wand in her shop, that she can make a customised one for our youngest daughter, Princess Lollipop, to carry As soon as I saw this wand I KNEW it was perfect, and I have been keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the seller would agree to try and make a customised one for me.

I'll post more details (and photos if I can work out how to do that!!) when me and the Etsy seller have worked out the details.

OOOOOH I've almost made my first Vow Renewal purchase

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Gertie sweetie - I am so sorry that I have not posted on you new PJ until now!!! I tried to post yesterday whilst at work, but got an emergency and had to go out to before I could finish it!!
Loving your plans so far!!!
I only went to WDW once in August, and immediately fell straight into the 'never again' camp. It really was very hot, but (and I know it's a bit of a cliche) it was the humidity which really got to me. I only had to step out of the air-conditioning for a few minutes, and I would be dripping with sweat!! (yuk - not a pretty picture).
I know that it is very important to you to have your VR on your actual anniversary, but it may be worth thinking about it, you know. I would certainly have my concerns about an outdoor ceremony in August. An outdoor ceremony was of the utmost importance to me. I live in the English Lake District (which has more than it's fair share of rain), and I was determined to repeat my vows to my husband whilst feeling the warmth of the sun on my face!!! I would have been devastated if we had had to move the ceremony indoors due to rain, but luckily, we had a gorgeous day!! If, however, I was running with an August ceremony, I would have considered an indoor location.
I agree that if you have the ceremony in the late afternoon, it will be cooler, but please, sweetie, remember that it is in the late afternoon that you are more likely to get a rain storm!!! Heavy (and I mean heavy!!) rain showers are a frequent (almost daily) occurrence in Central Florida, and whilst they don't usually last long and clear up and dry up very quickly, if the timing is wrong, it could seriously affect your ceremony and force you to have it at a location other than the one you have planned!!
I am not trying to frighten you or put you off, but I feel, as a friend, I ought to let you know all the potential problems and information, so that you can make an informed decision and be prepared!!
I have to say, sweetie, if it were me I would be looking to have my event earlier (in the Spring) or later (in the Autumn), not only because of the weather considerations, but also because the parks will be less crowded and the flights will be cheaper!!!. As I said earlier, I know your circumstances are different to mine, and I know you have your heart set on having your VR on your actual anniversary. I guess that there is also the consideration of the implications of taking the children out of school.
I would agree with our sweet Amy, that it may be the best bet to get a taxi or a limo or something to 'Beaches and Cream', as although it is not a particularly long walk, it would seem as if it was in all your beautiful clothes and in that heat!!!
I hope you don't mind my offering you advice like some demented Grandma, but I really want you to have your perfect day/holiday and forewarned is forearmed!!!
As for the logo, and what you could use it for, I designed one for another DISfriend, Corinna (Dolphingirl), who is having a small VR lie yourself (eg. no stationary etc) and she has had it put on a tee-shirt and a bag via Vistaprint, and they both look great. Maybe you could have something similar made for you and your girls to use during your holiday!! Check out Corinna's PJ as she has some photos of these things on there!!
Oh and yay for the first VR purchase - if you are anything like me, it will be one of many!!!!
Much love sweetie!!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne,

Thank you for reading

I know what you are saying about the heat/humidity, our eldest did the International College Programme over the Summer a couple of years ago, and she keeps saying exactly the same thing!! It just means so much to me to have the VR on our actual 25th anniversary, that I think we will just have to deal with the heat and humidity unfortunately. I know for our comfort I'm being silly insisting on August, but it just wouldn't mean as much to me to have our VR on a different date.

We are going over to WDW for a holiday in November, and I might ask Karen at JustMarry to let me know what the indoor venue options are at the S&D, then we can go and have a look at them.

And I totally agree with yours and Pixie's advice about not walking to Beaches and Cream now! I don't want to arrive there sweating like a sweaty thing and just melting into a big puddle So we'll definitely be going by car, I'm wondering about hiring a sports car for it, as the chauffeur driven options aren't that fun!! I've only been able to find Rolls Royces or Limos and neither appeal to me that much.

And please don't worry you don't come across as a demented Grandma Just as a very kind lady who is trying to help out the newbie I really appreciate it, even though I'm not taking your advice and sticking with my date!!

And funnily enough I've just been reading Corinna's PR and love her idea of putting her logo (I didn't realise you'd designed that too, you are so talented ) on a bag and t-shirt. I already posted on her PR that I might have to steal that idea

I'm a bit worried about the shopping aspect of all this - I've got TWO YEARS to shop!! I think I might end up going a tad over the top with all that time If only Mr Messy knew what he'd agreed to, I think he'll end up trying to change our Ebay password

Take care
Love
Gertiesquidge

Gertie sweetie - I am so sorry that I have not posted on you new PJ until now!!! I tried to post yesterday whilst at work, but got an emergency and had to go out to before I could finish it!!
Loving your plans so far!!!
I only went to WDW once in August, and immediately fell straight into the 'never again' camp. It really was very hot, but (and I know it's a bit of a cliche) it was the humidity which really got to me. I only had to step out of the air-conditioning for a few minutes, and I would be dripping with sweat!! (yuk - not a pretty picture).
I know that it is very important to you to have your VR on your actual anniversary, but it may be worth thinking about it, you know. I would certainly have my concerns about an outdoor ceremony in August. An outdoor ceremony was of the utmost importance to me. I live in the English Lake District (which has more than it's fair share of rain), and I was determined to repeat my vows to my husband whilst feeling the warmth of the sun on my face!!! I would have been devastated if we had had to move the ceremony indoors due to rain, but luckily, we had a gorgeous day!! If, however, I was running with an August ceremony, I would have considered an indoor location.
I agree that if you have the ceremony in the late afternoon, it will be cooler, but please, sweetie, remember that it is in the late afternoon that you are more likely to get a rain storm!!! Heavy (and I mean heavy!!) rain showers are a frequent (almost daily) occurrence in Central Florida, and whilst they don't usually last long and clear up and dry up very quickly, if the timing is wrong, it could seriously affect your ceremony and force you to have it at a location other than the one you have planned!!
I am not trying to frighten you or put you off, but I feel, as a friend, I ought to let you know all the potential problems and information, so that you can make an informed decision and be prepared!!
I have to say, sweetie, if it were me I would be looking to have my event earlier (in the Spring) or later (in the Autumn), not only because of the weather considerations, but also because the parks will be less crowded and the flights will be cheaper!!!. As I said earlier, I know your circumstances are different to mine, and I know you have your heart set on having your VR on your actual anniversary. I guess that there is also the consideration of the implications of taking the children out of school.
I would agree with our sweet Amy, that it may be the best bet to get a taxi or a limo or something to 'Beaches and Cream', as although it is not a particularly long walk, it would seem as if it was in all your beautiful clothes and in that heat!!!
I hope you don't mind my offering you advice like some demented Grandma, but I really want you to have your perfect day/holiday and forewarned is forearmed!!!
As for the logo, and what you could use it for, I designed one for another DISfriend, Corinna (Dolphingirl), who is having a small VR lie yourself (eg. no stationary etc) and she has had it put on a tee-shirt and a bag via Vistaprint, and they both look great. Maybe you could have something similar made for you and your girls to use during your holiday!! Check out Corinna's PJ as she has some photos of these things on there!!
Oh and yay for the first VR purchase - if you are anything like me, it will be one of many!!!!
Much love sweetie!!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Gertie sweetie - I am so glad you are not offended about my advice!!! I think it is a very good idea to have Karen show you the indoor spaces at the Swan because then, at least, you will have all the information at your fingertips and can make an informed decision as to where to have your ceremony!!
A sports car sounds like a fun option, just hold on to your hair-do if you have a convertible!!!
My daughter did the ICP too, four years ago. It was during that time that I went out in August (to visit her!!). It turned into a very expensive trip, as I ended up buying my DVC membership during that trip, as they offered me 25% discount for having a family member who was a CM - too good to pass up!!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne,

I wasn't offended in the slightest, don't worry

I've been chatting to Karen by email and she seems lovely, hopefully she will be able to meet up with us at the S&D while we are on holiday and show me the indoor spaces. Like you say at least then I can make an informed decision about where to hold our VR

I'm not that bothered about messing my hair up I want it down and relaxed anyway I'm going to look into sports cars to surprise Mr Messy as I think he'd love it. Although if we are only going to use it go get from the S&D to Beaches and Cream and then to our Wishes Cruise and then back to the S&D it might be a bit of a waste of money

Our daughter did her ICP two years ago, she worked as Custodial in Hollywood Studios. What about your daughter? I couldn't get flights to go and visit Mrs LMS, so I never got to see her working at WDW Although now you've mentioned what a lovely big discount you got for DVC perhaps its a good idea I didn't get to go over there I'll just have to see if I can visit while Drama Teen works there, as she's already planning to do that

Off to reply to your PM, but it will take me a while as my computer is being VERY slow right now!!

Gertiesquidge x

Gertie sweetie - I am so glad you are not offended about my advice!!! I think it is a very good idea to have Karen show you the indoor spaces at the Swan because then, at least, you will have all the information at your fingertips and can make an informed decision as to where to have your ceremony!!
A sports car sounds like a fun option, just hold on to your hair-do if you have a convertible!!!
My daughter did the ICP too, four years ago. It was during that time that I went out in August (to visit her!!). It turned into a very expensive trip, as I ended up buying my DVC membership during that trip, as they offered me 25% discount for having a family member who was a CM - too good to pass up!!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Gertie sweetie - My daughter did QSFB in the MK. She applied late and didn't get a choice of positions atall. She loved being over there in Disney etc, but loathed the actual work. It was very hot work to be serving QS food in the middle of the summer. To be honest, from what I have read, I don't think that the short programme ICPs get a good deal at all and quite often get stuck with the grotty jobs!!
I know what you mean about the DVC purchase!!! I was powerless to resist!!! It was always a dream of mine to own DVC and it is one of the best things I ever bought and now my most prized possession. I bought in first at AKV, and have since added on at BLT!!
Why do you call your DD Drama Teen? Is it because she is a Drama student? My son, Henry, has just graduated with a Drama degree from uni.

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne,

I can imagine QSFB would be hot work, and very uncomfortable in the heat of August! Mrs LMS said the custodial work was VERY hard, but that overall she had a fantastic time. She did manage to faint twice while working outside due to the heat, so she was moved to permanently cleaning bathrooms!! Even so she did manage to spread a little Disney Magic, which is what she wanted to do - she said CMs have always made our holidays to WDW and DLRP so wonderful she wanted to be able to do that too

I think Mr Messy might confiscate my credit card if I even hinted that I was thinking DVC

Drama Teen is called that because she can be a bit of a Drama Queen lol, she doesn't study drama or anything! Congratulations to your son on his Graduation I think I saw the pictures on your TR

Love
Gertiesquidge x

Gertie sweetie - My daughter did QSFB in the MK. She applied late and didn't get a choice of positions atall. She loved being over there in Disney etc, but loathed the actual work. It was very hot work to be serving QS food in the middle of the summer. To be honest, from what I have read, I don't think that the short programme ICPs get a good deal at all and quite often get stuck with the grotty jobs!!
I know what you mean about the DVC purchase!!! I was powerless to resist!!! It was always a dream of mine to own DVC and it is one of the best things I ever bought and now my most prized possession. I bought in first at AKV, and have since added on at BLT!!
Why do you call your DD Drama Teen? Is it because she is a Drama student? My son, Henry, has just graduated with a Drama degree from uni.

 

[gertiesquidge]

This post is partly a WOOHOO I've actually made my first Vow Renewal purchase, and partly to test my ability to follow instructions and see if i can post a photo of what I've bought!!

I want something to keep our 10 and 4 year old amused during the ceremony, but I want it to look pretty when its placed on the chairs before the ceremony. So when I found these personalised snack/activity boxes on the internet I had to have them I'm going to customise the crystals in the corners, to make them into Hidden Mickeys.

And this is just a standard photo, and isn't using my children's names

Fingers crossed this works!!

 

[pixie921]

The boxes are a wonderful idea, and so cute!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Yup, it worked!! What a lovely idea!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Amy and Joanne,

Thank you

Now all I have to do is work out how to do the multi quote thingie!!

Gertiesquidge

 

[dolphingirl47]

This post is partly a WOOHOO I've actually made my first Vow Renewal purchase, and partly to test my ability to follow instructions and see if i can post a photo of what I've bought!!

I want something to keep our 10 and 4 year old amused during the ceremony, but I want it to look pretty when its placed on the chairs before the ceremony. So when I found these personalised snack/activity boxes on the internet I had to have them I'm going to customise the crystals in the corners, to make them into Hidden Mickeys.

And this is just a standard photo, and isn't using my children's names

Fingers crossed this works!!

I saw the link to your planning journal and thought I would say "hi".

I agree with what the others said in so far that I would not have a vow renewal in Florida in August unless there is really absolutely no choice. We have only been to Florida in the height of summer once and swore never again. Not only was the heat and humidity an absolute killer, but we had torrential rain and thunderstorms every day until late at night. I understand that it is important to you to have your vow renewal on your actual anniversary, but I think it is definitely a wise decision to check out indoor locations.

I love the idea of sharing a Kitchen Sink after the ceremony. I just love the symbolism of this. I have never been to Beaches and Cream or to any of the Epcot resorts for that matter so I have no idea how far it is from the Swan and Dolphin, but it looks that other people have already given you plenty of advice. I do agree with calling ahead to let them know that a wedding party is coming and the estimated time of arrival. You never know when some Pixie Dust will be spread.

Congratulations on the first vow renewal purchase. I love the idea of the personalized boxes.

Corinna

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Corinna,

Thanks for dropping by to say "hi"

I know its foolish to be planning a Vow Renewal in Florida in August, but it means so much to us to have our VR on our actual 25th Anniversary, that the date just isn't negotiable. I'm definitely going to contact the S&D Wedding Planner before our holiday this November to ask her to show us the indoor options for the ceremony though.

I'm glad you like the idea of the Kitchen Sink, I love the idea of us all sharing one big dessert, as we are one big family Well most of the time anyway

The personalised boxes have arrived now and are even better in person than they looked in the picture

Hope all your plans are coming together, as it isn't long now till your own VR

Love
Gertiesquidge

I saw the link to your planning journal and thought I would say "hi".

I agree with what the others said in so far that I would not have a vow renewal in Florida in August unless there is really absolutely no choice. We have only been to Florida in the height of summer once and swore never again. Not only was the heat and humidity an absolute killer, but we had torrential rain and thunderstorms every day until late at night. I understand that it is important to you to have your vow renewal on your actual anniversary, but I think it is definitely a wise decision to check out indoor locations.

I love the idea of sharing a Kitchen Sink after the ceremony. I just love the symbolism of this. I have never been to Beaches and Cream or to any of the Epcot resorts for that matter so I have no idea how far it is from the Swan and Dolphin, but it looks that other people have already given you plenty of advice. I do agree with calling ahead to let them know that a wedding party is coming and the estimated time of arrival. You never know when some Pixie Dust will be spread.

Congratulations on the first vow renewal purchase. I love the idea of the personalized boxes.

Corinna

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

That box looks really beautiful. I am looking forward to hearing more about your VR!