rgoble5972
Are we there yet?
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2001
- Messages
- 276
Monday, 25th September, 2006
Robin here again--I woke up at 7:00, too excited/nervous to stay in bed any longer. Michael was still asleep so I walked down to Gasparillas Grill to get some refillable mugs for us to use for the rest of the trip and to get some breakfast for Michael and anyone else who wasnt actually getting married today and might could possibly think about eating food. I wasnt sure what Michael would be in the mood for this morning so I just got one of everything! I think I got some eggs, bacon, toast, biscuits, gravy, hash browns, fruit, pancakes, and a muffin, plus two mugs one with diet coke for me and one with hot chocolate for Michael!
Back at the room, I woke Michael up and he had some breakfast. I knew he wouldnt want to hang around while we got dressed, etc., so he put his swimming suit on and went down to check out the pool. Meanwhile, I got a shower, dried my hair, and got dressed in my lingerie and a robe.
The phone rang and it was Carol Allen, here to steam my wedding gown and veil, calling from the lobby. She hadnt gotten the message that I left for her yesterday, so she didnt know what room I was in. I gave her the room number and in just a matter of minutes she was knocking at the door with my gown, veil, and crinoline in tow (I had shipped them to her about two weeks earlier so I didnt have to worry about them being lost in my luggage or damaged by the airline on the trip down.).
Sorry about all you male trip report readers but I have to be a girl here for a minute and talk about how pretty my dress was! It was an Oleg Cassini strapless satin A-line gown with a tightly-fitted, embroidered and beaded bodice. The embroidery and beading was repeated around the train of the gown which was satin with an organza overlay inset into the apron back. I liked the simplicity of the gown and thought it looked very elegant. The tiara matched the beading on the gown with crystals and beads and the veil was edged in satin and had a scattering of Swarovski crystals along the edges. Okay. Sorry. Ill stop for now. Please come back, guys.
Carol had just gotten started when the phone rang again. It was my Mom this time, checking in to see how I was doing. While I was talking to Mom, Wes dropped Paula off with her wedding clothes and then went back to the Pop Century. He was getting to play chauffeur today and would be coming back around 12:30 with Dad. I talked to Larry for a little while on the phone as well to make sure he was up and doing okay.
Lisa Pena arrived right on time at 11:00 to do our hair and make up. Lisa was delightfulvery chatty and friendly and able to put everyone at ease (Well, as at ease as a bride can be three hours before her wedding. Everything was starting to seem very surreal to me. How could all these people be here working for my wedding?) She started with my hair first. Michael showed back up from swimming and, after he had a bit of second breakfast, I sent him into the bathroom to get showered and dressed.
Carol Allen had finished up and gone when Lisa finished my hair. Lisa did a great job, fixing it just like I had described. She put a final shellacking of hairspray on so it would withstand the Florida heat and humidity (honestly, I think bullets would have pinged off my head!) and started on Paulas hair and then moved on to her make-up. When Lisa was finished, Paula was very pleased with the results, I think.
Wes and Dad showed up, dressed and looking handsome. Poor Wes got to be the jack-of-all-trades today as I passed my camera to him so he could take some informal pictures during the day. He was also in charge of carrying Paulas small sewing kit in case of any last minute popped buttons or loose threads. I gave him the room key as well, since my dress was surprisingly devoid of any pockets. Luckily, he had plenty.
Lisa was working on Paulas make-up and I was getting a little bit antsy about the time, since I still had to have my make-up done, get dressed, and we needed to be in the lobby by 1:45. I finished prodding Michael to get dressed and then wisely spent my time pacing. I noticed the time at 1:00 and thought to myself that the limo should be picking up Larry and all the other guests at the Pop Century right about now to bring them to the Wedding Pavilion.
Lisa got my make-up done, I got in my dress, and then she helped fasten on my veil. I made a quick check: something old my pearl necklace that Ive had for years; something new my dress, veil, and shoes; something borrowed a small Cinderella charm that I borrowed from Paula and wore on the clasp of my pearls; something blue (and this was my favorite thing!) our wedding date and Larrys and my initials done in pave blue Swarovski crystals on the soles of my shoes.
My shoes were gorgeous white satin Stuart Weitzman sling backs with a cluster of Swarovski crystals on the toeto die forwhich I got in Dallas. They (Stuart Weitzman) have a program called Something Blue in which theyll make, out of blue Swarovski crystals, your initials inside a heart on one shoe and your wedding date inside a heart on the other. Larry was worried that they were going to put an L for Larry on one foot and an R for Robin on the other and people would just think I couldnt tell my Left foot from my Right foot. He was much relieved when I explained that L + R would be on the same shoe. Oops. My apologies. I seem to have gone into girl mode again.
Anyway, I was dressed and ready to go, as was everyone else, and so we left the room (with Paula in charge of not letting my train drag on the ground!) to go to the lobby.
Its amazing wearing a wedding dress and walking through the hotel and grounds at Disney. People stop, smile, wave, watch, wish you good luck, call out their congratulations. I lost count of the number of well-wishers that spoke to us as we passed. Even the cast members working at check-in called out congratulations as we walked by. Im not much on being the center of attraction, but you couldnt help but enjoy the tide of attention and warmth that was directed at us. It really was magical.
Our limousine driver was waiting outside for us. He had everyone get into the limo before me so Id have less scooting and rearranging to do. I think limousines are great and all, but they are definitely not conducive to graceful entrances and exits, especially when youre swathed from head to toe in satin, organza and tulle!
It was a (very) short, and cold, drive from the Grand Floridian to the Wedding Pavilion. I guess the limo driver always cranks the air conditioning up because of the combination of the Florida heat and humidity, and the brides and grooms nerves.
Stan, the videographer, was waiting for us as we pulled up at the Wedding Pavilion and he immediately began filming. Also there was Karen, our stand-in wedding coordinator. Ill refer to her as K to save confusing her with our friend, Karen.
She ushered us into the Brides Vestibule, a lovely little waiting room right as you enter the Pavilion. Once there K passed out bouquets to me and Paula and pinned boutonnières on my Dad and Michael. Our bouquets were gorgeous and they weighed about a ton! I felt sorry for Paula having to hold onto them both during the ring exchange part of the ceremony.
We were also introduced to our photographers. I had the regular Disney photographer that was part of the wedding package and a second photographer (a gift from my co-workers) that photographed the wedding in black and white for a more photojournalistic look. The regular photographer was a young man (his name escapes meStephen,maybe?) and the photojournalist photographer was a woman (Amy, I think) and they were both great. It turns out that they had just gotten engaged to one another and had just started planning their (obviously Disney) wedding. In fact, Lisa Pena said that Amy had already booked her to do Amys hair and make-up even though they werent getting married for over a year. They worked very well together professionally and I hope their married life goes as smoothly.
Jack Day, our preacher, arrived and introductions were made all around. He had the marriage license for Paula to witness so after he got her signature and said a few words to me, he took his leave.
I gave my engagement ring to Paula to keep for me until after the wedding. Michael and Wes were shown to their seats and then it was time. I could hear the music wed picked for Larry and Clive to enter the Pavilion begin and then it was time for Paula to enter. K and her assistant closed the doors to the chapel to get me into position with Dad. K straightened my train and handed me my bouquet. The bells of the Wedding Pavilion began to chime, the doors were thrown open, and Dad and I walked down the aisle to Con te Partiro (Ive always disliked the traditional Here comes the bride wedding march).
There was Larry at the end of what seemed like a very long wait.
Larry had been waiting too. Time for me dear readers to interject and to tell you about my morning. Obviously being a man, I didnt have a team of staff to pamper me and do my hair, and steam my suit, nope. Had to do it all myself.
I woke up an hour later than Robin at about 8am, I had originally planned to go and visit a park in the morning, I tentatively thought that I would go to Magic Kingdom and get my hair cut at Dapper Dans. However that struck me a bit too dangerous. Supposing the Barbers was shut due to illness or something; I couldnt turn up at my own wedding with shaggy hair. So I went and got it cut before I set off on the trip here in Scotland. Then another thought got to me, supposing I went to the MK and I was on a bus on the way back and it broke down? Would Robin forgive me turning up late for the wedding? (Errr that would be a big time NO I suspect even if it was Disney Transportations fault, so I rather figured Id hang around the Pop Century spend a bit of time with Clive and Karen, and just chill out. Actually Im pretty good at chilling out when I want to. Probably why I prefer a bath to a shower, theres nothing like falling asleep in the bath, whilst chilling out. Anyway, after all the flying and the work of bringing the Hamilton and Goble clans into a well tuned Disney Tourist Machine, I was ready for a bit of a relaxing morning.
So after getting up, and taking my time throwing on some tourist clothes, I went down to the food court and used up a DDP voucher or so, getting me breakfast. Robin clearly can remember what she had for breakfast, Im suspecting that I had pancakes or something, but then again, it might have been hash browns. Pretty sure I used my re-fillable mug.
I had a nice breakfast with Karen and Clive. Clive seemed to be a bit nervous about his speech, but Im sure he will be fine. After breakfast I went back to the room, and had a long soaky bath. Then I got out and did my hair, and got dressed. I think I moved my suitcases to Wess room, and said Hi to the male part of the Goble Clan. Then I went to see Karen and scrounged some make up, so that I could attempt (unsuccessfully) to hide a nasty spot on my top lip. Boy did I get miffed about that spot, well not a spot actually, I cut off the top of a bit of a bump that lives on my lip, shaving a few days before.
There was a bit of time left so I went for a coffee at the food court with Clive, whilst Karen got herself ready for the nuptials. I was a bit peckish so I had a nice ham and chicken sandwich. Then it was a final trip back to the room, and then time to go and meet my Floridian chums, Clive and Karen, and we got into the limo. This was the first trip Ive done in a limo and it was a lovely way to get to the church on time but I think basically Im a little big for a limo, so perhaps when Robin and I make our fortune Ill skip the limo and go straight to the Lear Jet.
When we got to the Wedding Pavilion, Clive and I were shown into the Grooms waiting room, which was nice. It was good to be able to be alone with my thoughts for a few minutes. Clive was taken off to do a few Groomsmans duties. After a few minutes then people came in and started to get me ready for the service. The videographer came and put a microphone on my suit and my flower arrived for my buttonhole. Father Jack came and said hello and the photographer came and got the rings from Clive to photograph.
Then it was time for me to go down the aisle to my music. Not long after Paula came down the aisle. Then my beautiful bride came, and there was a little gasp in my mouth .
The Wedding Pavilion is a gorgeous buildingall light and airy. It was too much to take in at that moment (though I was glad we got to hang around a little afterwards for pictures and to better look at the building).
The ceremony went quickly and smoothly and before you could say happily ever after, we were husband and wife. We got to step back into the Brides Vestibule for a couple of minutes, just Larry and me (which was niceits kind of a cruel tradition not to see each other before the wedding because wed both been through so much that special day that we wanted to share with each other), while K and her assistant got everyone else ready to shower us with rose petals outside.
There was lots of picture taking afterwards, first with all of the guests and then they dismissed them to go back to the Commanders Terrace at the Grand Floridian for the reception while they took some more pictures of Larry and me, both inside the Pavilion and outside as well.
Amy was kind enough to bustle my dress for me and then we were back into the limousine for our trip to the cake cutting.
The second we set foot out of the limo the well-wishes from cast and guests began again. The dear little old man in knickers that greets you as you enter the Grand Floridian was there to welcome us and be one of the first to congratulate us on our marriage. (Thats Knickerbockers for any Brits reading, Disney doesnt employ a guy to wear panties and stand outside the lobbies.) The lobby was set a-buzz by us walking through, hand in hand, in our wedding attire.
Out on the Commanders Terrace, the day was absolutely gorgeous. Bright sun, blue skies, and just a hint of a breeze. The champagne and apple cider was poured and then Clive manfully performed his duties as Best Man by giving a rousing toast full of wedding advice for us and embarrassment for Larry! The toast was so full of slight exaggerations about Larrys professional and personal accomplishments that the violinist actually asked Larry later on in the reception if Larry would like to play a tune on the violin because Clive had built him up so much as an accomplished musician and then later engaged Larry in conversation about what kind of violin Larry owned (none!) and the pros and cons between the different makes! (I have a clarinet though--cant play that much either!!) Muttering under his breath that Clive was a dead man, Larry managed to avoid showing his skill on the violin and steered clear of the violinist (who was a very nice man and quite talented) the rest of the afternoon.
After the toast, the cake was served and lots and lots of pictures and video were taken. Larry and I had our first dance to Youll Be in My Heart and we opened several cards that friends and co-workers had sent from Scotland and a present from Sue and Floyd (thank you very much).
Too soon it was time for the reception to be over. K presented us with our Walt Disney Fairy Tale Wedding his and her watches, which are lovely. I knew that we were supposed to receive the watches but they were a surprise to Larry. The limousine took Tom, Leanne, Karen, Clive, Sue and Floyd back to the Pop Century. K boxed up the rest of our wedding cake for us to take to our room.
We had Dad and Michaels luggage and a change of clothes in our room, so we all went there to gather their things. The limo was to come back to the Grand Floridian after dropping our guests off at the Pop Century and was going to take Dad and Michael to the airport (Michael had to get back to school as he had semester tests this week).
Back in our room, Larry took the refillable mugs to fetch some diet coke for me while Dad and Michael changed into more comfortable clothes for their flight home. We gathered up their luggage and I walked back to the lobby with them to make sure the limo was there and to say good-bye (yes, and to get some more wear out of my wedding dressI liked hearing all the congratulations as I walked by!).
The limo was there waiting for us and I said good-bye to Dad and Michael and waved them off and then said good-bye to Paula and Wes as they took the van and drove back to the Pop Century. The plan was for everyone to rest for a bit this afternoon and then they would meet up with Karen and Clive and drive over to pick up Larry and me so we could go to our dinner at the Yachtsman Steak House together.
Back at the room, Larry still hadnt returned from filling up our mugs, so I straightened up the room a bit and waited for him. And waited and waited and waited. I was beginning to think that we were going to get a record for the quickest desertion after a wedding. I thought about going and looking for him but decided that would be too pathetica bride wandering the grounds in her wedding dress asking guests if they had seen a groom! I was beginning to have visions of the ghost bride in the Haunted Mansion when the door finally opened and in walked Larry. He sheepishly admitted that he had both gotten lost and forgotten our room number and wandered the buildings looking for some familiar landmark. When that failed, he had to go to check-in and, without any ID, convince them that he was Larry Wilmot so theyd give him his room number. To this day Im still not sure how he convinced the cast members to give him the room number. Perhaps he loudly quoted his old trip reports ad nauseum until they relented and gave him the information just so hed go away! (Nope I used my considerable charm. Plus looking like a lost groom, I think they took pity on me.)
Anyway, despite having taken an oath as a trip report writer to accurately report all events of a Disney trip, Im not going to report on anything that might or might not have gone on for the next couple of hours until it was time to get ready for our reservation at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse at 6:00.
Paula, Wes, Karen and Clive showed up in the lobby of the Grand Floridian around 5:30 and we drove over to the Yacht Club where Tom, Leanne, Sue and Floyd were waiting on us. We checked in at the podium and were quickly shown to our table. I had made arrangements in advance with Paul Ernandez, the manager of the Yachtsman. We had decided on a menu with three starters served family style, salad, a choice of entrees from several steaks (a fillet, a prime rib and a NY strip, I think), chicken, fish and pasta, and dessert. Paul had done a lovely job of printing up some personalized menus with our names and the date on them which detailed the choices.
With some advice from the server, Clive picked out a red and a white wine for the wine drinkers in the group. It wasnt long before they brought out the starters: pan-seared scallops, an heirloom tomato salad, and shrimp cocktail. The salad course was a Caesar salad. As I mentioned above, the entrees were everyones individual choice and the dessert was a Jack Daniels chocolate mousse pie. I believe everyone was sufficiently stuffed once the meal was over and I cant say enough about how good everything was and how nice and accommodating the staff was.
Larry settled the check while the rest of us sat and talked for a bit after dinner then, around 8:00, we all left the restaurant and walked down to the Yacht Club Marina to pick up our boat for our Illuminations Cruise.
Our boat and captains (we had two captains this evening because one young lady was in training) were ready and, after a short wait and a little bit of paperwork, we all boarded the boat and set sail. The boat was stocked with canned soft drinks and chips (Crisps) (something they do on all the fireworks cruises now, I believe) though everyone was still a bit full from dinner. We cruised around Crescent Lake passed the Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin then turned around at MGM and came back the same way. We passed by the Yacht and Beach Clubs and went into Epcot and stopped under the bridge between France and the UK where it was almost time for the fireworks to begin.
Ive always loved Illuminations and I love this way of watching the show. We all enjoyed the fireworks but I think the best part for Larry was afterwards when we got to go onto World Showcase Lagoon for a few minutes to turn the boat around. He loves being someplace where hes not really supposed to be, especially after hours, and you get a nice view of all the countries with the lights on the buildings.
The boat took us back to the Yacht Club where we went into the lobby and said our good-byes to Tom and Leanne and to Sue and Floyd and thanked them for coming to our wedding. Then Paula, Wes, Karen, Clive, Larry and I drove back to the Pop Century, where Larry and I dropped everyone off before heading back to the Grand Floridian for the night..
This was a fantastic day, Im not the greatest person for remembering details, but this is one day I shall never forget. I would like to thank everyone who came to the Wedding, but most of all I want to thank Robin for taking me as her husband. I love her very much.
Goble/Wilmot Wedding Weekend - Day Five
Robin here again--I woke up at 7:00, too excited/nervous to stay in bed any longer. Michael was still asleep so I walked down to Gasparillas Grill to get some refillable mugs for us to use for the rest of the trip and to get some breakfast for Michael and anyone else who wasnt actually getting married today and might could possibly think about eating food. I wasnt sure what Michael would be in the mood for this morning so I just got one of everything! I think I got some eggs, bacon, toast, biscuits, gravy, hash browns, fruit, pancakes, and a muffin, plus two mugs one with diet coke for me and one with hot chocolate for Michael!
Back at the room, I woke Michael up and he had some breakfast. I knew he wouldnt want to hang around while we got dressed, etc., so he put his swimming suit on and went down to check out the pool. Meanwhile, I got a shower, dried my hair, and got dressed in my lingerie and a robe.
The phone rang and it was Carol Allen, here to steam my wedding gown and veil, calling from the lobby. She hadnt gotten the message that I left for her yesterday, so she didnt know what room I was in. I gave her the room number and in just a matter of minutes she was knocking at the door with my gown, veil, and crinoline in tow (I had shipped them to her about two weeks earlier so I didnt have to worry about them being lost in my luggage or damaged by the airline on the trip down.).
Sorry about all you male trip report readers but I have to be a girl here for a minute and talk about how pretty my dress was! It was an Oleg Cassini strapless satin A-line gown with a tightly-fitted, embroidered and beaded bodice. The embroidery and beading was repeated around the train of the gown which was satin with an organza overlay inset into the apron back. I liked the simplicity of the gown and thought it looked very elegant. The tiara matched the beading on the gown with crystals and beads and the veil was edged in satin and had a scattering of Swarovski crystals along the edges. Okay. Sorry. Ill stop for now. Please come back, guys.
Carol had just gotten started when the phone rang again. It was my Mom this time, checking in to see how I was doing. While I was talking to Mom, Wes dropped Paula off with her wedding clothes and then went back to the Pop Century. He was getting to play chauffeur today and would be coming back around 12:30 with Dad. I talked to Larry for a little while on the phone as well to make sure he was up and doing okay.
Lisa Pena arrived right on time at 11:00 to do our hair and make up. Lisa was delightfulvery chatty and friendly and able to put everyone at ease (Well, as at ease as a bride can be three hours before her wedding. Everything was starting to seem very surreal to me. How could all these people be here working for my wedding?) She started with my hair first. Michael showed back up from swimming and, after he had a bit of second breakfast, I sent him into the bathroom to get showered and dressed.
Carol Allen had finished up and gone when Lisa finished my hair. Lisa did a great job, fixing it just like I had described. She put a final shellacking of hairspray on so it would withstand the Florida heat and humidity (honestly, I think bullets would have pinged off my head!) and started on Paulas hair and then moved on to her make-up. When Lisa was finished, Paula was very pleased with the results, I think.
Wes and Dad showed up, dressed and looking handsome. Poor Wes got to be the jack-of-all-trades today as I passed my camera to him so he could take some informal pictures during the day. He was also in charge of carrying Paulas small sewing kit in case of any last minute popped buttons or loose threads. I gave him the room key as well, since my dress was surprisingly devoid of any pockets. Luckily, he had plenty.
Lisa was working on Paulas make-up and I was getting a little bit antsy about the time, since I still had to have my make-up done, get dressed, and we needed to be in the lobby by 1:45. I finished prodding Michael to get dressed and then wisely spent my time pacing. I noticed the time at 1:00 and thought to myself that the limo should be picking up Larry and all the other guests at the Pop Century right about now to bring them to the Wedding Pavilion.
Lisa got my make-up done, I got in my dress, and then she helped fasten on my veil. I made a quick check: something old my pearl necklace that Ive had for years; something new my dress, veil, and shoes; something borrowed a small Cinderella charm that I borrowed from Paula and wore on the clasp of my pearls; something blue (and this was my favorite thing!) our wedding date and Larrys and my initials done in pave blue Swarovski crystals on the soles of my shoes.
My shoes were gorgeous white satin Stuart Weitzman sling backs with a cluster of Swarovski crystals on the toeto die forwhich I got in Dallas. They (Stuart Weitzman) have a program called Something Blue in which theyll make, out of blue Swarovski crystals, your initials inside a heart on one shoe and your wedding date inside a heart on the other. Larry was worried that they were going to put an L for Larry on one foot and an R for Robin on the other and people would just think I couldnt tell my Left foot from my Right foot. He was much relieved when I explained that L + R would be on the same shoe. Oops. My apologies. I seem to have gone into girl mode again.
Anyway, I was dressed and ready to go, as was everyone else, and so we left the room (with Paula in charge of not letting my train drag on the ground!) to go to the lobby.
Its amazing wearing a wedding dress and walking through the hotel and grounds at Disney. People stop, smile, wave, watch, wish you good luck, call out their congratulations. I lost count of the number of well-wishers that spoke to us as we passed. Even the cast members working at check-in called out congratulations as we walked by. Im not much on being the center of attraction, but you couldnt help but enjoy the tide of attention and warmth that was directed at us. It really was magical.
Our limousine driver was waiting outside for us. He had everyone get into the limo before me so Id have less scooting and rearranging to do. I think limousines are great and all, but they are definitely not conducive to graceful entrances and exits, especially when youre swathed from head to toe in satin, organza and tulle!
It was a (very) short, and cold, drive from the Grand Floridian to the Wedding Pavilion. I guess the limo driver always cranks the air conditioning up because of the combination of the Florida heat and humidity, and the brides and grooms nerves.
Stan, the videographer, was waiting for us as we pulled up at the Wedding Pavilion and he immediately began filming. Also there was Karen, our stand-in wedding coordinator. Ill refer to her as K to save confusing her with our friend, Karen.
She ushered us into the Brides Vestibule, a lovely little waiting room right as you enter the Pavilion. Once there K passed out bouquets to me and Paula and pinned boutonnières on my Dad and Michael. Our bouquets were gorgeous and they weighed about a ton! I felt sorry for Paula having to hold onto them both during the ring exchange part of the ceremony.
We were also introduced to our photographers. I had the regular Disney photographer that was part of the wedding package and a second photographer (a gift from my co-workers) that photographed the wedding in black and white for a more photojournalistic look. The regular photographer was a young man (his name escapes meStephen,maybe?) and the photojournalist photographer was a woman (Amy, I think) and they were both great. It turns out that they had just gotten engaged to one another and had just started planning their (obviously Disney) wedding. In fact, Lisa Pena said that Amy had already booked her to do Amys hair and make-up even though they werent getting married for over a year. They worked very well together professionally and I hope their married life goes as smoothly.
Jack Day, our preacher, arrived and introductions were made all around. He had the marriage license for Paula to witness so after he got her signature and said a few words to me, he took his leave.
I gave my engagement ring to Paula to keep for me until after the wedding. Michael and Wes were shown to their seats and then it was time. I could hear the music wed picked for Larry and Clive to enter the Pavilion begin and then it was time for Paula to enter. K and her assistant closed the doors to the chapel to get me into position with Dad. K straightened my train and handed me my bouquet. The bells of the Wedding Pavilion began to chime, the doors were thrown open, and Dad and I walked down the aisle to Con te Partiro (Ive always disliked the traditional Here comes the bride wedding march).
There was Larry at the end of what seemed like a very long wait.
Larry had been waiting too. Time for me dear readers to interject and to tell you about my morning. Obviously being a man, I didnt have a team of staff to pamper me and do my hair, and steam my suit, nope. Had to do it all myself.
I woke up an hour later than Robin at about 8am, I had originally planned to go and visit a park in the morning, I tentatively thought that I would go to Magic Kingdom and get my hair cut at Dapper Dans. However that struck me a bit too dangerous. Supposing the Barbers was shut due to illness or something; I couldnt turn up at my own wedding with shaggy hair. So I went and got it cut before I set off on the trip here in Scotland. Then another thought got to me, supposing I went to the MK and I was on a bus on the way back and it broke down? Would Robin forgive me turning up late for the wedding? (Errr that would be a big time NO I suspect even if it was Disney Transportations fault, so I rather figured Id hang around the Pop Century spend a bit of time with Clive and Karen, and just chill out. Actually Im pretty good at chilling out when I want to. Probably why I prefer a bath to a shower, theres nothing like falling asleep in the bath, whilst chilling out. Anyway, after all the flying and the work of bringing the Hamilton and Goble clans into a well tuned Disney Tourist Machine, I was ready for a bit of a relaxing morning.
So after getting up, and taking my time throwing on some tourist clothes, I went down to the food court and used up a DDP voucher or so, getting me breakfast. Robin clearly can remember what she had for breakfast, Im suspecting that I had pancakes or something, but then again, it might have been hash browns. Pretty sure I used my re-fillable mug.
I had a nice breakfast with Karen and Clive. Clive seemed to be a bit nervous about his speech, but Im sure he will be fine. After breakfast I went back to the room, and had a long soaky bath. Then I got out and did my hair, and got dressed. I think I moved my suitcases to Wess room, and said Hi to the male part of the Goble Clan. Then I went to see Karen and scrounged some make up, so that I could attempt (unsuccessfully) to hide a nasty spot on my top lip. Boy did I get miffed about that spot, well not a spot actually, I cut off the top of a bit of a bump that lives on my lip, shaving a few days before.
There was a bit of time left so I went for a coffee at the food court with Clive, whilst Karen got herself ready for the nuptials. I was a bit peckish so I had a nice ham and chicken sandwich. Then it was a final trip back to the room, and then time to go and meet my Floridian chums, Clive and Karen, and we got into the limo. This was the first trip Ive done in a limo and it was a lovely way to get to the church on time but I think basically Im a little big for a limo, so perhaps when Robin and I make our fortune Ill skip the limo and go straight to the Lear Jet.
When we got to the Wedding Pavilion, Clive and I were shown into the Grooms waiting room, which was nice. It was good to be able to be alone with my thoughts for a few minutes. Clive was taken off to do a few Groomsmans duties. After a few minutes then people came in and started to get me ready for the service. The videographer came and put a microphone on my suit and my flower arrived for my buttonhole. Father Jack came and said hello and the photographer came and got the rings from Clive to photograph.
Then it was time for me to go down the aisle to my music. Not long after Paula came down the aisle. Then my beautiful bride came, and there was a little gasp in my mouth .
The Wedding Pavilion is a gorgeous buildingall light and airy. It was too much to take in at that moment (though I was glad we got to hang around a little afterwards for pictures and to better look at the building).
The ceremony went quickly and smoothly and before you could say happily ever after, we were husband and wife. We got to step back into the Brides Vestibule for a couple of minutes, just Larry and me (which was niceits kind of a cruel tradition not to see each other before the wedding because wed both been through so much that special day that we wanted to share with each other), while K and her assistant got everyone else ready to shower us with rose petals outside.
There was lots of picture taking afterwards, first with all of the guests and then they dismissed them to go back to the Commanders Terrace at the Grand Floridian for the reception while they took some more pictures of Larry and me, both inside the Pavilion and outside as well.
Amy was kind enough to bustle my dress for me and then we were back into the limousine for our trip to the cake cutting.
The second we set foot out of the limo the well-wishes from cast and guests began again. The dear little old man in knickers that greets you as you enter the Grand Floridian was there to welcome us and be one of the first to congratulate us on our marriage. (Thats Knickerbockers for any Brits reading, Disney doesnt employ a guy to wear panties and stand outside the lobbies.) The lobby was set a-buzz by us walking through, hand in hand, in our wedding attire.
Out on the Commanders Terrace, the day was absolutely gorgeous. Bright sun, blue skies, and just a hint of a breeze. The champagne and apple cider was poured and then Clive manfully performed his duties as Best Man by giving a rousing toast full of wedding advice for us and embarrassment for Larry! The toast was so full of slight exaggerations about Larrys professional and personal accomplishments that the violinist actually asked Larry later on in the reception if Larry would like to play a tune on the violin because Clive had built him up so much as an accomplished musician and then later engaged Larry in conversation about what kind of violin Larry owned (none!) and the pros and cons between the different makes! (I have a clarinet though--cant play that much either!!) Muttering under his breath that Clive was a dead man, Larry managed to avoid showing his skill on the violin and steered clear of the violinist (who was a very nice man and quite talented) the rest of the afternoon.
After the toast, the cake was served and lots and lots of pictures and video were taken. Larry and I had our first dance to Youll Be in My Heart and we opened several cards that friends and co-workers had sent from Scotland and a present from Sue and Floyd (thank you very much).
Too soon it was time for the reception to be over. K presented us with our Walt Disney Fairy Tale Wedding his and her watches, which are lovely. I knew that we were supposed to receive the watches but they were a surprise to Larry. The limousine took Tom, Leanne, Karen, Clive, Sue and Floyd back to the Pop Century. K boxed up the rest of our wedding cake for us to take to our room.
We had Dad and Michaels luggage and a change of clothes in our room, so we all went there to gather their things. The limo was to come back to the Grand Floridian after dropping our guests off at the Pop Century and was going to take Dad and Michael to the airport (Michael had to get back to school as he had semester tests this week).
Back in our room, Larry took the refillable mugs to fetch some diet coke for me while Dad and Michael changed into more comfortable clothes for their flight home. We gathered up their luggage and I walked back to the lobby with them to make sure the limo was there and to say good-bye (yes, and to get some more wear out of my wedding dressI liked hearing all the congratulations as I walked by!).
The limo was there waiting for us and I said good-bye to Dad and Michael and waved them off and then said good-bye to Paula and Wes as they took the van and drove back to the Pop Century. The plan was for everyone to rest for a bit this afternoon and then they would meet up with Karen and Clive and drive over to pick up Larry and me so we could go to our dinner at the Yachtsman Steak House together.
Back at the room, Larry still hadnt returned from filling up our mugs, so I straightened up the room a bit and waited for him. And waited and waited and waited. I was beginning to think that we were going to get a record for the quickest desertion after a wedding. I thought about going and looking for him but decided that would be too pathetica bride wandering the grounds in her wedding dress asking guests if they had seen a groom! I was beginning to have visions of the ghost bride in the Haunted Mansion when the door finally opened and in walked Larry. He sheepishly admitted that he had both gotten lost and forgotten our room number and wandered the buildings looking for some familiar landmark. When that failed, he had to go to check-in and, without any ID, convince them that he was Larry Wilmot so theyd give him his room number. To this day Im still not sure how he convinced the cast members to give him the room number. Perhaps he loudly quoted his old trip reports ad nauseum until they relented and gave him the information just so hed go away! (Nope I used my considerable charm. Plus looking like a lost groom, I think they took pity on me.)
Anyway, despite having taken an oath as a trip report writer to accurately report all events of a Disney trip, Im not going to report on anything that might or might not have gone on for the next couple of hours until it was time to get ready for our reservation at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse at 6:00.
Paula, Wes, Karen and Clive showed up in the lobby of the Grand Floridian around 5:30 and we drove over to the Yacht Club where Tom, Leanne, Sue and Floyd were waiting on us. We checked in at the podium and were quickly shown to our table. I had made arrangements in advance with Paul Ernandez, the manager of the Yachtsman. We had decided on a menu with three starters served family style, salad, a choice of entrees from several steaks (a fillet, a prime rib and a NY strip, I think), chicken, fish and pasta, and dessert. Paul had done a lovely job of printing up some personalized menus with our names and the date on them which detailed the choices.
With some advice from the server, Clive picked out a red and a white wine for the wine drinkers in the group. It wasnt long before they brought out the starters: pan-seared scallops, an heirloom tomato salad, and shrimp cocktail. The salad course was a Caesar salad. As I mentioned above, the entrees were everyones individual choice and the dessert was a Jack Daniels chocolate mousse pie. I believe everyone was sufficiently stuffed once the meal was over and I cant say enough about how good everything was and how nice and accommodating the staff was.
Larry settled the check while the rest of us sat and talked for a bit after dinner then, around 8:00, we all left the restaurant and walked down to the Yacht Club Marina to pick up our boat for our Illuminations Cruise.
Our boat and captains (we had two captains this evening because one young lady was in training) were ready and, after a short wait and a little bit of paperwork, we all boarded the boat and set sail. The boat was stocked with canned soft drinks and chips (Crisps) (something they do on all the fireworks cruises now, I believe) though everyone was still a bit full from dinner. We cruised around Crescent Lake passed the Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin then turned around at MGM and came back the same way. We passed by the Yacht and Beach Clubs and went into Epcot and stopped under the bridge between France and the UK where it was almost time for the fireworks to begin.
Ive always loved Illuminations and I love this way of watching the show. We all enjoyed the fireworks but I think the best part for Larry was afterwards when we got to go onto World Showcase Lagoon for a few minutes to turn the boat around. He loves being someplace where hes not really supposed to be, especially after hours, and you get a nice view of all the countries with the lights on the buildings.
The boat took us back to the Yacht Club where we went into the lobby and said our good-byes to Tom and Leanne and to Sue and Floyd and thanked them for coming to our wedding. Then Paula, Wes, Karen, Clive, Larry and I drove back to the Pop Century, where Larry and I dropped everyone off before heading back to the Grand Floridian for the night..
This was a fantastic day, Im not the greatest person for remembering details, but this is one day I shall never forget. I would like to thank everyone who came to the Wedding, but most of all I want to thank Robin for taking me as her husband. I love her very much.
Goble/Wilmot Wedding Weekend - Day Five
I really enjoyed the whole report, you really 'set the scene' with how you described it all.
