J & T's Wishes Wedding 5/5/12 SB/SBP/BW *Wedding & Aulani HM TR Complete!*

[tric8783]

So after emailing with Maxine, we have now switched our DP at the GF Marina over to Epcot at UK, she put a hold for us on the Upper Terrace and Lochside. Granted I have been to the world probably 40 or 50 times and likely walked by this so many times, I have no idea specifically where it is. I imagine it's either between the UK and Canada, or near Rose and Crown? I'm sure someone here knows hopefully?

We're still debating if we'll be able to invite everyone, or just the wedding party, or if we'll rent the float boats instead and go into Epcot to see the fireworks that way (which she said is through recreation and completely different). A part of me really wants a pre-rsvp and asking if people expect to come in on Friday or not. But at this point I know that's not something I can do, we are about to send our STD's (hoping we get a good picture from our e-pics next week) and then invitations will go out in what, mid to late January? I'll have to check the timelines on this but I feel like we should know our numbers by March so invites I assume would go out late Jan, early Feb?? Can you tell I really like to plan ahead and it's killing me that I can't??? :

I also asked Maxine in my reply back if we'll be able to stick signs in the ground, like a "leave your shoes and dig your toes in the sand' for the shoe check at the beach, then I've been eyeing an 'Eat, drink & be married' sign for cocktail hour. I'd also like to get 'Happily ever after starts here'' for the reception, but since we're in the ballroom I'm not sure where we'd put it , unless we could put a bucket of sand or something inside with the sign in it. We'll see what she says! Anyone else use signs like this or were you told no?

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

 

[disney-a-holic]

Congratulations on your disney wedding!!

everything looks and sounds amazing!!!

Loveing the act that you will be having your Dp at UK pavillion!! As i am from the UK!!

I look forward to following all your planning - you and your man make a cute couple!!!

 

[tric8783]

Congratulations on your disney wedding!!

everything looks and sounds amazing!!!

Loveing the act that you will be having your Dp at UK pavillion!! As i am from the UK!!

I look forward to following all your planning - you and your man make a cute couple!!!

Thanks so much!!! I really hope we will be able to keep the DP, as I have a major sweet tooth and I think it's a great way to welcome everyone and thank them for coming to celebrate with us!!

 

[jlocmac]

Love reading about your PS. Since we had an Escape wedding, we didn't have one. It sounds like you guys had a blast!!

I really like all of your ideas for the wedding. I think the umbrellas and stuff are a very good idea for the beach. Our wedding was just last month, but it was SOOOOO hot!! I couldn't believe it. As the day went on, it just got hotter. So the fans and umbrellas will really help your guests out. Plus the shoe check and sandals idea is great!!

I hope you get to have the DP. We didn't have one. We thought about it, but then decided against it. I kind of wish we had now, but oh well. It didn't make or break my wedding trip. That's for sure! But me and the DH did the Tomorrowland Fireworks DP on our honeymoon. It was a blast!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[CDsSleepingBeauty]

Thanks!! I am really looking forward to seeing this "vision" of mine pan out!! We have our floral director assigned, I can shoot her an email and ask her the price if you want to know before then! My BM's and I will be wearing our heels from the BC out to the sand, then taking them off and walking up the aisle barefoot. DF said he wants to just keep his shoes since they will be in their suits, I told him he runs whatever the boys do, so that's up to him! We decided we're going to just write the ceremony is at the BC Resort and not specify the beach so that the shoe check can be a cute little surprise. I'm sure people will figure it out and talk about it before the wedding but I decided I'm going to buy smaller quantities of flip flops and parasols rather than spending a lot for stuff people may or may not use!!

I found our parasols online from lunabazaar.com, they are between 5.50 and 7.95 each depending how many you get. I am also getting our fans from navyandlavender.com, for 1.08 each (and they look like they are nice quality). I found both vendors in the back of a wedding magazine on a list of "100 websites you need to know about"

Thanks for the links!! Those are great prices! If you don't mind sending her an email, I am curious as to what the price is for one of those canopies. I'm sure I've been driving my planner crazy with emails asking about prices , but we want to go to our PS knowing what we can afford so we don't have to scratch as much off later.

I love how you're using the shoe check as a surprise! That's such a cute idea!

 

[tric8783]

Love reading about your PS. Since we had an Escape wedding, we didn't have one. It sounds like you guys had a blast!!

I really like all of your ideas for the wedding. I think the umbrellas and stuff are a very good idea for the beach. Our wedding was just last month, but it was SOOOOO hot!! I couldn't believe it. As the day went on, it just got hotter. So the fans and umbrellas will really help your guests out. Plus the shoe check and sandals idea is great!!

I hope you get to have the DP. We didn't have one. We thought about it, but then decided against it. I kind of wish we had now, but oh well. It didn't make or break my wedding trip. That's for sure! But me and the DH did the Tomorrowland Fireworks DP on our honeymoon. It was a blast!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

Thanks so much for following along!! I'm hoping it won't be too hot, but we're hoping to keep our ceremony short just in case! I'm really crossing my fingers we get to keep the DP too!!

 

[tric8783]

Thanks for the links!! Those are great prices! If you don't mind sending her an email, I am curious as to what the price is for one of those canopies. I'm sure I've been driving my planner crazy with emails asking about prices , but we want to go to our PS knowing what we can afford so we don't have to scratch as much off later.

I love how you're using the shoe check as a surprise! That's such a cute idea!

No problem! I have gotten so much useful information from here, I thought I'd try and pass along as much as possible! : I did go ahead and email our floral planner, Laura. I will let you know when she responds!! I actually sent her a lengthy email that I didn't plan on, so she might take a few days to respond, but I will definitely check in once she does!!

 

[Ash8716]

I love that you changed the DP to EPCOT officially. I think this will be better since you will actually be up close for the fireworks rather than listening to music on loud speakers! It's funny you say you don't know where the terrace is at the UK pavilion. When we booked France I couldn't picture ours either. I have to EPCOT so many times but I guess there are a lot of things you don't pay attention to until you are planning a wedding. We had the same struggle you had trying to decide who to invite to the DP. At first we were going to do it just for immediate family and wedding party but then after a lot of thought decided since we aren't doing a brunch and since our guests were traveling so far we would try to work it into our budget to invite everyone. Whatever way you decide you will have so much fun!!

BTW I can't wait to see your engagement photos. Do you know where you doing them yet? Whose your photographer?

Oh and I love your leave your shoes sign So much fun!

 

[JenKatt]

You have passed the upper terrace lockside at the UK many times. The easiest way to think about it is like this: when you come through the International Gateway from the Epcot hotels and go up the bridge that crosses into France, if you were to instead go down the UK side, it's right there. It's almost never busy, it's right next to the Rose and Crown and the fish and chip shop. If you know where the boats line up for the illuminations cruises, it's the other terrace opposite france along the bridge.

 

[CourtenayB]

my dress! (i still have to go back and order but I am sure this is the one!) and my FSIL is holding up a hair broach we are going to have sewn on for some added bling!

Hey!!! Loving your dress, very beautiful. Thanks for stopping by my PJ and leaving such sweet comments. I have been out of commission for a while because it has been crazy busy these last few weeks. We had our
engagement party this last weekend and on Sunday went to try on dresses with my bridal party. I found my dress!! Isn't it an amazing feeling? Did you cry when you put it on? I didn't at first but my whole group started to and I couldn't help it. Again, your dress is so pretty and you look stunning! I love your chosen venues, you are correct, that whole area is just incredible. I had never been to the boardwalk, nor the beach or yacht club. What a beautiful part of WDW! Congrats to you my dear, I wish you both all best!

 

[tric8783]

I love that you changed the DP to EPCOT officially. I think this will be better since you will actually be up close for the fireworks rather than listening to music on loud speakers! It's funny you say you don't know where the terrace is at the UK pavilion. When we booked France I couldn't picture ours either. I have to EPCOT so many times but I guess there are a lot of things you don't pay attention to until you are planning a wedding. We had the same struggle you had trying to decide who to invite to the DP. At first we were going to do it just for immediate family and wedding party but then after a lot of thought decided since we aren't doing a brunch and since our guests were traveling so far we would try to work it into our budget to invite everyone. Whatever way you decide you will have so much fun!!

BTW I can't wait to see your engagement photos. Do you know where you doing them yet? Whose your photographer?

Oh and I love your leave your shoes sign So much fun!

Thanks Ashley!! I am prettttty excited we are holding the space and crossing my fingers and toes it will work! I feel like since we're asking everyone to come down there, it's not like a normal wedding and I feel like we need to do things for everyone (so far between my DF, mom and I, I'm the only one whoe thinks so). I also really want to do a Farewell breakfast or brunch on Sunday, but of course I want to plan things like we're millionnaires. hahaha Once we get our BEO and can see where we are and if we have any room, I'll be able to make some more decisions I think. I'm also thinking of maybe doing a continental type farewell in the Attic at the Boardwalk maybe as a come as you wish, leave it open for a few hours but not a set time. I'm not sure! Are you doing anything farewell?

I am so excited for our e-pics! 2 days! We are using Justin & Mary Marantz, justinmarantz.com, we set up the day and time awhile ago but didn't discuss the details yet, I'm waiting to hear back from them for a location. I really wanted to go down to New London after seeing your pics but we are meeting them at 5:30 Friday to get the lighting, so I can only imagine the traffic at 5pm on a Friday, we'd have to leave work early! haha Right now I am thinking we are going to do them at an orchard that is close to where we live, but I'm waiting to hear back from Mary to see if that works. Fingers crossed!!

 

[tric8783]

You have passed the upper terrace lockside at the UK many times. The easiest way to think about it is like this: when you come through the International Gateway from the Epcot hotels and go up the bridge that crosses into France, if you were to instead go down the UK side, it's right there. It's almost never busy, it's right next to the Rose and Crown and the fish and chip shop. If you know where the boats line up for the illuminations cruises, it's the other terrace opposite france along the bridge.

Thanks!! I'm not going to lie, I'm still confused I think you're saying it's either to the left of Rose & Crown (it is closer to Canada than France), or it's closer to France once you cross the bridge. Either way I think it's a pretty good view of Illuminations so I'm happy with either one!!

 

[tric8783]

Hey!!! Loving your dress, very beautiful. Thanks for stopping by my PJ and leaving such sweet comments. I have been out of commission for a while because it has been crazy busy these last few weeks. We had our
engagement party this last weekend and on Sunday went to try on dresses with my bridal party. I found my dress!! Isn't it an amazing feeling? Did you cry when you put it on? I didn't at first but my whole group started to and I couldn't help it. Again, your dress is so pretty and you look stunning! I love your chosen venues, you are correct, that whole area is just incredible. I had never been to the boardwalk, nor the beach or yacht club. What a beautiful part of WDW! Congrats to you my dear, I wish you both all best!

Thanks so much!! So exciting you had your e-party and found your dress!! I didn't cry with my dress, no one in my group did either (haha) but after I took it off I knew I'd be back to order it, and didn't even want to try on anymore. When I did go back and order it I loved it even more! Can't wait to see my actual dress come in, see how it will bustle (I've been told it will bustle on the side to keep the lines) and get the bling sewn on too! Yippee!! Thanks so much for your sweet words, best to you too!!

 

[JenKatt]

Thanks!! I'm not going to lie, I'm still confused I think you're saying it's either to the left of Rose & Crown (it is closer to Canada than France), or it's closer to France once you cross the bridge. Either way I think it's a pretty good view of Illuminations so I'm happy with either one!!

I knew it sounded confusing. I'm at work so I can't make a map to show you. But if you look at this link you can see where it is. It's the area outlined in red with the Rose & Crown next to it and France right across the bridge.

 

[tric8783]

I knew it sounded confusing. I'm at work so I can't make a map to show you. But if you look at this link you can see where it is. It's the area outlined in red with the Rose & Crown next to it and France right across the bridge.

Oh that looks great! Thank you soo much! I feel like I had no idea there was so much room over there, now I am even more excited!

 

[Ash8716]

Thanks Ashley!! I am prettttty excited we are holding the space and crossing my fingers and toes it will work! I feel like since we're asking everyone to come down there, it's not like a normal wedding and I feel like we need to do things for everyone (so far between my DF, mom and I, I'm the only one whoe thinks so). I also really want to do a Farewell breakfast or brunch on Sunday, but of course I want to plan things like we're millionnaires. hahaha Once we get our BEO and can see where we are and if we have any room, I'll be able to make some more decisions I think. I'm also thinking of maybe doing a continental type farewell in the Attic at the Boardwalk maybe as a come as you wish, leave it open for a few hours but not a set time. I'm not sure! Are you doing anything farewell?

I am so excited for our e-pics! 2 days! We are using Justin & Mary Marantz, justinmarantz.com, we set up the day and time awhile ago but didn't discuss the details yet, I'm waiting to hear back from them for a location. I really wanted to go down to New London after seeing your pics but we are meeting them at 5:30 Friday to get the lighting, so I can only imagine the traffic at 5pm on a Friday, we'd have to leave work early! haha Right now I am thinking we are going to do them at an orchard that is close to where we live, but I'm waiting to hear back from Mary to see if that works. Fingers crossed!!

I know exactly what you mean, this is how we felt! I hope you are able to keep things at the UK. Can't wait to hear how it goes once you get the BEO hopefully things aren't too far off from what you were expecting. We were going to do a brunch after the wedding but then decided that everyone is probably going to be exhausted and so many people are using this as a vacation that we didn't think many people would attend or would end feeling obligated (Df and I included lol) So since we decided against it we turned the dessert party into a welcome dinner and it probably came out to the same price or less if we were to do both the DP and farewell brunch.

I can't wait to see your e-pics!!! Our photographer wanted to photos at 5:30 too at Harkness Park for the lighting but since it kept raining and we changed dates so many times we ended up just doing it during day when we were all available. I totally understand what you mean with traffic. Df and I were thinking we would have to take a half day because originally had them scheduled for a Friday. I'm sure your pictures will be amazing no matter where you have them done!

 

[CDsSleepingBeauty]

No problem! I have gotten so much useful information from here, I thought I'd try and pass along as much as possible! : I did go ahead and email our floral planner, Laura. I will let you know when she responds!! I actually sent her a lengthy email that I didn't plan on, so she might take a few days to respond, but I will definitely check in once she does!!

Thanks! If you have any pricing questions, I might be able to help. I feel like I've asked my planner for prices on almost everything they offer. I absolutely love your dress, by the way!

 

[tric8783]

I know exactly what you mean, this is how we felt! I hope you are able to keep things at the UK. Can't wait to hear how it goes once you get the BEO hopefully things aren't too far off from what you were expecting. We were going to do a brunch after the wedding but then decided that everyone is probably going to be exhausted and so many people are using this as a vacation that we didn't think many people would attend or would end feeling obligated (Df and I included lol) So since we decided against it we turned the dessert party into a welcome dinner and it probably came out to the same price or less if we were to do both the DP and farewell brunch.

I can't wait to see your e-pics!!! Our photographer wanted to photos at 5:30 too at Harkness Park for the lighting but since it kept raining and we changed dates so many times we ended up just doing it during day when we were all available. I totally understand what you mean with traffic. Df and I were thinking we would have to take a half day because originally had them scheduled for a Friday. I'm sure your pictures will be amazing no matter where you have them done!

That's a good point, I definitely don't want to mess with anyone's vacation plans. We do have a lot of people that are telling me theyre staying through until Monday. I'm thinking maybe very informal like stop by and get something on your way to the park type deal for a few hours only. I'm still up in the air about it really! We are moving over to the Poly on Sunday for our free night before we head off to Aulani on Monday, so I'm hoping to be able to rent a poolside cabana there for DF and I and just relax! One of my BM's birthdays is on 5/6, so we told her and her husband (who is one of DF's BM) we'd go to dinner with them for her birthday. I think we're going to organize going into a park with the group on Friday morning before the rehearsal, assuming most of the group will be there Friday. I guess we'll see- it's so hard trying to guess and figure it all out!!

Our e-pics got postponed! I am slightly bummed, but our photog is a husb & wife team, I correspond with the wife who is so nice, she's been sick and her Grandmother passed away right before we went down to FL so she had to go home to WV, etc etc. I understand they are busy and they want to make an inspiration board for us to theme our e-shoot and come up with some props etc to add to it that tie into 'us' so I'm actually looking forward to see what she says! I love reading her blog, her writing is just amazing! I can't wait to actually read about us on there, it will likely be the nicest thing anyone has ever said about us (hopefully that is... hahha)
We also can't go to the orchard now-- ugh! I emailed them and asked, since the orchards close at 5 and we were meeting around then, and they wrote me back today and said no one is allowed in the orchards past 5. Mary our photog said not to worry she would come up with some place that fit 'us', so we'll see what comes of that! We are rescheduled for next Friday and I'm still so excited! Hopefully the weather is just as nice next Friday as it's supposed to be tomorrow. If it rains I'll be so irritated!! haha

 

[tric8783]

Thanks! If you have any pricing questions, I might be able to help. I feel like I've asked my planner for prices on almost everything they offer. I absolutely love your dress, by the way!

Too funny!! I actually haven't heard back from Laura yet, and I had emailed Maxine on something else that she responded to, so I emailed her my original long email again and got a response. I get so excited to see her last name pop up in my inbox, I'm not sure if that's too normal!

 

[tric8783]

My family and some cousins have booked their rooms for the wedding (through DVC) and we've got 27 nights so far! So exciting! Poly here we come!

I emailed Maxine today with all the res #s and she added them to our block- yippee!!

Maxine did also tell me she can get us the buttons, she told me she gets them from the front desk at the Grand, but nonetheless to let her know which ones we'd like and how many and she'll get them- yay!

I told her for the DP right now we're going to ask everyone to meet us at the BC, since right now everyone who has booked a room is staying at the BC, then we will all walk to the Epcot entrance to be brought in. I figured it'll save money on transportation and everything else is in this area so it should be easy for everyone to find. Thoughts??

I also asked if there was transportation for us from rehearsal at BC to the RD at Ohana and back. We can get a mini motor coach, but it only holds 25, or we could get 4 8-passenger vans. I haven't seen these vans but the mini motor coach sounds so much nicer. My only issue is right now we have 26 adults and 3 kids under 3. I wonder if they will say the kids can't ride on laps and will count towards the 25, or if we could squeeze one more person or how strict they are. Or who I could talk to in my fam and get them to drive separate and not ride on the bus (thinking my mom... hmm)

I don't remember if I shared but I also asked if I could place signs around (at the beach, at SBP, at the reception) and she said yes, to all! I also asked if we could hang strings between a few columns at SBP and attach pictures with clothespins or some sort of pins. I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was so fun! My plan is to print out at least one picture of each confirmed guest we have and put it there for them to find! I really like making things very personal and adding small touches, she said we can check with floral but most likely we could do it - (This was one of my 25 things on my email to Laura)

so now also waiting to hear back from Laura on the 25 things I asked her!


Also I found the thread on here for DVC point rentals and forwarded to some of my BMs, if they get a two bedroom and split it by 4 couples, they can def get a steal! I don't know anything about renting points but it seems like a win-win. Anyone rented and had a good experience? Hopefully nothing too terrible!?

It's almost Friday-- yay!!!