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

[tric8783]

{PHEW} Glad to hear that the crisis seems to be averted. And nice little sneaky plan there! Good job! The big day is right around the corner! Yay!

hehe thanks! I'm really glad it lightened things and got us back on track!

Just read about all the family drama I can't believe your sister is trying to make her weight loss the focus over wedding. That is so selfish. I don't blame you for being so mad, this is your time. You are suppose to be centern of attention!!! I'm glad to hear that things have calmed down. I hope they stay that way.

I love the flip flop tags you got, so pretty. You are getting so close, can't believe it's time to start invitations. We didn't need the fast passes Wendy does but just had too because they are so cool. You will be happy! They are so much fun, our guests loved them. I love little touches like that.

By the way I went to my parents over the weekend and got all of my scrap booking stuff. Now that I have all thus free time, Im ready to start again. I spent all of Monday organizing it, printing and organizing photos. Now hopefully I can start this weekend

Yay! I'm so happy you got out your scrapbooking stuff, printed your pictures and are ready to get into it! I'm sure down the line you will be so glad you made the effort when you look back at them and can remember exact moments so vividly (or at least I do that now! )

You got the passes too?! Fun!! Did you have yours printed? I think she's going to make them in sheets for me to have printed at a Staples type place. I'm really looking forward to them! We aren't having many Disney touches other than being in Disney, so this will be a fun way to incorporate it without be overly Disney

I love those wine glass charms! I have absolutely no need for them, but I kinda want them anyways

Out of curiousity, where is the bridal fair in CT? If it isn't too far away from here (read: not practically in NY lol), it might be a possibility.

haha I know, they are so cute, and not expensive at all either! The bridal fair is at the Aqua Turf in Southington/Plantsville? It's technically still Hartford County! We just went there for NYE last weekend! They have some info on their site:
http://aquaturfclub.com/

So I was just on the disboards and saw a post that Maxine is being moved to Aulani--- AHHHHHH!! I am not happy about this

 

[yourgypsy]

haha I know, they are so cute, and not expensive at all either! The bridal fair is at the Aqua Turf in Southington/Plantsville? It's technically still Hartford County! We just went there for NYE last weekend! They have some info on their site:
http://aquaturfclub.com/

So I was just on the disboards and saw a post that Maxine is being moved to Aulani--- AHHHHHH!! I am not happy about this

Hmm. Mapquest puts it at about three hours away. I don't think that one's gonna happen. Poo!

I saw that on the facebook page. Did they reassign you yet?

 

[tric8783]

Hmm. Mapquest puts it at about three hours away. I don't think that one's gonna happen. Poo!

I saw that on the facebook page. Did they reassign you yet?

Foiled! There is another/ much bigger one I believe Feb 4-5 in Hartford at the convention center. My bach is that weekend and I am bummed to be missing it! Maybe that is closer for you?

I haven't heard a word, just that I saw the post on FB. The poster was re-assigned to Vita, but I see she is your planner, so I assume I can't have her too if our weddings are the same day?? Not really sure if they'd double us up or not. Wonder who I will get and if they'll be good...
I hope so!!

 

[tric8783]

Yesterday was our 4 month mark!!

I received an email from Maxine the night I heard she was leaving, wanting to discuss the bar/ BEO over the phone... I wrote back and told her I could talk to her today and that I already heard she was leaving!
I have a phone meeting with her at 10:30AM today and then she said my new BEO will be coming shortly after. She confirmed she is going to Aulani in a few weeks and will be back at the end of May, so I am being re-assigned to Vita. I right away expressed my concern that I know there is already another bride on my wedding day that has Vita, and she told me there were a lot of big shifts going on to cover her desk-- I hope Kristen doesn't get moved to someone else now that I'm moved to Vita!! I know you like her! If it happens I apologize in advance!

I am looking forward to hearing a little more about, talking to/meeting Vita and getting my 2nd round of BEO! I'm really hoping we are MUCH closer to my 20k mark my mom has set!

On a good note, DF went to his parents last night for dinner (he usually goes every Thursday) and talked to his dad more about the bar. Maxine basically said she thinks BOC is our best option and taht most times BOC ends up being a better deal - all of our guests would need to drink 5-7 drinks to make the package a better deal. We definitely have some drinkers, but we also have some that won't drink at all. After talking to his dad, he told DF he wants them to offer everything they have and let people get what they want / doesn't want us restricting it or anyone from getting what they want. He said he'll give us whatever money we want - ha!!
I said, does he want to take over for the wedding?!! I have no doubt in my mind if we wanted something out of my parents' budget, his would pay. But I'd feel incredibly guilty for that. I guess we'll see as we get closer but I'm hoping we'll be close enough that we won't have to ask for any extra help!

I can't wait for my bonus and tax returns, or to at least know my amounts so I can start planning where to spend them!!

I'll keep you girls posted after my call in 30 minutes- whoo hoo!


OH- AND- I went on wdw.com last night and saw the EMH are posted for our wedding- there are EMH in Epcot the night of our DP- this gets me really excited!!
One of DF's cousins also texted me this AM they bought their plane tickets! They have two babies, one was just born before tgiving and the other will be 2 in May, so I'm excited for more kiddos at the wedding!

 

[tric8783]

Just got our updated BEO! We came down 10k and we're now at $23, 718.82! However, this is still not including the liquor and my mom wants it to be 20k WITH liquor. I honestly don't know how to get it there. Even taking out the DP we'll be at 20 WITHOUT liquor. I'm really irritated with my mom at this point for agreeing to pay for us to get married there and now reducing and reducing the budget. Sorry to be *****ing I just don't know what else to do.

 

[yourgypsy]

Yesterday was our 4 month mark!!

I received an email from Maxine the night I heard she was leaving, wanting to discuss the bar/ BEO over the phone... I wrote back and told her I could talk to her today and that I already heard she was leaving!
I have a phone meeting with her at 10:30AM today and then she said my new BEO will be coming shortly after. She confirmed she is going to Aulani in a few weeks and will be back at the end of May, so I am being re-assigned to Vita. I right away expressed my concern that I know there is already another bride on my wedding day that has Vita, and she told me there were a lot of big shifts going on to cover her desk-- I hope Kristen doesn't get moved to someone else now that I'm moved to Vita!! I know you like her! If it happens I apologize in advance!

I am looking forward to hearing a little more about, talking to/meeting Vita and getting my 2nd round of BEO! I'm really hoping we are MUCH closer to my 20k mark my mom has set!

On a good note, DF went to his parents last night for dinner (he usually goes every Thursday) and talked to his dad more about the bar. Maxine basically said she thinks BOC is our best option and taht most times BOC ends up being a better deal - all of our guests would need to drink 5-7 drinks to make the package a better deal. We definitely have some drinkers, but we also have some that won't drink at all. After talking to his dad, he told DF he wants them to offer everything they have and let people get what they want / doesn't want us restricting it or anyone from getting what they want. He said he'll give us whatever money we want - ha!!
I said, does he want to take over for the wedding?!! I have no doubt in my mind if we wanted something out of my parents' budget, his would pay. But I'd feel incredibly guilty for that. I guess we'll see as we get closer but I'm hoping we'll be close enough that we won't have to ask for any extra help!

I can't wait for my bonus and tax returns, or to at least know my amounts so I can start planning where to spend them!!

I'll keep you girls posted after my call in 30 minutes- whoo hoo!


OH- AND- I went on wdw.com last night and saw the EMH are posted for our wedding- there are EMH in Epcot the night of our DP- this gets me really excited!!
One of DF's cousins also texted me this AM they bought their plane tickets! They have two babies, one was just born before tgiving and the other will be 2 in May, so I'm excited for more kiddos at the wedding!

Well, first, I'm glad you got someone nice, but dammit, now I have to worry! But yours is at five, right? Everything involving the wedding-y aspects should be done at 1:30, if not a little bit earlier. So, maybe... *crossing fingers and toes*

I briefly got excited about the EMH on the Sunday, but then I remembered the MK/Epcot photo shoot is oh-so-early the next day. And that 4am makeup call?

I can completely understand your frustrations. I wish I had words of advice or a magic wand or a money tree!

 

[BethieTink]

Tricia,

Glad to see that the situation with your Mom and sister are calming down. That's great news.

Love the flip flop tags and the wine charms. Very cute!

Sorry about the planner change. That stinks.

That's awesome that Josh's parents are willing to help out that much.

Good job on slashing the BEO! If Mom isn't paying for alcohol, why does she care if the total is included. That's weird.

Have fun at the bridal show. Congrats on the 4 month mark! Hopefully, it will be smooth sailing from here.

 

[MrsDuck]

So ridiculous about the chairs! I hope it all works out!

Woohoo for the $45 DP decor! Awesome!!

AND, how cute are those flip flop tags? I love them! The wine charms are adorable too.

Hooray for starting to design invites! That's so exciting!

Can't wait to see your escort cards-- what a cute idea!

Your bachelorette party sounds fun!

The veil is gorgeous-- I'm NOT a veil person but I think it's stunning and would look fantastic!

I'm sorry to hear you're getting a new planner.. I'm sure Vita will be great! It's awesome there is an EPCOT EMH! :dancing:

Congrats on reducing the BEO! Hmm.. I wish I had some tips on the liquor. Can you two foot the liquor bill yourselves? Not ideal but at least it would keep your mom happy...

Congrats on the 4 month!

 

[tric8783]

Well, first, I'm glad you got someone nice, but dammit, now I have to worry! But yours is at five, right? Everything involving the wedding-y aspects should be done at 1:30, if not a little bit earlier. So, maybe... *crossing fingers and toes*

I briefly got excited about the EMH on the Sunday, but then I remembered the MK/Epcot photo shoot is oh-so-early the next day. And that 4am makeup call?

I can completely understand your frustrations. I wish I had words of advice or a magic wand or a money tree!

haha aww well, I think she should be fine if you're done by 1:30, my photographer isn't even starting until 3, so hopefully we will both be in the clear! Keep me posted! YES! We leave for our HM on Monday morning, but one of my maids' birthdays is Sunday, so we are definitely going to take them to the MK for some EMH! A lot of our guests are leaving Monday too actually so it will work out great for spending time with them in the parks!

Tricia,

Glad to see that the situation with your Mom and sister are calming down. That's great news.

Love the flip flop tags and the wine charms. Very cute!

Sorry about the planner change. That stinks.

That's awesome that Josh's parents are willing to help out that much.

Good job on slashing the BEO! If Mom isn't paying for alcohol, why does she care if the total is included. That's weird.

Have fun at the bridal show. Congrats on the 4 month mark! Hopefully, it will be smooth sailing from here.

I like your practically bulleted replies
Vita seemed nice for the few things she said on our call Friday, and Vita sent me the update that night, so no complaints with her yet! My mom wants the alcohol to be included so the amount she pays is even less, she is just killing me slowly lately. I have to laugh or I'd literally be going insane! Yay for 4 months, I really hope so!

So ridiculous about the chairs! I hope it all works out!

Woohoo for the $45 DP decor! Awesome!!

AND, how cute are those flip flop tags? I love them! The wine charms are adorable too.

Hooray for starting to design invites! That's so exciting!

Can't wait to see your escort cards-- what a cute idea!

Your bachelorette party sounds fun!

The veil is gorgeous-- I'm NOT a veil person but I think it's stunning and would look fantastic!

I'm sorry to hear you're getting a new planner.. I'm sure Vita will be great! It's awesome there is an EPCOT EMH! :dancing:

Congrats on reducing the BEO! Hmm.. I wish I had some tips on the liquor. Can you two foot the liquor bill yourselves? Not ideal but at least it would keep your mom happy...

Congrats on the 4 month!

I also support your bulleting comments
DF's parents are footing the alcohol and don't really have a budget, so my mom is looking to reduce how much she pays. It's such a cluster really, since my mom/parents agreed to pay the entire amount without DF's parents contributing at all and now she's taking it back that his parents are being gracious. It's super frustrating, clearly

As always thanks for following along ladies!!

 

[tric8783]

Unfortunately, my stress levels are rising. Really I have to laugh... haha
so I get a call from my sister re: my bachelorette, she tells me one of my BM's is taking over, she doesnt feel like she's even the MOH etc, my BM is hard to deal with. The BM she's talking about is sweet as pie, from the south so she sounds even sweeter, etc. I asked her to help my sister out since I know she is so busy with the baby and work etc. I really love that all my girls are trying to make everything so perfect but apparently they're starting to fight over it too! I tell her she must be misunderstanding, that I had asked this BM specifically to help her and that was all she was doing and to just let her do it and not stress. Crisis 1 averted.

then I get the updated BEO. I'm super happy the amount is so much lower and IMO I didn't think we'd even get it that low. But in my mind I know my mom keeps stressing to me she wants it lower. So as I'm looking at the updated one, it's really bare bones. And I start to get stressed thinking there really is nothing else I can take out here and what are we going to do (que my freak out post above)

THEN I get another call from my sister, telling me now she doesnt think she should even come to my bach. This time it's my FSIL. FSIL sent an email to all of the girls coming asking what everyone was thinking of wearing so they could plan their outfits. Harmless? You would think. Apparently she intentionally left off my sister since she sent it early this week and she knew we were having it out. Regardless I think she should have just sent it to everyone including my sister but I can't change that. So my sister sent an email asking the girls to wear something so we'd slightly match, and FSIL wrote back and told her they had already decided what they were wearing (without her). Seriously??? So now I have my sister crying to me that she doesn't feel like my MOH and what is her role if everyone else is taking over.

I told her it would be fine, hung up with her and DF was looking at me like, seriously?? He knew something was up. One look at him and I just broke down and starting crying like a baby. I told him I just wanted to go to a courthouse the next day and get it done. Forget all of this mess and stress. Not even in a week into 2012 and I'm feeling so defeated.

I follow my photographers on FB and they are always so positive, some days I really am grateful for them. Today they posted the quote: "if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer
I decided today I'm leaving the BEO the way it is. I won't be happy if we take out anything else. I emailed my mom and told her the same, that I wasn't taking anything else out. I told her she can pay whatever she's paying, DF's parents will do the same, and DF and I will figure out the rest. I really think at this point that's the only thing that is going to keep me sane AND let me keep on planning what I want. I'm really trying to turn this around, ignore the BS and get back to enjoying this time... in less than 4 months I will finally be married to my love that I've been waiting 7 long years for and THAT is something to celebrate!!!
Sorry for being negative and down lately but I really hope changing my stance on things is going to change the way things are going dramatically and for the best! I'm so grateful for you all helping me through, I don't know what I'd do without you!!

 

[mebbradley]

write that quote on a post-it note and stick it everywhere!

I agree with what you told your mom. Stick to your guns!

Sorry for the Drama!!

 

[mebbradley]

booooo double post

That means double imaginary cookies, right?

 

[Ash8716]

Hey! I hope things are going a little better after the posts I just read

First of all my mom printed our fast passes at home but you can bring to staples. Wendy had them all set to print. You just need to cut them! Very easy

I'm impressed with how much you are getting your bei down! I know it's not exactly how you want it but hopefully you come up with a good compromise so it's not just the bare minimum. Dfs family helping with the bar is a good thing! That will be one less argument. I'm sure it will all work out in the end, you can't go to a courthouse!!!

As for all this bachelorette drama, that is just bs. I'm sorry your sister is acting that way. Seems to me she is still bitter about the argument you guys had Nd can't let it go. It doesn't sound like anyone else is really doing anything wrong. I hope she changes her attitude around and enjoys the day. Just because she is MOH doesn't mean she has to plan everything. I had opposite problems with my MOH she didn't plan anything so the other BMs took over. That's kind of her personality but I did take it personally and we don't talk much anymore Kind of sad how weddings can bring the bad out in people. Good luck with all the family stuff!

By the way I hope things are going well with the new planner!

 

[tric8783]

write that quote on a post-it note and stick it everywhere!

I agree with what you told your mom. Stick to your guns!

Sorry for the Drama!!

Thanks Megan!! I'm definitely doing that and trying my best to avoid any other drama anyone's trying to throw at me!!

booooo double post

That means double imaginary cookies, right?

Definitely, YES!

Hey! I hope things are going a little better after the posts I just read

First of all my mom printed our fast passes at home but you can bring to staples. Wendy had them all set to print. You just need to cut them! Very easy

I'm impressed with how much you are getting your bei down! I know it's not exactly how you want it but hopefully you come up with a good compromise so it's not just the bare minimum. Dfs family helping with the bar is a good thing! That will be one less argument. I'm sure it will all work out in the end, you can't go to a courthouse!!!

As for all this bachelorette drama, that is just bs. I'm sorry your sister is acting that way. Seems to me she is still bitter about the argument you guys had Nd can't let it go. It doesn't sound like anyone else is really doing anything wrong. I hope she changes her attitude around and enjoys the day. Just because she is MOH doesn't mean she has to plan everything. I had opposite problems with my MOH she didn't plan anything so the other BMs took over. That's kind of her personality but I did take it personally and we don't talk much anymore Kind of sad how weddings can bring the bad out in people. Good luck with all the family stuff!

By the way I hope things are going well with the new planner!

Thanks Ashley! I'm really excited for the fastpasses, I think they will be a great touch. We were having a hard time deciding on what to do with tables, ie just #s etc, so this made it easy!

Ugh the bach. I decided I was removing myself from all the drama. I keep responding "whatever you want to do, go for it!!" trying to keep positive and let it just rub off, it will work out. 3 more weeks and I'm looking forward to all my girls in one place!

Vita is great so far! More about this in the next post!

 

[tric8783]

Checking in!

So I had a meeting on Friday with Maxine and my new planner Vita, Vita only said a few words and the rest of the conversation was between Maxine and I. I figured it would be at least another week before I got the updated BEO, and to my surprise I got it that night around 5pm from Vita- I like her already!
I emailed Vita back I am going to take a break from working on the BEO right now since my stress levels are rising and left it at that. Apparently my mom struck again, emailing her that we were still too high and it needed to come down. Vita replied to her yesterday afternoon and CC'd me (otherwise I wouldn't have known... again). I blasted my mom for going behind my back AGAIN and even more that I had already told her I wasn't taking anything else out and DF and I would figure out the rest. She told me she responded to Vita before I had told her this, so I am over it at this point but still so irritated with her. Stop trying to go around me... I signed the contract and MY name is on it to make decisions... back off! I think now that I've expressed we're going to make the rest work, she will. So I am happy with that.

I am loving that Vita is fast at replying and emailing. I loved Maxine but she did take some time responding sometimes, even though I know how super busy she is and how many weddings she must actually cover. Her sweetness really stopped me from ever being totally irritated.

Next up : I'm slightly freaking out that I might change my entire feel to the wedding!

 

[yourgypsy]

Checking in!

So I had a meeting on Friday with Maxine and my new planner Vita, Vita only said a few words and the rest of the conversation was between Maxine and I. I figured it would be at least another week before I got the updated BEO, and to my surprise I got it that night around 5pm from Vita- I like her already!
I emailed Vita back I am going to take a break from working on the BEO right now since my stress levels are rising and left it at that. Apparently my mom struck again, emailing her that we were still too high and it needed to come down. Vita replied to her yesterday afternoon and CC'd me (otherwise I wouldn't have known... again). I blasted my mom for going behind my back AGAIN and even more that I had already told her I wasn't taking anything else out and DF and I would figure out the rest. She told me she responded to Vita before I had told her this, so I am over it at this point but still so irritated with her. Stop trying to go around me... I signed the contract and MY name is on it to make decisions... back off! I think now that I've expressed we're going to make the rest work, she will. So I am happy with that.

I am loving that Vita is fast at replying and emailing. I loved Maxine but she did take some time responding sometimes, even though I know how super busy she is and how many weddings she must actually cover. Her sweetness really stopped me from ever being totally irritated.

Next up : I'm slightly freaking out that I might change my entire feel to the wedding!

I'm so glad that you like Vita. She was super sweet on the phone yesterday, and I knew you'd like her.

In regards to your mom - UGH! Is there any way to take her off the list of people who can have a final say in what happens in the wedding? I mean, it's one thing to express her opinion in things to YOU, but to call up and demand changes? Holy flying monkeys, no.

And curious minds are curious! What are the ideas for a new feel? (That sentence sounds awkward, taken out of context )

 

[tric8783]

Ok so thoughts on this please!! I am going through the period of doubting every decision I've made so far- hahaha. Including our locations, if we should have gone just us and had a very small wedding ,etc. I've decided it's too late now to change the size. STD's have gone out, everyone is excited, we're excited for the love and support of everyone who is so excited, etc. A lot of our guests have already booked their hotels and started researching the area, so our locations aren't changing. I thought about having an outdoor reception, but I want to dance and I don't think we can bring a DJ out to the croquet lawn etc. so our locations are staying the same!
However, I am rethinking our decor.
This actually sprouted from budget adjusting but now I'm starting to get excited about it meshing better. I'm just not sure it really meshes in life the way it does in my head.

Right now: we have the wooden folding chairs on the beach, arranged in a semi circle so everyone is facing us/the water. We have a tall/ high boy table for a sand or unity candle ceremony. We have long satin and organza ribbons tied to the sides of the chairs on the aisle from the chair to the sand, with a single white peony tied at the top as well. We are providing flip flops, bottled water and parasols in baskets/tubs and then placing a paper fan and program at each seat.

My plan: I'm thinking of taking out renting the chairs, and using the chairs they provide. We can't have the ribbons and peonies on the chairs anymore because there isn't anywhere to tie them. BUT DF really wanted palm fronds before to be laid in the aisle and they didn't go with my girly ribbons and flowers so I told him no. So, now I'm thinking of laying palm fronds, possibly mixed with pink petals sparingly and maybe also white starfish laid on top of the fronds (not many just a few for pretty-ness). I can get the starfish myself at a craft store as long as Disney will lay them down for me. I actually got some really pretty ones for a shower last spring so I'm going to try to find them again! We will still give out everything we planned before because I've already gotten everything or planned for it, etc. I am thinking of adding a canopy with white draping to add to the romantic beachy feel. The BM's are in chiffon flowy short dresses, they will be carrying their bouquet obviously but a parasol in the other hand too. Do you think these will vibe together or do they clash too much??

For Reception:
Currently we have 3 long roman tables of 20 people and 2 rounds of 10 people. We have alternating floral/revere bowls and glass vases with floating candles down the center of the long tables, and the revere bowls of flowers in the middle of the rounds.

Yesterday before the ceremony came to mind, I emailed Laura to potentially change the long tables to have all alternating tall/short vases with floating candles down the centers, and only have the floral revere bowls on the rounds. Today while I was pinning for the beach ceremony, I saw starfish place cards. Right now we are using votive placecards which I haven't purchased yet, but now I am thinking of placing a starfish at each place setting instead of the votive. Again I can get these myself and DIY the place cards with some ribbon and use the ribbon to color code dinner options. It will slightly bring the beach vibe to the reception without being too much, maybe?

In my head these work and might look nice. What do you think? You can totally tell me I'm losing my mind if you think I am!

I'm at work and photobucket is blocked, I'll add pictures of what I am thinking tonight when I get home!

Opinions and advice welcome and encouraged!

 

[tric8783]

Emailed Laura today and got a response back with pictures of a ceremony on the beach, as well as the chairs they provide for free. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and use them, including the palms shown here, and add a canopy similar to this but likely just draping and not the floral swag

These are the placecards I liked and am thinking of placing at each plate/ on the napkins maybe?

and this is what I'm talking about with differing heights of vases with candles

but maybe with some lily grass to bring in the beach vibe:

I also like these but not sure where to put them, possibly at cocktail hour near the bar or etc?

We are also getting water from Impressions/ thinking of using the starfish theme there too possibly:

 

[yourgypsy]

I like it. It has a very laid-back theme, and who doesn't love the beach/ocean? And using the chairs that are provided, that should cut some back on the BEO, right? Plus, it seems like less you have to worry about bringing/shipping down, too, and I'm all for making life easier.

 

[mebbradley]

I love the canopy!!!