Jilian & BT's VR 3/24/12 Crescent Terr/Il Mulino - Last of the Randy Chapman pics up!

[Jilian]

Hello Jilian,
Sorry it took me so long to find your TR I have been so focused on other things. Anyway here I am and good thing too since I just got mentioned in the post before this LOL!

All i can really say is that I am loving your TR and I love the way CT looks in the few pictures you have posted.

I love the duck!

Your hair looks gorgeous and the makeup looks awesome. Did you airbrush?

It is ok that you stole my picture for the makeup I am glad you did actually and I am glad that I had something that you could use.

I am thinking of just getting ready at OKW and not using a hospitality suite I think it will just be easier to get ready at OKW and do the first look shots there. I can't help that I like to challenge Randy and have him take pictures at different places.

He is so calming I know what you mean he did the same kind of stuff with us.

I can not wait for more and I hope he posts a sneak peek soon

Teresa

Thanks! CT is awesome, wait until you see it.

I didn't do airbrush, just regular makeup. I asked her to do natural with emphasis on eyes and showed her your picture and she went from there.

The duck was funny and he brought a few friends. I think 3 of them showed up and they made for nice entertainment for the kids.

I love the pictures!! You look so pretty! I'm also using Beaute Speciale and I want my make-up to look similar to yours. Your kids are adorable, too!

Thanks! You're welcome to steal my pics and/or inspiration pic. I know I had a few Dis brides as inspiration pics too. Jackie actually recognized one!

 

[Jilian]

I'm impatient so I'm gonna continue on with the pics I have and add my Randy pics when I get them. Here goes...

My mom and MIL brought the kids in and they were so, so cute. They got the boys boutonnieres on and gave Abigail her bouquet that I made for her.

Randy took a few pics and we got ready to start while Karen and her crew sat the guests. Then I looked out and it was pouring Let me say that Karen is a wedding ninja. She got the violinist and guitarist and all of the guests to safety in the lobby...AND...she saved the Mickey head fans and pomander balls. THEN she came in and her and Randy pulled up the doppler on their cell phones and saw that the storm would pass quickly so they got paper towels out to dry everything off. The rain did pass and she dried everything off, re-set everything AND got everyone seated for us to start only 15 minutes behind schedule. Wedding ninja! I think she gets #1 MVP of the day for her ninja moves.

Crescent terrace from the back:

Closeup of flower arrangements:

Karen came in and told us it was time and H headed out quickly and walked down the path to his spot on the platform at crescent terrace. Next up were Abigail and Evan. “A dream is a wish” started playing and that was their cue to start walking. To my surprise they did! They really stole the show. EVERYONE jumped up and ohhhed and awwed over them. They were pretty darn cute. They gave dad a hug when they got to him.

My older son Aiden walked me down the aisle and he took his job very seriously. I laugh looking at the pictures because he looked so nervous. He has aspergers and gets uncomfortable around crowds so I'm really proud of him for agreeing to walk me.

We walked down and saw everyone standing and smiling and it was beautiful. The violin and guitar were perfect together and the song sounded so pretty. It was perfectly loud enough for everyone to hear.

I walked slowly to take in the moment while trying not to fall in my ginormous heels. Finally we reached the platform and there was my handsome H smiling. The kids sat with grandma and the ceremony began.

 

[virtuous girl]

First of all your kids are so adorable! just precious... Your table setup for dinner was cute... I LOVE how your hair & makeup turned out I want more!

 

[BethieTink]

Okay, Jillian, I have not commented on any of your TR, so here goes...

Day 1

* Sorry that T-Rex wasn't great. We went in June and didn't love it either. Apps were okay, drinks were good, but wow was it loud!
* Glad all the kids seemed so excited. Sounds like a great first day.

Day 2

* Love the welcome bags! I am so anxious to get mine started, but that is crazy talk at the this point!
* Your children are adorable! Love the aisle pic!
* We have done the GF tea twice and loved it each time. Looks like you had a fabulous time.
* Awesome welcome party! Great location. Yay for Publix. I will have to remember that one for November and we need to stock the villa.

VR Day

* Sorry your morning was so stressful. Ick!
* Not cool on the suite! That is a major piffle! Boo on S&D!
* Tables look great! I have a couple of those frames that I am using for a project for my VR!
* Hair and makeup look amazing! You made a lovely bride!
* Glad Randy was everything you wanted. Sounds like he makes everyone relax.
* Karen sounds awesome! Way to go Wedding Ninja!
* Huge piffle on Il Mulino! How can they do that to a bride????
* Altar flowers are gorgeous! They are very similar to what I am looking for. That pic may turn into an inspiration pic for my PS in 3 weeks.
* Love, love, love the pictures of you and Aiden. Very sweet.
* Your dress is gorgeous and you look stunning in it.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Jilian]

First of all your kids are so adorable! just precious... Your table setup for dinner was cute... I LOVE how your hair & makeup turned out I want more!

Thanks! The kids were a big hit with everyone. I just loved their little outfits. Something about a tiny suit just melts my heart.

I'll definitely post more pics when I get my Randy stuff!

Okay, Jillian, I have not commented on any of your TR, so here goes...

Day 1

* Sorry that T-Rex wasn't great. We went in June and didn't love it either. Apps were okay, drinks were good, but wow was it loud!
* Glad all the kids seemed so excited. Sounds like a great first day.

Day 2

* Love the welcome bags! I am so anxious to get mine started, but that is crazy talk at the this point!
* Your children are adorable! Love the aisle pic!
* We have done the GF tea twice and loved it each time. Looks like you had a fabulous time.
* Awesome welcome party! Great location. Yay for Publix. I will have to remember that one for November and we need to stock the villa.

VR Day

* Sorry your morning was so stressful. Ick!
* Not cool on the suite! That is a major piffle! Boo on S&D!
* Tables look great! I have a couple of those frames that I am using for a project for my VR!
* Hair and makeup look amazing! You made a lovely bride!
* Glad Randy was everything you wanted. Sounds like he makes everyone relax.
* Karen sounds awesome! Way to go Wedding Ninja!
* Huge piffle on Il Mulino! How can they do that to a bride????
* Altar flowers are gorgeous! They are very similar to what I am looking for. That pic may turn into an inspiration pic for my PS in 3 weeks.
* Love, love, love the pictures of you and Aiden. Very sweet.
* Your dress is gorgeous and you look stunning in it.

Can't wait to read more!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Trex was loud.

That Publix is the best, I actually found out about it here on the Dis

Feel free to steal any pics you want to use. I'm happy to help.

Thanks for all of the kind words

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

Just a note: it took us about 3 weeks to get our pics from Randy. We didn’t get a sneak peek, but I also didn’t ask for one. ☺ Now, onto the TR!

-WOW! Super wedding-ninja!!!
-The picture of your little girl hugging daddy is sooo sweet.
-Your son looks so nervous. It’s adorable. You’re such a good mommy.

I can’t wait for more!!!

 

[Jilian]

I'm on a roll here, time to finish up the ceremony!

Our own Pastor was nice enough to come up and do our ceremony for us so it was personalized. He did a great job and talked about the Bible verse on love from Corinthians (which was perfect because it was printed out on the back of my Mickey head fans!). It was really touching. I was oddly nervous and my legs were shaky in my big shoes. I focused on trying not to fall and taking deep breaths. Then I noticed a duck walking up behind our Pastor. Then another, and another. I thought we were under attack. I guess they just wanted to join the ceremony. They wandered around on the platform then I realized that my niece was eating goldfish crackers and the ducks wanted some. So we had some pet ducks as guests! It made for cute pictures and I had to try not to laugh while one was walking up the stairs behind our Pastor.

Then it was time for vows. I was so nervous! I read mine to H and hardly looked up from my notecard – oops.

Then it was time for him to read. I tried to really take in the moment.

They were so sweet; he is such a good writer. He talked about when we first met and how he knew that we'd be together one day. He choked up and had to stop for a few seconds which made EVERYONE cry. Seriously, the whole place was in tears. Then I read the vows to the kids and H gave them their pins and I kissed each of them.

Many, many more tears there. Then we were done. Our Pastor pronounced us a family and I kissed H before he even told us to, which was really funny for everyone.

“Married Life” from UP started playing and we walked down the aisle while everyone cheered and greeted us and then we walked back around for the staged exit. THAT was fun. So much fun. My kids really got into the petal tossing. We had to tell them to stop 20 mins later when they were still throwing petals everywhere.

I don't have any petal toss pics yet but here are a few of our family shots:

Evan's face in this one really makes me laugh. This is what he does when someone tells him to smile:

We took a few pictures and Karen escorted some guests in. H and I thanked the violinist and guitarist for staying late due to the rain, they really did an excellent job! We also thanked Karen and told her how much all of the other Swalphins love her. Randy did a few more shots with us and then it was time for him to go too. And we were off to the Il Mulino for dinner!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-I think it’s very sweet that your pastor from home was there. But OH MY THE DUCKS!!! What a silly, yet good, memory.
-Awww. Can you get a copy of DH’s vows? (Would you mind?) I know I’d love to read them!
-You just couldn’t wait to kiss hubs!
-I love how you daughter is just looking off to the side in the first one. And Evan’s face!!! HA!
-Can’t wait for dinner! Having dinner at Il Mulino was my initial plan (even though I’ve never been there), so I can’t wait to see what your reception is like.

 

[MrsDuck]

Okay, CT looks KICK BUTT in all of these pictures! I'm so so so so so happy!!

Wow, go Karen! So glad the rain didn't set you back too far! Karen is the best ever!

Holy cow-- your arrangements are GORGEOUS.

Again, your kids are everything adorable on the planet. Aiden did an awesome job!

(PS. you looked so beautiful!)

Okay, so glad to hear your review of the violin and guitar! I need to add a guitarist. AND, I'm also glad they're off to the side.. I didn't even think about where they'd be!

I love that you were nervous. So so sweet.

LOVE the ducks! They wanted in on the fun too!!

You had such a beautiful day! Ahh!!

Love that the kiddos were so into tossing the petals, lolol.

Such an awesome TR so far!

And my obligatory statement: MOREEEE!!!

 

[Sarah84]

Oh wow Jullian, everything looks so beautiful espcially you what a gorgeous family you are.
Those floral arrangements are so pretty, and i'm so glad the rain didn't last long and delay you by too much. Haha the ducks are too cute, but i would have been freaking out that one would come too close and i'd get scared, try to 'calmly' run, trip over and look silly

I hope everything goes well at the reception, looking forward to reading about that as it's less than 4 weeks away till we have ours there.

 

[2dogmom]

What a great ceremony. You are beautiful, your kids are so adorable. You son looked so serious walking you down the aisle I'm so happy to hear Karen saved the day!!!

 

[tric8783]

Love! Everything is so pretty Jilian! Your kids are just adorable, the ducks! Everything sounds perfect so far, even the rain! Were there any rainbows later? That would just complete it for me

So happy everything turned out so beautifully for you!!

 

[jessiegirl84]

Jillian, congratulations! Your ceremony looked so beautiful I loved how the ducks came to join you and that you were able to have the ceremony outside how amazing! You looked so beautiful I really loved your hair & makeup and dress is gorgeous! Your kids are so cute!
I'm so sorry to hear you had some issues with Il Mulino, I can't believe Erica wasn't even there at night.
Looking forward to reading more

 

[Sizzle]

I just can't stop refreshing! It's like a total addiction at this point

I showed Brandon all of the pics and he totally agreed with me that everything turned out so beautifully!

I love how the kids interacted so well with everyone and your son's determination walking you...just awww.

Did the walk feel like it took a million years? It looks so long!

Keep the updates coming! Loving every minute

 

[Jilian]

-I think it’s very sweet that your pastor from home was there. But OH MY THE DUCKS!!! What a silly, yet good, memory.
-Awww. Can you get a copy of DH’s vows? (Would you mind?) I know I’d love to read them!
-You just couldn’t wait to kiss hubs!
-I love how you daughter is just looking off to the side in the first one. And Evan’s face!!! HA!
-Can’t wait for dinner! Having dinner at Il Mulino was my initial plan (even though I’ve never been there), so I can’t wait to see what your reception is like.

The ducks were great, they made everyone laugh. They just walked up like they owned the place...and I guess they technically do.

I will get a copy of H's vows, I want to read them again too.

Il Mulino is pretty great, I especially love their bar area and their courtyard. Definitely try them! I hear they are on restaurant.com too and you can get huge discounts.

Okay, CT looks KICK BUTT in all of these pictures! I'm so so so so so happy!!

Wow, go Karen! So glad the rain didn't set you back too far! Karen is the best ever!

Holy cow-- your arrangements are GORGEOUS.

Again, your kids are everything adorable on the planet. Aiden did an awesome job!

(PS. you looked so beautiful!)

Okay, so glad to hear your review of the violin and guitar! I need to add a guitarist. AND, I'm also glad they're off to the side.. I didn't even think about where they'd be!

I love that you were nervous. So so sweet.

LOVE the ducks! They wanted in on the fun too!!

You had such a beautiful day! Ahh!!

Love that the kiddos were so into tossing the petals, lolol.

Such an awesome TR so far!

And my obligatory statement: MOREEEE!!!

Aww thanks! You're gonna love CT! I know I keep saying it but seriously, it is so much more awesome now.

I'm going to hopefully finish up the VR day tonight!

Oh wow Jullian, everything looks so beautiful espcially you what a gorgeous family you are.
Those floral arrangements are so pretty, and i'm so glad the rain didn't last long and delay you by too much. Haha the ducks are too cute, but i would have been freaking out that one would come too close and i'd get scared, try to 'calmly' run, trip over and look silly

I hope everything goes well at the reception, looking forward to reading about that as it's less than 4 weeks away till we have ours there.

Thanks Sarah! One duck did make me nervous, he was all up on me and basically touching my dress. I was trying to figure out how to get him away if he started biting me - it probably is in poor taste to kick a duck at a wedding.

Yay for 3+ weeks!!

What a great ceremony. You are beautiful, your kids are so adorable. You son looked so serious walking you down the aisle I'm so happy to hear Karen saved the day!!!

Thanks for the kind words

Love! Everything is so pretty Jilian! Your kids are just adorable, the ducks! Everything sounds perfect so far, even the rain! Were there any rainbows later? That would just complete it for me

So happy everything turned out so beautifully for you!!

You know, I didn't think to check for rainbows. We went into Il Mulino right after the short ceremony and it was dark by the time we came back out.

Thanks for the compliments

I just can't stop refreshing! It's like a total addiction at this point

I showed Brandon all of the pics and he totally agreed with me that everything turned out so beautifully!

I love how the kids interacted so well with everyone and your son's determination walking you...just awww.

Did the walk feel like it took a million years? It looks so long!

Keep the updates coming! Loving every minute

LOL, I'll give you your fix soon, I'm gonna finish up the Il Mulino part soon. Sorry to keep you hanging. I totally know how it is, when Joanne had her VR I was like "Why did she have to stay in WDW for so long after, I need her to hurry home and tell me how it went!"

Tell you DF thanks. Awww.

The aisle was long but it didn't seem long to me. It all went by so fast and I had to really work at taking it all in slowly so I'd remember everything.

 

[Jilian]

Here are my H's vows:

Jill,

I’ll never forget the day we first met. I had just moved to Florida and was hoping to find a friendly face. I can still picture the first time I set eyes on you. I felt as if the room had lit up as you walked in. Then you came up to talk to me. I wished I could have said something witty or charming or something profoundly intelligent, but I didn’t. I did what I’ve always done best…I acted like a complete fool. And even though I failed to make a good first impression I still knew that some day we would be together.

We’ve certainly been through a lot over these past few years. Like two home births, raising 3 amazing children, buying our house, my Father and Grandfather passing away, Evan’s heart surgery, finding God. It’s the good times we’ve shared and tragedies we’ve over come that make our love for each other so strong. And despite the hectic lives we lead you’ve still managed to give me a life of purpose, of joy, and a life I can be truly proud of.

5 years ago we pledged our commitment to one another and today I’d like to reaffirm those vows.

Jill,

I promise to be there for you in times of joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health and in times of want and plenty. I promise to cherish you and to always love you.

 

[Jilian]

Time to finish up the VR day...I'm going to be brutally honest as promised

Our private room:

We arrived at the Il Mulino and everyone was getting seated. Our contract said that we wanted 30 mins to have drinks, mingle and do a speech and prayer. I swear that they did not read the contract. They started taking orders right away and H got up and asked them to please give us at least 15 mins to do the speech and prayer (he was really annoyed because he was chatting with friends and wanted to mingle). They did. H got up and thanked everyone for coming then his BFF got up and did a cute speech.

Then our Pastor said the blessing and dinner started. There were a few more issues that annoyed me like the servers were supposed to offer bar drinks in addition to the wine selections but they only did at one of the four tables. H noticed and went around and told the other 3 tables. They were supposed to offer wine and not free pour (helloooo, $58 per bottle) but they just kept pouring even when people didn't want anymore. It was all in the contract but there didn't seem to be a manager on duty at this point and the service was just ok. Not bad but not excellent or anything.

Dinner was really, really good. We started with a gigantic meatball each and they were pretty good but the Insacatta Misti platters were EXCELLENT. I want to go back and have another one. Then we had salad and dinner. The Antinori Toscana wine was great, everyone loved it. Sometime around the time our entrees were served a manager arrived, his name was Daniel and he was new. He was awesome and really made us feel special. From the time he arrived everything went perfectly. I actually e-mailed Erica about the issues because they annoyed me. We worked hard at hammering out a contract in advance so H and I could relax at dinner but the contract didn't seem to be read. I think it was because there was no visible manager on duty until later in the evening. The servers didn't seem to care much and treated us like just any other party until Daniel arrived – then the service was noticeably better. Overall I was still pretty happy with the dinner. Everyone loved the place. I'd still book them again given the chance but I'd make sure to ask in advance which manager would be on duty and bring a copy of my contract to hand to them. I had stupidly expected Erica to be there. When I e-mailed Erica she said she'd mention it to the managers and she's not sure why the issues arose. She offered a sincere apology and that was that. We ended up going over the room minimum by just under $300 which was just where I wanted to be.

Our guests are drinkers and they really drank. Dessert was a huge hit too and then we noticed that it was 7:45 and the chartered transportation would be back to pick everyone up by 8 so I reminded them. Everyone got ready and headed out. We made plans to meet everyone back at the courtyard for an after dinner drink.

H and I stayed with a few friends to clean up and the servers were really helpful. The manager even called bell services to come pick us up with all of our supplies. I went and checked out of our hospitality suite and met bell services back at Il Mulino. The guy dropped my makeup box on our centerpiece flowers which made me sad the first time but then he did it a second time and completely destroyed the flowers I was really bummed and said I'd carry the makeup box and he said “At least it's not your bouquet that got ruined” Grrrr. We only gave him $2 because I was mad.

We got back to CBR and came up to our room to see our courtyard hoppin'. There was a par-tay going on out there! Everyone cheered when we showed up and snapped pics.

Me and my sis:

Basically everyone at the wedding was there. It was great! We let the kids stay up late and play and we all hung out. Eventually I put the kids to bed and took a shower and went back out a little longer. The best part is that the rooms are pretty sound-proof so you couldn't hear any of the outside chatter inside the rooms. We got to bed around 1am that night. So much for making rope drop @ the MK the next morning! H and I were so, so happy with the way everything turned out. It was more than we could have ever hoped for. I still smile just thinking about how beautiful everything turned out. It is a day that I will keep in my heart forever.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Jillian sweetie!!
Okay all caught up after a manic few days of work!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous!!!!
Everything went off beautifully and your children were perfect!!
Brian's vows brought tears to my eyes - just wonderful and so heartfelt!!
I am sorry that you had a few issues with 'Il Millano', but all was well in the end and all your guests had a great time so that's what counts!!
Can't wait to see Randy's photos - I know they will be stunning!!

 

[MrsDuck]

So sorry to hear that things with Il Mulino didn't go super well but it sounds like you still had a blast! Everything looked awesome and I'm so so glad you guys kept up the party at the resort- so fun!!

I'm happy you had such a wonderful experience and a happy day!

 

[Jilian]

Jillian sweetie!!
Okay all caught up after a manic few days of work!!
Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous!!!!
Everything went off beautifully and your children were perfect!!
Brian's vows brought tears to my eyes - just wonderful and so heartfelt!!
I am sorry that you had a few issues with 'Il Millano', but all was well in the end and all your guests had a great time so that's what counts!!
Can't wait to see Randy's photos - I know they will be stunning!!

Thanks! Everything was pretty perfect in the end so I didn't let the few issues that came up at Il Mulino bother me. I'm dying to see Randy's pictures. I'm stalking his pages like a maniac hoping I can will my pictures to magically appear!

So sorry to hear that things with Il Mulino didn't go super well but it sounds like you still had a blast! Everything looked awesome and I'm so so glad you guys kept up the party at the resort- so fun!!

I'm happy you had such a wonderful experience and a happy day!

We did have a blast! I'm not really upset at the Il Mulino stuff anymore, it didn't really effect the rest of our evening. Thanks for the kind words
------------------------------------------

I don't have too much interesting to say about the rest of the trip so I'll give brief details and throw in some pics and hopefull be done by this weekend with the actual trip part. Then I'll move on to vendor reviews and Glad I did/Wish I had and then I'll be done! Thanks so much for reading along and following our journey everyone