Judi and Steve's (now) Wishes 8/3/2010 WP/WHR/UKLS - Dessert Party Pics (8/23)

[Brit_Jude]

Hi Everyone – time to start a planning journal for our August 2010 Escape Wedding

Who are we
Bride: Judi, originally from the suburbs of London, out west near Heathrow Airport. I have lived in the US for 7 years now. Long story on how I got here…maybe for a later post.

Groom: Steve, originally from Indianapolis, huge Colts fan. Steve has two son’s now 19 and 15.The 15 year old is in this picture.

How we met
Steve and I met on an internet dating site – yes we are a couple where it worked. We both lived in Panama City, Florida at the time and I can tell you it was hard to meet good dating potentials. There just didn’t seem anywhere that single professional people of our more mature age hung out. I had been internet dating for some time before I met Steve. I can tell you as long as you have the right attitude it is a lot of fun and I met some great people as well as a few strange people. I told everyone I was internet dating and quite often had to give Monday morning reports to my friends at a work. However right before I met Steve I was getting tired of the dating scene and no one I had dated was working out. That is when Steve contacted me. Now I was getting ready to go on a long trip back to England and I just wasn’t up for a date also as I had decided to give it a rest for a while. But he was persistent and kept asking me to meet him before I left. So I relented reluctantly, I have to tell you I didn’t make much of an effort for our first date. Now I had seen his picture and we had chatted but when I walked in the restaurant I thought to myself oh poop I should have made more of an effort. He claims I looked gorgeous and can still tell you exactly what I was wearing. I called my friends before I left for my trip to tell them I had met a “normal” one. This was 24 Sep 2005.

What happened next
Well I went on my trip and we kept in touch via the computer while I was away and we have been together ever since. We moved in together Nov 2006.

The Engagement
There really wasn’t a defining moment we just knew where we were headed and how were growing as a couple. It was me that one morning after I got back from a business trip I said why don’t we get married. So very excited we went out and bought rings together, engagement and matching wedding band for me and a wedding band for Steve. Shortly after Steve took me to a little quiet beach in the Panama City area officially proposed, down on one knee in the moonlight. This was May 2007.

Why has it taken us so long to get to a wedding?
I had pictured a beach wedding somewhere along the gulf coast, however I had to transfer jobs from Panama City, Florida to Arlington, Virginia and Steve and I had a long distance relationship for a while. After Steve moved to Virginia having a wedding just didn’t figure into the budget, especially as we both wanted to get our families together – mine from England and his from Indianapolis. Then when we were getting to a position to start planning our wedding on 27 February 2008 my Father died. It was a shock and for a while I could not see having a wedding without him there even though by that time I was in my 40’s. On vacation last year in Disney I decided I wanted a Disney wedding. It’s where I am always happy. Then boom in December 2009 my Mother who had not been in the best health since my Father’s death was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had weeks to live. She passed away peacefully in England with me at her side on 27 December 2009.

I cannot tell you what a tough time it has been for me, my parents were married for 59 years they loved each other dearly and loved their family. My Mother’s death has confirmed to me that it’s time to honor their memory, aspire to be like them and commit to the man I love, I want to finally make our family official, Steve, his two boys and me. Start our UP adventure. We'll make it fun as that is what they would have loved and wanted.

​

Me with Mum and Dad
Thanks for reading

 

[TinkLoverSam]

I can't wait to hear more about your plans, from one August 2010 Disney bride to another.

I'm so sorry for your losses but I agree, a wedding is a great way to celebrate and honour them.

 

[Brit_Jude]

So here is what I have so far, though I am still waiting on consultant Bill to get my LOA to me. I contacted him again yesterday to make sure he had everything he needed as he had not responded to my e-mail last week giving him all our information.

Wedding date: 3 August 2010
Time: 2.30pm
Location: Disneys Wedding Pavillion
I was origninally leaning towards See Breeze Point, I think it fits my style and the size of my wedding more...but as the wedding is in August I was concerned about it being very warm and humid and the potential for an afternoon storm. I did not want to end up in a ballroom due to rain and I also did not want my poor guests in their nice clothes sweltering in the heat. I love the Wedding Pavillion and admired it the first time I saw it from the monorail.

I am anxious to really get started so I know what options are still available and open to me as an Escape bride as far as after the wedding, reception, dinner, DP etc.

Dresses
I have also been thinking about dresses. Now I have not tried on any though I did browse around some last weekend. I can't see my myself in a big dress especially as a muture bride. I would like 1940’s Hollywood glamour. DF wants to wear a kilt and full scotish outfit, which is great, more about that later though as I have to try and match the colors in his 'clan' tartan now. Here are a few pics of some dresses I like, let me know what you think....or if you have any suggestions.

I like this from Davids Bridal. I don't want a veil. However the train on this dress is detachable so I could have it on for the Wedding ceremony for walking down aisle and remove it for the rest of the day. Here is a link to a better picture. http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/...|-49998999|-49978992&catentryId=6110589&sort=

I am not sure what it is about this dress but I keep going back to it. This one is in light green but it comes in other colors. I could not get a bigger picture so here is link to it as well: http://www.lightinthebox.com/Empire...aid--Wedding-Party-Dress--HSX104-_p22535.html

I like the dress but it is probably too much dress for me and I am not sure the flowers would work with my bigger bust. But I like that it is not really a traditional dress.

 

[mhl1414]

I love both your dresses. I have been looking at the flower ruffled one also. Can't wait to here more about your plans!

 

[daisygirl902]

Our reasons for deciding on the WP were also partially due to the weather concern....you never know when that huge rain shower is going to hit in August/September! PLUS - I saw a sample video and you can see the castle through the window - I mean - how cool is that?

The dresses are all beautiful - I love the "flow" of the first one

Great story so far, sory to hear about your losses but I do agree this is a great way to honor what they taught you about love and commitment!

Keep us "posted" as plans get made!

 

[Brit_Jude]

I got my DFTW letter of agreement YEAH! But I have to wait to sign it as DF-Steve is on a business trip to Cape Cod and won't be back until Saturday.

It has the new addition of the $7500 minimum and there is no wording in there that you only have to get to the minimum if you have a catered food. The way I am reading it we have to agree to the $7500 even if we don't have food and beverage. Here is the paragraph.

c. In addition to the other minimum requirements set forth herein, you agree to spend a minimum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7500.00) (exclusive of service charge (21%) and tax) for the Wedding (the 'Minimum Expenditure'). The Minimum Expenditure includes only those elements of the Wedding booked through Disney (e.g. Escape Collection package, photographer and/or videographer, flowers, entertainment, food and beverage) and excludes charges for formalwear, officiant services, cosemetology, Reserved Rooms, Resort theme park tickets and any other events not taking place on the day of the Wedding (e.g. rehersal dinner, farewell brunch, bridesmaid lunch).

So in reading this an Escape wedding is really $7500 now and I add in other elements to get from the Escape pakage prince to the $7500. Thoughs????

 

[MsEsty]

Hope I helped with the contact issue or at least give some amno to fire back with...

and Go Colts!

 

[Brit_Jude]

Yes you did MsEtsy - the screen shot and request for clarification has been sent by e-mail to the wedding consultant who is working our letter of agreement. Thank you!

 

[Brit_Jude]

Hi,

When I thought about what I wanted as a color scheme I knew I wanted yellow roses for my bouquet. They were my Mothers favorite flowers and if you've read my first post you know that she recently died. She was also into gold and sparkly things (clothes, jewelry) and I had saved the crystals that we were on her flowers at the funeral so I could incorporate them into my wedding bouquet to remind me of her. Along with this tribute to my Mother this must also be about our day. My favorite flowers are the purple iris. So I set about the intetnet looking for inspriration. Here they are:

I was so content. This was it. I figured I could pay to upgrade my flowers with a yellow rose boutonnières for Steve and his two Son's. With purpley-blue for ties and maybe a dress for any ladies I incorporate into the wedding. All set...or so I thought

So two weekends ago DF tells me he wants to wear a kilt and the full outfit, jacket, sporan etc. He Does have a scottish family connection and his last name is Cloud so he is part of the Clan Macleod. As this is his day as well, why not it will be fun, but then we definately needed the WP - out at Sea Breeze point in a wool kilt and socks in August . I think he is channeling Braveheart (oh gosh I hope he isn't thinking facepaint!!) He as a piece of the tartan that he hands to me. Ummmm....

....I was not sure now on the colors I had picked. It's not bad but I think the iris color is a bit much with all the colors in the tartan as the blue is quite different. Now I had to start re-thinking my color scheme. On the bright side it had the yellow in it so the yellow roses were still in the picture. Soooo...back to the internet for a little research.

The tartan he showed me is one of several tartans for the Macleod clan it was "Hunting Acient", so worn when out hunting. The primary one for fomal wear is called the "Dress" being this:

Eeekkkk - yes it is yellow alright and I am thinking that now I'm having the big bright yellow wedding!!! Could be OK right??? I could have just yellow roses or yellow and white roses.

However there is another option the Macleod "Modern" here is a not so good picture of it and a digitized version:

So I think I can work with this one and still keep the yellow roses and blue iris? With a blue or green dress for the bridesmaid?

Just wanted to add what the outfit may look like - its a bit more of a modern version than the traditional Scottish outfit.

Judi

 

[Brit_Jude]

So I just looked through the floral thread on here and now I don't know there were so many beautiful bouquets on there.

I have also contacted Randy Chapman and Rev Jack Day. Randy got back to me the very next day - great service. I am going to fax back the contract to Randy today. I wasn't going to go with another photographer but I liked his work and his price for the 3 hours is very reasonable. I am very happy with this choice.

 

[padisneyfour]

love the plans so far. Randy is very easy to work with... good luck with everything

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

I love your flower combinations, and I think your choice for a kilt pattern looks great! Can't wait to hear how it comes together!

 

[Bridie1996]

Welcome! I love the colors you've chosen and that your DF has opted to wear a kilt. My cousins wore kilts to my wedding- we're Irish so the tartan was one called I am of Ireland.

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans. Sorry to hear about your losses, it must have been very difficult to go through all that so quickly. A wedding is a great way to remember and honor their love though.

P.S.- I'm in the DC area too!

 

[pink_tink8i8]

Welcome!!!

I love your inspiration. It's going to look great and your dress is gorgeous!

 

[Brit_Jude]

I took some time over the weekend to make our Save the Dates and invites to the various members of our wedding party.

- The Maid of Honor is my oldest Sister - she has never been a bridesmaid or maid of honor before
- My Bridesmaid is my Niece, 16 years old, smart and gorgeous - my eldest Sisters Daughter
- Junior Bridesmaid/flower girl - DF's Niece 9 years old - a dancer
- Flower girl is my best friend Alison' daughter - 6 years old and first trip to Disney
- Groomsmen - DF Son's and my soon to my Stepsons they are 15 and 19 - there will not be a best man as DF wants to have both boys so we are calling them both groomsmen.

I am not at all crafty but I can use a computer and I like simple so here is my Save the Date, it did not come out very well in the photo but the text is silvery grey:

These are the special notes that I am sending to the various members of the wedding party, this is to the MOH and Bridesmaid:

These are for the Groomsmen:

The flowergirls both want to be princesses. I know it is unconventional and I want everyone to be happy and have a special day so I have booked for both of the younger girls to go to the Bibidi Bobbidi Boutique for a princess make over on the morning of the wedding. I will have two extra princesses at the wedding. Now I am not a big fan of what they do to their hair at the BBB but what fun it will be for them and they get to have a special dress up day the way they want, with pixie dust and everything. It doesn't matter to us what princess they choose to be:

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Your wedding is right before mine! I like your save the dates and I'm sure the girls will love getting to be princesses for your wedding.

Can't wait to see more of your plans. Have you picked a location for the reception yet?

 

[Brit_Jude]

TinkLoverSam,

I have read through your journal and I love your dress! Your plans look great.

No I have not established my reception location yet, I only faxed back my letter of agreement to DFTW this past weekend. DF likes Citrico's so if we can get it that will probably be it. There will be 15 - 18 people.

I also like you took advantage of the room only discount and upgraded our two week trip from the Pop to Carribean Beach Resort. We are very happy and so are our guests who are all not staying at CBR. I just think it will be bit more relaxing and the tropical grounds look lovely.

 

[Brit_Jude]

Hi All:

So my plans are taking shape and I am getting things accomplished, this week I have:

- Returned my LOA to Disney (lining out the paragraph on the $7500 minumim as directed by Bill at DFTW)
- DFTW have debited my account for the deposit
- I have signed a contract with Randy Chapman for 3 hours of photography on the day of the wedding. Randy has been really responsive and great to deal with so far. His prices are very competative with Disney's. Thanks for all the info on here.
- I have sent the contract to Beaute Special and I am waiting to hear back from them on the scheduling of the hair and make up trial. As the summer is booking up fast for them I will need to be fleixble on the trial date, which is understandable as I am doing this all in a relatively short time period.
- DF's family have all booked their hotel rooms
- I have booked for the two youngest girls to be made into princesses at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at 10 am on the morning of the wedding
- Rev. jack Day contacted me back and is sending us his informtion package for the ceremony

On another note my eldest Sister will now be my MOH, along with my Niece as bridesmaid. I was originally considering just having my Niece as the number attending the wedding is so small (15-18). My Sister didn't want to come out and ask and I did not really realize that she has never been a MOH or bridesmaid. It was so funny when we were talking and I finally figured out that she really wanted to be part of the bridal party.

As both my Sister and Niece live in England they are going to get their dresses there. My Niece does some informal modeling for a bridal shop so they are both going to get them from the shop. My Niece already has an idea of what dress she likes and feels comfortable to wear. My Sister may get the same dress or something she likes in the same color. I have told them either green or blue and provided them tartan that DF is going to wear to match up the colors. I will get a picture of the dress style and post later.

Have great weekends everyone!
Judi

 

[TinkLoverSam]

I think Citricos will be great for the reception. Too bad your group is too big for the Chef's Domain, that would be really cool for a reception!

I know what you mean about small wedding parties, we have only my sister and DF's brother standing up with us and will have only 6 guests seated at the ceremony I realized I did not have to worry about what row people would be in as there will be only 3 chairs on each side of the aisle for our family and a memorial chair for those who cannot attend.

 

[Brit_Jude]

Hi All:

Just a quick note as we are going to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D tonight

I managed get to talk to Bill on the phone today from DFTW and we chatted about what would be the best options for our wedding as far as should we upgrade to a Wishes, dinner plans, etc. We now have to factor in that DF had his GMC Sierra truck stolen from the parking lot of our apartment building on Sunday night We now have think about a replacement and put some of our money towards that purchase.

So what we have decided is to stay with the Escape and add a private dinning event at the Whitehall Room starting at 4pm, in talking to Bill we can keep the food light, as then in the evening we will have a Dessert Party at Epcot UK Lochside (Lower Terrace), I really wanted the DP and was worried about too much food at dinner that no one would enjoy the DP. I was not that keen on the Whitehall Room decor but having the patio for pre-dinner cocktails is nice and the food and beverage minimum is $500. We will have a roman table so we can all sit together. Wonder if I can get a gladiator or two? Maybe they can take care of the birds

Feeling better now that we have a plan and can't wait to work on the menus, decorations etc.

Thank you to everyone for your advice and encoragement. Now off to dinner and Alice