Julie & Brian's Disneyland Wedding (9/2011) Sleeping Beauty Theme

[BriarRose Bride]

Trying to decide on the feel of the invitations. At a bridal show I visited I found some lovely ones that evoke the colors and feel of my wedding, but I had always imagined having Impressions make some for me with Disney characters and script. A little torn. Here are the ones I found, they are beautiful and affordable.

Hoping to add a gold castle similar to this one on the front above our names.

I had always liked these Sleeping Beauty invitations as well, but sadly they have been discontinued. I assumed Impressions could do something similar with an embossed Aurora and Phillip.

I would also like some fun themed seals to complete the look. I am hoping I can have some like this made.

I came across a site where custom Renaissance invitations are made and they are very nice as well. I don't think we will use them for our invitations, but they also make illuminated manuscripts that tell your special story. Here is a taste of the style.

We are anticipating 80-90 guests, so I am not sure how many people to invite total, we have set up an A & B list to send out the invitations in tiers depending on who accepts from the A list round. I think I have heard to anticipate 30% won't be able to make it. What has been everyone's experience with this?

 

[BriarRose Bride]

I think I finally found some flower girl dresses...here are the two that I am debating on thus far.

Semi-matches the bridesmaid dresses, but the girls won't be standing up with them, so I am not sure.

Here is the other:

It is fun and comes in the colors, it isn't very bouffant or princessy though. Decisions are so difficult, I always feel like in hindsight I made the wrong one. Grrr

 

[BriarRose Bride]

So the music we have chosen includes:

Ceremony (string quartet):​

Seating of the Mothers/ lighting of candles- In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride
Seating of the remaining family members- Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith

Bridal Party Entrance- Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCm5oU0yfhk In case you were wondering how on earth a metal band could at all be used for a wedding.

Bride- Traditional Bridal March Hey I was going to go with Pachabel's Canon in D, but then I realized what other time in your life can you use this? So I decided to stick with tradition.

Unity Candle Lighting- Looking Through Your Eyes by Leann Rimes (our song)

Rose Dedication to Parents- Feed the Birds

Recessional- Traditional & All You Need is Love by Beatles

Reception (DJ)​

Grand Entrance- Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood

First Dance- Sleeping Beauty Waltz from the Disney Soundtrack (it is slower!)

Daddy Daughter Dance- My Wish By Rascal Flats or I Loved her First By Heartland

Bouquet Toss- torn, either Just a Girl by No Doubt or Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Garter- Ecstasy of Gold by Metallica

Cutting of the Cake- I want to Grow Old with You by Trey Harlow Trio

Money Dance- Remember When by Leann Rimes and if a second song is needed Almost There from Princess and the Frog

Slide Show Music- I'm Just a Girl by Deana Carter and When I grow up to be a Man by Beach Boys for the individual parts and then From this Moment On by Shania Twain for the together pictures.

Last song- Today was a Fairytale by Taylor Swift

 

[ghoulish delight]

Love all the latest updates! I think the first invites you posted were just gorgeous. It'd be really cute if they could add the castle to it! DH and I invited 100 guests and honestly, it was closer to 80 that actually showed up. However, that's just our experience. I would think that's generally pretty common though? Also, I vote for the second FG dress. It's super cute.


I meant to mention on my previous post that I, of course, LOVE love your veil idea! My veil had the sparkly tulle too and it's so pretty in the sun. Very princessy! It'll look beautiful!


P.S. Married life is awesome by the way! Thanks for asking! And worry not, dear. I'm sure your wedding will be stunning! You have all the makings for one that would be so far.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

With the Pavilion having several windows it lends to a great lighting opportunity with reflection and such. Here is a picture of what I imagine the room to look like lit up.

We will be having the draping lights and the up LED lights in changing pink and blue.

The tablecloths will be multi-colored in pastel pink, blue and green. Similar to this

We initially had chair covers but recently decided to go with the chiavari chairs in gold to pick up the other gold accents.

The tables will have the name cards by Impressions in gold writing with pixie dust. Similar to this one.

The table names we have so far are:
- Sleeping Beauty & Prince Phillip (Sweetheart Table)
- Once Upon a Dream (bridal party)
- Sword of Truth
- Flora
- Fauna
- Merryweather
- Gift of Beauty
- Gift of Song
- Spinning Wheel
- True loves kiss
- Betrothed
- I wonder

The centerpieces we chose are gold candelabras with 4 lit candles and they are beautiful. Thanks to our entertainment and floral planner, Kelly G. She suggested them and I think they fit the theming perfectly.

The floral will look something like this, just replace the blush roses with pale blue

We would like to place 1 gold bell on each table to avoid the clinking of silverware on the glasses. (pet peeve) Found these

Also placing one wedding camera on each table:

For the dance floor we upgraded to the white one

This way during our first dance we can have pin lighting and change the dress to pink and blue and it will reflect nicely.

Here are our toasting glasses

For toasts we are saying skumps! (Like in the movie)

Most of the favors offered were Cinderella favors, so I purchased molds online and am using castles in pink and blue white chocolate in clear bags with alternating color ribbon.

Hoping to find cute ribbon that says our names and date, or simply Once Upon a Dream. Similar to this:

We are also having a candy buffet...another post on that later.

Thus far I am pleased with the plans for the reception. We had planned on having Mickey, Minnie and Pluto atend (Since Pluto is my alter ego from my first position in the park and he is dear to my heart) but due to budget he was cut and we are just having the mice come!

Hopeful to have an ice sculpture in a castle or silhouette of Phillip and Aurora dancing. Any ideas?

I love the lighting on this one

 

[BriarRose Bride]

So I am in a super awkward and embarrassing place. My Step-Father has been on disability since January and he was in a pre-cancerous state, now he is very ill and the stress level has caused my Mom to be terribly unhappy. In the midst of this crisis she had also almost lost her job and instead took a pay cut with furloughs and is making half of what she used to. Financially they are in a tough place and she is coming to live with me. While this is going on with my Mother, on my Dad's side my Great Aunt and Grandmother who have lived together for 40 years had a massive fight and my grandmother of 73 up and moved out! In addition to the family issues, my fiance has been looking for new work for 6 months with nothing. Lastly, one of my bridesmaids moved to Australia due to a sudden divorce and told me once she left that she wasn't going to take part. All of these "signs" plus the hotel construction left us very stressed and unhappy and that isn't what a wedding is supposed to be about. We discussed it in depth and after a lot of tears and hugs, we decided that a postponement would be the best thing for us. We quickly called our planner and she checked on the new date for us. It was available!! The new date is almost more perfect because it is going to be the same date that Brian originally proposed to me (September 25th)- just 7 years later. Hey, we have waited this long, what is one more year? Plus the site will be better and there will be a new pre-reception location to chose from and we will have a little more flexibility with money so we can add a few extras. This also allows a little more time for me to get into shape! Gotta look at the positives I suppose. One of the hardest parts is having to cancel our plans for WDW. Thinking about going for a couple of days anyways

 

[pezaddict231]

Just catching up. I love all of your ideas. Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite Disney movie and I love all the Sleeping Beauty touches you're going to have at the wedding but also how subtle and elegant they are.

The reception site is just gorgeous. I wish the venues at Disney World had more windows.

I'm sorry your family is going through such a hard time right now . There's no need to be embarrassed about having to postpone the wedding. You definitely want it to be a happy occasion and all of these things might detract from that. I know a year seems like a long time, but it will really fly by!

I hope you'll stick around and keep us updated on your plans.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

Well everyone, after some time working through family stuff, I am glad to be back in the swing of things. This week I plan on catching up on everyones plans and working on my PJ as well.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

I have seen so many brides on here who have amazing shoes in fun colors. I have not been that bold, although I think it is fabulous!

I decided to strut my color with the dyed pettiskirt. I found a company that will dye it in any color you choose. I decided to do a two toned blue with pink. Pink will be at the bottom so that is what will be seen most when I twirl, but it could also be my something blue. Here is the picture:

This pink one was my inspiration, but since my dress will be A-line, I don't need as much oomph from underneath, so the pettiskirt is soft and lacks the support of this one, but I suppose it really does depend on the dress.

The shoes I chose are simple and white satin, they are from the line something bleu because they used to come with blue soles. I purchased them just as the stopped doing so which was a disappointment. They are mary jane style, which was what I wore for years as a tour guide, so them seem fitting. They also have a touch of sparkle!

I have read online that there is a shoe cobbler in California that can add color to the soles of your shoes. I am debating if I would like to do them baby blue, or light pink, or one of each?!

I also definitely want to add a little bling. I ordered the Mindy Weiss "I Do" decals..

But after seeing how creative some brides have been on their PJs, I may need to reconsider.

Please forgive me if I am picture crazy, I am just a very visual person.
I also tend to go overboard, when simplicity would be better, I know that, so please feel free to give me constructive input!

 

[BriarRose Bride]

I have always loved this ceremony and what it represents. I can't wait to incorporate it into our ceremony. I had a unity candle purchased and it had the old date on it, so I am getting another. Here is a picture to give you a general idea though.

I am debating what type of floral arrangement (if any) to use at the table. From what I understand the ones they offer can take up the entirity of the table and are a little pricey, I just want a small one the length of the candles.

The candle came with a basic holder, but I have read here and heard elsewhere that it is best to have the seperate 3 pieces so there isn't a lot of fumbling around with the candles. I fell in love with this set, but am having a hard time finding it. I think it will look gorgeous with the sunlight.

We are having the strings play the chorus of our song, Looking Through Your Eyes, as we light the candles. I have purchased 2 good lighters to keep hidden in the gazebo in the event it is windy or the initial candles go out. Has this ever happened to anyone?

 

[BriarRose Bride]

I was trying my hardest to get a tiara made, but no one would/could make the one I requested, so I decided to let it go and purchase a pretty one that was similar to what I wanted. Initially I was going to wear gold jewelry, but have now decided to wear silver. Here is the tiara I found:

A little more detail:

I think it has the general shape of Auroras, and it is sparkly!!

I then found a necklace that is gorgeous also. Since my dress is v-neck, I wanted something matching.

Lastly, I love these earrings, they are from the Kirstie Kelly line. My aunt has some similar she has offered to let me borrow as my something borrowed. I haven't decided yet.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

So the most important aspects of the wedding are 1. The Groom, 2. The ring and 3. THE DRESS! I have had a visual of the dress I want for a long time, but making that visual come to life when I am not a seamstress is tres difficile! My Mom had recruited my Aunt to create the dress of my dreams, but I also feel like I am missing out on the part of trying on many gorgeous dresses with the girls and finding "the one". (dress that is)

I am not a fan of most of the Kirstie Kelly Disney dresses. I remember when the released the first press releases I was so excited and then disappointed as the sleeping beauty ones never have the look of the princess which I was hoping for. The new Alfred Angelo ones are OK, I do love the Cinderella one and am hoping to try it on when the trunk show comes to town early December. Here is a picture in case you haven't seen them yet.

All of them

The Cinderella dress alone

The bottom is so sparkly! I just dislike that it, along with 95% of wedding dresses these days is strapless.

The dress I was invisioning is a bit of several dresses, so I will see if I can paint a picture for you. This is the Sleeping Beauty dress they have in Japan:

I love that it has such a full bottom, but I don't like how high the top is, I would want more of a low V-neck, off the shoulder look similar to this one:

(I know it is a costume, but I still like it!)

I also would like the sleeves to look like these:

A bodice or a corsett for the top

preferably with a V waist.

I don't really want any embelishments aside from perhaps some embroidery on the top or beading to create the briar rose pattern. Here is an example

So now is the hard part of bringing all these aspects to life.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

So of course we had to cancel our hotel reservations and rebook for 2011! We are now staying at the Grand Floridian for 4 nights and the Contemporary for 4 nights while we enjoy the parks. Then we are moving to Port Orleans Riverside while we do Universal Studios and Sea World and explore the rest of the grounds. I understand they have carriage rides and beautiful gardens there! We have requested Magnolia Bend. Fingers crossed!! We just really wanted to be at the hotels with the monorail transport while we visit the parks and then to have some time to do resort activities. Anyone have any tips on must see/do WDW activities?

Something actually dawned on me earlier today, we will be at Magic Kingdom on October 1st 2011, it will be the 40th anniversary of the park!

I am so excited for the trip, I went to AAA yesterday and got the Florida tour book and the 2011 Birnbaum Guide. It is almost overwhelming! We are waiting for them to post the extra magic hour times and we can't book dining until end of March, but I am so anxious! LOL

 

[BriarRose Bride]

So it seems the best way to get info out to the bridal party these days is to create a newsletter. I had so much fun with this aspect. I did the background pink and blue and the writing white with gold outlines. I gave an overview of the wheres and whens on the front, then introduced the bridal party on the inside with pictures and mini bios, then a page DF wrote for the guys and a page for the girls about what they would be wearing, and what activities we will do. I was anticipating 2 newsletters, but it looks as though it will be 3 because I have to upddate longer than I was anticipating. Here are the finished newsletters.

I used glossy paper and small heart brads to keep them together.

I packaged them up with some goodies

Just candy rings and necklaces and princess pencils, these were only sent to the girls.

Matching labels were made:

They were sent out with care! The gals loved getting a surprise goodie in the mail. I am trying to decide what to send with the next one.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

Has anyone signed up for the Fairy Tale Weddings Facebook Application? I have not been activated yet, but I am hoping that it is a good tool to use. If anyone has used it, could you tell me what you think?

 

[BriarRose Bride]

I definitely want to have a candy buffet as a favor for the guests. Using only pink and blue candies this seems really fun! I am still working out the arrangement of the glasses, and who will set them up, but I am having a very hard time finding pretty take away bags. The Chinese style take out boxes weren't my thing, so I found some pretty scalloped bags with bows at beau coup but as I understand it is a do it yourself project putting them together. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[Skyetk]

OMG!!! another Disneyland bride!

I love all your ideas and theming, especially the color changing. Sleeping Beauty is definitely a beautiful movie. I totally get what you say about the Kristie Kelly dresses there's only 3 in the whole collection that I think the characters would actually wear.

Have you thought about having a bolero made to mimic the top of of the Aurora Dress? Just in case you cant find the one you want. My dress is also strapless....so I'm having beaded shoulder straps and arm draping like Belles added.

Candy buffets always look so awesome. Are you doing a cake? if you are which one are you doing?

I haven't played with the facebook Disney wedding app... but we are using this site http://www.ewedding.com/ it has free and pay options, you can choose your own web address also, neither have advertisements ON your page. I'm not paying for service till January when I send out the invitations because I want the other tabs to include hotel information.

 

[BriarRose Bride]

Hi Skyetk, yay you are in good company. I was starting to feel abandoned on here and was about to stop posting because I didn't think anyone was reading, or that anyone cared because I am a Disneyland bride and can't connect as easily with WDW brides. So I take it you are doing a Belle and Beast theme? I just came across your PJ so I am going to check it out!

Are you from OKC? My Dad just moved to California from Lawton and I have been out there to visit, it is so beautiful and I love the Bricktown area!

A Bolero is a good idea, I will definitely look into it. Have you see the Alfred Angelo Disney dresses? What do you think of them?

Yes we are doing the simple elegance cake with some added touches and an additional layer.

Hmmm, ewedding, I will have to check that out, sounds like a good deal. I thought I was cleaver and I purchased a domain from Godaddy and was so confused I paid for it for 6 months and then since I am clueless about building a site from scratch canceled and gave up, but I do like the Facebook ap so far, the only problem is that it is on Facebook so people who want to view it but don't have an account or aren't that computer savvy get left out. I wish Disney would do just a regular website page for their brides.

 

[Skyetk]

I am living in OKC, from Riverside, CA.

I haven't been able to see the entire alfred angelo disney line.. just the video they have on the website. But I was pretty impressed because the belle one is very bell ball gown.

We didn't do a disney movie theme in particular... more disney movies in general.

oh and ewedding.com has layouts already built.. easy to use... however when you first join you have access to EVERYTHING for free for two weeks then it basically freezes the pay for pages, so you can't view or edit them. but with the pages that they give you for free you can totally have a functional site.

 

[ghoulish delight]

Oh wow, Julie! If you manage to get that dream dress to come to life, it will be AMAZING! I highly approve of and suggest the candy buffet! Even though it's very popular, many guests still haven't seen one and think it's the coolest idea ever. You might want to consider looking into pink and blue cellophane bags for the candy? Or even just clear, and then have some pretty stickers they can shut them with? Or perhaps ribbon?

Also, your jewelry is gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing more of your plans!