Kathryn & Charles, WDW wishes wedding, WP/GF 10/06/12!

[tinydancr06]

Joining in! WDW in October is the BEST so I can't wait to see more of your plans! I love your engagement story, too

 

[enchantedream88]

That is so awesome! I'm glad you found me. I just loved Michelle's PJ! She literally saved me $100's! I just hope I can do the same for someone else! She was the reason I started this! You are too sweet to say that about my ring! Thank you!!! I can't take any credit for it tho, it was all Charles idea! Sapphires are my favorite because they mean "pure" and so does "Kathryn". It was like having my name in stone! I'm so happy you're here!

Aw thanks!!!

Michelle's been so nice & her PJ has a wealth of info, and I'm sure I'll refer back to it at some point to remember everything. Right now, it's all a little overwhelming! Haha. I'm so excited to learn from you as well, and I hope that one day (years from now) when this is all said & done, I can help other ladies like you & Michelle are helping us future DISbrides!

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

A little information on the overall wedding so far:

Guests:
We have invited, GASP, 256 people! Just typing this number makes me want to scream, run the other direction, and hide under my covers. BUT... in our defense, we did start with over 600 people on the list!

In reality, however, I'm guessing (and secretly hoping) no more than 175 people will be able to make the journey. Still, that's A LOT of people!

We know that people will be all over the board as far as what they're willing to spend, so we booked four hotels.
1. Grand Floridian
2. Contemporary
3. Port Orleans, French Quarter
4. All Star

I'm actually really happy so far with the reservations crew. They have great communication on who has booked when they booked and where. I've been super impressed with them when I call too. I've been a nosy bride and have been secretly stalking my guests.

Over all theme and colors:
Charles and I wanted to have an old world feel, but not vintage, more like a Victorian old world feel with some modern twists. The Grand Floridian couldn't have been a more perfect venue for this.
Of course, as you can see by my ring, I LOVE that deep blue color, so that is my main color. Secondary colors are silver / platinum, and crystal. Some say "crystal" isn't a color. Well, it is now!

I have 6 bridesmaids, 6 groomsmen, 1 jr. bridesmaid, two flower girls, a ring bearer, and a couple ushers. Starting out, I had NO IDEA my wedding party would ever be that big. 4 was my maximum, but as things developed this is where we wound up. I'm not disappointed. I love all my girls and they have all been awesome! I'm so lucky!

Flowers:

I've mentioned before that I'm not really a fan of flowers, but I know they can really add something special to a wedding. So here was an inspirational photo for my bouquet:

I'd really like to add some crystals to this and maybe some other white flower.

And something like this for the bridesmaids:

Either that or all white hydrangeas to contrast against their bridesmaid dresses which I'm hoping will look something like this:

I'd really like candelabras but maybe not down the aisle like this. Instead, I'd like them flanking the alter and then reused as some of the centerpieces for the reception. I'd also like the candelabras to be silver with a mix of flowers similar to what the bridesmaids are carrying.

OH, oh... and.. DUN DUN DUN.... my dress!! (I debated about posting this for fear that DF would see it, but he's PROMISED to stay off this board until AFTER the wedding! SO.. Charles, if you're here GO AWAY! In the nicest possible way I can say that, of course.)
Without further ado....

That's really all I've got so far! I'm going next week with my MOH to pick the official dress! Then the week after to my PS! I'm getting so excited!

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

Yay! A new PJ! Welcome!

I can't wait to hear about your PS and your ring is FANTASTIC!

Aww! Thanks!!! You're so sweet!

Joining in! WDW in October is the BEST so I can't wait to see more of your plans! I love your engagement story, too

Thanks!! I hope the weather will be as good as I'm expecting! I also can't wait for the food and wine festival! Thanks for your kind words, I hope I don't disappoint on all my plans! I'm glad you're here!

Michelle's been so nice & her PJ has a wealth of info, and I'm sure I'll refer back to it at some point to remember everything. Right now, it's all a little overwhelming! Haha. I'm so excited to learn from you as well, and I hope that one day (years from now) when this is all said & done, I can help other ladies like you & Michelle are helping us future DISbrides!

I totally understand the overwhelming part. It literally took me 3 days just to read Michelle's PJ!
DF kept asking, "learn anything new?" "What's Michelle doing now?" It was SUPER cute! My main goal is to help future DISBrides like she helped me. All I can say is pay it forward when its your turn! It will be here before you know it!

 

[enchantedream88]

I totally understand the overwhelming part. It literally took me 3 days just to read Michelle's PJ!
DF kept asking, "learn anything new?" "What's Michelle doing now?" It was SUPER cute! My main goal is to help future DISBrides like she helped me. All I can say is pay it forward when its your turn! It will be here before you know it!

Yeah it took me days to read, but it was worth every minute! My man's been asking me too! He saw the facebook group and he was like "You gals call yourself DISbrides? That's cute!" (not in the sarcastic way lol) And he's amazed at how much I've learned so far.

And, thanks! However, it's a while away... haha. There's a few little details to work out before official planning can begin (that's a looooong story! )...

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

Yeah it took me days to read, but it was worth every minute! My man's been asking me too! He saw the facebook group and he was like "You gals call yourself DISbrides? That's cute!" (not in the sarcastic way lol) And he's amazed at how much I've learned so far.

And, thanks! However, it's a while away... haha. There's a few little details to work out before official planning can begin (that's a looooong story! )...

I'm so glad he wasn't sarcastic and he's into it too! That makes it so fun! You'll have to let me know when you start your PJ and I'll follow along with you! I'm sure I'll be on for years to come. I just love y'all too much and it's too much fun!

 

[enchantedream88]

I'm so glad he wasn't sarcastic and he's into it too! That makes it so fun! You'll have to let me know when you start your PJ and I'll follow along with you! I'm sure I'll be on for years to come. I just love y'all too much and it's too much fun!

It's actually been his dream to get married at Disney. I've been on the bandwagon for a while now, and he never thought his Disney wedding dream would come true, so he's so happy. Plus, I'm the "planner" of the relationship, so he's told me to run wild, but to not forget to include him on decisions.

And, a PJ will be started as soon as a ring is technically on my finger (Lol, that's part of the fun drama happening... but it should be soon, I think!)

This is too much fun. I look forward to reading more & more every day!!!

 

[pima416]

You're my wedding twin!! We're getting married at 2:30pm at the wedding pavilion on the 6th! I cant wait to keep reading!

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

And, a PJ will be started as soon as a ring is technically on my finger (Lol, that's part of the fun drama happening... but it should be soon, I think!)

It was Charles' dream too and I'm more than happy to oblige! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and you must tell us when you start your PJ!

You're my wedding twin!! We're getting married at 2:30pm at the wedding pavilion on the 6th! I cant wait to keep reading!

No WAY! That's SO awesome! I am off to read your PJ right this very minute!! Btw.. thanks for including the link in your signature! (I'm totally copying that!) YAY for twins!

Kathryn, the PJ is looking great! I am CRAZY for your ring, that is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Your ideas for floral and decor look amazing-- you already know what a big fan I am of candlelight! I'm so excited to hear more about your plans... very excited to hear about the PS, too! I thought the PS was lots of fun.

Thanks for your sweet comments about my ring! I couldn't be more in love with it. And I loved that he picked it all out and surprised me with it! I loved the candlelight you had for your wedding! Now if only it would rain! I'm super excited about the PS. I was even MORE excited after I saw your pictures. I really didn't think they would treat us that well. We picked out very similar menus, so I'm anxious to follow in your footsteps!

Just as an aside, Tricia is right about Regina. She is an independent business starting in August, so she would be available for your date, if you like her work. Personally I am very excited, because I know if we want to do an anniversary or maternity () shoot in the future, we won't have to bother with Disney to get Regina. She was one of the best parts of our day!

I will try to contact her. You don't know if she has a website do you? I really did like your photos. I hope you don't mind, I stole some of them to show my photographer the kind of pics and some specific poses and places I want mine. If I get Regina, well, I won't have to do that, will I??? PERFECT!

I also wanted to ask you, did you ever consider an outside florist?

 

[One_Song]

Kathryn, the PJ is looking great! I am CRAZY for your ring, that is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Your ideas for floral and decor look amazing-- you already know what a big fan I am of candlelight! I'm so excited to hear more about your plans... very excited to hear about the PS, too! I thought the PS was lots of fun.

Just as an aside, Tricia is right about Regina. She is an independent business starting in August, so she would be available for your date, if you like her work. Personally I am very excited, because I know if we want to do an anniversary or maternity lovestruc) shoot in the future, we won't have to bother with Disney to get Regina. She was one of the best parts of our day!

 

[yourgypsy]

Ooh, your ring is beautiful! I love sapphires

256?! That smiley is completely appropriate! It's wonderful that you have so many people in your lives that would want to go.

I love that bouquet. It looks really similar to the one that Rosie from floral sent to me when I asked for some sort of blue/purple to be added to the regular calla lily bouquet. I don't know yet how much it costs yet to have it added, but I'll post the final BEO once I get it. (Oh, man, that should be soon! ) Those purple blue flowers are just so cute!

The dress is super pretty!

And yay for having a wedding twin! Tricia (tric8783) is mine and it makes me feel super cool

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

Ooh, your ring is beautiful! I love sapphires

256?! That smiley is completely appropriate! It's wonderful that you have so many people in your lives that would want to go.

I love that bouquet. It looks really similar to the one that Rosie from floral sent to me when I asked for some sort of blue/purple to be added to the regular calla lily bouquet. I don't know yet how much it costs yet to have it added, but I'll post the final BEO once I get it. (Oh, man, that should be soon! ) Those purple blue flowers are just so cute!

The dress is super pretty!

And yay for having a wedding twin! Tricia (tric8783) is mine and it makes me feel super cool

THanks soooo much for your kind words about my ring!

Yikes is right about the guest list. We are super blessed, and now officially broke, because we have so many people that want to come! But I wouldn't really have it any other way! I'm so blessed that we can!

Just curious, you're less than two months out and you still don't have your BEO!? Is this normal because that totally scares me!

I love the blue / purple combos too! They contrast so well with the white. Love it!
As for twins, I am so thrilled! I thought it was cool to have One Song almost exactly a year before me, but to have a bride on the same year and same date is, I must admit, pretty darn nifty!

I'm glad you're here and following along! Thanks sooooo much for the kind works on my dress. I'm nervous for my first fitting. I hope I like it just as much the second time! (you're the first to comment on it so thanks for making me feel good!)

 

[One_Song]

I will try to contact her. You don't know if she has a website do you? I really did like your photos. I hope you don't mind, I stole some of them to show my photographer the kind of pics and some specific poses and places I want mine. If I get Regina, well, I won't have to do that, will I??? PERFECT!

I also wanted to ask you, did you ever consider an outside florist?

She does: www.reginahymanphoto.com

I looked through her website after seeing Andrea's wedding pictures (Belle2211). I had been worried because we hadn't seen any photographers that looked like a good fit for us. I just love Regina's style. I am so excited that she is going to be independent now.

I never looked into outside florists. Aside from a brief search for outside photographers, I never looked for any outside vendors. I liked the convenience of Disney providing everything.

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

She does: www.reginahymanphoto.com

I looked through her website after seeing Andrea's wedding pictures (Belle2211). I had been worried because we hadn't seen any photographers that looked like a good fit for us. I just love Regina's style. I am so excited that she is going to be independent now.

I never looked into outside florists. Aside from a brief search for outside photographers, I never looked for any outside vendors. I liked the convenience of Disney providing everything.

Thanks for the website. She really has a great eye! I just went through her entire website and I love the "feel" she gets and how it seems everyone in the pics is at ease and comfortable in front of the camera. (One of my biggest problems)
I couldn't agree more about the convenience of Disney. I also love that if they do it, you know its going to be fantastic! They just accept nothing less!
We looked to an outside florist just for comparison and options. After our planning session on the 27th, I think we'll decide who we want to go with. I REALLY liked Tommy from Greenery Productions. It'll be a tough choice.

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

Up date about my PS:
I was assigned a planner! I'm excited and nervous! Her name is Chrissy Owen-Walsh. I've searched the boards and haven't found anyone yet say ANYTHING about her. I suppose it's good that there is nothing negative out there about her, but I'm sooo worried because no one seems to know her at all!
I also have a wedding planning assistant Alix Griffin-Arnold. But again, no one seems to know her either. I am getting married at DISNEY right!?!
I have yet to talk to Chrissy about anything, but Alix seems nice enough. She always answers the phone and has an answer to any question.
Ugh, I have butterflies in my stomach!
I had Joe DeMatei as my wedding coordinator, aka sales person. He was, according to my personal rating system, uh-AWESOME!
Brief note on this personal rating system. It developed while we were dress shopping. We had to come up with a system because I literally tried on over 200 dresses! It has come to apply to everything now!

"Darling" = I hate it, take it off or take it away now, its unbearable! (we used "darling" because we initially didn't want to offend the bridal salon staff! )

"Meh minus" = Terrible, but not unbearable.

"Meh" = Its just ok. As a last resort it could be used (what ever "it" is!)

"Meh plus" = I like it, don't love it, but it'll do.

then there is....

"UH-AWESOME!" = There isn't a thing I would change if I could, its PERFECT just the way it is.. I !!! This is, of course, reserved for only very special people, things, and places.

With that all cleared up... Joe was UH-AWESOME! I suppose I was expecting Chrissy to be the same way. Maybe she will be, but its hard to know since she won't answer her phone. ::sigh::

Can y'all tell I'm getting excited?! .... and fidgety...

 

[yourgypsy]

THanks soooo much for your kind words about my ring!

Yikes is right about the guest list. We are super blessed, and now officially broke, because we have so many people that want to come! But I wouldn't really have it any other way! I'm so blessed that we can!

Just curious, you're less than two months out and you still don't have your BEO!? Is this normal because that totally scares me!

I love the blue / purple combos too! They contrast so well with the white. Love it!
As for twins, I am so thrilled! I thought it was cool to have One Song almost exactly a year before me, but to have a bride on the same year and same date is, I must admit, pretty darn nifty!

I'm glad you're here and following along! Thanks sooooo much for the kind works on my dress. I'm nervous for my first fitting. I hope I like it just as much the second time! (you're the first to comment on it so thanks for making me feel good!)

I do so wish we could have more people come out. I spent a good portion of my 20s out in CA, and most of my closest friends are still out there. But for all that I complain about flights being expensive from MA to FL, it's even worse from CA to FL! But hey, there's always the ten year vow renewal (Yep, not even married yet, and I'm already mentally planning for one )

Oh, no, don't panic! We've had a BEO already (at the beginning of February), we're just waiting on the final one! I think the only changes that are being made are the upcharges to the bouquet (having the pretty blues and purples added) and a possible additional hour of limo service being added. When Karen sent me it last month, I totally did a dance of shock and joy - we were just $88 over the minimum. (We're on one income right now, so we really needed to stick to the budget)

By the way, I love your rating system.

 

[DisneyBrideCKB]

I do so wish we could have more people come out. But hey, there's always the ten year vow renewal (Yep, not even married yet, and I'm already mentally planning for one )

You are SOOOO right! I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it already too! hehe.

Oh, no, don't panic! We've had a BEO already (at the beginning of February), we're just waiting on the final one! When Karen sent me it last month, I totally did a dance of shock and joy - we were just $88 over the minimum. (We're on one income right now, so we really needed to stick to the budget)

PHEW!!! Oh thanks for clarifying. I was so worried!
FANTASTIC about coming in right at your budget! That's GOT to make you feel awesome! I'm doing the happy dance for you!

By the way, I love your rating system.

THANKS! When I was trying on dresses, it was so funny to hear my grandma (who's 86) say, "oh Kate that's so LOVELY!" See the bridal consultant's face beam because she picked a good one, and us secretly knowing my grandma was really saying, "that's the most hideous thing I've ever seen!" It was too funny. We had a good time.

One more note about sapphires: Yours is SOOOO pretty!

 

[SammyB1027]

Oo, I LOVE the combination of colors of the BM dresses and their bouquets, that will so pretty!

And you look AMAZING in your dress! I'm sure it makes you want to wear it around all the time.

 

[Wshs0127]

Ok, just read through your PJ and first I have to say love the ring!! My birthday is in September and that is my birthstone, I've always loved it. I also loved the way you were oblivious to the proposal, that is too cute, I could just imagine, it made me giggle!

I'm getting so excited reading about your PS coming up! I still have a month before I can even book the date It's killing me, I'm so ready to get started with everything. I'm like you, my plan is to give back to all these disbrides that have posted BEO's and pictures to help me along especially in the early planning stages! I feel like I'm guessing on the budget

Anyway, I hope you have a great PS and I can't wait to hear the details. Let me know if you find out anything on going with an outside florist. I'm probably going with an outside photographer - Randy Chapman - hear he's great and reasonably priced and I've considered looking into outside florist as well. I read through Michelle's thread over days and days as well and I'm interested in this Regina lady as well, will have to check that out. These boards are so great, you can get so many options and ideas

 

[CinderALLIE]

Congratulations. Looking forward to reading along.