Leigh & Chris, 1/3/12. updated 3/3/12 (Disney vendor reviews)
- Thread starter iluvasoldier
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iluvasoldier
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I literally sat down and read your whole PJ from start to finish! lol.
Congratulations on your big day!!!!
Can't wait to see pictures!
awe thanks. It was a lot of ups and downs during the planning process
iluvasoldier
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Wedding day 1/3/12
It was around 6:45 am when I gave in to the insomnia. I'd tried so hard to sleep but it just wasn't working. So I got up my room and we set a game plan for the day. I'd learned at the rehearsal that I was having 7 guest tables instead of the six that I thought originally. So i needed to buy more favors. My mom needed to run to the bank, we needed to get a garder, I also needed to buy a cake serving set (we'd planned on buying a nice one from things remembered but never got to it). So around 8 we head out. The first stop was the bank so mom could pay rent. The ATM was broken and there were only two tellers working. It took 45 minutes! By this time we were all fairly hungry. So we headed to iHop around the corner. It was empty so we were served fast. As we were leaving around 10 we saw that the place had filled up. We were feeling like luck was back on our side. Next we headed to the Joann fabrics just down 192. I was able to quickly find a decent priced garder and cake cutting set. It was about $20 for all of it. Then we were off to target to grabs black harness for my service dog to wear. By this time it was around 11 or later. The hair/ make up person was to be meeting us at the hotel at 2 even though check in wasn't until 3, oh and e still hadn't made the extra favors at this point.
.....to be continued (sorry things have been hectic)
It was around 6:45 am when I gave in to the insomnia. I'd tried so hard to sleep but it just wasn't working. So I got up my room and we set a game plan for the day. I'd learned at the rehearsal that I was having 7 guest tables instead of the six that I thought originally. So i needed to buy more favors. My mom needed to run to the bank, we needed to get a garder, I also needed to buy a cake serving set (we'd planned on buying a nice one from things remembered but never got to it). So around 8 we head out. The first stop was the bank so mom could pay rent. The ATM was broken and there were only two tellers working. It took 45 minutes! By this time we were all fairly hungry. So we headed to iHop around the corner. It was empty so we were served fast. As we were leaving around 10 we saw that the place had filled up. We were feeling like luck was back on our side. Next we headed to the Joann fabrics just down 192. I was able to quickly find a decent priced garder and cake cutting set. It was about $20 for all of it. Then we were off to target to grabs black harness for my service dog to wear. By this time it was around 11 or later. The hair/ make up person was to be meeting us at the hotel at 2 even though check in wasn't until 3, oh and e still hadn't made the extra favors at this point.
.....to be continued (sorry things have been hectic)
iluvasoldier
Mouseketeer
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So let me try to continue
Its about 11am and we finally are headed back to Disney property. We had to go to the allstar resorts to my moms room because when we left earlier in the morning we didn't grab anything needed for the wedding. Once at the music we rushed to pack everything and head over to the grand. Once at the grand I went to check in while my family got everything out of the car and given to the bell hop. When I first tried to check in they said they did not have a room ready. Check in time is 3 and we were there around 12:45 so I knew that it was possible this would be a problem. I explained to the lady that I needed to room to get ready for my wedding. A few short minutes later she had been able to get us into a room that was ready. Once in the room we hung up dresses to get some wrinkles out. Myself, my family, and my maid of honor started working on getting the rest of he favors done. We finished around 1:30. Mom rushed it over To give to the planners assistant while we started getting ready. I was the only one having my hair and makeup professionally done. At 2:30 candi ekstrom showed up to do my hair and makeup. Meanwhile the hotel had sent up complimentary champagne with a congrats card signed by Mickey and Minnie. Also jonathons flowers had dropped off the boutineers and bouquets. They were beautiful.
By 3:30 we had a train going on. My 18yr old sister was doing my maid of honors hair while my MOH was doing my 13yr old sisters makeup. By 4:30 by hair and makeup was done. Candi had done an amazing job. At this point I started helping my 18 yr old sister do her hair. Her makeup was already done. My mom gave my dog a quick bath in the hotel bathroom while my MOH was helping me with my sisters hair. At 5:30 my flower girl and her mom/my aunt showed up and began getting ready. Also at 5:45 my photographer showed up to start doing getting ready photos. My 2 1/2 year old flower girl had just gotten up from a nap and was having a tantrum not letting my aunt get her dressed.
More to come. Sry things and just hectic
Its about 11am and we finally are headed back to Disney property. We had to go to the allstar resorts to my moms room because when we left earlier in the morning we didn't grab anything needed for the wedding. Once at the music we rushed to pack everything and head over to the grand. Once at the grand I went to check in while my family got everything out of the car and given to the bell hop. When I first tried to check in they said they did not have a room ready. Check in time is 3 and we were there around 12:45 so I knew that it was possible this would be a problem. I explained to the lady that I needed to room to get ready for my wedding. A few short minutes later she had been able to get us into a room that was ready. Once in the room we hung up dresses to get some wrinkles out. Myself, my family, and my maid of honor started working on getting the rest of he favors done. We finished around 1:30. Mom rushed it over To give to the planners assistant while we started getting ready. I was the only one having my hair and makeup professionally done. At 2:30 candi ekstrom showed up to do my hair and makeup. Meanwhile the hotel had sent up complimentary champagne with a congrats card signed by Mickey and Minnie. Also jonathons flowers had dropped off the boutineers and bouquets. They were beautiful.
By 3:30 we had a train going on. My 18yr old sister was doing my maid of honors hair while my MOH was doing my 13yr old sisters makeup. By 4:30 by hair and makeup was done. Candi had done an amazing job. At this point I started helping my 18 yr old sister do her hair. Her makeup was already done. My mom gave my dog a quick bath in the hotel bathroom while my MOH was helping me with my sisters hair. At 5:30 my flower girl and her mom/my aunt showed up and began getting ready. Also at 5:45 my photographer showed up to start doing getting ready photos. My 2 1/2 year old flower girl had just gotten up from a nap and was having a tantrum not letting my aunt get her dressed.
More to come. Sry things and just hectic
iluvasoldier
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Ugh I just spent 1 hour typing just to have me get timed out and my response deleted 
iluvasoldier
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Ok I'm gonna try this again and hope it doesn't get lost again or timed out.*
So it's 5:45 and my photographer is taking his sweet time taking pictures of my dress hanging up. My baby cousin/flower girl really likes me (she's not big on ppl other than her parents) so I am helping my aunt get her dressed. My aunt is white and her boyfriend is black so my cousin is a dark tan with kinky curly black girl hair (sorry if that is too stereotypical). With her hair finally up we start telling her we are gonna make her a princess and pull out her dress. This is when my photographer is ready to take pictures of me getting in my dress. I did about 10 minutes of it then went back to helping my aunt. I am not big on pictures so I was ready to go see my groom and see his reaction. As I walk into the bathroom my baby cousin looks up at me and looks shocked. She smiles and says "bincess" (her interpretation of princess). So I pick her up in her little princess gown and she starts looking at me in just complete shock. My aunt snapped a great photo. I'm working on trying to upload photos.
Around 6:25 we head over to the lobby so that we can do our first look on the grand staircase. I went up a side staircase and walked over to the top of the stairs with my MOH while everyone else went to watch at the bottom of the stairs. [a side note, people are so rude! All kinds of cast members were trying to stop tourist from using the staircase and ppl were blatantly ignoring them and walking up the stairs.] So while I waited hidden away from MOH headed down. All kinds of little girls stood in awe watching. Some asked their moms' if I was a real princess. It put a smile on my face because I was 12 when I saw a bride come down the grand staircase and that was when I decided I wanted to get married at Disney. Now I was 22 and living that dream.*
6:45 I headed down the stairs. Our families, wedding party, some friends, and many random tourist stood there watching. All were smiling and some, even ppl who didn't know us, we're crying. I had been absolutely calm up to this point and poised but suddenly tears started to flow. When I was two steps from Chris he turned around and started crying too. We share a kiss and he tells me that I look beautiful.*
More to come. Just trying to write it in sections since I am awaiting hubby to return home anytime
So it's 5:45 and my photographer is taking his sweet time taking pictures of my dress hanging up. My baby cousin/flower girl really likes me (she's not big on ppl other than her parents) so I am helping my aunt get her dressed. My aunt is white and her boyfriend is black so my cousin is a dark tan with kinky curly black girl hair (sorry if that is too stereotypical). With her hair finally up we start telling her we are gonna make her a princess and pull out her dress. This is when my photographer is ready to take pictures of me getting in my dress. I did about 10 minutes of it then went back to helping my aunt. I am not big on pictures so I was ready to go see my groom and see his reaction. As I walk into the bathroom my baby cousin looks up at me and looks shocked. She smiles and says "bincess" (her interpretation of princess). So I pick her up in her little princess gown and she starts looking at me in just complete shock. My aunt snapped a great photo. I'm working on trying to upload photos.
Around 6:25 we head over to the lobby so that we can do our first look on the grand staircase. I went up a side staircase and walked over to the top of the stairs with my MOH while everyone else went to watch at the bottom of the stairs. [a side note, people are so rude! All kinds of cast members were trying to stop tourist from using the staircase and ppl were blatantly ignoring them and walking up the stairs.] So while I waited hidden away from MOH headed down. All kinds of little girls stood in awe watching. Some asked their moms' if I was a real princess. It put a smile on my face because I was 12 when I saw a bride come down the grand staircase and that was when I decided I wanted to get married at Disney. Now I was 22 and living that dream.*
6:45 I headed down the stairs. Our families, wedding party, some friends, and many random tourist stood there watching. All were smiling and some, even ppl who didn't know us, we're crying. I had been absolutely calm up to this point and poised but suddenly tears started to flow. When I was two steps from Chris he turned around and started crying too. We share a kiss and he tells me that I look beautiful.*
More to come. Just trying to write it in sections since I am awaiting hubby to return home anytime
/
donald&daisy
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 24, 2007
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- 2,071
Oh, it sounds lovely!! I can't wait to hear more..and we def needs pics, lol!
iluvasoldier
Mouseketeer
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- Jun 29, 2010
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[Anyone know how to upload pictures from an iPad on to photobucket?]
6:45 I headed down the stairs. Our families, wedding party, some friends, and many random tourist stood there watching. All were smiling and some, even ppl who didn't know us, we're crying. I had been absolutely calm up to this point and poised but suddenly tears started to flow. When I was two steps from Chris he turned around and started crying too. We share a kiss and he tells me that I look beautiful. We took photos with the wedding party and our families. The carriage was to arrive at 7:20 so we were limited on time. It was the nay "large" time slot we had to take pictures. During this time we gave my MOH our rings and asked her to give them to our planner. The planner sent everyone to the pavilion as we got to the last 10 minutes before the carriage was there. Only my aunt stayed in case my flower girl had a fit with all the new people and the horses. While my aunt and Chris were talking I had a lady and her approach me. Her words were "My daughter things you look gorgeous and was wondering if we could get a picture of you". I allowed her to take a photo of me then asked her daughter to join me and we took a photo together. It put an even bigger smile on my face (if it was possible) to know that I was helping add to the Disney magic.*
At 7:20 we went and got into the carriage. Originally my flower girl was holding my hand, but when I let go to get into the carriage she turned and ran to her mom. My aunt brought her over and handed her up to me. She was fine there she just wasn't having any strangers try to help/touch her lol. Chris got in and we started to trip to the pavilion. We didn't even notice it was about 40 degrees outside. The adrenalin was going and going. My flower girl loved it.*
When we arrived at the pavilion we were running a little late. It was 7:35 and the ceremony was to have started at 7:30. Chris held my cousin while I got out of them carriage then we all were whisked away to try and get back on track. Inside the brides vestibule I could hear the music (they pipe it in). It seemed like 30 seconds before it was my turn to walk down the aisle. My service dog, (a 12yr old shihtzu named Mozart) was walking me down the aisle with a black bow tie and a boutineer hooked to his black leash. As we approached the pavilion doors the planners fluffed my train. I could believe I was finally at the moment I'd been dreaming about for a decade. As the doors swung open Mozart knew exactly what to do. He started to lead me down the aisle with a little zip in his step. He did stop for a moment to sniff the petals on the aisle but then went right back to heading towards the alter. As everyone turned to watch me I stole a quick glance to see how everything looked. I absolutely loved the decor. I had floating candles at the end of the aisles and a light dusting of petals down the aisle. On the antler were our memorial vases on either side of our unity candle.*
6:45 I headed down the stairs. Our families, wedding party, some friends, and many random tourist stood there watching. All were smiling and some, even ppl who didn't know us, we're crying. I had been absolutely calm up to this point and poised but suddenly tears started to flow. When I was two steps from Chris he turned around and started crying too. We share a kiss and he tells me that I look beautiful. We took photos with the wedding party and our families. The carriage was to arrive at 7:20 so we were limited on time. It was the nay "large" time slot we had to take pictures. During this time we gave my MOH our rings and asked her to give them to our planner. The planner sent everyone to the pavilion as we got to the last 10 minutes before the carriage was there. Only my aunt stayed in case my flower girl had a fit with all the new people and the horses. While my aunt and Chris were talking I had a lady and her approach me. Her words were "My daughter things you look gorgeous and was wondering if we could get a picture of you". I allowed her to take a photo of me then asked her daughter to join me and we took a photo together. It put an even bigger smile on my face (if it was possible) to know that I was helping add to the Disney magic.*
At 7:20 we went and got into the carriage. Originally my flower girl was holding my hand, but when I let go to get into the carriage she turned and ran to her mom. My aunt brought her over and handed her up to me. She was fine there she just wasn't having any strangers try to help/touch her lol. Chris got in and we started to trip to the pavilion. We didn't even notice it was about 40 degrees outside. The adrenalin was going and going. My flower girl loved it.*
When we arrived at the pavilion we were running a little late. It was 7:35 and the ceremony was to have started at 7:30. Chris held my cousin while I got out of them carriage then we all were whisked away to try and get back on track. Inside the brides vestibule I could hear the music (they pipe it in). It seemed like 30 seconds before it was my turn to walk down the aisle. My service dog, (a 12yr old shihtzu named Mozart) was walking me down the aisle with a black bow tie and a boutineer hooked to his black leash. As we approached the pavilion doors the planners fluffed my train. I could believe I was finally at the moment I'd been dreaming about for a decade. As the doors swung open Mozart knew exactly what to do. He started to lead me down the aisle with a little zip in his step. He did stop for a moment to sniff the petals on the aisle but then went right back to heading towards the alter. As everyone turned to watch me I stole a quick glance to see how everything looked. I absolutely loved the decor. I had floating candles at the end of the aisles and a light dusting of petals down the aisle. On the antler were our memorial vases on either side of our unity candle.*
iluvasoldier
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I figured out how to upload photos! I'm gonna take a break from the play by play to upload photos and post them!!!
iluvasoldier
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My service dog with his bow tie
iluvasoldier
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My husband and his brother
Me and my flower girl
Waiting for me
Me and my flower girl
Waiting for me
You look so beautiful! congratulations!! Mozart is so cute. I love your dress. & your flower girl is so cute. How wonderful you and she are so close. Your husband looks very handsome in his uniform. Thank you to you both for his service & the sacrifices you make so he can serve us all. Look forward to seeing more photos.
Sizzle
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- Mar 14, 2011
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- 218
How perfect!!! 
Everything looks so completely fairy tale, congratulations!!
I LOVE Mozart! I had a shihtzu growing up named Fluppy, so they are all Fluppy's to me. lol. Such sweet animals.
You look so beautiful, the dress fit you like a glove. The flower petals on the aisle runner are a nice touch. Your flower girl is TOO Cute!!!
The shot of everyone waiting, and your main in uniform...just WOW!
Everything looks so completely fairy tale, congratulations!!
I LOVE Mozart! I had a shihtzu growing up named Fluppy, so they are all Fluppy's to me. lol. Such sweet animals.
You look so beautiful, the dress fit you like a glove. The flower petals on the aisle runner are a nice touch. Your flower girl is TOO Cute!!!
The shot of everyone waiting, and your main in uniform...just WOW!
iluvasoldier
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- Jun 29, 2010
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I walked down the aisle to I can go the distance from Hercules. as we got to the end of the aisle Mozart went and jumped up on the first pew and sat down like he completely understood what was going on. The start of our ceremony was a moment or silence to remember those who couldn't be there but we in our hearts. During our vows someones phone went off. Chris and I both took a deep breath as to not yell at the person. When it came time for the rings chris turned to his best man / 16 yr old brother who immediately had a look of terror on his face. He checked his pockets and was freaking. My maid of honor looked at my sister then at the officiant and said "i gave them to kathy(our planner)". I couldn't help but giggle and just as a few guest on Chris's side were offering us to use their rings the major domo comes in carrying the rings. Everyone loved it.Then after doing our unity candle, while the officiant was saying his last bit, there were fireworks going off. They weren't the magic kingdom ones but they were just amazing that the timing managed to be just right.*
As we turned to walk down the aisle I couldn't help myself from just stopping to look around excitedly. I was literally living a dream come true. We walked down the aisle and off to picture point. Since it was so cold we snapped a few photos and went inside to get ready for the staged exit. About 5 minutes later we did a brisk walk in 30 degree weather through bubbles to a lit up carriage. It was great and all the guest thought the carriage was beautiful.
After a quick chilly ride around the parking lot (I was glad the ride was short because it was so cold but if the weather had been nice I would've been disappointed) we arrived back at the pavilion for pictures. We spent maybe 10 minutes snapping some photos. Since we were running behind everything was rushed. Then it was back to the carriage to head to the reception spot at the GF. My wonderful aunt had a blanket she lent us to snuggle under during our ride.*
Once to the GF Chris quickly changed. His uniform doesn't allow for much movement. While he was doing that my MOH got personal and pinned my bustle lol. Major domo introduced all or our wedding party by name then us. He led us into our first dance and then left. It was great to see he had a proclamation scroll when making the announcements. I'd wanted to do proclamation scrolls as my invite but they were really hard to find and really expensive when I did finally find them.*
After our first dance we sat and listened to the speeches by my MOH and brother-in-law/the best man. Then a wonderful Disney employee carried my plate and escorted me through the buffet line. After about 45 minutes to eat Chris danced with his mom. Then we cut our fabulous cake. He was nice and didn't smear it, I wasn't so nice
btw the one bite you share is most likely the only chance you'll get to actually eat cake if you plan on making rounds to talk to all your guest. We danced and then were pulled away to take photos since our photographer didn't have time to get any before the ceremony as we had hoped. After a good 20/30 minutes taking photos we went back in for more dancing. Chris's family on his dads side is part Arabic. The dj played a traditional Arabic song and they did an Arabic dance. Was nice to see all cultures recognized. Our songs consisted of stuff from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. We also had the cha cha slide played along with the Cuban shuffle. Both of those were the most popular.*
I tossed the bouquet and my MOH caught it. The garter toss was funny because the guys were all scared to catch it. Chris actually had to throw it twice before his friend griff maned up and caught it.*
We did our final dance then stood by the door to say thank you to everyone as they left. The reception technically ended at 11:30 but it probably took until 12:15 before everyone was gone. Since we were staying at the GF a bell hop came and got all our gifts and took them to the room. By the time we got to the room it was 1am. Chris had to head back to fort Knox in a few hours. So while my husband went to get something out of the car I took a quick shower (must of had half a bottle of hairspray in it) and crawled into bed. By 2am we were passed out.
Overall it was great. I heard about quite a few snags after the fact but honestly other than my photographer running late which caused us to be rushed, to night was great.*
I'll post my reviews for each vendor soon.
As we turned to walk down the aisle I couldn't help myself from just stopping to look around excitedly. I was literally living a dream come true. We walked down the aisle and off to picture point. Since it was so cold we snapped a few photos and went inside to get ready for the staged exit. About 5 minutes later we did a brisk walk in 30 degree weather through bubbles to a lit up carriage. It was great and all the guest thought the carriage was beautiful.
After a quick chilly ride around the parking lot (I was glad the ride was short because it was so cold but if the weather had been nice I would've been disappointed) we arrived back at the pavilion for pictures. We spent maybe 10 minutes snapping some photos. Since we were running behind everything was rushed. Then it was back to the carriage to head to the reception spot at the GF. My wonderful aunt had a blanket she lent us to snuggle under during our ride.*
Once to the GF Chris quickly changed. His uniform doesn't allow for much movement. While he was doing that my MOH got personal and pinned my bustle lol. Major domo introduced all or our wedding party by name then us. He led us into our first dance and then left. It was great to see he had a proclamation scroll when making the announcements. I'd wanted to do proclamation scrolls as my invite but they were really hard to find and really expensive when I did finally find them.*
After our first dance we sat and listened to the speeches by my MOH and brother-in-law/the best man. Then a wonderful Disney employee carried my plate and escorted me through the buffet line. After about 45 minutes to eat Chris danced with his mom. Then we cut our fabulous cake. He was nice and didn't smear it, I wasn't so nice
btw the one bite you share is most likely the only chance you'll get to actually eat cake if you plan on making rounds to talk to all your guest. We danced and then were pulled away to take photos since our photographer didn't have time to get any before the ceremony as we had hoped. After a good 20/30 minutes taking photos we went back in for more dancing. Chris's family on his dads side is part Arabic. The dj played a traditional Arabic song and they did an Arabic dance. Was nice to see all cultures recognized. Our songs consisted of stuff from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. We also had the cha cha slide played along with the Cuban shuffle. Both of those were the most popular.*I tossed the bouquet and my MOH caught it. The garter toss was funny because the guys were all scared to catch it. Chris actually had to throw it twice before his friend griff maned up and caught it.*
We did our final dance then stood by the door to say thank you to everyone as they left. The reception technically ended at 11:30 but it probably took until 12:15 before everyone was gone. Since we were staying at the GF a bell hop came and got all our gifts and took them to the room. By the time we got to the room it was 1am. Chris had to head back to fort Knox in a few hours. So while my husband went to get something out of the car I took a quick shower (must of had half a bottle of hairspray in it) and crawled into bed. By 2am we were passed out.
Overall it was great. I heard about quite a few snags after the fact but honestly other than my photographer running late which caused us to be rushed, to night was great.*
I'll post my reviews for each vendor soon.
Ash8716
Disney Maniac
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2011
- Messages
- 410
Everything sounds so perfect! Truly a dream come true. I had tears in my eyes reading, especially when you said both you and your husband cried when you saw each other for the first time. This so makes me want to go back to my wedding day. It all goes by so quickly! I know what you mean with the rude people on stairs. I was getting so ticked, our photographers were trying to take photos and people wouldn't listen to stay off!!
That is so funny with the major domo! I can't believe people actually offered their rings!!!
That is so funny with the major domo! I can't believe people actually offered their rings!!!
CDsSleepingBeauty
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2011
- Messages
- 366
Your wedding looked beautiful, and your dog is soooo cute! 
I also love the Major Domo surprise!
I also love the Major Domo surprise!
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