LuvLuvLuv's Memories TR Starts Pg 73 - Honeymoon Day 6.1

[LuvLuvLuv]

I went shopping today!! I got up at 7am, got ready and made the trek out to "Bridal Row". It's an entire street of wedding vendors about 45/50 minutes away. There's lots of dress shops, including 3 giant ones that I planned on checking out. None of them allow pictures until you make a deposit. Lame.

I got there at 9:45 and went to the first one. I had my list, and they didn't have any of them--boo. So I went thru, picked a few... tried on about 10 there. There were a few that had certain qualities that I wanted, but none of them together like I envisioned. So I left there, with no hope.

As I looked across the street, I saw the shop that made me cry and I knew I had to go in. They have a selection of 4,700 gowns and at this point, I needed it. So I went in, they pulled up my file that also held my complaint and prior situation. A manager pulled me into a separate room to apologize, thank me for coming back, and assured me I would have an amazing consultant today. She was wearing a Bride/Groom Mickey Minnie WDW pin, and I for some reason felt at ease, lol. I told her that I'm in such a loss as to what I want that I really wanted to walk around the racks for a while and look. She took my list and said she would pull what she had for me and for me to focus on new dresses. So I aimlessly walked thru the racks and racks of dresses. I pulled a few, was just feeling overwhelmed, I even pulled a $2150 David Tutera which was 650 over my round-about budget. I tried 8 dresses on here. My consultant had worked there since 1997 and she was sooooooo sweet. There were 2 dresses I fell in love with. The one actually had every quality that I was looking for wrapped into one, and the other was a very simple Maggie Sottero Christina. The one, I can't remember the designer, I was in such a moment, that I wasn't thinking. I've been searching the internet high and low for this dress and I can't find it anywhere. It has to be somewhere I have a newfound love for the lace overlay trains, I love sparkley lace-like flowers, rhinestones.... it had all of it. I was very happy with both dresses and my experience there.

So when I left there, I was kind of embarrassed to walk directly across the street into another shop--but I had an appointment over there so I kind of had to. When I walked in, it was a small, quaint little shop, but it had the most beautiful gowns I had ever seen in a small little area. I had a great consultant that was super to work with. I tried on 6 dresses there and loved one of them and seriously liked 2 others. I loved a Justin Alexander that had sparkly beading, and a tulle bottom with rhinestones in it... it was so amazing that it instantly took my breath away--the picture I saw on the internet didn't do the sparkle or the fabulous-ness justice (style 8477). I liked another Justin Alexander with sparkly flowers and tulle, and a WhiteOne that was sparkly flower lace with the lace train.

I feel like I took a giant step in the right direction. I found a couple fabulous dresses and don't feel like I would be "settling" with any of them. I'd like to show them to my family and make a deposit soon. I still haven't heard back from DFTW... Tuesday will be 3 weeks since my email. I am going to call Tuesday because that's 2 weeks from booking and I don't even have a clue whats available for us for a lunch or dinner.

Today took my mind off of the horrific week that I had. I do have to admit that after 6 hours of dress shopping, I was so exhausted that I came home and passed out. Tomorrow is the layout, and Monday is the funeral... they are an hour away so I'll be in the car lots in the next 2 days.

Well I'm still really tired, I'm going to get to sleep in a few minutes. I hadn't "dis'ed" all day and was going thru slight withdrawl Night all!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Aw, I missed you and was thinking about you today! So glad to hear that the dress shopping had gone well! I love hearing about positive experiences.. esepcially from you! I feel like you and I are so on the same level with a lot of things. And I'm happy it kind of took you away from things at the same time. I totally need a place like that here! haha. BTW that Justin Alexander dress you're talking about.. is seriously a dress I've had saved in my favorites since DAY 1 of being engaged.. haha. Too funny! I wish you coulda snuck some pictures though!

The one dress that you've been searching for online though.. did you think about calling the shop and seeing if they'll tell you the style number and designer so that you could look it up online? That's what I did.. and almost every shop will let you know.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

I agree--- I really wanna see this dress! I have a feeling it might be The One!

I'm glad shopping helped you feel better. Best wishes to all.

 

[elleinad16]

Wow, Deena! I've been gone for a little bit and I come back to all this! First of all... HUGE HUGS! I hope you are doing well, and if you need anything-let me know! Secondly, I'm so happy you had a good time dress shopping! I wanna see them all (lame no picture rule...) I think this boost is all you needed. It'll start to give you a better focus of what you'll want for everything! I can't wait to see what you decide--I feel a dress is near!

 

[Princess SarahK]

So glad you were able to take your mind off of things and escape to a princess-dress world! I love both of the dresses you mentioned but Im so anxious to see the one you need more info on!! Good luck the next few days, I know you'll be needing it.

 

[librarygeek]

It sounds like your dress shopping will lead to something successful! The way you describe them they sound just beautiful, so I hope you find the one that is perfect for you out of the options you have now, and I look forward to seeing pictures!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Aw, I missed you and was thinking about you today! So glad to hear that the dress shopping had gone well! I love hearing about positive experiences.. esepcially from you! I feel like you and I are so on the same level with a lot of things. And I'm happy it kind of took you away from things at the same time. I totally need a place like that here! haha. BTW that Justin Alexander dress you're talking about.. is seriously a dress I've had saved in my favorites since DAY 1 of being engaged.. haha. Too funny! I wish you coulda snuck some pictures though!

The one dress that you've been searching for online though.. did you think about calling the shop and seeing if they'll tell you the style number and designer so that you could look it up online? That's what I did.. and almost every shop will let you know.

First of all... thanks for thinking of me

I called yesterday and it's Private Label by G 12064 (Limited Version). The picture doesn't do it justice... it really is amazing. AND the Justin Alexander... if you've never seen this dress in person, you need to RUN and look at how it sparkles and how there are rhinestones in the tulle!!!!

I agree--- I really wanna see this dress! I have a feeling it might be The One!

I'm glad shopping helped you feel better. Best wishes to all.

Thanks I hope to make a decision soon

Wow, Deena! I've been gone for a little bit and I come back to all this! First of all... HUGE HUGS! I hope you are doing well, and if you need anything-let me know! Secondly, I'm so happy you had a good time dress shopping! I wanna see them all (lame no picture rule...) I think this boost is all you needed. It'll start to give you a better focus of what you'll want for everything! I can't wait to see what you decide--I feel a dress is near!

I know... I sure do know how to shake things up, lol. I feel like I need to get focused on this wedding because time is really flying!! Pshh, yours will be here in like 3 minutes!

So glad you were able to take your mind off of things and escape to a princess-dress world! I love both of the dresses you mentioned but Im so anxious to see the one you need more info on!! Good luck the next few days, I know you'll be needing it.

Private Label by G 12064 (limited version) I did need luck. I feel like I've been run over by a semi. I feel like I need to go try more dresses on again because I like the trance it put me in, lol!!

It sounds like your dress shopping will lead to something successful! The way you describe them they sound just beautiful, so I hope you find the one that is perfect for you out of the options you have now, and I look forward to seeing pictures!

Yay! I want to try to get some stock photos up tonight... if I don't pass out!!

___________________________________

So I book 2 weeks from today

I sent a little email, reminding that I sent an email on May 31 and that I needed some answers so we can decide what we're doing! I can't believe time went so quickly and we're "here" already! For some reason, I just have a really bad feeling that we're not going to be able to do the lunch or the dinner that we wanted and I'll end up getting 13 petal cannons to supplement the minimum. Lol.... how much do the fireworks cost?

Not only am I getting over the obvious mental crisis, but I had a long talk with someone last night on the phone, and can't even wrap my head around things that I heard. It's really nothing I should talk about her. I'm not against talking about it... if you're uber curious... PM/text me.

I should get back to playing catch up at work. When I get more info from DFTW I'll report back!!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Okay, as google is working it's butt off to load this dress...

Let me say you're not supposed to encourage me to go look at other dresses! I'm having enough of commitment issues with mine!

But as far as your issue goes.. just go beat em down!

& c-razy how time flys by!

That dress looks fabulous! Oh man. Such choices you have. Regardless I think a lace dress for you is the way to go! You look gorg in them! When's your next shopping excursion? I look forward to pictures!!

BTW, I definitely would email them and act 'concerned' that they are healthy and everything is okay since they haven't contacted you.

 

[librarygeek]

I really hope Disney gets back to you soon, if you ask me not replying to an email that was sent that long ago is just unacceptable!

Hope that your situation with that phone call works out okay... if you feel like you need to talk about it you can PM me, but I'm not going to pry! Just providing support.

 

[Princess SarahK]

Oh man, I'd be livid if I had an email unanswered for 3 weeks!! Youre a saint compared to me!! Im so excited to see you try on more dresses!!


UMMMMMM that dress (the G one) is AMAZING!!! So gorgeous!!! Love love love it!! It reminds me of mine a little, so you know I love it!

Hope your feeling better, thinking of you often!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

13 petal cannons? Why not just make it an even 15???

But, really, I hope you hear from Disney soon. That's just unacceptable!!!! And about the phone call.

 

[BethieTink]

Hey Deena,

Just catching up. Hope you got through your horrible few days and are starting to feel a bit better.

Love the dresses. I think the Justin Alexander might be my favorite. It is stunning.

Hope you hear back from Disney soon. Who is your consultant? You are far more patient than I am. I give them about 48 hours, maybe a little longer and then I start nagging.

I am counting down the days with you. I just have a few more after you to wait. Good thing we are away for some of that, so maybe I won't obsess about it.

Take care.

 

[tnkr mom]

Hope your week is getting brighter!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Well obviously the multi-quotes don't want to work right now because they didn't show up

Thank you for loving my dress choices, and thanks for the words that have been helping me get through the week. IT'S FRIDAY!

I've been crazy nervous about booking--almost like I knew something wasn't right. I had some kind of sixth sense that everything was going to take a crazy spin and it was making me sick to my stomach. Well my anxiety got the best of me and I finally called DFTW really just to make sure everything was okay. I was able to set up a call 30 minutes later with my coordinator. We talked through everything, he never saw my e-mail and most likely mixed it up with the one I had sent previously--so when I sent the last follow-up he didn't know what I meant, lol--it happens, I get 100+ emails a day and I've missed a few too. So I got an okay for an Illuminations dinner--just don't know which country... Dave wants somewhere in UK. For receptions I got the options of Whitehall, Key West, Sago Cay, or the Marina. (I thought the Marina was for more people-but I love this), and for the ceremony outside-- Sago Cay or the Marina. We talked about a couple add-ons, etc and I said I would get back to him after talking with Dave.

After work, I went for my reflexology appointment--everyone should do this... it's awesome--got all relaxed and gathered my thoughts. I took Dave to dinner at Chili's and when I mentioned the Marina he just lit up. I mean lit up like an excited bride who just was told she could get married in front of the castle for free, lol. He loves this area--but I always shot it down because we didn't have enough people, and I wasn't sure it was still available as it wasn't on the Design Studio Venue Tool on the DFTW site anymore. Then he said something that just made me melt. He said, "You could have the most awesome aisle runner there, because you definately need it." His blessing for an aisle runner? AMAZING! I've been secretly discouraged with the stain glass that's going into the WP and am deathly afraid it'll be dark in there, or that I'll have some vendetta against it. So it's not that I'm giving in--I'm just up for a more laid back experience I guess.

So I asked what he wanted to do for the reception, and he said he wanted to have it at the Marina as well. I dunno how that would work with set-up, and am wondering if it would be easier to go around the corner to Sago Cay. I personally think I want it all at the Marina too... but we'll have to see what they can do for us. I already have an email into DFTW this morning about that. What do you think? We also kicked around having the ceremony at Sago Cay... but keep coming back to the Marina... but then he's just so happy to be over in that area--it makes me happy he's happy. He asked if I could show him Cassie's TR again, but to my surprise, she deleted the ENTIRE thing with . on 6-13-11... so just a couple days ago. I was sad because I really liked her TR and it's a shame so many people attacked her I hope everything is okay So I went the other route and showed him from the Roots blog and the DWB.

I've been trying to come up with a "vision" for decor and will probably draw a few things up today. I would love to hear what everyone has to say about this. So of course a convention could kick me out of there by November so I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best. I do like the proximity to the main building and if we did split between the Marina and Sago Cay that it's right there.

Oh and one more thing that I don't care if she ever sees this because I think it's rediculous... My FMIL added pictures to FB this week from Dave's previous wedding. Why on earth? She tagged him so they're on his page now too. Dave was like, well she's not in any of them... UM she's in the background of her new profile pic. It doesn't matter if she's not in any of them... it's the principal behind it. You just don't do that. I just don't understand some people's thought processes.

So there you have it. That feeling I had that everything was wrong... was right, lol. I have compromised to an outside location, away from any possible construction, convenient area and basically free to decorate with my imagination. With the money we'll save from not using the WP, we can really do some neat decor. Dave asked again if Perry the Platypus could be there... and I said no.

Oh Oh Oh... one more thing. So with the moving of everything outside... I think I've made a dress decision with my vision!! I believe the fine lady will be Christina by Maggie Sottero!!!!!!! Without the WP, and being outside, I think the Justin Alexander will be too much ballgown to carry around--and it's pretty intense. The other is lacey and I think may be too formal. And the Christina's satin is so shiny, with a perfect amount of bling, yet is still simple enough for an outside affair. My shoes will be great with it!! The little dress shop I went to (with the Isadora--right down the street) can order it for me and are charging $91 less for it (than the one an hour away), and giving me $100 towards accessories. It's a spring 2010 so I feel like I need to get the ball rolling soon on this.

I think I just overwhelmed everyone, lol. I really would like to hear thought about how I should do the Marina/Sago Cay for the cermony and reception. Maybe there's something I'm not thinking about.

Happy Friday!!!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

Hmm. I think you should do the whole thing at the Marina--- and I don't think it'll be bad for setup! I mean, it is just the two of you. So, after you say your I Dos and stuff and a bunch of petal cannons go off, then you and Dave can go wander around and get pictures, like, EVERYWHERE! (The GF, the Poly, the Contemporary... why not, right?) And then, when you get back, POOF! They have transformed your ceremony space into this lovely reception space. Is it too obvious to go with some sort of nautical theme at the marina? I'm trying to envision a lot of flowers there and, IDK, it's just not working, you know? I don't mean beach theme, I mean... expensive, yacht club, classy theme. Does that make sense?

And *** FMIL!!!!!!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I don't have a terrible amount of input as I'm not overly familiar with the venues you're discussing (but can't wait to see pics!) but I would like to say that your controversy with your fmil breaks my heart, and I admire your strength regarding the situation. You're wedding will be so unique! It makes me excited.

 

[princesswendy720]

I LOVE the marina as a ceremony location!! And you still get the view of the castle!! I definitely think it is more suited for a ceremony than sago cay..with the amphitheater shape. I think it might be better logistically to have the reception at sago cay so you don't have a buffet or action stations in your ceremony photos. Unless you go off for pictures for an hour and that gives them enough time to break down and set up? Oh it's going to be beautiful with an aisle runner.

 

[BethieTink]

Glad you got some resolution to the DFTW stress.

I love the Marina for the ceremony. That would be lovely. And with time for some pictures, I am sure they could transform the area into a reception site in no time.

Glad Dave has come around on the aisle runner, since I know you have your heart set on it. This way you get the best of both worlds.

Awesome choice on the dress!!

Sorry about the FMIL. **** her! That is just so wrong. Wow.

Here's to another day down for you, me and Wendy in the never-ending saga that is DFTW.

 

[johnscafide]

If you get the right photographer who'll do it you can have the ceremony at the marina, and the camera can take a picture of the two of you saying your vows while the focus of the camera is zoomed straight to the castle. It would have a really awesome 'blur effect' on you two, while crystal clear vision of the castle. It would take one really good camera and lens, but it would look awesome outside.

Also, doing the ceremony/reception outside is an awesome idea. We originally wanted to do both outdoors, and obviously changed, however we changed because ours was in the mid-end of hurricane season. In November the weather will be in the mid to high 70s, cool and very sunny! I've been to Disney about 3-4 times in November and never had a bad day.

 

[elleinad16]

The marina is so pretty! I think it'd be great for a ceremony. It's cute that Dave got really excited. and about Perry the Platypus. But Deena, am I missing something What is this about stained glass in the Wedding Pavilion? Are they changing it because of the construction? I must be behind the times because this is completely new news to me!