Planning The Super Secret Renewal of Vows - 18th February 2012

[MrRomance]

Thank you all for your pixie dust and your good luck messages, it clearly worked! I was granted my visa after many hours at the US Embassy which means I can now plan and relax! Just have to wait for my passport to come back now!

The whole Embassy thing is crazy. I understand they have to have strict security but it is all just a little mad! When I arrived I was told to empty my pockets...ok fair enough...but the security guard tells me I can't take my car keys in. So I'm on my own, my car is parked on the street, what am I supposed to do with my keys? She says "You have two options, discard them or store them" --- Ok, discard my car key...right...ok! So that leaves the store option but where do you suggest I store them? Up my ......

So I'm told that there is a Chemist shop up the street that will store them for me until I get out (for a fee of course). So I have to go this Chemist, pay them to look after my car keys then QUEUE UP AGAIN to get in!

My appointment was at 11, along with about 50 other people! I finally got my interview at 2.55pm. There I was armed with all my documentary evidence to prove I am not trying to move to the US, and they didn't look at any of it! The lady was really nice though and she granted my visa so I'm a happy boy tonight!

Tomorrow, I am faxing our agreement back to Janna at DFTW and sending my deposit to Rev. Tim Herring. Hair and Make up needs to be booked with someone new and probably booking Randy Chapman for pictures if the price is right because I hear the Disney photographers are a little hit or miss!

So relieved and happy tonight, I think I might even have a little dance

 

[MrRomance]

Yesterday Amanda called Disney Catered Events for information about our plans and whether it will be possible. They've passed the details to "the person in charge of events at Epcot" and someone should call us back in the next couple of days.

So, we have decided that our ideal reception will be to hire a venue at Epcot with good views of the lake for a couple of hours and order copious amounts of food...ok, perhaps not, but we figured if we got a nice selection of foods and desserts and have a miniature buffet going on. We have such a small party that we can pay a high price per person to get a good selection.

Hair & Make Up has been booked and deposit sent. We didn't seem to have much luck with the beauty people, 1 cancelled on us and 2 others didn't even bother to respond to our information request! Apparently the economy isn't too bad for you if you're a make up and hair person in Florida because it seems they are in no rush to take work that's available!

We've decided to go with Debra's Do's & Make Up too. After reviewing the forums, she seems to have a solid reputation and she was trained at Disney so Amanda is happy with the choice.

Wedding shoes arrived today and apparently one of the perils of trying to do this as a surpise is men get ripped off when they buy women's shoes! They were too narrow for Amanda so they were always going to have to go back, but what really irritated me is that Amanda found the same shoes on a US site for $30 and I paid £45! Never mind, that's why return labels were invented

Janna at DFTW has received the deposit, so that's all taken care of which is a relief. So far she's been really good, responding to my almost daily emails. Apparently, the discounted room rates and tickets for 2012 have not been announced/released yet so I'm waiting on that before I organise the guests rooms. No sense in paying more than we need to!

I'm on eggshells with the whole visa thing, they told me 3 - 5 business days for the return of my passport with my visa but I'm not good with waiting and my 3 hourly checks on the tracking website tell me that the Embassy haven't released it to the courier company yet. Even though I know it's been approved, I can't settle until it is back in my grubby little mitts! I kinda want to know how long it's valid for too, so I know how long it is before I have to go through the ordeal again!

Tomorrow we need to drill down on the menu/buffet items for the reception. I'm thinking roast chicken, flat breads, pickles and 20 different desserts but that's just because I'm a greedy guts with a very sweet tooth. We also need to make a decision about wedding cake...one big cake (that probably won't get eat by 6 of us) or mini cakes? That is the million dollar question!

 

[librarygeek]

Congrats on getting your visa! Though I totally sympathize with not feeling relaxed about it until you actually have it. But at least the hard part is over! Now it's time for the fun stuff - like picking out the food Haha I would love about 20 different desserts!

 

[MrRomance]

Congrats on getting your visa! Though I totally sympathize with not feeling relaxed about it until you actually have it. But at least the hard part is over! Now it's time for the fun stuff - like picking out the food Haha I would love about 20 different desserts!

I think that is the general plan! The problem we have is that we're probably only going to have breakfast on the day so we'll need something "decent" to eat in the evening. I'd sit there and eat Zebra Domes and cupcakes all night, but I think we're going to need to have some "real food" too!

I think we're looking at a variety of flat breads, some roast chicken, potatoes of some kind, bread rolls and lots and lots of cakes!

 

[PixieDust1969]

Congrats on getting your visa! I know that is a load of worry off of your mind! That is crazy that you have to pay someone to hold your car keys or DISCARD them. Ugghh!! Government red tape!

Anyway, all of that aside, now you may move on with one of the sweetest plans I have ever heard!

 

[MrRomance]

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

So the last 24 hours have been FANTASTIC... We heard back from Disney Catered Events for our reception plans and they've agreed to do a private catered event even though we are under the 10 person minimum. They are getting back to us next week with possible menus etc. I'm so happy because I really didn't want to just use my dining plan and grab a meal in a restaurant with everyone else. I'm not an anti-social person, but it is such a special day for us I just wanted to enjoy it in a private setting with those who matter the most.

Then we found out about the "Delta Glitch"... for those of you from the UK I don't know if you've heard about it, but it's all over the Dibb boards. Apparently, there is a problem in Delta Airlines system and flights to Orlando in the summer 2012 holidays are RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP! We had a bunch of gift vouchers for Thomas Cook that we didn't really know what to do with and Amanda started playing detective! She managed to get us flights (in direct with a short stop in Paris) to Orlando in late July for less than £500 each with the option to upgrade for £50 direct with Delta. She then called Thomas Cook and managed to get 2 weeks stay at the Port Orleans with 14 day Ultimate tickets and Quick Service Dining Plan for £1580 (after our vouchers). It was too good to miss, so we're off to Disney AGAIN in July/August for just under £3000 all in! We'll call it our honeymoon!

To keep the good stuff coming, my passport arrived back this morning complete with Visa. I've only ever been given a maximum of 1 year on all my past visas which always means that I have to face another stressful Embassy trip in 12 months, but this time I got a 10 YEAR VISA! I am over the moon because that is a whole decade without stressing about a visa!

So all the things I planned on getting done this week have been taken care of. Hair & Make Up booked and deposit paid, Rev. Tim Herring booked and deposit paid, DFTW agreement signed and deposit paid, Reception plans under way with Disney Catered Events, my wedding attire has all been ordered and paid for (except shoes!).

Next week, we need to finalize the menu and select the enhancements for the wedding.

Although none of them will probably see this, I just want to say thank you to the people who have made things possible. Thank you consular lady for giving me less grey hairs for the next 10 years Shelley at Charter Travel for your patience and finding our flights for July Mellisa at Thomas Cook for finding a great deal on our accommodation in July Kristin at Disney Catered Events for allowing us to have our reception Janna at DFTW for your continuing help with the VR and to my beautiful wife, for making loads of phone calls and just being you and to all the wonderful people here on DIS, who have given so much support, encouragement and kind words!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

Just jumping in on your thread--- and you've TOTALLY made me cry quite a few times. I'm pretty much in love with your family. <3 You're all adorable, and you can just see the love you have for each other. It's beautiful!

And, congratulations on your fabulous day! Two disney trips in so short of a time?!? Who's spoiled?!?! I can't wait to read more!

 

[MrsDuck]

Things are working out amazingly for you!! Congrats!!

So so happy for you both!!

 

[MrRomance]

Just jumping in on your thread--- and you've TOTALLY made me cry quite a few times. I'm pretty much in love with your family. <3 You're all adorable, and you can just see the love you have for each other. It's beautiful!

And, congratulations on your fabulous day! Two disney trips in so short of a time?!? Who's spoiled?!?! I can't wait to read more!

Oh bless your heart, thank you for your kind words! Things have not been plain sailing for us. You mentioned in your PJ that the story of you guys getting together is one you would rather not recount and I can totally relate to that! But things have a habit of working themselves out when it's meant to be!

We're definitely spoiled, but we haven't had a vacation in a long time and the only reason it is possible is a compensation payment after our car accident, a grant from a disabled children's charity and a glitch in the Delta system! I figure we've deserved it and it's about time we had something AWESOME!

 

[librarygeek]

You definitely deserve it! What great news all around! Especially exciting about your 10 year visa - it must be such a nice feeling to know that you don't have to worry about it for 10 years!! Everything really sounds like it's coming together and I'm so happy for you

 

[MrRomance]

Happiness and excitement warning...

So, we have now received our "planning kit" for our vow renewal which means we can get on with choosing all the little elements that will make our day perfect. It's funny, when I was planning our VR as a surprise for Amanda, it was really stressful, now the secret is out and we can do all this together, it is just plain exciting!

The flowers on the list are not really what we wanted so we're waiting of DFTW to get back to us to see if we can change them. The ones we want will probably work out cheaper than the ones they're offering (for them) so we're hopeful!

We've also signed the contract for our reception. We were worried because being such a small party, we'd been told we wouldn't be able to get a "private catered event" that incorporated a dessert party and a private venue by a lot of people. WRONG! We've landed on our feet with a great planner who has managed to get it all squared away.

So here is our reception...

We have the small patio at Fantasmic!

The menu at the moment looks like this but we're waiting for a per person price before we confirm the menu because we're paying for 10 even though we only have 6 or 7 people! At the moment the menu looks something like this...

European greens with tomatoes, carrots and olives with variety of dressings.
Italian Wedding Soup
Crackers & Bread

Thyme-roasted pork loin with Apple & Brandy Jus
Crushed peppercorn loin of beef with sun-dried tomato & tarragon sauce
Seasonal Vegetables
Potato & Carmelized Onion Gratin
Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes
House-made bread

Fresh fruit display with Biscotti and Warm Chocolate Ganache
Warm Chocolate Banana Torte with Rum Glaze
Butterfinger Cup Cakes
Carrot Cake Cookies

Coffee with syrups, sticks, sugar, cream and honey
Selection of Teas
Sodas
Bottle of Sparkling Wine for a toast.

It would be fantastic if we could have Amanda's parents attending but with the MIL being...how can I say this diplomatically...."difficult" we know that it would just ruin our day and we'd end up having arguments. I wish things were different on that score because I'd love for them to be there, but it isn't worth the trouble it would cause and Amanda is adamant that she'd rather not have the stress.

I have no idea how we're going to eat enough food for 10 people...we may have to invest in 300 zip lock bags to take it back to the hotel.:

I've decided to ask my best friend if he can make it, but it's a big ask to have him travel to FL from the UK for just a few days when he has a wife and 2 kids to worry about. I doubt they can afford to all come (although it would be fantastic if they could) but I'm happy to pay for my best buddy and if I had the money I'd pay for them all because we've been friends literally since we've been born.

It's an exciting time for us and I'm looking forward to getting everything set so we can relax and wait for our big day!

 

[Chilly]

What a wonderful surprise. Your daughters are so cute. Good luck with the rest of the planning.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Happiness and excitement warning...

So, we have now received our "planning kit" for our vow renewal which means we can get on with choosing all the little elements that will make our day perfect. It's funny, when I was planning our VR as a surprise for Amanda, it was really stressful, now the secret is out and we can do all this together, it is just plain exciting!

The flowers on the list are not really what we wanted so we're waiting of DFTW to get back to us to see if we can change them. The ones we want will probably work out cheaper than the ones they're offering (for them) so we're hopeful!

We've also signed the contract for our reception. We were worried because being such a small party, we'd been told we wouldn't be able to get a "private catered event" that incorporated a dessert party and a private venue by a lot of people. WRONG! We've landed on our feet with a great planner who has managed to get it all squared away.

So here is our reception...

We have the small patio at Fantasmic!

The menu at the moment looks like this but we're waiting for a per person price before we confirm the menu because we're paying for 10 even though we only have 6 or 7 people! At the moment the menu looks something like this...

European greens with tomatoes, carrots and olives with variety of dressings.
Italian Wedding Soup
Crackers & Bread

Thyme-roasted pork loin with Apple & Brandy Jus
Crushed peppercorn loin of beef with sun-dried tomato & tarragon sauce
Seasonal Vegetables
Potato & Carmelized Onion Gratin
Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes
House-made bread

Fresh fruit display with Biscotti and Warm Chocolate Ganache
Warm Chocolate Banana Torte with Rum Glaze
Butterfinger Cup Cakes
Carrot Cake Cookies

Coffee with syrups, sticks, sugar, cream and honey
Selection of Teas
Sodas
Bottle of Sparkling Wine for a toast.

It would be fantastic if we could have Amanda's parents attending but with the MIL being...how can I say this diplomatically...."difficult" we know that it would just ruin our day and we'd end up having arguments. I wish things were different on that score because I'd love for them to be there, but it isn't worth the trouble it would cause and Amanda is adamant that she'd rather not have the stress.

I have no idea how we're going to eat enough food for 10 people...we may have to invest in 300 zip lock bags to take it back to the hotel.:

I've decided to ask my best friend if he can make it, but it's a big ask to have him travel to FL from the UK for just a few days when he has a wife and 2 kids to worry about. I doubt they can afford to all come (although it would be fantastic if they could) but I'm happy to pay for my best buddy and if I had the money I'd pay for them all because we've been friends literally since we've been born.

It's an exciting time for us and I'm looking forward to getting everything set so we can relax and wait for our big day!

Sweetie, just be a bit sneaky about taking the food away in bags as it is 'officially' not allowed!! Something about food safety, I think. I think that a lot of CMs turn a blind eye though!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

i'll be interested in what they say about the flowers. i wanted to pay more to upgrade mine and they told me that i had to choose one from the packet since the package was so cheap. i threw my hands up in the air and picked the bright and bold--my planner said those always come out beautiful. i just don't like "warm" colors---i'm more of a "cool"

you're planning looks great! i love fantastmic!

 

[MrRomance]

i'll be interested in what they say about the flowers. i wanted to pay more to upgrade mine and they told me that i had to choose one from the packet since the package was so cheap. i threw my hands up in the air and picked the bright and bold--my planner said those always come out beautiful. i just don't like "warm" colors---i'm more of a "cool"

you're planning looks great! i love fantastmic!

I got the same story...we have to have one of the ones on the list. Makes no sense to me, I thought they'd be delighted to get more money out of us! We've found a way to make things work, we're getting an outside Florist for the boutinieres and the brides bouquet and giving the "included" one to our daughter!

Our colours are blue and green and all we wanted was to have blue and green hydrangeas instead or one or the other! Not exactly a huge ask! They did say we could have both the limo and the in room celebration at an extra cost though.

 

[MrRomance]

Sweetie, just be a bit sneaky about taking the food away in bags as it is 'officially' not allowed!! Something about food safety, I think. I think that a lot of CMs turn a blind eye though!!

Yes they told us that we can't take it away for "food safety reasons" but a lot of people have said on the various boards, they often actually encourage you to take it away. I just don't want to waste food. Given the portion sizes they give you, I doubt we'll get through the food for the 6 we have, let alone 10. We might have to drag in some random strangers to eat!

 

[MrRomance]

We've now signed the contracts on our Fantasmic! patio reception. Just as I did with DFTW, I only faxed back the page that needed to be signed and the credit card authorisation because I figure the rest of the contract they can just print for themselves. OH NO...apparently I have to fax back the WHOLE contract. I'll do it, of course, but it just seems so stupid to fax back to them terms and conditions!

Little urked by DFTW too, seriously, if I want to UPGRADE items and pay you more money, why is it such a problem? I realise that the Memories Collection is a limited time deal and a very reasonable one, but come on, does it make sense in this economic climate to turn down the opportunity to make more money just to "stick with the rules".

As Amanda and Kate's wedding shoes that I chose before the surprise was blown didn't work, we're now on the hunt for new ones (Still waiting for the refund though!) and we can't find anything that they like that is suitable. Being a beach wedding, sandals and heels are a no go... I think it's going to be a long ordeal!

My shirt doesn't fit and it had a mark on it. I would have sent it back but I dropped it and it got cat hair on it! The perils of having persian cats I guess but now I'm stuck with a crappy shirt that I won't use! Never mind, I'll just have to buy another one. Still not sure whether or not to stick with my shirt and vest (waistcoat) or have a jacket...decisions decisions!

There are a ton of little things I want to take care of this week, but I think I'll be too tied up with other stuff to get much done. The main job will be deciding the final menu seeing as Disney Catered Events seem to think I'm getting it all wrong!

 

[Chilly]

I'm a big fan of the shirt and vest combo.

 

[MrRomance]

I've come to the conclusion (though I admit it has been said once or twice ) that I may just be a grumpy old man! I didn't think I was, in fact, for the most part I'm practically perfect in every way but I just find it so difficult to understand why people have to make life so difficult! I'm feeling a long session of sticking my tongue out and blowing raspberries at some long suffering Disney staff before too long!

As I mentioned in my previous venting session, I just don't understand why DTFW can't just take some more of my hard earned dollars to enable us to have what we want. I understand that the Memories Collection is designed to be simple and that enhancements are limited...I get that...but seriously, is it that much of a problem to say, "Ok, we have green and white or blue and white, but we can do half blue and half green of the same flowers just to make it work for you?"

What seemed like it would be a breeze to sort out with our reception dinner/dessert party is slowing turning me into a potential psychopath! Again, we have a REALLY small party of 5 (possibly 6) adults and 1 7 year old who is about the size of a 4 year old. We DON'T NEED 5 different main dishes! We have to pay for 10 to keep our venue, which we absolutely won't give up but seriously, we don't need 5 different main dishes! The menu I mentioned in an earlier post was cool, it covered everyone. Disney Catered Events said that there are not enough choices and came back with this...

Italian Wedding Soup

Garden Salad with Italian, Thousand Island and Raspberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

Steamed Green Beans

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Baked Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage, Marinara and Mozzarella

Cheese Tortellini Alfredo with Peas

Pork Chop with Apple Cider (Influenced by Artist Pointe)

Chicken Breast Parmesan

Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin with Marsala Sauce

House made Bread with Butter

Fresh Fruit Display with Biscotti and Warm Chocolate Ganache

Warm Chocolate Banana Torte with Rum Glaze

Butterfinger Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Cookies

Fruit Punch, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Selection of Teas



$135++ per Guest Based on 1 ½ hours or less and Minimum of 10 guests



As of now, Fantasmic! is at 7:00pm so we have your event from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.

This after I explained that we wanted to stick to around the minimum food and drink expenditure ($750) because we have such a small party! Half of that has to go..unless any of you lovely people are going to be around to help us eat it all!!!

Don't quite know how we went from our proposed menu to their proposed menu, but some rethinking needs to happen! Essentially, we'd be looking at $2000+ to feed 6 of us! Not going to happen!

On a brighter note...my hand-made Cravat and Hankerchief arrived in the mail yesterday....absolutely perfect! I can't recommend Elaine highly enough (if you're in the UK) if anyone wants her details, let me know, I'll post a picture later! It is avocado green satin, it's just what I wanted. I may even put on my little ensemble and post a picture!

So right now, I'm back looking at menus and trying to figure out what to do. I know what I want cut out so I'm hoping they can give me a new price that is of this planet!

Our planning kit has gone back to DFTW and my coordinator just FREAKED me out. I don't know if it was that she was trying to freak me out, or whether it's just because I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree, but she told me she would get back to me with my "Banquet Order". So, I'm thinking banquet = food, right? But my food is being done through DCE... After an email I discover that Banquet Order is a "Disney Term" for all the elements of our VR with an estimated cost. Am I the only dunce on the block that thinks food when they hear banquet?

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Aw, sorry for the frustrations . I can relate to the "why won't they take my money" feeling. Back when we had our Memories VR they weren't offering the purchase of the photo CD for Memories couples. I asked our contact at DPS and she even went to the manager and the answer was a flat no. I couldn't believe they wouldn't put any price tag on it, even a really high one. Well fast forward a few months later and they started offering the CD for $500 but of course we already spent more than that on prints and whatnot so I probably will never get my CD. Just kind of chapped my hide that they didn't think through that offering to begin with, but I guess that was the downside of having an event in the early days of the package being offered. Hope things smooth out for you soon!