PolynesianBride'sPJ 12/6/10 Sunset Pointe- TEASER PICS UP!

[polynesianbride]

I feel the same way about wedding stuff... Sometimes its all i can think about and other times i'm like "Eh..."

I hate that we can't book until 8 months out... it really bugs me.

I know it's the worst rule in the world Seriously 8 MONTHS that is hardly even enough notice to give guests for a destination wedding

Hey Adelia! I totally read your entire PJ while DH was out golfing all afternoon. There is SO much to comment on that it's nuts! As a fellow Romona Keveza bride (you went to Tie the Knot bridal couture in Naples the first, second, and third time didn't you? that's where I got mine), 12/6 bride, and toppers with glitz bride-- I must say you have wonderful taste! Seriously, I enjoyed reading this, look forward to reading more, and am sure you are gonna have one beautiful wedding. Congratulations!

HA HA! Sounds like I'm having your wedding just a bit late! It was totally Tie the Knot that I went to- they were wonderful but in the end the no sales tax deal in MN paired with the trunk show savings stole my business Your dress is gorgeous as well, glad to hear it's a Romona! Also do you know the name of the lady who does the alterations for Tie the Knot- they spoke soooooo highly of her that I'm still tempted to try to get her to do my alterations- what did you think of her? Do you have a PJ or TR somewhere? I would love to read all your details!

 

[ghoulish delight]

So I don't have many updates so I haven't posted in awhile. I think I go through phases where I'm totally wedding obsessed and then realize everything is still so far away and then I just don't do anything for awhile

I certainly relate! I know I end up slacking for a bit, then I come back and have to play catch up with everyone!

Anyhoo! I wish I could change that 8 month booking rule for you ladies! Seems pretty darn bogus! Jason and I were able to book EIGHTEEN months out from ours!! I wonder why they don't allow the same for the DFTW in WDW?

 

[kcampbell]

HA HA! Sounds like I'm having your wedding just a bit late! It was totally Tie the Knot that I went to- they were wonderful but in the end the no sales tax deal in MN paired with the trunk show savings stole my business Your dress is gorgeous as well, glad to hear it's a Romona! Also do you know the name of the lady who does the alterations for Tie the Knot- they spoke soooooo highly of her that I'm still tempted to try to get her to do my alterations- what did you think of her? Do you have a PJ or TR somewhere? I would love to read all your details!

OMG totally not-- I just thought it was nutty that there'd be 2 girls married on the same date, with the same dress designer, tried on at the same bridal salon, and both us(ed)ing toppers w/ glitz! Like how crazy is that!?!

Anyways, I completely understand your reasoning for buying it in MN-- seriously if I could've saved on the sales tax alone (which was like $300), my veil and headpiece would practically have been paid for. So you make choices... you were able to get your dream dress and that's all that matters!!

I am gonna start looking through my papers for the seamstresses name. Her first name is Cheri (I just remember that b/c I had "Cheri's special bustle"), but I know I have her full name and number some where. I'll find it and get it to you. I worked with her at the shop, but I'm sure she can go to your parents house or you to hers. She worked wonders with my dress esp considering the material (Italian Silk Satin- possibly same as yours) and the fact that she literally had to take the dress apart and put it back together to get the right fit, so I recommend her as much as the girls at Tie the knot do.

I don't have a PJ or TR b/c I never knew of these boards till after my wedding (crazy, huh?), but can still answer any questions-- just PM me and I'll follow your PJ too.

 

[polynesianbride]

I certainly relate! I know I end up slacking for a bit, then I come back and have to play catch up with everyone!

Anyhoo! I wish I could change that 8 month booking rule for you ladies! Seems pretty darn bogus! Jason and I were able to book EIGHTEEN months out from ours!! I wonder why they don't allow the same for the DFTW in WDW?

That's awesome that you were allowed to book eighTEEN months in advance- maybe we should switch to a DisneyLAND wedding too

OMG totally not-- I just thought it was nutty that there'd be 2 girls married on the same date, with the same dress designer, tried on at the same bridal salon, and both us(ed)ing toppers w/ glitz! Like how crazy is that!?!

Anyways, I completely understand your reasoning for buying it in MN-- seriously if I could've saved on the sales tax alone (which was like $300), my veil and headpiece would practically have been paid for. So you make choices... you were able to get your dream dress and that's all that matters!!

I am gonna start looking through my papers for the seamstresses name. Her first name is Cheri (I just remember that b/c I had "Cheri's special bustle"), but I know I have her full name and number some where. I'll find it and get it to you. I worked with her at the shop, but I'm sure she can go to your parents house or you to hers. She worked wonders with my dress esp considering the material (Italian Silk Satin- possibly same as yours) and the fact that she literally had to take the dress apart and put it back together to get the right fit, so I recommend her as much as the girls at Tie the knot do.

I don't have a PJ or TR b/c I never knew of these boards till after my wedding (crazy, huh?), but can still answer any questions-- just PM me and I'll follow your PJ too.

Would you mind posting some pics of you dress for me and of this "Cheri's special bustle"? In your siggie pics your dress looks like it fits you just perfect and I would love to see some of the detail on it! Thanks!

 

[polynesianbride]

Well ladies still not too much to update. I'm getting ready to head for the airport to head back to Michigan for my 10 year class reunion. Hopefully it's fun but honestly I'm not very excited about it but my best friend from high school really wanted to go (she lives in MN now too) so I agreed to go with her. On Saturday my parents and I are meeting DF's parents for lunch at a restaurant that we are thinking about having our at-home reception at, the restaurant is called Redwood Lodge and it's a brewery so we think it would fit the casual fun feel that we want- I'll let you know how it goes and will hopefully have some pics!

 

[Flurbee]

Adelia,

Just finally getting caught up again!! Luckily I didn't miss too much!! We are going to Disney in October and have a site visit planned....I really should be posting on my PJ, I am such a slacker at it!!! LOL.....Anyhoo, looking forward to more...

 

[polynesianbride]

Adelia,

Just finally getting caught up again!! Luckily I didn't miss too much!! We are going to Disney in October and have a site visit planned....I really should be posting on my PJ, I am such a slacker at it!!! LOL.....Anyhoo, looking forward to more...

Hello fellow slacker I just checked your PJ and still no update I can't wait to hear all about ur upcoming plans- I'm gonna do an update right now, so stay tuned!

 

[polynesianbride]

Hi Ladies- sorry I've been MIA for awhile now- just not much to update but finally have a few new things for anyone who's still following...

At Home Reception Plans

So this is still a bit of an area of debate between DF and I but I think I've finally won DF doesn't think we need to have an at-home reception afterwards- basically he thinks it will cost too much. We've gone through lots of different ideas (cocktail party, backyard BBQ, pig roast, etc.) and in the end he always vetos with the $ card. Anyways I think it's important that we do this for our friends and family since I know there are some hurt feelings that we are having such an "exclusive" wedding- plus we haven't really met any of each other's more extended family since we live in MN. So when I went back to MI last weekend I decided I was just going to visit one of the places we had talked about... it's called Redwood Lodge and I loved it It's in Flint, MI which is where all of his family lives (since my parents have moved it makes more sense to have it in his town not mine) but it's only about 1 hour for most of my guests. My parents had met his mom but not his dad or brother so I figured if we all just met for lunch it would do double duty- everyone could meet and I could check it out. It's a local brewery so it fits with the casual fun feel we want, the decor is totally DF's style too- think Wilderness Lodge- so without further delay here are some pics...
The Entry Area

There are tons of gorgeous antler chandeliers

The bar

DF is surprised I would want it at a brewery bc I don't like beer... but hey most people do and I want our guests to enjoy themselves. Plus they do have Lindeman's Framboise Lambic ON TAP... which I love!

If you haven't tried this you must! It's delicious, it's supposedly like a raspberry beer but I taste nothing beer like about it... There are several flavors but rasberry is the best- it tastes just like the non-alcoholic raspberry juice that comes in a wine bottle that I used to drink as a kid on New Years- soooo yummy- sorry I get sidetracked easily... back to pics
Me with FMIL, FFIL, and FBIL

Me with my parents and my bro's new fiance (my bro was out of town but she was sweet enough to hang out with me most of the weekend- we had only met once before but I think she's great)

The group (minus me & FBIL)]

There is no separate room for group events but they section off an area of the restaurant for you and can accomodate 100-120 people in this area that's a few steps higher than the restaurant and is railed off...

This is about half of that area...

And it has an awesome fireplace...

There is no fee for renting the area, just have to put a deposit of $20/pp and a final count due 7 days before the event. They make up a personalized menu for the group with no prices and 4-5 of their regular menu items that you choose and your guests get to pick. We went for lunch so we had sandwiches and pizzas but everything was excellent. I forgot to take pics til we devoured everything. But I got the California Club wood fired pizza- I thought it was a personal size but it could feed atleast 3 people it was awesome though! Here's what was left...

We didn't get dessert but the case looked sooo yummy!

There is also a cigar lounge attached to the restaurant- I think cigars are gross but DF's friends all love them and always smoke them when they all get together.

They have a special ventilation system in there so it doesn't smell too awful and they have live music on the weekends so I thought that would be a fun place to hang out with our friends after the meal.

When I got home and showed DF the pics he had to admit it looked perfect for us and would be much easier than trying to do something ourselves (renting tents, etc) and would be cheaper than a banquet hall (which neither of us likes). Plus I don't think I'll do any decorations bc I love the look of the restaurant as is! I have to see how we're going to show our video exactly but they said it should be do-able.

WOW! That was longer than I thought it would be... can you tell I'm excited? I have a few other minor updates but I have to get to bed but will post again soon!

 

[figment fan21]

That place looks AWESOME!!! I love it! if there was a place like that around me DF would go crazy for it!

I'm glad it all worked out for you and that your at-home reception is a go! I agree that you wouldn't need any decor in there... it definatly reminds me of the wilderness lodge!

oh and p.s. i need to try that beer!!!!! hahahaha

 

[MainStMandy]

Wow!! That place is just gorgeous!! What a great find. It really sounds perfect for you guys!! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Chilly]

Looks like a great place for a party.

 

[kcampbell]

Would you mind posting some pics of you dress for me and of this "Cheri's special bustle"? In your siggie pics your dress looks like it fits you just perfect and I would love to see some of the detail on it! Thanks!

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I'm still trying to find Cheri's info- I might just call or drop by Tie the Knot for you. Regardless, I'll get it. I apologize for temporarily hijacking your PJ, but here it goes...

My dress was Romona Keveza couture RK829. I had my final fitting 10 days before the wedding, but must admit that I must've lost another few pounds that last week b/c the dress was a tiny bit looser when it zipped. Idk if your dress is also Italian silk satin or not, but if it is be prepared for the fact that the fabric will stretch the longer you wear it. Cheri did a great job overall, esp considering that she basically took the dress apart and put it back together to get it to conform to my body. Ok, so here are some pics of the dress day of that I hope show you Cheri's work and also the bustle. (sorry it's a mix of pro & candid photos)

Front views:

Back details:

Side view:

Okay the bustle....I didn't like how the traditional french bustle looked on my dress...it made kinda a fish tale so I felt like Ariel!So to keep the line of the back esp b/c of the buttons Cheri tucked my train under the dress. She had a great system of color coordinated ribbon and loops so it was REALLY easy. A few of the girls from Disney actually bustled my dress so that my MOH's and my mom could enjoy cocktail hour.

Hope that helps a little bit Adelia! And I love your locale for the "home reception"! Looks very cozy!

 

[gemmybear83]

Love it that place looks great and I am drooling at that pizza! What a great find

 

[polynesianbride]

That place looks AWESOME!!! I love it! if there was a place like that around me DF would go crazy for it!

I'm glad it all worked out for you and that your at-home reception is a go! I agree that you wouldn't need any decor in there... it definatly reminds me of the wilderness lodge!

oh and p.s. i need to try that beer!!!!! hahahaha

I am sooooooo excited! Like I said DF still isn't totally sold but I think he's admitting defeat- I think he's a little excited about it but is just worried about the money. You definately need to try the lambic- sooo yummy!

Wow!! That place is just gorgeous!! What a great find. It really sounds perfect for you guys!! Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks Mandy! Glad you like... I need to call them again to get a few more details but I think it should be perfect!

Looks like a great place for a party.

Love it that place looks great and I am drooling at that pizza! What a great find

I am really excited! DF wants to serve pizza to everyone because he thought it looked so yummy (it was!) I just have to find out if they can mass produce them like that bc they only have one oven that they wood-fire them in- and I know 100 people can eat ALOT of pizza!

 

[polynesianbride]

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I'm still trying to find Cheri's info- I might just call or drop by Tie the Knot for you. Regardless, I'll get it. I apologize for temporarily hijacking your PJ, but here it goes...

My dress was Romona Keveza couture RK829. I had my final fitting 10 days before the wedding, but must admit that I must've lost another few pounds that last week b/c the dress was a tiny bit looser when it zipped. Idk if your dress is also Italian silk satin or not, but if it is be prepared for the fact that the fabric will stretch the longer you wear it. Cheri did a great job overall, esp considering that she basically took the dress apart and put it back together to get it to conform to my body. Ok, so here are some pics of the dress day of that I hope show you Cheri's work and also the bustle. (sorry it's a mix of pro & candid photos)

Front views:

Back details:

Side view:

Okay the bustle....I didn't like how the traditional french bustle looked on my dress...it made kinda a fish tale so I felt like Ariel!So to keep the line of the back esp b/c of the buttons Cheri tucked my train under the dress. She had a great system of color coordinated ribbon and loops so it was REALLY easy. A few of the girls from Disney actually bustled my dress so that my MOH's and my mom could enjoy cocktail hour.

Hope that helps a little bit Adelia! And I love your locale for the "home reception"! Looks very cozy!

Thank you soooo much for posting your dress pics- it's just gorgeous! The overall shape of the dress is very similar to mine so it really helps me to envision what mine will look like when it's actually in my size and not held up with clips And I definately LOVE the way she did your bustle I could totally call tie the knot myself but I think I still feel a little guilty about not getting the dress there Did Cheri build a bra into the dress for you too so you didn't have to wear one? Thanks again!

 

[polynesianbride]

Trip Planning for April 3-10​

Resort Drama
I mentioned before that we had booked our plane tickets to head to Disney April 3-10 using our free flight vouchers we got from being bumped last time we went to visit my parents. Well we picked those dates because it's the only time DF has off from school/clinicals until he graduates... however, we failed to notice that this is over Easter and therefore rates are HOLIDAY season at Disney So rooms at the value resorts are $160/night But there's really nothing we can do now but it really hurts to pay that much for a value resort knowing we normally could stay at a moderate for that price. We are planning to stay at All Star Movies (we've never stayed there before, the only value we've tried is POP and we loved it but want to try something new). Usually we book through AAA but I'm trying to decide if I should maybe just book directly with Disney? Anyone know which way is best?

Dining Drama
We are also debating on the dining plan- the first time we went we loved the dining plan but it was just after it started and it included an appetizer (we love our appetizers) and just seemed like a better deal. The last time we went we didn't feel it was as good of a deal bc we felt we could have shared meals alot plus neither of us really wanted desserts at our counter service meals. But I LOVE how convenient it is and that I know going into the vacation that everything is paid for. Does anyone know what happens if I book everything and then Disney releases discounts or free dining for the time we're going- is there a way to change your reservations or am I best to just wait to see if any promos are realeased?

We definately love our sit-down meals at Disney and are starting to hammer out where we want our ADR's. Here's what we're thinking so far:
*Ohana's (we've eaten here before but want to check it out again b4 the wedding)
The rest of these we have never been to before-
*Mickey's Backyard BBQ
*Cape May- for dinner the have a clam bake and I LOVE seafood
*Jiko (but talking about maybe switching this for Donald's Safari Breakfast since we don't have any breakfast ressies)
*50's Prime Time Cafe
*LeCellier or Narcooses (I just can't decide on this one- whichever we don't do we'll do on the wedding trip so)

And that should be all we can fit in- there are just soooooo many places to try at Disney it's so hard to decide!

Wedding Planning while at WDW
So we will actually be in Disney during the time when we can FINALLY book! It will be April 6!!!!!! I am debating about doing a trial run with Patricia while we're there... and then I'm thinking maybe since I'll be all dolled up that maybe we should so an engagement shoot with Misty Now I realize I've already done "engagement pics" and I love them but I mainly want to do it because I think it would help DF and I feel more comfortable in front of the camera and with Misty on our wedding day. What do you guys think? Is it worth it? I also don't know where we would do them... I've thought about Poly since we obviously love it there but then again all of our wedding pics will be there so maybe we should mix it up a bit???? A lot of people use Boardwalk area but neither DF or I have really been over there so I'm not sure I think it looks like a fun area though and we decided we definately want to check that area out during this trip- just not sure if we'll like it enough to have pics there

I also really want to do some cake tasting while we're down there... closer to the date I think I'm going to beg and plead with Dianne and see if there's any way we could do a cake tasting- if that fails I think I may call the GF bakery and see if there's any way I can buy that cute little tasting with all the different cakes and fillings- and if that fails I'm just going to order a cake for us to have at Ohanas, I just hate to spend all that money and only get to try one flavor We could also stop by the Boardwalk bakery bc I think you can buy single slices there but don't know if they'll have the flavors I want to try- but I won't turn down any opportunity to eat CAKE!!!!

Also thinking about all the delicious Disney treats I want while I'm down there... lately I've been obsessing over these Zebra domes I hear so much about! So we'll have to make our way to AKL bc I think you have to get them there. I also will be getting that delicious looking pineapple drink at Ohana- the Lapu Lapu... any other suggestions ladies on must have Disney treats?????

 

[MainStMandy]

We are doing engagment pics with Randy for the very same reason. We want to meet him and be comfortable with him before the actual wedding. We don’t really “need” engagement pics. I am also having my hair trial at the time. Mostly because my hair is short and I need to decide if I can leave it as is or grow it out more. We picked the Boardwalk because #1 we love it, but #2 our wedding is at the WP, so we will get plenty of pictures during the wedding by the GF and Poly. We wanted somewhere a bit different.

Oh and the cake thing. When we were planning an escape we decided to buy a cake to taste the flavor we thought we would use. You have to buy a 10” to get the flavor you want (not sure if the Poly is the same), and it was HUGE. It was however, one of the best cakes I have EVER had in my life!!

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Love the location for the home reception! Looks very cool...I wish we had some place like that here...
I can't wait to see your e-pics with Misty!
I'm glad you're getting a hair trial...Can't wait to see those too!!! Hurry up April and get here!!!

 

[kcampbell]

Thank you soooo much for posting your dress pics- it's just gorgeous! The overall shape of the dress is very similar to mine so it really helps me to envision what mine will look like when it's actually in my size and not held up with clips And I definately LOVE the way she did your bustle I could totally call tie the knot myself but I think I still feel a little guilty about not getting the dress there Did Cheri build a bra into the dress for you too so you didn't have to wear one? Thanks again!

Glad it helped! And yeah, what a difference having it fitted to your body and not just a sample- you're gonna be SOO happy! Initially she sewed cups into the dress, but the "push-up" that the cups gave basically made me feel like I was gonna fall out of the dress, so at the 2nd fitting we took them out. (I just wore those silicone flower petal covers so even if the dress moved I didn't give a free show!) Obviously, yes she will sew in whatever you need so you won't have to wear a bra.
Don't worry about calling Tie the Knot...I've been meaning to stop in and say hi anyway, so I'll try to get it this week.

 

[Chilly]

I hope they let you do the cake tasting.