Sarah & Fred - 1.11.07 - AK/MK - The Perfect Midnight Stroll

Thanks so much for your wonderful comments! I've finally managed to finish all the recap installments directly dealing with the wedding. We are also currently in the process of uploading all of our wedding photos for your viewing enjoyment.

http://www.sarahandfred.com

Our Pal, Cake, and a Carousel

We mingled for a few moments before our planner whispered in my ear that our special guest was about to arrive. About ten seconds later I heard Mickey’s special music and started looking around for his entrance. I knew that the character dressing room for that area of Fantasyland was between Snow White and Mrs. Pott’s Kitchen, so I assumed he would emerge around the corner. But he wasn’t there!

Suddenly I hear ohhs and ahhs and turn around to see Mickey coming through the breezeway of the castle. Mickey of course being the great showman that he is made the most of his grand entrance and the children in our party went wild!

He first came over to us, but seeing the excitement on the children’s faces, I subtly let him know that he should feel free to pay more attention to the guests than us. He finally took his position in the center of the courtyard and the mayhem ensued!

We timed Mickey’s arrival so that we could get a photo of Mickey pretending to help us cut the cake. Jennifer made sure to remind me to mention that we didn’t actually want him to help us cut the cake because that too is not what is normally done. I guess the message didn’t quite make it to Mickey, because he seemed almost hurt that we didn’t want him to cut the cake. Leave it to us to make Mickey sad in the middle of the Magic Kingdom! Anyway, our cake . . .

Sorry, I got a little photo happy there! Due to the way the cake was set up and the way we were instructed to stand, our photographer had a hard time getting everyone in a position where there wasn’t a shadow on someone’s face. Plus, um . . . those darn ears! Anyway, we finally managed to get the photos and we were on to the serious business of cutting and EATING the cake!

So, for lack of a better term the “cake lady” comes up to show us how to cut the cake. I’m thinking . . . I know how to cut cake. You chop it up with a knife . . . what exactly do we need you to show us? Nevertheless I happily go along because I am by this time quite delirious with excitement. She shows us how to hold the knife, etc. After taking the obligatory photos, again battling the shadows, we finally physically cut the cake.

Now, I had been given a piece of cake and assumed that it was mine to eat! Um . . . nope! I was being dragged from my precious cake after one bite! I hadn’t gotten a sum total of one hundred calories of sugary goodness before Fred wanted me to leave my decadent treat! The horror! I did resist for a few precious moments and managed to get another bite, however.

Mickey and I briefly danced, until Fred cut in, and then we were off to ride the carousel. Mickey, the entire bridal party, and most of the children at the wedding all climbed upon the carousel and we went for a ride. The photos and video footage of this is quite emotional. Who knew that a carousel would make for such beautiful photos and videos.

We were so wrapped up in the fun and excitement that we completely forgot that the parent dances. Luckily, our planner made sure the Carousel operator stopped our ride in just enough time for us to make it back to the center of the courtyard.

Tears of Joy

My father and I were first and we danced to Lonestar’s version of “Let Them be Little.”

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me you're changin' with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.
So let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
I never felt so much in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers an' your wishes.
An' now you're teachin' me how only a child can see.
Tonight, while we're on our knees, all I ask is:
Please, let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
The so innocent, precious soul:
You turn around, an' it's time to let them go.
So let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give 'em praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.​

I truly liked the song, it was appropriate for the occasion, and it was far shorter than the other contender “I Loved Her First.” However, I never realized the song would induce so many tears. My father and I were on the dance floor cracking up and the rest of the guests were balling!

Up next was Fred and his mother with Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance​

A Kiss Goodnight

After the parent dances, there was no other planned event until the exit so we all mingled, danced, ate, and drank.

Now, you will notice a multitude of photos of us dancing. Having heard some of the horror stories about the bride being pulled one way and the groom being pulled the other way at the reception, we made up our mind early on that we were just going to refuse to separate! Hence the unusually large number of dancing photos.

Time flew by and suddenly it was time for the last dance. My mother played “Moon River” constantly when I was a child and I’ve always liked the soothing tone of the song. So, that’s what we decided upon. (Although try as I might I still can’t figure out exactly what the song is actually suppose to be saying!) Soon, Major Domo is directed to announce that the last song is about to play, and we get one last chance to dance on the world’s most romantic dance floor.

I kid you not all but a handful of people are on the dance floor. Parents with children, brothers with sisters, it was just a beautiful manifestation of family, friends, and love.

Soon the song was over and Major Domo escorted the guests through the breezeway, to four waiting Main Street Vehicles. We stood at the beginning of the breezeway and said goodbye to our guests as they left.

We followed our guests out to the front of the castle to watch the Kiss Goodnight. (Several hours after the Magic Kingdom has closed there is a small light show on the castle. It’s themed to “When you wish upon a star” and normally wishes all the stragglers a magical evening, bla bla bla. Well, our planner arranged for us to record a custom version of the soundtrack they use when we were in WDW for our planning session. Truthfully, the trip to the computer room and recording studio under the Magic Kingdom was worth the entire cost of the product! (Especially for Fred.) Anyway, we recorded our own special thank you/magical send off and the sound editor mixed in a few effects and set it to the standard music.)

After the Kiss Goodnight we decided to get a few more formal photos. So our photographer comes back and sets up for the shots in the archway of the castle. She wanted to try a few different lighting techniques, so we spent quite a while standing, kissing, etc.

After one last look at the courtyard we returned back to the castle breezeway. We chatted for a few moments with the personalities we had worked with over the last twelve months, exchanged hugs, compliments, and congratulations.

Finally, it was time for us to bid farewell to the castle and the many individuals who were part of making our dream come true.

The Perfect Midnight Stroll

Our Planner scooped up the things we needed to take with us and we were all set to go. I then did something that I’m sure would made all the risk management folks at Disney cringe . . . I took off my shoes! Yes sir ree! I walked bare footed out of the Magic Kingdom.

As we approached the Crystal Palace backstage entrance our planner turned to me and said, “Would you like the car to pick you up at city hall or would you rather meet it now?” She truly knew the answer before she even asked the question, and she confirmed with the town car driver (via her blackberry) that he should wait at City Hall.

The next few minutes are simply indescribable.

We’d just experienced something few people get to do . . . We had actually lived a dream.​
 
wow...truly magical! thank you so much for sharing! :goodvibes
 
Sarah,

This has been absolutely amazing! I was in tears by the time I got to the end of this section (and I'm at work!). I am so happy and excited for you, but so jealous at the same time.

These photos were amazing. Did they have more fun and experiment more because of the special circumstances of the wedding being in the Magic Kingdom? I really need to forward this to some friends of mine who are HUGE fans of Disney.

Congratulations!
 


Thanks for sharing your wedding and the beautiful pictures of the Magic Kingdom at night. Everything sure was elegant and magical as well. :flower3:
 
Sarah & Fred,

I have been trying my best to read through the tears streaming down my face. What a beautiful story and even more beautiful wedding. Every little disney princess dreams of having her wedding with the castle as the backdrop. Congratulations to you on your beautiful wedding and a whole new life together. :love:
 


I know I know i'm nosy..........but I have to ask how much all of this cost??? Your Husband states that your a normal couple and spent a reasonable amount for such a wedding but for all of us brides out here who are wondering just how much it takes to pull this off could you please indulge us? Even a ballpark figure would suffice! Thanks!
 
Thank you for all your lovely comments! :goodvibes

While we are technically not allowed to disclose the terms of our contract, (Don’t want Mickey and the gang to come knocking on my door! Donald has a short temper, after all! :confused3 ) I think I can probably tell you that we originally contacted FTW when the previous minimum policy was in effect and didn’t stray too far from there.


As far as hair and makeup, we used Janet Mednick from Onsite Beauty. Can’t recommend her enough!
 
Sarah,

Thank you for with us. It has been an absolute pleasure following your recaps. the pictures you took at the Tusker House are gorgeous.

I wonder, if you don't mind telling, how long your ceremony and desert reception were from beginning to end, as well as, the timing of your dinner reception. For you, did it feel too long or short? Reading that the reception ended and of your walk out of the kingdom, I got sad as I do when I personally leave the Kingdom. Was it the same for you and your guests?

Thanks in advance!
 
Our guests left their respective hotels at 6:30 and all arrived at AK by 7:00. We left dinner around 9:00 and the guests left about thirty minutes later. The guests arrived at the MK at 10:00, Ceremony started at 10:30, Guests entered the reception at 11:00, and everything ended at 1:00am. It was definitely too short for me, but I'm not sure three days would have been long enough.

And well . . . let's just say leaving at the end of the night will never be my fondest memory of the night! :sad2:
 
THE most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life. I wish I was a fly on the wall for your special day. I laughed and cried so much! The video of you two running down the aisle was priceless.
 
Sarah,

Your wedding is the stuff of little girl fairy tales everywhere!
 
You're right. I don't think any amount of time would have been enough. I really cannot imagine what it must have been like...just being in the Magic Kingdom is, for lack of a better word, magical. Having it all to yourself, especially on your wedding day would have been system overload.

I, too, have a fear of appearing silly as though I'm trying to live out some childhood Cinderella fantasy. I was so glad that you mentioned the same anxiety.

Have your guests gotten back to you about their experience during your trip? What are their general reports?

I know I'm going on and on...sorry, but thank you. I cannot thank you enough for sharing.
 
I'm just speechless!!!!! What a wonder wedding to say the least!!!!!
 

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