Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[J.ThaddeusToad]

Congrats Catherine!! I'm so glad to hear that everything went beautifully!

Did they have the Christmas decorations up around the S/D for your wedding? If so, I'd love to hear about that or see pictures. If they were up, were there any at Crescent Terrace? It's my venue as well.

Finally-- last question, promise!-- what time was your ceremony? If it was night time, I'd love to hear how the lighting is! Our ceremony is at 5pm and I'm worried that it will be really dark.

I'm so happy to hear that Zoey was wonderful! Gives me wonderful confidence in the JM! team!

Again, congrats! Can't wait to see pictures!!

Faith, Thank you so much! Ask as many questions as you'd like! I haven't ever gotten around to doing a PJ, so I'm glad to help out now that I've been through it all! Amazingly the Christmas decorations were not up during our rehearsal on Saturday afternoon, but they were up come time for the wedding on Sunday! My DH told me he actually saw Christmas trees and wreaths being put up prior to the ceremony. There were no decorations at the Crescent Terrace (although this may change as it gets closer to Christmas, so definitely ask or take a peak if you can). I'll have to look at pictures more closely to see if I notice decorations. I definitely remember seeing some trees lit up and wreaths on the necks of the swans in the fountains (sounds kind of strange, but actually quite pretty!). Crescent Terrace is so wonderful! We had plenty of on-lookers, but the area around the terrace is quite large so they weren't really intruding/crashing. And I LOVED having boats go by during the ceremony! Some might cringe that the boats actually honked, but I liked it!

Our ceremony was at 4pm and we were taking pictures until well after 5pm. It was still very light out when we headed in for our reception. I'll post some pics soon!

Catherine oh that is so fantastic that everything went great! Thanks for the advice and the help I think you are right. Diana seemed truly very invested in the wedding thus far and she loves the theme. She even sent me a message to check in today and offer to extend services to fulton's crab house for coordinating. I am getting more and more excited about it and glad that I have her.

I second faith on this are were the decorations up and how did it look? My ceremony is at 11am so I am sure we will be fine but how was the weather? Ooo I want to see pictures!

Congratulations catherine I am so happy for you from one swan bride to another!

Teresa

Teresa, Thank you so much! The holiday decorations I noticed were very tasteful (I sort of had tunnel vision on the wedding day, so I wasn't very observant. I was ready to get to the altar! I'll study my pictures more closely when I get them!). The weather was gorgeous!!! The sky was absolutely beautiful and it was maybe 80 degrees?

Congrats Catherine! I'm so glad to hear that it went well. I hope you'll post some pictures! I'd love to hear more about the reception at Il Mulino, we're excited to be having our dinner there too.

Jilian, Thank you!!! I will definitely post some pictures asap! Everyone is still talking about the food at Il Mulino! We had a salad course, pasta course, main entree and wedding cake (so much food!). Everyone raved about everything! The pastas in particular were amazing! I can't remember what your menu entails at the moment, but whatever it is will be delicious! One complaint is that Erica (or Lindsey?) advised us not to bring any music of our own because they play music or have a musician perform. We were in a long private-ish room and with around 30 people talking, laughing, etc I couldn't hear any music! I'm not sure our ipod set up would have been any better, but oh well! Just something to remember is that tip is included in the contract so that was nice not having to worry about handing out tips to waiters at the end of the night. Let me know if you have any specific questions - I could go on and on!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Oh my sweet Catherine!!!! Many congratulations and all my love!!!
I am so glad that everything went so well!! I believe so strongly that S/D weddings are the best value when it comes to WDW weddings, and it is lovely to hear that my view is justified by other brides' reports of perfect days!!! It is also wonderful to hear that planners other than Karen are living up to the JM standards. That is very reassuring, and confirms my total faith in Susan's wonderful business.
I just want to hear all about it and see some photos!!! Can't wait!!!!

 

[Jilian]

Catherine, we're doing the same private room that you did. When the tables were set up was there enough room to walk in between? Our one concern is how narrow the room is. I wondered if they piped the music in, so you can't hear any music in the room? Do they close the doors to section it off completely from the restaurant? I didn't even think about the boats going by during the ceremony, that does sound pretty! Will you be doing a trip report? I'm so excited to hear from another crescent terrace/il mulino bride! Congrats again!

 

[MrsDuck]

Thanks so much Catherine! Can't wait to see pictures!!

 

[Floridajo]

Hi I am looking into holding my reception in the swan courtyard @ Il Mulino was wondering if anyone had done this and if it is worth the $3000 min spend bearing in mind they is only going to be 13 guest.
Thnaks in advance for any help and advice

 

[Jilian]

Hi I am looking into holding my reception in the swan courtyard @ Il Mulino was wondering if anyone had done this and if it is worth the $3000 min spend bearing in mind they is only going to be 13 guest.
Thnaks in advance for any help and advice

If you have only 13 people then you wouldn't need both private rooms (they hold up to 48 people together and have a $3,000 minimum) you'd only need 1 private room. I think 1 room holds up to 22 people and there is a $1500 minimum. IMO it is totally worth it. To be fair we've only had our tasting session and not our actual reception there but we've been really thrilled with Il Mulino so far. I can tell you in 3 more mos for sure though!

 

[J.ThaddeusToad]

Catherine, we're doing the same private room that you did. When the tables were set up was there enough room to walk in between? Our one concern is how narrow the room is. I wondered if they piped the music in, so you can't hear any music in the room? Do they close the doors to section it off completely from the restaurant? I didn't even think about the boats going by during the ceremony, that does sound pretty! Will you be doing a trip report? I'm so excited to hear from another crescent terrace/il mulino bride! Congrats again!

Hi Jilian! It was a little tight around the tables, but I was able to get around pretty easily even in my big dress! They have these large sliding shutters/doors that enclose the room, but they stay open a bit so waiters and guests can come and go (and they move easily, so I was even moving them myself). I would ask about the music - Erica had told me there would be music and I really didn't hear any, but then again there was sooo many voices and I was in such a good, but weird mood cloud9 that I don't think I was really absorbing everything and just thought about it after the fact. I'd like to do a trip report, but it may have to wait until after the holidays! This month is so hectic and unfortunately, my work computer doesn't allow me to access pictures and I usually use my lunch and other breaks for time on the dis. There are some pictures from the wedding on my facebook and we will be getting the professional pics soon, so myself or DH will post some soon - feel free to PM me if you would like my full name to find on facebook (or give me your's and I'll look for you!).

Hi I am looking into holding my reception in the swan courtyard @ Il Mulino was wondering if anyone had done this and if it is worth the $3000 min spend bearing in mind they is only going to be 13 guest.
Thnaks in advance for any help and advice

Hi there! I agree with Jilian, I don't think the $3000 min would apply to a party of 13. I recently had my wedding reception at Il Mulino with 30 guests and it was wonderful! It is very nice to just take a short walk from the ceremony site to the reception and Il Mulino is a beautiful spot IMO.

 

[J.ThaddeusToad]

Oh my sweet Catherine!!!! Many congratulations and all my love!!!
I am so glad that everything went so well!! I believe so strongly that S/D weddings are the best value when it comes to WDW weddings, and it is lovely to hear that my view is justified by other brides' reports of perfect days!!! It is also wonderful to hear that planners other than Karen are living up to the JM standards. That is very reassuring, and confirms my total faith in Susan's wonderful business.
I just want to hear all about it and see some photos!!! Can't wait!!!!

Thank you Joanne! I feel like on am still on a high from how wonderful the wedding and the entire trip was! I will post pics soon! I've been working very long days and when I get home the last thing I want to do is get on the computer (I can't access pictures from my work computer which is a pain), so hopefully I'll have a chance when I have some time off for the holidays!

 

[MrsDuck]

GIRLS! Having a panic attack!

KAREN IS LEAVING!!

I emailed her to set up a meeting and she responded with this:
Hi Faith,

It’s always a pleasure to hear from you! Thanks so much for reaching out about your upcoming visit. It’s great that you’ll be able to come out and see the site around the same time that your wedding will be next year. J

I wanted to let you know that there are about to be some exciting changes within our company come the first of the year, and I am being promoted into a different role that will be outside of wedding coordination. Thus, I’m very sorry to say that I won’t be the one there on the big day with you. However, I have assigned one of our all-star coordinators, Diana Stylianou, to work with you on your ceremony, and she’s so excited to help you bring your wedding together!

Diana would love to meet with you and your mother while you’re here. I’m Ccing her on this message so that the two of you can open up a flow a communication. What time would you like to meet on the 29th? Just let us know and we’ll get something on the calendar!

All the best,
Karen

WAAAHHH! I'm so upset. (I am happy for her though.. but sad for me ). I will be with Diana now.

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

No worries fellow Swalphins!

I have been talking to faith since this happened and she feels better now

I have Diana too, Karen assigned her to me to tell me that she would not be at my big day so I got connected with Diana.

Diana is great so far lots of communication and good flow of emails. She has been very helpful and I will be meeting with her right before Faith meets with her so we will have lots to tell you.

Faith is my wedding sister since she is just a few days after mine.

Teresa

 

[MrsDuck]

No worries fellow Swalphins!

I have been talking to faith since this happened and she feels better now

I have Diana too, Karen assigned her to me to tell me that she would not be at my big day so I got connected with Diana.

Diana is great so far lots of communication and good flow of emails. She has been very helpful and I will be meeting with her right before Faith meets with her so we will have lots to tell you.

Faith is my wedding sister since she is just a few days after mine.

Teresa

Teresa has calmed me down via text message!

I'm going to meet with Diana on December 29th. I'll report back!

ETA: I asked Karen if all of our information would be transferred with ease over to Diana (I was panicking ) and this was her response:

LOL! Deep breaths, gal…no panicking! I’ll still be working with you, but in an administrative capacity (making sure your services are arranged and things like that). Diana has been informed of all your wedding details. I wanted to be sure she was involved in the planning of everything to ensure you’re comfortable and to keep everyone on the same page. J

Diana’s e-mail address is diana@justmarry.com and her cell number is 321-662-7521. I’ve reached out to her about the timing of the appointment and I’ll confirm soon!


I feel much better and I hope the rest of you do too!

 

[2dogmom]

I'm sure both of you will be reporting back to us on the details after your meeting.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

GIRLS! Having a panic attack!

KAREN IS LEAVING!!

I emailed her to set up a meeting and she responded with this:
Hi Faith,

It’s always a pleasure to hear from you! Thanks so much for reaching out about your upcoming visit. It’s great that you’ll be able to come out and see the site around the same time that your wedding will be next year. J

I wanted to let you know that there are about to be some exciting changes within our company come the first of the year, and I am being promoted into a different role that will be outside of wedding coordination. Thus, I’m very sorry to say that I won’t be the one there on the big day with you. However, I have assigned one of our all-star coordinators, Diana Stylianou, to work with you on your ceremony, and she’s so excited to help you bring your wedding together!

Diana would love to meet with you and your mother while you’re here. I’m Ccing her on this message so that the two of you can open up a flow a communication. What time would you like to meet on the 29th? Just let us know and we’ll get something on the calendar!

All the best,
Karen

WAAAHHH! I'm so upset. (I am happy for her though.. but sad for me ). I will be with Diana now.

Aww this is indeed sad news girls!! However, this is clearly a promotion for Karen and one that is richly deserved IMHO!! I am happy to see JM moving forward and growing. I have every faith in Susan and the whole company, and I am confident that the service received by our gorgeous brides, will continue to be first-class.
I believe (but I am ashamed to say, not entirely sure) that Diana was assisting Karen at our VR, and if so, she was amazingly organized and very sweet!!!

Is this Diana in the background of this photo?

I am sorry that other S/D brides will not benefit from Karen's expertise, but I know that all will be well!!

 

[Jilian]

I wonder when she's leaving. I'm so nervous now! I already lost Lindsay @ Il Mulino halfway through (but Erica Yerton has been fabulous) and now Karen?! I hope she sticks around for my VR since it is so close.

 

[MrsDuck]

Aww this is indeed sad news girls!! However, this is clearly a promotion for Karen and one that is richly deserved IMHO!! I am happy to see JM moving forward and growing. I have every faith in Susan and the whole company, and I am confident that the service received by our gorgeous brides, will continue to be first-class.
I believe (but I am ashamed to say, not entirely sure) that Diana was assisting Karen at our VR, and if so, she was amazingly organized and very sweet!!!

Is this Diana in the background of this photo?

I am sorry that other S/D brides will not benefit from Karen's expertise, but I know that all will be well!!

I think that is her but I've only seen one facebook photo!

 

[elfbo]

Eeep. Now I think I need to email Karen. Our wedding is Jan 27th, and everything has already been booked, so I dont have to worry about that, but id like to know whos gonna be there day of doing the coordination.

 

[MrsDuck]

Eeep. Now I think I need to email Karen. Our wedding is Jan 27th, and everything has already been booked, so I dont have to worry about that, but id like to know whos gonna be there day of doing the coordination.

Don't stress too much-- remember that Karen is not the day of for many weddings!

 

[Shannon84]

I reached out to Karen to ask about the movement/promotion and see when I would know who my day of person would be. She has not emailed me back yet (I am hoping she still does), but my new planner did email me just now, her name is Jennifer H. has anyone worked with her before? I believe she is fairly new to Just Marry. I am very nervous, but hopefully the transition will be ok

I have to edit my post, Karen just reached out to me with a very nice, personal email that made me feel great, I am a little less nervous now!

 

[sarahb01]

Are there any restrictions on being able to release things into the air during the ceremony? Like Balloons etc?

 

[MrsDuck]

Are there any restrictions on being able to release things into the air during the ceremony? Like Balloons etc?

I'd like to know this as well-- I would assume they would want environmentally friendly things only.