Tasha & Greg's Escape PJ -10/12/10 Sunset Pointe/Shula's - Vendor Reviews

[2nd Time Bride]

Hello - so I am having a big jewelry dilemma...

I bought some earrings and a necklace when I thought I would wear my hair up and using my birdcage veil but I have since decided I want to wear my hair down, ditch the veil and only use this hairpiece...

Now, I feel like my earrings are too small and I don't think I want to even wear a necklace. I have been looking thru the pics on the board and love the larger earring/no necklace look with the strapless dresses. Thank goodness I bought the new jewelry at TJ Maxx, I won't feel that bad going back to the drawing board for the new earrings.

Speaking of saving some $$$, I found my shoes at DSW, on the clearance rack at 60% off!! Woo hoo!! They match my dress's sash perfectly and are called Elope!

Now, I also need to find a bag...I thought about it when I realized I have no place to keep my id, lipstick or beloved iPhone during our dinner at Shula's!! Someone has to take some cell phone pics!!

 

[Nikisha421]

I for one can't wait to see the iphone pix...

 

[2nd Time Bride]

I for one can't wait to see the iphone pix...

Thanks! I hope to be able to sneak some good ones in (especially cake pics!) and, since we are not superstitious, I asked Greg to take some pics of me getting ready with Beaute Speciale so those will be ready to post early too!

 

[2nd Time Bride]

Food! So, even though it's just the two of us, we wanted to go somewhere nice for dinner and wear our wedding clothes. Greg really doesn't like seafood and we both love steak so we went looking for a great steakhouse. He chose Shula's, in the Dolphin, after reading a bunch of reviews.

After the ceremony and cake, Kathleen is going to have the cake boxed up in two boxes, one for us to take to Shula's and one for the rest of the cake. We head back to our hotel, freshen up and then on to Shula's for our 7:15pm dinner reservation. We have emailed with Valerie Davis, the event coordinator at Shula's, she has assured us they can serve our cake as desert and that she has requested a "special" table for us, kinda out of the way and a bit romantic. I can't wait to see it!!

We also have all our ADRs made, we picked a couple special things to do for the Disneymoon...

10/14 - Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (I have always wanted to do this!)
10/14 - Sweetheart dinner at Jiko's
10/15 - Epcot 3D DP (since we couldn't have our own with just the 2 of us!)
10/16 - Dinner at Epcot Tokyo
10/17 - Dinner at Epcot Tutto Italia
10/20 - Dinner at Boma

We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour on the 19th and going to Kona at the Poly for dinner that night.

We also booked lunch at the Sci-Fi Dine In on the 18th, Greg really wanted to check it out and have a couple breakfasts booked at the Wave since it is right in our resort. We are doing the Chef Mickey breakfast the last morning we are there, just to wrap our trip up.

Hmmmm - this seems like a lot of food when I have to type it all out!! I am a little hesitant about the Sweetheart Dinner on the 14th, only because I read the reviews to Geek+Nerd's inquiry on if it is worth the money. Well, Greg is pretty excited about it so I will make sure I post a review on it...

 

[2nd Time Bride]

So I am just not in the mood to work today, having worked the entire holiday weekend. I work from home so I am breaking in the wedding shoes today, good thing because they are killing my toes!! I am also trying to make a list of the little random things we have left to do and, more importantly, what we have to pay for still! It all adds up - doesn't it?

I also realized I have not posted a pic of my ring yet!! We got engaged without a ring and, when he asked me what kind of ring I wanted, I told him nothing over $1000 because we just bought a house!! Plus, I wasn't even sure I wanted a diamond ring, I wanted something a little different. Greg was so sweet, going to store after store and looking at about a million pics of rings on the Internet. I found a sapphire at Jared's that I just loved and was thinking about getting it for my right hand for my "something blue". Then I thought, why not wear it as my engagement ring? Greg was cool with it and we got a tiny white gold band to go with it, I love it!

Since I have mastered the art of resizing photos in PhotoBucket, I will go back and replace my GIANT shoe pics!

I still have not found earrings but honestly, I didn't get to leave the house much this weekend.

As for his tux, we are going through Sacino's. I don't see a lot of people using them, I think most use Carolyn Allen, so I will make sure I give them a vendor review. They had the Joseph Abboud Greg liked and they deliver to the resorts so we went with them. I think I mentioned, we are using Carolyn Allen to steam my dress after we arrive.

Speaking of the dress...mine no longer fits. And not just a smidgey - the whole top is totally hollow and the hips are so baggy. I am freaking out - glad I lost the weight, freaking because I have heard horror stories about David's Bridal and their alteration costs/rules. I had to buy a size up to get it to close over my chest so the hips were big from the start but now I have to hold it up with my hands - of course, the weight I lose leaves my chest first!! And my alteration appointment is not until Sept 19th. Maybe I can get a really padded Victoria's Secret bra....

 

[Nikisha421]

thanks for keeping me in the loop

 

[Bethany66]

So I am just not in the mood to work today, having worked the entire holiday weekend. I work from home so I am breaking in the wedding shoes today, good thing because they are killing my toes!! I am also trying to make a list of the little random things we have left to do and, more importantly, what we have to pay for still! It all adds up - doesn't it?

I also realized I have not posted a pic of my ring yet!! We got engaged without a ring and, when he asked me what kind of ring I wanted, I told him nothing over $1000 because we just bought a house!! Plus, I wasn't even sure I wanted a diamond ring, I wanted something a little different. Greg was so sweet, going to store after store and looking at about a million pics of rings on the Internet. I found a sapphire at Jared's that I just loved and was thinking about getting it for my right hand for my "something blue". Then I thought, why not wear it as my engagement ring? Greg was cool with it and we got a tiny white gold band to go with it, I love it!

:


Since I have mastered the art of resizing photos in PhotoBucket, I will go back and replace my GIANT shoe pics!

I still have not found earrings but honestly, I didn't get to leave the house much this weekend.

As for his tux, we are going through Sacino's. I don't see a lot of people using them, I think most use Carolyn Allen, so I will make sure I give them a vendor review. They had the Joseph Abboud Greg liked and they deliver to the resorts so we went with them. I think I mentioned, we are using Carolyn Allen to steam my dress after we arrive.

Speaking of the dress...mine no longer fits. And not just a smidgey - the whole top is totally hollow and the hips are so baggy. I am freaking out - glad I lost the weight, freaking because I have heard horror stories about David's Bridal and their alteration costs/rules. I had to buy a size up to get it to close over my chest so the hips were big from the start but now I have to hold it up with my hands - of course, the weight I lose leaves my chest first!! And my alteration appointment is not until Sept 19th. Maybe I can get a really padded Victoria's Secret bra....

See if your alteration person can put in an internal bra/strap. I don't know the correct term off hand, but my alteration lady put an internal band with side boning and three extra hooks to support my top in case I lost more weight. It works great and makes me feel more "secure" as I am not use to going without a bra. Hopefully, my weight will just stay the same. However with the excitement of the wedding I figure I'll lose some without even trying-bother.
Have a great wedding!!!!!!:

 

[2nd Time Bride]

See if your alteration person can put in an internal bra/strap. I don't know the correct term off hand, but my alteration lady put an internal band with side boning and three extra hooks to support my top in case I lost more weight. It works great and makes me feel more "secure" as I am not use to going without a bra. Hopefully, my weight will just stay the same. However with the excitement of the wedding I figure I'll lose some without even trying-bother.
Have a great wedding!!!!!!:

Thanks for the suggestion, I will ask about it when I go in tomorrow. It might help because I am not stopping my self imposed bridal boot camp!!

I have GREAT NEWS!!!! I called David's Bridal in a panic and asked for my salesgirl. She was busy but the manager had answered and asked what was wrong. I told her about the dress being sooooo big and asked how many sizes they could take it down - answer, 2!!! I said there is no way 2 will be adequate as I had bought it 1 size too big in the waist, so it could zip over my chest and now, well you know the situation. She said - since I bought it less than 2 months ago and the tags are still on it - I can come in tomorrow and exchange it for a smaller size!!!!!!!!

She checked and they have the next two sizes down, she made a note in my account and booked my appt. I am sooooo happy!! I cannot believe how nice she was about it, she reassured me they can get me a smaller one and I will still have time for "rush" alterations if needed. I swear, I think I just got a little pixie dust!!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

i just caught up and i love your story! great news for the dress, and congrats on losing weight! ps: i love the ring. i'm 48 hours into engagement without a ring (which i was fine with 48 hours ago) and now i'm frantically searching the internet for a left hand sparkly

 

[Bethany66]

Great news on the dress!!!! I am a firm believer that all things work out for the best in the end. However, if you think you might lose more in the "top" see about that strap thingy-so long as it is not too expensive.

Great to hear you are loving Boot Camp. Way to go!

 

[Bethany66]

As I tend to do things backwards, I just read your first page and we have the same Planner. Plus we are getting married on 10-10-10 at EPCOT. We're doing the EPCOT Bridal shoot on the 12th and the Trash the Dress on the 13th-all with Disney Photographers.
I have really enjoyed working with Kathleen-she is very well organized and funny! Rosie has been great too and even helped set up our Guests' Welcome Gifts!!! I have nothing but good things to say so far. Now we are just praying for a rain free morning, so that we can be married outside in Canada.
Have a wonderful time, enjoy the Food & Wine Festival and have a fabulous wedding!!!!

 

[2nd Time Bride]

As I tend to do things backwards, I just read your first page and we have the same Planner. Plus we are getting married on 10-10-10 at EPCOT. We're doing the EPCOT Bridal shoot on the 12th and the Trash the Dress on the 13th-all with Disney Photographers.
I have really enjoyed working with Kathleen-she is very well organized and funny! Rosie has been great too and even helped set up our Guests' Welcome Gifts!!! I have nothing but good things to say so far. Now we are just praying for a rain free morning, so that we can be married outside in Canada.
Have a wonderful time, enjoy the Food & Wine Festival and have a fabulous wedding!!!!

Thank you!! We are also keeping our fingers crossed for a rain free week!! Good wishes to you as well - it's coming up quickly isn't it?!

 

[2nd Time Bride]

So I went to David's Bridal tonight and they let me exchange my dress for one 2 sizes smaller. No probs with the exchange, they were soooo nice about it!

They also made an appointment for "rush" alterations on September 30th - turns out the rush cost is only an additional $25. They said it would cost about $65 to take in the bodice, if needed and $50 for an under bustle. I am not sure what that is but the woman said it would look better since my train is so short. I don't need it hemmed because my shoes make it the perfect length!

I asked about adding the bra strap thingy in and they said they typically don't put something like that in this specific dress but they could. They were hesitant and said they could take in the top enough that they didn't think I would need it. Hmmmm, we will see! Overall, I didn't think the cost for the alterations was that bad but I haven't had a lot of alterations done in the past.

Oh - I had to add, my younger sister is coming to visit this weekend and I can't wait to show her everything! Hopefully, I can stay on track with the diet - it would stink to have my new smaller dress become too small!!!

 

[girli565]

That's great they rushed the alterations and for such a small price!!

If they make the bodice tighter just make sure you don't have the dreaded back fat that happens sometimes when the bodice is tight. But it will definitely hold up the girls if it fits well. My dress was perfect and I didn't have to wear a corset or strapless bra underneathe. I was very comfy the day of my wedding.

 

[2nd Time Bride]

That's great they rushed the alterations and for such a small price!!

If they make the bodice tighter just make sure you don't have the dreaded back fat that happens sometimes when the bodice is tight. But it will definitely hold up the girls if it fits well. My dress was perfect and I didn't have to wear a corset or strapless bra underneathe. I was very comfy the day of my wedding.

I know what you are talking about - I also want to avoid armpit fat in the front!!

Since my sis will be out this weekend, I will get her opinion, sometimes I need the brutal honesty only a younger sister can provide!!

 

[girli565]

I know what you are talking about - I also want to avoid armpit fat in the front!!

Since my sis will be out this weekend, I will get her opinion, sometimes I need the brutal honesty only a younger sister can provide!!

Armpit fat is a def no-no! Even the thinnest of girls gets both back fat and armpit fat. It's always because the dress is too tight. I hate seeing a gorgeous, thin girl with fat hanging off her. It doesn't make sense. Did no one tell her the dress was pulled too tight?

 

[KitKat5]

Im loving your story so far...I cant wait to read more!!

Davids Bridal are fab aren't they?! I flew to Florida from the UK in April to buy my dress from there and they did lots of alterations for me (hem, bustle, corset back etc) in just over 1wk! They were so great about it and did a perfect job!

 

[2nd Time Bride]

I agree, David's Bridal is awesome!

So we are now impatiently waiting. We have our AP vouchers, our Magic Express tags, all our paperwork signed and everything paid for. Oh - but no Marriage License yet. Brevard County did cash the check so now I am running to the mailbox every day like a little kid waiting for a Christmas gift!!

We also got our cake serving set so now I am ready to ship our box with the set, the champagne flutes and our memory vase (with my Gram's name on it) to the Contemporary. LOL - we have so much stuff for a tiny little elopement ceremony!! But I wanted to have the same serving set and champagne flutes at our home reception/party plus I thought it would be nice to have stuff we can keep and use once in a while.

I am thinking I will ship another big box with my shoes and a bunch of stuffing, so I can ship my dress back home after the wedding. Still working on breaking those shoes in!!

I have my hair and makeup trial this Friday, I will post some pics afterwards!

I showed my sis the dress and, in true little sister fashion she said, it looks and fits awesome but you better stay away from deserts and drinks until after the wedding!! I made her double check the armpit/back fat situation and she assured me there is none! Whew!!

She did, however, suggest I cover my "1990s Guns n Roses looking flower tattoo" on my shoulder. Yeah, I can see her point. Darn that 1994 Spring Break trip! I emailed Ana at Beaute Speciale and she said it wouldn't be a problem since it is so small. I don't know - do you guys think it would be strange to cover it up? Everyone knows I have it. We are paying so much for the pics but I don't want them to not look like us, ya know?

Well, I guess I should get some work done today...

 

[athenna]

Sounds like things are coming along great!

As far as the tattoo goes, I have 2 of them. Everyone knows about them. I have one that is easily coverable, as it's it's slightly above my left breast,lol but if my wedding dress was low cut enough, it would show. My 2nd tattoo is on my left arm and it is a Pirates of the Caribbean tattoo, which fits me totally, and I will have no problems with it showing in the photos. I MAY be in the minority with this, others may say cover it! But I'm gonna be me, even on my wedding day
Oh, and my fiance has 5 tattoos, so it's not a biggie for him either.

 

[2nd Time Bride]

Sounds like things are coming along great!

As far as the tattoo goes, I have 2 of them. Everyone knows about them. I have one that is easily coverable, as it's it's slightly above my left breast,lol but if my wedding dress was low cut enough, it would show. My 2nd tattoo is on my left arm and it is a Pirates of the Caribbean tattoo, which fits me totally, and I will have no problems with it showing in the photos. I MAY be in the minority with this, others may say cover it! But I'm gonna be me, even on my wedding day
Oh, and my fiance has 5 tattoos, so it's not a biggie for him either.

LOL - I actually have 2 other ones that won't be showing (one on my hip and one on my ankle) but they are a LOT nicer in quality. Not that my little rose is nasty, it's just a bit dated.

I stood up in a friend's wedding back in the late '90s and she asked me to cover it. I thought that was super funny considering the bridesmaid dresses were a very sheer, pale yellow with these crazy straps in the back - you couldn't wear a bra and the front was almost see-thru. It was before those sticky bra cups were easily available so my mom sewed bathing suit cups into every one of the dresses at the last minute, after she saw me wearing mine and about had a heart attack.