So, after our appointment with the videographers, it was time to get ready for the Welcome Dinner. It had been pretty cool that weekend, and on Saturday, Michelle (WP) asked me if we wanted heaters moved to the Isola for the WD. She was really good about making it totally our choice. She didnt pressure us at all, and was pretty honest about the effect they would have. In the end, we decided that wed spent so much on the event anyway, we wouldnt want it ruined for lack of a few heaters...even though they were $250 each!!
She also asked me the day of if we wanted it moved indoors, but I declined. I had a vision of this Bella Notte Italian dinner set up on the Italy Isola, and had spent money on linens and centerpieces, and I didnt want it moved indoors. Im really not sure whether that was the right decision.
...On one hand, it was gorgeous, and we were able to enjoy the beautiful ambience.
...On the other hand, we were cold. Well, I was, because I insisted on wearing my wedding dress from June (which was really covered up with a wrap the whole time). I think everyone else was okay, because they dressed warmly. Or at least could have! But honestly, no one was truly freezing. It got down to 38 that night, but it was probably in the low 50s at that point.
to give you a photographic reference to the temperature...
MOH had helped me curl my hair for the Love Story interview, but the wind was kicking up, and I thought I would end up with the bedgraggled, wind-blown look at the WD, so I put it up in a pony-tail. Not really my best look, but at least it stayed put! I changed and we walked to the front of the GF a few minutes before we were supposed to meet the bus.
As with everyone who has EPCOT events, we were worried about folks missing the bus. We were shocked when we showed up early and the bus was nearly full! It was really a lot of fun boarding the bus, because this was the first time we had seen some folks, and everyone started cheering when we got on. We walked the aisle to talk to everyone before we settled down for the ride.
It was really cool driving backstage at EPCOT and our bus driver took on the role of tour guide and explained some of the things were driving past, which was really nice of him.
When we got there, we linked up with the bus that was coming from the ASMo, and then we discovered that DHs Dad and Step-Mom werent there. Ill pause to explain how weird this situation was. They live in South Dakota and were driving down with Step-Moms mother, but they were arriving just before the WD and leaving after the wedding. So, they were staying one whole night. I dont need to point out that his son was on R&R from Iraq, or that 2 of his 3 brothers were there with families, as well as his (FILs) mom (DHs grandmother). But, we thought at least they were going to get some visiting done at the WD and the wedding. Well, they missed the bus, and when they called one of my SILs, they said well, we were told that we had to pay to get into the park anyway, so its not that big of a deal. OMG!!! How many times did I explain this? Did I not write a newsletter explaining all of this?
I was embarrassed and upset for DH, but he just shrugged it off and said it was par for the course.
The lesson to be learned here for future brides is that you do your part, and you cant do anything more. If people want to be idiotic, not listen and just generally beat their own path...you cant do anything about it. Dont get stressed about it.
I think the thing that ticked me the most was that the had also RSVPd with the sister of DHs step-mom, so that was 4 adult meals I paid for regardless of the fact they didnt show. But, after talking to SIL, the sister of their step-mom had cancelled a couple weeks before and no one bothered to tell us! That really ticked me, because that meant I was also paying for her meal at the wedding.
But once we got there, we didnt really notice anyone was missing. My only complaint is that the whole event goes REALLY fast, and I felt like I hardly got to visit. But the food was great (except the tiramisu which wasnt tiramisu by any stretch of the imagination), the decorations were beautiful and the fireworks were amazing. I think everyone was really blown away.
So, now some pictures.
This is the first thing we saw when we came across the bridge...the seating chart!
the important bar! Although I have to point out we saved a TON of money because of BOC. I think people never drink as much as you think they will!
the view across the lagoon
the view behind us
the Tables
the food was set up in three separate areas. There was a hot buffet, then a pasta bar, and the dessert bar. Plus, the drinks were separate, as well.
To be continued in next part since it had too many images...
I'm so glad he went to the hospital and got the IVs, otherwise he probably would have been drained for the rest of the week.
. When you put your foot down about the ER that was probably the best call you could have made huh! Good thing the MD brought your old Tom back in time for the wedding
I'm so excited to hear about the welcome dinner.
I am all for them!! I hate to be sick! I loved your dress! I can't wait to see pictures of your dinner!
-that's terrible! I had a stomach bug at Disney in December that sidelined me for 2 days and it was the pits. I can't even imagine going through that in the midst of pre-wedding festivities!!! Glad they were able to help him out with meds.
He said he might have been able to go out that night, but wouldn't have been able to smell food! I told him that would have been okay, because it was probably just alcohol! 
Oh well...
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