Hello Everyone~ We had a fabulous, fantastic, magical, memorable time in Disney World. Our wedding day was beyond anything anyone in my family could have imagined it would be, except for me because I knew the magic of Disney! We were in Disney from October 2 8. Our intimate wedding was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. October 4, 2005 @ Sunset Pointe. I had planned on only covering our actual wedding day in my trip report; however, I just decided to include my thoughts on DME, CBR, Osceola Courthouse and Ohanas. To begin, we flew on Southwest. Cant say enough about the smooth flight, effortless boarding and great rates! I learned of the Southwest DING on these boards, and quickly downloaded it from www.southwest.com. Within a week, I recvd a ding for Indpls to MCO (Orlando) for $84.00 roundtrip! I purchased our tickets (4 non-stop) for less than $340.00. Our family included myself, fiancé and our two children. By the time we had left, everyone in our group (except for my husbands father and step-mother whom purchased an expedia package) had purchased their tickets through Southwest and everyone saved major cash, as each person got their tickets for less than $90.00 roundtrip. Moving on, MCO was huge but processing was steady. Checking in for the DME went smoothly, however, we had to wait for our bus to the Caribbean Beach Resort for longer than we would have liked. It seemed as though everyone was going to the CBR so the magical express charter buses would fill up quickly and depart. We finally were able to board the 3rd bus that came for CBR. Most of the other resort lines moved faster and most other people probably only had to wait about 20 minutes to board a bus. This was our first time staying at CBR, it was huge, but it was great! They had blocked several rooms for my group so most of our families were near. We checked in, hung out and our bags arrived a few hours later. Monday was our courthouse day. We chose to pick up our license from the Osceola Courthouse and had pre-arranged a Towncar charter to get us there. We met them at the custom house at 8:00a.m. We left and about 15 minutes later I realized that I had left my SSN card in the hotel. We went back to get it and still arrived to the courthouse by 8:45 a.m. We signed in and waited about 10 minutes before we were called up. I had downloaded a PDF file of the marriage application and had already filled it out, so we were prepared. The clerk looked it over, signed it, we signed it and then we left. We were back on the road by 9:00 a.m. and oh by the way ..they never even asked for my SSN card! Soooooooo, after a day of fun in the sun, park hopping and picking up our marriage license, our wedding day has vastly approached. Tuesday, October 4, 2005 ------WEDDING DAY! We awoke around 8:30 a.m. My fiancé went and picked up breakfast for all of us and brought back to our room. He decided to head out around 11:00 am to my sisters room so that we could start getting ready for our big day! Well, everyone knows how humid it is in Orlando, so I need not tell you that my hair had these beautiful curls that had all fallen since our arrival. So, I started the morning off by giving myself a fresh roller set. By about 9:30 a.m. my sisters arrived in my room and finished rolling the back of my hair for me. This was great because as I sat in the chair, I started to press my fiancé and sons tuxedo shirts. After that I jumped in and out of the shower and the boys were gone. It was fun getting ready with just the girls! I started on my daughters hair right away, placed her tiara on and did some very light, natural makeup for her. She said she felt beautiful and I agreed. She sat around in her dads oversized tank while my dear friend painted her nails, as I had did her toes the night before. My daughter was beautiful and sat patiently as all the older women were running around the room like chickens! By 11:00 a.m. the phone was ringing, it was a guy calling (cant remember his name) from Disneys Fairytale Weddings department. He was Karen Serrette assistant and called to inform me that Karen had an family emergency and that Maxine was going to handle my wedding. I was fine with that because from the disboards I had learned that Maxine was the BEST! So, Im like no problem. He also told me that they were going to make a rain call by 1:30 p.m. and that Maxine would call me back with the final decision. At this point, I was still cool because I had told myself that I would not allow the weather to ruin my wedding day. I was in love with Sunset Pointe but understood that things dont always go as planned. It had been raining all morning, by noon the rain had cleared up but it was still damp and cloudy out. So, I called my fiancé to let him know that we might have a change of plans but that I would call back him back after I spoke with Maxine. I then went back to what I was doing. By this time I had begun steaming my daughters dress and had started on mines. Before I knew it the phone was ringing and it was Maxine. I had prepared myself for the worst (which for me was moving our wedding to a small banquet room at the Polynesian). Maxine started speaking to me and she was so sweet and on top of everything! She told me not to worry about a thing! She went over every detail with me and told me that my wedding was going to be beautiful! At this point she began to discuss relocation. She said, Michele, as you can see the weather is getting better, but there is still a chance that storms will come shortly, so I have decided to move your wedding to the WEDDING PAVILLION! I couldnt believe what I was hearing! I think that I was in shock as all I remember saying was, Ok! She then told me that our photographer (Ty from Disney) was already at the pavilion and that Stan (from STVS) was on his way! She asked me if there was anything else she could do and because it had started raining while we were on the phone, I asked her if she could send the limo back to our room at the CBR to pickup my fiancé and his family so that they would not have to walk to the bus stop to meet the limo at the custom house. (For those of you who have not stayed at the CBR, it is huge and has its own internal bus system. We were at the building furthest away from the custom house the Jamaica building and my fiancé and his family were going to have to catch the internal bus to the custom house in order to get to the limo). So, Maxine said no problem! We will send the limo to the building to pick them up. I was so excited ..by this time it was 1:45 p.m. I called my fiancé back whom was like Cool! I rushed off the phone because the limo was to come back to pick us up at 2:25p.m. I knew that they were running a little behind, due to the change in venue but I still wanted to be ready by 2:30p.m. So, I got my daughter dressed, she was so adorable. She was set and ready to go. I started taking the rollers out of my hair and my curls were beautiful and bouncy .just perfect! Shortly after, I gathered everything that I wanted to bring with me (my purse, makeup, autograph mat instead of a guest book) and that was all set. I steamed my lace jacket, slipped into my gown and felt like a princess. Everyone started snapping pics! It was a lot of fun. My dad and mom came down and we all just really enjoyed the moment. Around 2:40 p.m. the limo was there. We all walked out to the front. I beat everyone to the limo, as Im usually the last one to get and be ready (I know you moms know how that is). So, for the first time, in a long time, I was the one who was all set and ready to go we had to wait a few seconds on my two sisters. The limo driver was very sweet, as he assisted me in getting in the limo by telling me how to turn around, lower myself slowly and to duck my head, all while he was holding the train of my dress. Once I was in he delicately placed my bottom half of the dress in the car, shut the door and off we went to Disneys Wedding Pavilion. Once we arrived, Stan, Maxine and her assistant were right there. Maxine introduced herself and off we went to the Brides Vestibule, where my BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING island bouquet was waiting for me. It was everything I expected and more. It included red roses, burgundy cally lilies, two different orchids, bear grass and palm leaves. It was tied together with burgundy satin and included two sets of pearl pins that formed Mickey heads too adorable. I cant begin to say how smoothly everything was going. Maxine informed me to just hang out, freshen up my makeup, while she lined everyone up. By this time, Rev. Jack Day had come in to greet me hes such a sweet man. Stan was there getting some footage. Our mothers came in to take pictures with me everyone looked great! Shortly after, Maxine came back to let me know that everything was about to begin. She spoke to me briefly and told me to get ready. I heard the music playing and just couldnt believe that I was about to get married. As soon as I heard, When You Wish Upon a Star I knew that our children (Dominique 10 and DeJa 9) were walking down the aisle together. . Before I knew it Maxine came and said lets get you over there. We walked across the way and into the pavilion .the main doors were shut and she began to speak to me while her assistant fixed my train and veil. Because I had both my mother and father walking me down the aisle, Maxine informed my father to say either we both give her away or her mother and I . before we knew it the doors were opened and Here Comes the Bride began to play. Everyone was smiling and my family: my son, my daughter and my soon to be husband were all waiting for me at the front of the pavilion. It was such a beautiful moment, one that I will cherish forever. The ceremony was amazing, before it was over everyone (except the vendors) was tearful. My husband didnt even get half way through his vows before the river came pouring out of our eyes. Our children, both, looked so proud at us and just smiled the entire time .it was so memorable. Once we got through the ceremony the fun began and continued for the rest of the evening. I cant say enough about Ty our Disney Photographer. He called me the evening before to introduce himself and basically did a courtesy call, however, I knew that he was the perfect photographer for my occasion. He was very personable and detailed oriented just like me! We had a nice conversation, so when I meet him in person on our wedding day, we meshed very well. Our candid pictures were taken throughout the ceremony and we did a couple of staged shots during our cake/champagne reception while our fathers toasted us. We then immediately went back inside the pavilion to take our group, family and bridal party pics. These were all very formal, so as we were finishing up, Maxine mentioned to Ty that I would like to have some pics on the beach area, as well. Ty was cool with that, as I had already told him my vision for our pics. He told me that he prides himself on taking unique pics, which complimented our style as well. We did take some traditional photos too but the best shots to me are going to be our beach shots. I had requested for Ty to take some pics of all of us (my husband and kids) on the beach and he added his flair to it by having us walk, turn around and wave and then come in tight for a group hug. It was fun to do, however, I havent seen the final pics yet so I hope that they all turn out as fun as it was to take them. After our last pics, Maxine had moved everything to the limo, as we were the only ones left at this point. My DH and I had decided to pay for everyones dinner as a gesture of thanks for all who traveled to be with us. So, I had booked group priority seating reservations for Ohanas restaurant at the Polynesian resort at our 90 day out point. For those of you who have never been to 'Ohana it means family which is evident from the moment that you arrive. When you're seated, your "cousins" will greet you with a friendly "Aloha." The Polynesian decor provides a relaxed, tropical setting. The dining room is large and edged in windows which provide fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom. Once we arrived to the Poly, applause came from everywhere .everyone was extremely loving to us. We waited a few moments before our reservations were called. We had a long center table for about (20) square in the middle of the room and near the pit. The food began and it was FAB-U-LOUS! Ohanas is an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT buffet style dinner and not only did everyone eat until they couldnt move, they also raved about the food which included: Shrimp and Vegetable Wontons Honey and Coriander Chicken Wings Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, Stir Fried Vegetables Cheesy potatoes Marinated Sirloin Steak Mesquite Seasoned Turkey Breast Bar-B-Que Pork Loin Grilled Tiger Shrimp Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bean ice cream The focus of the room is the 18 foot open fire pit. Skewers of delicious all you care to eat shrimp, beef, poultry and pork are prepared here and delivered to your table. I knew this was the spot for our dinner reception because: 1) The men in my family love to eat! 2) Ohanas includes fun stuff for the kids (coconut races and hula hoop contests) 3) Lastly, they entertain your "Ohana" (family) by a singer accompanied by his ukulele. This restaurant definitely included something for everyone. We were acknowledged by the singer and everyone clapped for us! After dinner, we had booked one-way transfers to take everyone back to their hotel rooms. All of the town cars were nice and they were waiting for us downstairs at the entrance of the Polynesian. This was indeed the most magical day of my life!
congratulations! sounds like you had a wonderful day, thats so cool how she switched the wedding to the pavilion due to rain too. thanks for sharing your story. would love to see photos once there available.
COngratulations!! It sounds like you had a wonderful and beautiful wedding! Gosh, I'm REALLY excited now!
Thank you for your wonderful trip report, I felt like i was there with you as I read it! Sounds like you had a magical day, how wonderful of her to switch the rainout location to the wedding pavilion, wow!! Cant' wait to see some pictures to go along with the story, congratulations!!
Congratulations, I can't wait to see pictures. Reading this got me excited for my upcoming wedding (less than 3 weeks now). Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations! Maxine is my coordinator, my wedding is almost a month & half away! We are also having it at Sunset Pointe - so I also worry about the rain, but after reading this and hearing about how helpful and wonderful Maxine was - I know I am in good hands....
Not only do I have Maxine also but I am getting married at Sunset pointe as well. I can't wait for your pictures cause I was nervous about picking the Island flowers as well. Congrats and many happy years!!!
You gave me goosebumps! Honestly, I kept picturing myself in your shoes and it made our wedding feel more real. Thank you for that. It sounds like you had a wonderful day!
Congrats on your magical day and best wishes for a future just as magical! Can't wait to see your pictures!!!
Thanks to everyone for your warm wishes. I can't wait to see my pictures too! I so desperately want to email someone to see if I will have the link tomorrow, as a couple of past brides posted their pics here in like 10 days of their wedding. We are having a post-celebration at home this weekend and I was banking on our pics being posted so people could view, but I don't know if this plan will work out. However, I will not lose hope! I can't say enough great things about MAXINE....for all of you ladies who have her as a coordinator...you are in such great hands! She informed me that she moved to 'custom' weddings some time ago, which doesn't surprise me because she pulled off my event so effortlessly. The move to the wedding pavilion was not expected, as I had previously been told that the alternate location was inside of the Poly. However, Maxine informed me that since there was not a wedding scheduled for the pavilion, she booked it for me! The island bouquet was AMAZING! They included tropical and seasonal flowers....very fall--ish! You get to pick the rose colors; however, all other flowers (mainly the lilies) are seasonal colors. I believe the orchids are always green. I created my own wedding website and as soon as I post some of our personal wedding day pics to it, I will send the link to anyone who pm's me. Thanks again everyone! Remember, Disney Weddings are magical!
Congratulations! Your wedding day sounds perfect. How wonderful you got to have your ceremony at the Pavillion. I actually had Karen on my wedding day, she was filling in for Lynn. Glad Maxine worked out so well for you.
Wow your wedding sounds perfect - it brought a tear to my eye just reading about it. I can't believe they switched you to the WP! We're getting married at SP too and ending up in the "rain room" is one of my fears- I wouldn't complain about the WP though! Lets hope no one has it booked :good vibes: I can't wait to see your photos :0) Congratulations!
Just wanted to share........ Go to http://www.collages.net/disneyweddings Fill in the following name and password information: User Name: Edwards / Gibbs Wedding Password: 1971 Hope you all enjoy them as much as we did! Take Care
Thanks so much for sharing, MEME!!! They were all so beautiful...I can see why you loved the beach pictures too
