Hello all, I wanted to add my pennies into the fountain of love for Disney's Vero Beach Resort.
Recently, our daughter's lifelong best friend, Margaret, came to me asking for help in planning her elopement. She was marrying her boyfriend of 2 years, who is from France. He has graduated with his PhD and is heading back to Europe to begin work on July 1. The two of them had already been talking about marriage, but the job opportunity put them in a position of either facing an expensive long-distance relationship or making the commitment now. So, off we went to shop for a dress, find a ceremony and honeymoon location, arrange vendors, etc.... with just a few weeks lead time!
They had researched the marriage laws of various places and decided that the laws in Florida were the best match for their situation... no waiting period for nonresidents of the State of Florida and only requiring only a passport for identification from foreigners. Margaret also said they would truly love a beach wedding. Upon hearing that, the first thing I did was call
DVC Member Services to see if anything at all was available before July 1. Only one night was open... June 13. I snapped it up and waitlisted for the surrounding nights. Tinkerbell must have sprinkled her magic dust over my request, because over the next few days all of the waitlist came through (one day at a time)!!! Margaret and Louis checked in on the 11th, were married on the beach at the resort on the 12th, and will end their wonderful honeymoon at the resort tomorrow.
I KNEW that Disney would be the right choice for them. They have kept in touch and told me that all of the folks at the resort have been wonderful. The staff congratulated them and gave them "Happily Ever After" buttons on their arrival. Their garden view room was beautiful with a glimpse in the horizon of the ocean (over the rooftops!). The resort sent a plate of chocolates with a note on the day of their wedding. And the pristine beach was the perfect spot for their romantic wedding. They got married at 7pm, just before sunset, after the beach was empty. Margaret said that even the guests at the resort contributed to their joy.... watching from their balconies and cheering when Margaret and Louis kissed as they were pronounced "man and wife".
THANK YOU, fellow DVCers!!!! It was you guys who cheered and helped make this day so special for Margaret and Louis.

My family hasn't been to Vero Beach Resort yet... but it is most definitely now on our "must do" list.
Below is one of my favorite photos from their wedding. It truly captures their joy and this happy place...