disneywishes1
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2011
- Messages
- 10
Hi Everyone,
I am new to posting on the boards, however I have been lurking on here forever. I recently had my wedding at WDW, I couldn’t have planned it all without all the information provided by the good people on this board. So I felt it only right to re pay the favour and share my trip report.
I will start off with some reviews.
Wedding planner, Diane Bowen: A
She was always very punctual in replying to my emails, whenever I had a problem or mini freak out she came up with a solution and called me to set my mind at rest if necessary. Her assistant Michelle Gilhooly was also very friendly and very prompt with responses. On the day of the wedding Diane had everything covered. She was with me all the time, letting me know what was supposed to happen at each stage and kept everything running smoothly. I have nothing bad to say about the wedding planning team.
Reverend Jack Day: A-
He is such a nice guy, he felt like a member of the family. He sent us various ceremony options by email and let us pick the parts we liked to create a service we were happy with.
On the day of the rehearsal he ran through everything with us and set our minds at rest. He was quite funny and made us look forward to meeting him at the wedding. On the day of the wedding he performed a lovely ceremony and all my family said how good he was, sincere and kind. I had to give him a minus because he wasn’t that great at getting back to my emails in the planning stages, to the point where I wasn’t actually sure if he was coming to the wedding rehearsal or not. Other than that you can’t go wrong with Rev, Jack.
Heather Sparby, Disney Floral: A
During the planning stages Heather was great in responding to emails and when we spoke on the phone she knew exactly what I wanted and gave me confidence that everything would be perfect on the day. All the things that they did on the day were excellent, just like I had pictured in my head. There was a small mistake with the menu cards which were printed with the wrong dessert. Diane noticed this on the morning of the wedding and got the Grand Floridian to reprint them for us and refunded the money.
Unfortunately the Grand printed the wrong wedding date at the top (I didn’t mention this to them though as it was only a small detail which no one else seemed to notice) When we got back to our room after the wedding there was a card, flowers and chocolates apologising for the mistakes with the cards.
Carolyn Allen: A
They were great at responding to emails and questions. They came to our hotel in Lake Buena vista to fit the men for their suits. We had emailed the measurements before we left and almost all the suits fitted. A few alterations were needed and when the suits arrived at the Animal kingdom Lodge the morning of the wedding they fitted perfectly. The staff were friendly and the suits looked great.
Videography:
We only used Disney for a ceremony only package. Our budget wouldn’t stretch any further. I am glad that we have a memento of our ceremony. We got married at the wedding pavilion so got to make use of the installed cameras. It has great angle picture shots and you can hear us clearly. We didn’t even know that the video was being done so it is all very natural. The picture quality isn’t the best and it is short and sweet but you get what you pay for. It has everything that you need and captures the ceremony for those at home but is nothing spectacular hence the B rating.
Root Photography A++++++++
I have fallen in love with these guys.
I first found out about them from Carrie and Patricks wedding and thought that I would love them to photograph my wedding. I then found their blog and followed it for years till I finaly got my proposal ( more about that later on) I loved every wedding on their blog and booked them as soon as I got engaged. They are fabulous. So friendly, and excited to be capturing your special day. They responded to all emails quickly and gave ideas on how to do things on the day. They were punctual on the day and stayed later that they were contracted for, even though they were going to get a flight to California later that evening and meeting up with the famous (in my mind anyway) Carrie and Patrick.
They calmed me down in the morning and although I haven’t got the photos back yet, I had such a good experience with them I know they are going to be fantastic. There is nothing bad to say about these two people. Except that I was a little star struck ha ha ha.
Patricia Le Jeune Hair and Make Up: A-
The only reason for the minus mark is due to their slow response to emails and questions. When eventually they did respond they were informative and set my mind a rest. On the day Patricia and her team were punctual and I loved my hair and make up. We had false eye lashes put on that were very natural. The team were super efficient and worked well together. We didn’t have time for any hair trials before hand but they team seemed to know exactly what we wanted and made us all look fabulous. Including my friend who apparently had very awkward Bangs?? Which in the UK means Fringe for those, like us who didn’t know. They were really funny on the day and made us all laugh. My make up lasted all day and my bridesmaids said they didn’t need to touch up all day either.
Transportation: A
I used Disney transportation for the wedding day. A limo for all guests, they said that it was on time, very comfortable and it got everyone from A-B on time. I also used the limo to get from the hotel to the wedding pavilion, my dad left his camera in the hotel and the driver once he had dropped us off went back and got it for him and brought it to the ceremony (special thanks to him)
Vintage car, Steve had this and loved it, boys and their toys!!!! We travelled to the reception in this and it was fun, however being and old car there is no air con and the roof was very low, I kept bumping my head. Luckily the weather wasn’t too hot so the lack of air con didn’t affect us but might be a consideration for other brides.
Motorcoach for dessert party, this was as it says on the tin, it arrived on time and picked us up. It was due to take everyone back to the animal kingdom where we were staying. Some guests were still at the Marriot Lake Buena vista and it took them back there so that was helpful and unexpected.
Food and Beverage: A
All the food was amazing, some of our guests said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. The service was excellent and presentation super. We haven’t had the bill back from the bar yet but the bar tender was helpful and polite. Nothing bad to say.
I-pod set up.
This doesn’t really need a score, I think that it is expensive however, for a small wedding that didn’t want a DJ it was perfect. You get two speakers, a docking station and a microphone, it meant we could pick the exact music that we wanted. The volume was as loud as any DJ and we danced the night away to our perfect soundtrack. I loved it. It was easy to use and away we went.
Dapper Dans: A++++++
I love these guys, they were such fun and really got everyone in the swing. They sang during the cocktail hour, then again during the meal and once after the first dance. Everyone commented on how great they were. You have to book them for your wedding.
Animal Kingdom Lodge. A+++
I absolutely loved this hotel. They treated us like kings and queens, everything we needed was done for us, the pool was lovely the staff attentive and friendly. The décor amazing and the animals were the icing on th cake. Breakfast at Boma was the best breakfast we had.
Sanaa Restaurant at Kidani village. A++
We had our rehearsal lunch here, I cannot fault it. Some of our guest don’t like spicy foods but the waiters were excellent at suggesting things they could eat and also said they could reduce the spice on certain items. They added pixie dust with badges, cards and a celebration dessert at the end. The animal views were excellent and everyone said that they had a wonderful time.
Bit of Background
Steve and I met whilst working for a local supermarket in the UK. We worked together for about 2 years before he finally got the courage to ask me out. He casually walked past one day and said “do you fancy going out to eat” I replied yes, he then threw his number down on a piece of paper and said “call me” I thought bloomin cheek!!!
If it hadn’t been for the fact that I had secretly loved him for the past two years and had desperately wanted him to ask me out I would never had called. That and a lot of persuasion from my friends.
I called him and arranged to go out for dinner, the rest is history!!!
We dated for 2 years and booked out first trip to Walt Disney World. Whilst there we took a trip to Disney’s boardwalk resort. We were on the little speed racers in the lake when I looked up and saw a wedding taking place at what I now know to be Sea Breeze point. I looked at Steve (who as a bloke had not noticed or had any thoughts about us getting married) and said “We are going to get married in Disneyworld” he laughed and replied that we would wait and see.
On our return Steve forgot all about it but I started to trail the internet for info on Disney weddings. That is when I came across the Disboards and became obsessed!!!
I was worried that my dream was going to be too expensive and I wouldn’t be able to get my parents to come ( my mum, although an American will no longer fly, we live in the UK so this would be a problem) and that Steve wouldn’t be on board with my Disney plans.
When I came across Carrie and Patricks wedding and pictures, I fell in love again and knew that Disney was the only place I wanted to get married. I showed Steve and he started to show and interest in the prospect. So thanks Carrie you literally made my dream a reality.
I also looked on Disney’s wedding website, you had to enter in some details of your potential wedding date and bride and groom details to get on the site and order the brochure, bearing in mind there had been no proposal, I made it all up.
A few weeks later when we came home, on the doormat lay the details and brochure for the Daniels/Kent Disney wedding. Steve looked at me and laughed, he said I should keep dreaming but that dreams could come true. This was all starting to sound promising.
6 years later I was still waiting for any hint of a wedding proposal, I had almost given up hope when we booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for Christmas in 2010. We had a wonderful holiday, on our last night Steve had booked a dinner at the Disneyland Hotel with my family who had also come on the trip.
We got to the restaurant and had a table in a private alcove over looking Cinderellas Castle and Main street. It was all decorated for Christmas and so romantic. The table had beautiful flowers on and petals all down the middle. My mum and dad were acting very suspicious and kept taking photos, I was still oblivious and just kept taking pictures out of the window at the beautiful scene. I did go to the rest room and noticed that no other tables had flowers on but thought because we were a large party they may have gone the extra mile.
Dinner came and went, Steve had hardly eaten anything, I thought he wasn’t feeling well as he was sweating and he usually eats like a horse.
We ordered desserts.
When my dessert arrived everyone got their cameras out, I looked up and there was Mickey Mouse himself carrying a beautiful wood carved Cinderella carriage with hand made chocolates all around the plate, not the dessert I had ordered. I turned round to look at Steve next to me, he was down on one knee and tears in his eyes. Only then did the penny drop. This was the moment I had been waiting for. Steve lifted the lid off of the carriage and there was my ring. He made a speech but I can’t remember much about it, only “will you marry me” and I just said YES!!!!!
It had taken him 8 years but it was all so worth it. He isn’t very romantic usually but he had managed to pull off the best proposal ever. Everyone else had been in on the surprise and so I have photos and a lovely video of my proposal to keep forever.
Well the day we got back from Disneyland I got in touch with Disney and we had the wedding pencilled in for 16th May 2012. I also ordered Carrie’s Passporters guide to Disney weddings, it was like a bible. I would recommend anyone planning a wedding to get this book!!!!
The planning process was, as I am sure everyone knows, a little frustrating. Everyone at Disney was very helpful but I just wanted to get it all sorted ASAP. Disney’s strict time lines made it difficult and at times I was worried that I wouldn’t get all the things I had dreamed of. However I had no need to be concerned.
****** Off to work now but will update as soon as I can********
I am new to posting on the boards, however I have been lurking on here forever. I recently had my wedding at WDW, I couldn’t have planned it all without all the information provided by the good people on this board. So I felt it only right to re pay the favour and share my trip report.
I will start off with some reviews.
Wedding planner, Diane Bowen: A
She was always very punctual in replying to my emails, whenever I had a problem or mini freak out she came up with a solution and called me to set my mind at rest if necessary. Her assistant Michelle Gilhooly was also very friendly and very prompt with responses. On the day of the wedding Diane had everything covered. She was with me all the time, letting me know what was supposed to happen at each stage and kept everything running smoothly. I have nothing bad to say about the wedding planning team.
Reverend Jack Day: A-
He is such a nice guy, he felt like a member of the family. He sent us various ceremony options by email and let us pick the parts we liked to create a service we were happy with.
On the day of the rehearsal he ran through everything with us and set our minds at rest. He was quite funny and made us look forward to meeting him at the wedding. On the day of the wedding he performed a lovely ceremony and all my family said how good he was, sincere and kind. I had to give him a minus because he wasn’t that great at getting back to my emails in the planning stages, to the point where I wasn’t actually sure if he was coming to the wedding rehearsal or not. Other than that you can’t go wrong with Rev, Jack.
Heather Sparby, Disney Floral: A
During the planning stages Heather was great in responding to emails and when we spoke on the phone she knew exactly what I wanted and gave me confidence that everything would be perfect on the day. All the things that they did on the day were excellent, just like I had pictured in my head. There was a small mistake with the menu cards which were printed with the wrong dessert. Diane noticed this on the morning of the wedding and got the Grand Floridian to reprint them for us and refunded the money.
Unfortunately the Grand printed the wrong wedding date at the top (I didn’t mention this to them though as it was only a small detail which no one else seemed to notice) When we got back to our room after the wedding there was a card, flowers and chocolates apologising for the mistakes with the cards.
Carolyn Allen: A
They were great at responding to emails and questions. They came to our hotel in Lake Buena vista to fit the men for their suits. We had emailed the measurements before we left and almost all the suits fitted. A few alterations were needed and when the suits arrived at the Animal kingdom Lodge the morning of the wedding they fitted perfectly. The staff were friendly and the suits looked great.
Videography:
We only used Disney for a ceremony only package. Our budget wouldn’t stretch any further. I am glad that we have a memento of our ceremony. We got married at the wedding pavilion so got to make use of the installed cameras. It has great angle picture shots and you can hear us clearly. We didn’t even know that the video was being done so it is all very natural. The picture quality isn’t the best and it is short and sweet but you get what you pay for. It has everything that you need and captures the ceremony for those at home but is nothing spectacular hence the B rating.
Root Photography A++++++++
I have fallen in love with these guys.
I first found out about them from Carrie and Patricks wedding and thought that I would love them to photograph my wedding. I then found their blog and followed it for years till I finaly got my proposal ( more about that later on) I loved every wedding on their blog and booked them as soon as I got engaged. They are fabulous. So friendly, and excited to be capturing your special day. They responded to all emails quickly and gave ideas on how to do things on the day. They were punctual on the day and stayed later that they were contracted for, even though they were going to get a flight to California later that evening and meeting up with the famous (in my mind anyway) Carrie and Patrick.
They calmed me down in the morning and although I haven’t got the photos back yet, I had such a good experience with them I know they are going to be fantastic. There is nothing bad to say about these two people. Except that I was a little star struck ha ha ha.
Patricia Le Jeune Hair and Make Up: A-
The only reason for the minus mark is due to their slow response to emails and questions. When eventually they did respond they were informative and set my mind a rest. On the day Patricia and her team were punctual and I loved my hair and make up. We had false eye lashes put on that were very natural. The team were super efficient and worked well together. We didn’t have time for any hair trials before hand but they team seemed to know exactly what we wanted and made us all look fabulous. Including my friend who apparently had very awkward Bangs?? Which in the UK means Fringe for those, like us who didn’t know. They were really funny on the day and made us all laugh. My make up lasted all day and my bridesmaids said they didn’t need to touch up all day either.
Transportation: A
I used Disney transportation for the wedding day. A limo for all guests, they said that it was on time, very comfortable and it got everyone from A-B on time. I also used the limo to get from the hotel to the wedding pavilion, my dad left his camera in the hotel and the driver once he had dropped us off went back and got it for him and brought it to the ceremony (special thanks to him)
Vintage car, Steve had this and loved it, boys and their toys!!!! We travelled to the reception in this and it was fun, however being and old car there is no air con and the roof was very low, I kept bumping my head. Luckily the weather wasn’t too hot so the lack of air con didn’t affect us but might be a consideration for other brides.
Motorcoach for dessert party, this was as it says on the tin, it arrived on time and picked us up. It was due to take everyone back to the animal kingdom where we were staying. Some guests were still at the Marriot Lake Buena vista and it took them back there so that was helpful and unexpected.
Food and Beverage: A
All the food was amazing, some of our guests said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. The service was excellent and presentation super. We haven’t had the bill back from the bar yet but the bar tender was helpful and polite. Nothing bad to say.
I-pod set up.
This doesn’t really need a score, I think that it is expensive however, for a small wedding that didn’t want a DJ it was perfect. You get two speakers, a docking station and a microphone, it meant we could pick the exact music that we wanted. The volume was as loud as any DJ and we danced the night away to our perfect soundtrack. I loved it. It was easy to use and away we went.
Dapper Dans: A++++++
I love these guys, they were such fun and really got everyone in the swing. They sang during the cocktail hour, then again during the meal and once after the first dance. Everyone commented on how great they were. You have to book them for your wedding.
Animal Kingdom Lodge. A+++
I absolutely loved this hotel. They treated us like kings and queens, everything we needed was done for us, the pool was lovely the staff attentive and friendly. The décor amazing and the animals were the icing on th cake. Breakfast at Boma was the best breakfast we had.
Sanaa Restaurant at Kidani village. A++
We had our rehearsal lunch here, I cannot fault it. Some of our guest don’t like spicy foods but the waiters were excellent at suggesting things they could eat and also said they could reduce the spice on certain items. They added pixie dust with badges, cards and a celebration dessert at the end. The animal views were excellent and everyone said that they had a wonderful time.
Bit of Background
Steve and I met whilst working for a local supermarket in the UK. We worked together for about 2 years before he finally got the courage to ask me out. He casually walked past one day and said “do you fancy going out to eat” I replied yes, he then threw his number down on a piece of paper and said “call me” I thought bloomin cheek!!!
If it hadn’t been for the fact that I had secretly loved him for the past two years and had desperately wanted him to ask me out I would never had called. That and a lot of persuasion from my friends.
I called him and arranged to go out for dinner, the rest is history!!!
We dated for 2 years and booked out first trip to Walt Disney World. Whilst there we took a trip to Disney’s boardwalk resort. We were on the little speed racers in the lake when I looked up and saw a wedding taking place at what I now know to be Sea Breeze point. I looked at Steve (who as a bloke had not noticed or had any thoughts about us getting married) and said “We are going to get married in Disneyworld” he laughed and replied that we would wait and see.
On our return Steve forgot all about it but I started to trail the internet for info on Disney weddings. That is when I came across the Disboards and became obsessed!!!
I was worried that my dream was going to be too expensive and I wouldn’t be able to get my parents to come ( my mum, although an American will no longer fly, we live in the UK so this would be a problem) and that Steve wouldn’t be on board with my Disney plans.
When I came across Carrie and Patricks wedding and pictures, I fell in love again and knew that Disney was the only place I wanted to get married. I showed Steve and he started to show and interest in the prospect. So thanks Carrie you literally made my dream a reality.
I also looked on Disney’s wedding website, you had to enter in some details of your potential wedding date and bride and groom details to get on the site and order the brochure, bearing in mind there had been no proposal, I made it all up.
A few weeks later when we came home, on the doormat lay the details and brochure for the Daniels/Kent Disney wedding. Steve looked at me and laughed, he said I should keep dreaming but that dreams could come true. This was all starting to sound promising.
6 years later I was still waiting for any hint of a wedding proposal, I had almost given up hope when we booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for Christmas in 2010. We had a wonderful holiday, on our last night Steve had booked a dinner at the Disneyland Hotel with my family who had also come on the trip.
We got to the restaurant and had a table in a private alcove over looking Cinderellas Castle and Main street. It was all decorated for Christmas and so romantic. The table had beautiful flowers on and petals all down the middle. My mum and dad were acting very suspicious and kept taking photos, I was still oblivious and just kept taking pictures out of the window at the beautiful scene. I did go to the rest room and noticed that no other tables had flowers on but thought because we were a large party they may have gone the extra mile.
Dinner came and went, Steve had hardly eaten anything, I thought he wasn’t feeling well as he was sweating and he usually eats like a horse.
We ordered desserts.
When my dessert arrived everyone got their cameras out, I looked up and there was Mickey Mouse himself carrying a beautiful wood carved Cinderella carriage with hand made chocolates all around the plate, not the dessert I had ordered. I turned round to look at Steve next to me, he was down on one knee and tears in his eyes. Only then did the penny drop. This was the moment I had been waiting for. Steve lifted the lid off of the carriage and there was my ring. He made a speech but I can’t remember much about it, only “will you marry me” and I just said YES!!!!!
It had taken him 8 years but it was all so worth it. He isn’t very romantic usually but he had managed to pull off the best proposal ever. Everyone else had been in on the surprise and so I have photos and a lovely video of my proposal to keep forever.
Well the day we got back from Disneyland I got in touch with Disney and we had the wedding pencilled in for 16th May 2012. I also ordered Carrie’s Passporters guide to Disney weddings, it was like a bible. I would recommend anyone planning a wedding to get this book!!!!
The planning process was, as I am sure everyone knows, a little frustrating. Everyone at Disney was very helpful but I just wanted to get it all sorted ASAP. Disney’s strict time lines made it difficult and at times I was worried that I wouldn’t get all the things I had dreamed of. However I had no need to be concerned.
****** Off to work now but will update as soon as I can********
to the DIS! Thanks for sharing reviews of all your vendors (and the kind words about our wedding! 
).
