Wishes 10/8/11 WP/GF-- Love's First Kiss-- Trip Report Complete

[lilsqueakrr]

Love the MK trip report and so far Day 3! I desperately wanna do a cabana in Saint Lucia (little different than Disney). But I feel like it's a necessity! =] I can't wait to see more!

 

[One_Song]

I think the thing that I (and other dis-ers I'm sure) appreciate about your PJ is how wonderfully and meticulously detailed it is. I feel like I'm there with you at a gorgeous, well planned, wonderfully executed wedding at the greatest place on earth. It's kind of awesome.

Thank you so much, I'm so flattered! It really was a dream

It it all looks so lovely, getting excited now as my DD also planning a pavillion wedding

Thank you and congrats! Your daughter will have an amazing wedding!

Ohh relaxing in a cabana sounds SO good about now! (I've had a super stressful day at work)

And I agree with all the compliments on the bikini, very cute!

I miss that cabana-- I could go for one right now!

What a perfect fit for your honeymoon that cabana is! I have a friend that rented one at the Poly on her honeymoon and thought it was fabulous as well!

Your bikini is quite dainty for the GF, nice find!

Oh I bet it would be even better at Poly, then you would have the tropical musical in the background and the gorgeous landscaping around you!

Not sure how but I missed a few pages! I'm caught up now!
You really have a gift with your writing, even describing the smallest things I am enthralled to read!

We are staying at the Poly the night after our wedding before we head off to our HM! I'm hoping even more now we'll be able to rent a cabana there!! Do you know if we can reserve ahead of time or only the same day?

Can't wait for more!

Thank you, that's really kind of you to say You can definitely reserve cabanas ahead of time. We had a reservation for the day after our wedding but cancelled due to rain. The number is 407-WDW-PLAY

That cabana sounds spectacular! I didn't know they had that sort of thing, I think I may have to look into it myself further down the road. And your bikini is too cute, very GF!

You really should, it's so wonderfully relaxing!

Love the MK trip report and so far Day 3! I desperately wanna do a cabana in Saint Lucia (little different than Disney). But I feel like it's a necessity! =] I can't wait to see more!

I think it's ABSOLUTELY a necessity in Saint Lucia!! You've got to do it!

 

[mebbradley]

Your review of Victoria and Albert has made me decide that we're going there! I don't care how much wheat I eat [and the pain that will result] but we're doing it!

 

[One_Song]

We returned to our room and got dressed. We couldn't believe how much our house keeping staff had tidied our bathroom, look at how impeccable the counters were:

They arranged all of our things, that wasn't us. They also brought us fresh orchids every day.

And, if you used anything (soap, lotion, a towel) they brought you a brand new one. You never used a single bar of soap twice. I understand that they wanted to totally pamper you, but deep down I felt guilty for wasting so many toiletries! We thought about leaving a little note saying that we would be happy to reuse the soaps and things, but we didn't want to offend anyone.

Anyway, we set off for Magic Kingdom. The previous day, Brandon had spoken with Bill, the cast member that we met on Cinderella's Coach. Bill had offered us the chance to have a meet & greet with some characters, and of course, we accepted. We were to meet him behind Cinderella's Castle at 3:00.

Bill had mentioned on the phone that the m&g would be private, and that we would get to see some princesses. I told Brandon I thought this was probably a PR type thing they do every couple of days. I thought we would be in a line with other people, and group by group we would get to see the selected characters.

(Not wedding related: Brandon is from the midwest, and I am a true Dixie girl. It's always interesting to us when we notice differences in our speech. Brandon made fun of me this day for saying that we were "getting our picture made". Apparently I should say we are "having our picture taken". I don't have much of a southern accent; also in college, my journalism program really stressed to practice the midwest accent. I have a few slip ups, though. Brandon always teases me because there is no difference in the way I pronounce "pen" and "pin" (both with an "ih" sound).)

We walked to the back of the castle and spotted Bill. He said it would be a few minutes until the m&g was ready. CMs around the castle were pulling out those walls that they use for stage shows. Bill chatted with us for a bit; he was excited to hear we were cruising on the Dream in a few days and told us all about the ship and the best things to do.

 

[One_Song]

Someone gave Bill a signal that they were ready; this is when I thought we would be led to a line somewhere. Instead, Bill took Brandon and I around one of the walls, into a makeshift room.

I wish I had a picture of my face-- I swear my jaw hit the floor. We were standing face-to-face with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Snow White, Prince Charming, Cinderella, Prince Charming II, Aurora, Phillip, Peter Pan, and Wendy. They were all waving and shouting "Hello!"

After a few seconds of staring like a child, Bill shuffled us over to the characters and took our camera for us.

You can barely see us with all that magic going on!

(Sidenote: Brandon is a pretty tall guy, about 6'3". Those princes are massive! I guess they have to look dashing even from far away)

We got hugs and congratulations from everyone, and all the characters were one upping each other to entertain us. It was amazing! I don't know that I've ever felt the magic so alive!

The characters were all in character, even if they weren't talking to us

Bill said "Let's get some pictures of Michelle and Snow White, that's her favorite princess".

She was incredible, so sweet and perfect! She asked me if I met my prince by the wishing well, like she did. I told her that I had a wishing well at my wedding, and she was really excited. She also loved my Snow White bag.

This next one is Brandon's favorite picture, my face is total glee.

Snow White asked Brandon if Dopey helped him pick my ring from the mine.

I had never seen Snow White's prince before, that was really cool!

She was just awesome!

Then the handlers said it was time to go, so they all waved goodbye, and we were on our way. We thanked Bill as much as we could. He was so good to us and we appreciate that it was in no way mandatory. I think he felt bad that it rained on our day, but liked us and wanted to give us this wonderful gift. We're so lucky to have met him.

Out on Main Street, I was smiling the biggest smile ever, I couldn't make it stop. It literally was like floating in a dream. This is why I love Disney and why I always will. Even as an adult, it makes me feel like happy endings are real.

I told Brandon he had to photograph me to capture how happy I was.

I was deliriously happy.

 

[mebbradley]

That was amazing! What an awesome experience!!

 

[dreamsdidcometrue]

I'm going to pause the TR here to do some reviews.

Vendor Reviews:

DFTW- B

This score is a blend of extremes. Our actual wedding day was perfect. Most of the interactions we had with DFTW were very positive, and most of the CMs we met or spoke with were very friendly and professional. Meri, our planner, was really great about working with us and changing our BEO numerous times. However, the stress of dealing with the GF DVC construction was absolutely the most negative aspect of our planning. DFTW works as a very secretive public relations machine and they will keep you in the dark if they think the truth will impact their business. I know that sounds pretty negative. Our overall experience was great, but it wasn’t perfect.


Disney Floral, Elizabeth Sutton- A+

This woman is a goddess. Every single detail of our wedding décor (flowers, linens, centerpieces, etc.) was more beautiful than I had imagined. I gave her a picture of what I wanted for my bouquet and she recreated it EXACTLY. I felt like she had just lifted it out of the picture. She was great about suggesting less-expensive alternatives and coming up with creative ideas. She is amazing and really works to make your vision a reality. We also ordered our favors, caramel apples, through Disney Floral and they were delicious.


DPS, Regina- A

I can’t give it a plus because I don’t like that you can only request (not guarantee) your choice of photographer. However, we got lucky and were assigned Regina, as requested. She is simply amazing. We love almost every single picture she took all day. She has a really beautiful style that I think of as a blend between photojournalism and art. Aside from her remarkable talent, she is a very nice person and made us feel totally comfortable in front of the lens. We couldn’t be happier with our photos.


DFAP, videography- D-

I don’t mean this score to reflect personally on the videographers present on our wedding day. I can’t recall their names, but they were very friendly and unobtrusive. However, we weren’t informed until two weeks before our wedding that your music choices for your wedding video are incredibly limited. You can only pick songs listed on songfreedom.com. THERE ARE NO DISNEY SONGS AVAILABLE. I was outraged when I found out. I completely feel that it is deceitful and false advertising that you cannot have Disney songs on your Disney video of your Disney wedding! I would strongly urge all brides NOT TO USE DISNEY VIDEOGRAPHY.


Reverend Jack Day- A+

I have nothing but the highest praise for this kind, wonderful man. He was one of the best parts of our wedding day. He gives a beautiful, genuine ceremony, and you really feel like he cares and is excited for you as a couple. He couldn’t attend our rehearsal due to scheduling conflicts, but he met with us privately the day before our wedding, just to ensure we were comfortable with the order of service. We had some ideas about ways to personalize our ceremony and he accommodated all of them! He deserves every bit of his A+!


Beaute Speciale- A

We had Laine and Ana do the wedding day makeup for my five bridesmaids and me. They did such a beautiful job. I had a trial appointment with Laine, and she was really fantastic about using my inspiration pictures, but also adapting it to best suit my coloring. They always showed up on time, made us feel very relaxed, and kept us laughing most of the time. Laine really made me feel beautiful (and I am overly critical of myself). I also liked that each bridesmaid’s makeup suited her individually, instead of just doing the same colors on everyone.


DJ- B

My opinion of our DJ has changed over time. If you look around elsewhere on Disboards, you will find lots of glowing reviews. Most of the CMs we talked to thought he was the best Disney DJ as well. His name is Scott Messina, and if you want a big dance party, he is probably a very good match for you. He did use some neat techniques to get guests out on the dance floor. There were no awkward moments, and he didn’t play anything from our “do not play” list. Brandon and I just have very picky taste in music, and we wanted something a little more casual than the average wedding. I don’t think I gave him enough credit initially; you can tell from our pictures that everyone had a great time dancing. Our guests thought he was great. He is a very nice man in person and he tried very hard to make this picky bride happy.


My Gatsby- A

Not associated with Disney, but I wanted to include this website because we had such a great experience. We ordered our wedding invitations and some blank cardstock (for DIY STDs) from here. They have lots of styles, it’s very customizable, and you can order samples of their cardstock colors. You get over 100 cards of different colors (easy to match your shade of blue/green/whatever). The printing is great quality and their prices are very reasonable. Mygatsby.com

Michelle, thank you so much for the detailed reviews.

I too agree with you about the photography. This is actually the MAIN and really only genuine concern I have for my wedding. Disney has lots of rules and I am happy to abide and concede to them so I can have my DFTW. With that said I would like to remember it in a way that is esthetically pleasing to me.

Since the plan is the castle for my ceremony site and then California Grill at the Contemporary, I don't really have an option to not use a DFTW photographer. I am very into art and music and I like the more artsy and photojournalist approach. I have see several peoples pics from these boards and I hands down like Regina's style MORE than any other DFTW photographers.

Do you know if there is anyway to get who you want? I mean besides just requesting? Is it basically first come first serve? Since I will know 12 months in advance, does that help? Can I request the photographer as soon as I sign my contract and put my deposit down? And do I pick my photo package before or after they tell me who I will have? The reason I ask is because I was thinking if I don't get Regina I will just use Disney for what I have to and then maybe hire someone else for the getting ready shots and the reception shots. Can I have an outside photographer at California Grill?


Sorry for all the questions, I am just so anxious for them to give me a date!!! I guess with all the construction it is making things difficult. I think once I have a date my anxiety will go down immensely. Thanks for any info you have!

 

[dreamsdidcometrue]

This is not wedding related, so feel free to skip if you like.

I just wanted to share some very exciting news for our family: Today Brandon was offered an attorney position with a firm in Tampa!

We have been living with some of my family in northwest Florida for about six months. We moved here last summer so Brandon could study for and take the Florida bar exam. I have since been working any and all jobs I could find to pay our student loans, insurance, car payments, etc. After the bar exam, Brandon accepted work at a local legal aide center, but they were not able to pay him. He has spent every day searching and applying for jobs. We both often became discouraged; I'm sure no one here is a stranger to how the down economy has affected families. His determination has finally paid off.

Next week we are going on a house hunting trip. We believe we will be moving to Tampa by the end of this month. I am so elated; I almost can't believe it. We are going to have our own house again, with our own things. We have so many nice presents from the wedding that we haven't even seen-- they're just boxed away in storage. And now we're going to come home every day to a place that's all ours with our things and our own space. It almost feels like coming home from the honeymoon again.

I'm so proud of Brandon. I've always had confidence in him, even when he didn't have it himself. I'm proud to have supported our family for the present while he worked on our future.

It's so exciting. I'm happy. I know Brandon is happy. I'm ready to have a house, and a home. Maybe the best part of all... We'll only be 1.5 hours from Disney World!!!!

Thanks for listening, friends.

That's really great, I am so happy for the both of you! Not having your own place to come home to as a married couple must have been difficult. But everything happens for a reason = now you will be soooo close to Disney

 

[dreamsdidcometrue]

Woohoo! Great update!

Okay, several questions
1) Where did you get that bathing suit? Sooo cute!
2) What is a Banana Cabana? I love anything banana so can't wait to see what this is?
3) Do you mind if I ask how much the cabana was? We just might have to rent one on our anniversary stay!

Oh, and I"m a journalism grad too! (broadcast) but I went back and got my Masters in education...I sure miss reporting sometimes though!

Hahaha, I love banana too! It is my favorite flavor and I get it in anything I can. Banana shakes, banana ice cream, banana pancakes, banana bread, ect...

Have either of you ever had a banana daiquiri? It has to be the kind with real banana, not banana flavoring or it is not nearly as good.

 

[dreamsdidcometrue]

Someone gave Bill a signal that they were ready; this is when I thought we would be led to a line somewhere. Instead, Bill took Brandon and I around one of the walls, into a makeshift room.

I wish I had a picture of my face-- I swear my jaw hit the floor. We were standing face-to-face with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Snow White, Prince Charming, Cinderella, Prince Charming II, Aurora, Phillip, Peter Pan, and Wendy. They were all waving and shouting "Hello!"

After a few seconds of staring like a child, Bill shuffled us over to the characters and took our camera for us.

You can barely see us with all that magic going on!

(Sidenote: Brandon is a pretty tall guy, about 6'3". Those princes are massive! I guess they have to look dashing even from far away)

We got hugs and congratulations from everyone, and all the characters were one upping each other to entertain us. It was amazing! I don't know that I've ever felt the magic so alive!

The characters were all in character, even if they weren't talking to us

Bill said "Let's get some pictures of Michelle and Snow White, that's her favorite princess".

She was incredible, so sweet and perfect! She asked me if I met my prince by the wishing well, like she did. I told her that I had a wishing well at my wedding, and she was really excited. She also loved my Snow White bag.

This next one is Brandon's favorite picture, my face is total glee.

Snow White asked Brandon if Dopey helped him pick my ring from the mine.

I had never seen Snow White's prince before, that was really cool!

She was just awesome!

Then the handlers said it was time to go, so they all waved goodbye, and we were on our way. We thanked Bill as much as we could. He was so good to us and we appreciate that it was in no way mandatory. I think he felt bad that it rained on our day, but liked us and wanted to give us this wonderful gift. We're so lucky to have met him.

Out on Main Street, I was smiling the biggest smile ever, I couldn't make it stop. It literally was like floating in a dream. This is why I love Disney and why I always will. Even as an adult, it makes me feel like happy endings are real.

I told Brandon he had to photograph me to capture how happy I was.

I was deliriously happy.

Oh, WOW that was really nice of him My DF has never even been to Disney. He is always asking me to explain to him what it is like. And I always tell him it is like no other feeling and that it is hard to explain. I tell him it is joy beyond imagination, it is surreal

 

[dreamsdidcometrue]

Ok, so I know this is like my 5th post on your thread tonight but I finally finished reading it and I had lots to say/ask! I just wanted to say that everything turned out so beautiful!

I loved all your little touches and that you gave detail about everything! Reading your PJ will make things a lot easier because now I know what to expect along the way. I am the type of person who fears the unknown. Even if I know something bad is coming that doesn't really bother me because I am expecting it, lol.

It is also nice to connect with other women who feel the same way about Disney as me. I was on theknot.com the other day and someone had posted about having a Disney themed wedding in her home state. She was commenting on one of her ideas about naming the tables after Disney movies and that her fiance was saying that might be a little silly. She was totally attacked by others on the blog saying that she is acting ridiculous. That wanting a Disney wedding was childish and how dare she put a grown man through something like that. 1 woman even said that she obviously wasn't ready for marriage because she was living in a dream world and that she was immature, selfish and irresponsible. All this just because she likes Disney! The woman answered and said that she never even said her fiance didn't want a Disney wedding, he just didn't like the table idea. Her feelings were really hurt and I don't blame her. Anyway, I just wanted to say that it is really awesome to hear about your real life dreams coming true! Thanks so much for sharing and supporting other DFTW brides

 

[Designer Rose]

What an AWESOME experience that had to be! I'm jealous. Love the extra pixie dust you guys got though!

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

I am totally awestruck! That is some SPECTACULAR Disney magic at work. Just... amazing!

 

[mickin]

besides the ceremony and reception..that is one of the great reasons to have a DFTW...thats amazing...Trace would have loved meeting Aurora...so cool

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Um, that is by FAR the most magical thing that I have ever heard or seen regarding Disney. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I'm uber jealous. Yay for you. It's amazing the magical things that can happen in Disney. One reason why I'm somewhat regretting not going for our HM. lol.

The pictures of you on Main Street are adorable.. except for the one with the little girl totally mean mugging in the background with the ears on lol.

I cannot wait to read more! I keep telling my mom and Dave all about it! Plus I showed them your wedding pictures numerous times to the point where they know them by heart. lol. ;D <3

 

[Fay]

Wow... your photos are beautiful! What a special treat!

XXX

 

[belle2211]

oh my gosh! I am soooo incredibly jealous! That is a once in a lifetime picture opportunity! I would be glowing too!!

 

[belle2211]

Hahaha, I love banana too! It is my favorite flavor and I get it in anything I can. Banana shakes, banana ice cream, banana pancakes, banana bread, ect...

Have either of you ever had a banana daiquiri? It has to be the kind with real banana, not banana flavoring or it is not nearly as good.

I've had a banana daquiri, but I don't know if it had a real banana in it....but you guys need to try a BBC...Bailey Banana Colada...sooo amazing!

 

[belle2211]

The pictures of you on Main Street are adorable.. except for the one with the little girl totally mean mugging in the background with the ears on lol.

Ok, I had to go back and double check on this...that is hilarious!

Michelle--she is so jealous of you!

 

[One_Song]

That was amazing! What an awesome experience!!

Oh, WOW that was really nice of him My DF has never even been to Disney. He is always asking me to explain to him what it is like. And I always tell him it is like no other feeling and that it is hard to explain. I tell him it is joy beyond imagination, it is surreal

What an AWESOME experience that had to be! I'm jealous. Love the extra pixie dust you guys got though!

I am totally awestruck! That is some SPECTACULAR Disney magic at work. Just... amazing!

besides the ceremony and reception..that is one of the great reasons to have a DFTW...thats amazing...Trace would have loved meeting Aurora...so cool

Wow... your photos are beautiful! What a special treat!

XXX

oh my gosh! I am soooo incredibly jealous! That is a once in a lifetime picture opportunity! I would be glowing too!!

Thanks everyone, it was really incredible! I just felt so bubbly. Brandon liked it too, mostly (I think) because he realizes what a rare opportunity it was. I truly believe Disney CMs are fantastic. We were so lucky to meet such sweet people.

Um, that is by FAR the most magical thing that I have ever heard or seen regarding Disney. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I'm uber jealous. Yay for you. It's amazing the magical things that can happen in Disney. One reason why I'm somewhat regretting not going for our HM. lol.

The pictures of you on Main Street are adorable.. except for the one with the little girl totally mean mugging in the background with the ears on lol.

I cannot wait to read more! I keep telling my mom and Dave all about it! Plus I showed them your wedding pictures numerous times to the point where they know them by heart. lol. ;D <3

Ok, I had to go back and double check on this...that is hilarious!

Michelle--she is so jealous of you!

We love that picture!! I'm not sure if I got in her way, or if she was just checking me out or what! So funny