Woe is me - but maybe there are alternatives?

[saveaquarter]

How about a Swan/Dolphin wedding?

I agree, there is a stickie with info about this at the top of the weddings forum page, they are cheaper and from most accounts of others who've used them, they are more flexible than DFTW. Characters are still available, and it is on WDW property. I would check them out. You could do your VR there and go to a character meal afterward. If you still wanted to do a fireworks cruise and couldn't swing the price for the grand 1, you can do just a regular fireworks cruise on a pontoon, I know the price is a good bit cheaper and they will allow more people on board. If you still wanted professional pics in the parks, you can get with disney photographics and have their honeymoon photo shoot, you can't necessarily wear "fancy clothes" but definitely nice casual resort wear, or if you wanted to do the fancier clothes, just choose a resort and take the photos there.

Actually, it's looking like we're going to change our reservation from POR to the Swan, so that would be wonderful. I took a look at their packages and they are far more affordable. We could do the character dining at GG as well. Thank you for the suggestion!

I have been trying to plan a WDW VR for about 2 years now and I have considered all possibilities. It is finally going to happen next year. Good luck to you and I hope you get your happy ending.

Congratulations! I'm glad you're getting your vow renewal and hope it's exactly how you've wanted it. Good luck with your planning, and thank you very much