~ Luv4mylittleones ~ 12/17/07 WP/Gardenview/1900 PF/Morocco

[BaBeeCee14]

Hi Diane,
I just read your PJ and everything looks fabulous. The kids shirts and bags came out beautiful!! I also love the welcome bag tags. Do you have a picture of what it looks like when its done and attached to the bags? I think I might have to borrow that idea too. Also, thanks for the link for the canvas welcome bags, all the other places I've looked have been more expensive.

Congrats on the DP You are going to have so much fun!! I'm planning to have a DP too because I think my guests would really enjoy it. I also want to do it as a little thank you for coming to my wedding.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Hi Diane,
I just read your PJ and everything looks fabulous. The kids shirts and bags came out beautiful!! I also love the welcome bag tags. Do you have a picture of what it looks like when its done and attached to the bags? I think I might have to borrow that idea too. Also, thanks for the link for the canvas welcome bags, all the other places I've looked have been more expensive.

Congrats on the DP You are going to have so much fun!! I'm planning to have a DP too because I think my guests would really enjoy it. I also want to do it as a little thank you for coming to my wedding.

I haven't put the bags together yet becuase I'm waiting to buy the perishable items...I'm just crossing my fingers that that everything fits! Especially the kids bags...I really have to brush up on my measuements becuase when the yellow and purple bags arrived they wre tiny!! I decided to just put the snacks/drinks in those bags and then put them in this larger bag with the rest of the stuff:

I found them in a lot on ebay and will also roll one up and put one in each adult's bag so they can use it to carry stuff into the parks! The problem is, they are smaller than I thought too and while they currently fit everything for the kids (barely)...the way I'm adding stuff, I'll end up buying even bigger bags soon! They are going to end up with bags, in bags, in bags!!!

As for the tags...I'm currently shopping for the right paper...I have a lot of printing to do between those, the favors, the welcome letters, and the programs...phew!

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Diane I would honestly talk to her and explain you dilema. Tell her you would love to have your "something borrowed" from her and that you love the tiara but you are concerned about the color. I know that wouldn't offend me at all. GL with your decision.

Thanks...I think I'm leaning toward the silver one but I am going to try them both on with my dress when it gets here. And knowing me I'll still pick one and end up wearing the other!! I'm going to talk to my friend though, I know she'll understand.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

So why are we getting married at Disney you ask? Here’s the scoop:

As some of you know, my mom passed away in March. I miss her more than I could ever express and the thought of her not being there on my wedding day deeply saddens me. But then I realized that she will be there…yeah…I know my mom is going to take every step with me…not just on my wedding day, but every day. That’s why I chose a location that would create a stronger feeling of her presence…a place that was special to the two us…her favorite place in the world! Walt Disney World! Those who knew my mom, knew that she was an avid Disney collector, she loved all things Disney and going to Disney was a dream that she thought she’d never get to live out because she was so sick and we just couldn’t afford to go. In 1997, I asked my mom to accompany me to the UCA cheerleading finals at Disney my senior year in high school, she was overjoyed and it was a turning point in our relationship, it is there that she stopped being just my mom and also become my best friend. We've had many wonderful trips together since then with the children, and each and every time she would light up like a child as soon as we passed through the gates. We’ve decided to place my mother’s most treasured Disney possession, her personalized Mickey Ears (She always wanted those, lol) on a column next to the altar. During the processional, my oldest son will be placing my mom’s favorite flower, a yellow rose, next to the hat so that we can acknowledge her presence. I know that my mom would have loved a Disney Fairytale Wedding, and that is why we have chosen such an unconventional location for our nuptials!

Unfortunately, the location did present some challenges. First and foremost…money! As you all know, Disney weddings don’t come cheap and we’ve had to make some sacrifices to keep costs down. Also, with the wedding being the week before Christmas, we knew there would be financial stresses for our guests as well. With these things in mind we decided it would be best to keep the guest list to family only. Joe’s parents and siblings will be there, as well as his best friend (who is his Best Man and like a brother to him) and his family. On my side, there will only be my children, my dad, and two of my aunts…one of which will be honoring my mother by stepping in as Mother of the Bride. That’s a total of 20 people (and 1 infant)...perfect for a Disney Escape Wedding. We’re planning to throw a big party before we leave so that we can celebrate with those who won’t be coming with us to Disney.

So that brings me to the wedding party…here’s the breakdown:

Best Man - Joe’s best friends
Groomsman – Joe’s brother
Maid of Honor – Joe’s sister
Bridesmaid – My other Aunt
Flowergirl – My daughter
Ushers – My two boys

Our music is a bit unconventional as well. As I've mentioned before, Joe loves his video games. He’s even dragged me into it and I’m addicted to Kingdom hearts…soooo…with that and our location in mind, we chose our music:

Prelude/Guest Seating - "Dearly Beloved", Kingdom Hearts II
Processional - "Melodies Of Life" - Final Fantasy 9
Bridal Party - Isn't It Lovely, Kingdom Hearts II
Bride - "Eyes On Me", Final Fantasy 8
Unity Candle - "Candle On the Water" – Pete’s Dragon
Recessional - "When You Wish Upon A Star" - Pinocchio
First Dance – “If I Never Knew You” - Pocahontas

All of the music is simply beautiful and it flows nicely together…I’m so happy to not being using traditional music…If I had to walk down the aisle to Pachabel or Wagner I’d scream and run in the opposite direction! This is definitely more “us”!

What are we doing? Here’s the synopsis:

Sat, December 15th – Some of the guests will be arriving…we will be staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies resort. Joe and I plan to tie up loose ends with our wedding planner this day, deliver the welcome bags to the hotels, call the vendors, and get settled in. For those who arrive this day, we plan to take them to Downtown Disney for some shopping and good eats!

Sun, December 16th – Everyone should be there by late afternoon. We are going to the Magic Kingdom with the kids and our guests this day to soak in some Disney “magic”. I mean, what fun would it be to have a Disney Wedding and not visit the parks? In the evening we will be having a Welcome/Rehearsal dinner at Ohana’s in the Polynesian resort.

Mon, December 17th – The big day! The hairstylist, makeup artist, and dress steamer will be at the hotel bright and early (7am!). Once we’re ready the limos will take everyone over to the Wedding Pavilion for our 12pm ceremony. Following the ceremony there will be a champagne toast on the Commander’s Terrace at the Grand Floridian where Joseph and I will share our first dance as husband and wife. At 2pm, the guests will be taken to Garden View Tea Lounge to enjoy their choice of fine teas or wine, light hor'dourves, and wedding cake while Joe and I finish up with the photographer. After that, we have a 4:30 reservation at 1900 Park Fare where we will celebrate together as we dine with Cinderella and her friends. When dinner is over a motorcoach will take the guests back to the hotel until about 8pm when we will pick them all back up and take them to our grand finale celebration...an illumiations DP in Morocco!

Joe and I will then check into The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. We have decided to extend our honeymoon through Christmas so we changed up our lodging a bit. After two nights at the Grand Floridian, we will be changing over to the Port Orleans Riverside resort where we will be spending the next 7 nights. After that the kids we rejoin us and we’ll be heading to historic Savannah for a few nights! I can’t wait!!!

I’m getting so excited…the planning is coming along quite well, and I’ve gotten more done than I thought I would at this point, so I’m happy about that. As things progress, the reality of it all is really setting in…I get to marry my best friend…how lucky am I???

 

[sandy5764]

As things progress, the reality of it all is really setting in…I get to marry my best friend…how lucky am I???

I couldn't agree with this more ... the closer to my wedding date I get, the more I realize how lucky I am. It's more than love - at least for me - it's the deepest compatibility possible. I don't think I ever realized how happy I could be. I look at my e-ring sometimes and think that in the whole big wide world, the two of us actually met, fell in love, and are going to be together for the rest of our lives.

Unfortunately we weren't able to have a Disney wedding, but I still get the best of everything with Brian.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

I couldn't agree with this more ... the closer to my wedding date I get, the more I realize how lucky I am. It's more than love - at least for me - it's the deepest compatibility possible. I don't think I ever realized how happy I could be. I look at my e-ring sometimes and think that in the whole big wide world, the two of us actually met, fell in love, and are going to be together for the rest of our lives.

Unfortunately we weren't able to have a Disney wedding, but I still get the best of everything with Brian.

I completely relate! I wish you and Brian the best!!

 

[mickyfan1]

We are arriving the 15th at the Movies too! I will be looking for you.

 

[sandy5764]

Same to you and Joe!!

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

Diane

the tshirts & bags turned out AWESOME!!!! & all those goodies....you got some GREAT stuff!!!

As for the candle .....i like the etched glass vase with the floating candle...that is just beautiful

I vote tiara # 2(ebay) cause it looks "right" with your dress...sorry...hope this doesnt make your decision harder...what a great friend to borrow it to you & its beautiful, but i like the other one with your dress

I think your "why disney" story is SO touching..i can see why you hold it dear to you

 

[AbbyPan]

So why are we getting married at Disney you ask? Here’s the scoop:

As some of you know, my mom passed away in March. I miss her more than I could ever express and the thought of her not being there on my wedding day deeply saddens me. But then I realized that she will be there…yeah…I know my mom is going to take every step with me…not just on my wedding day, but every day. That’s why I chose a location that would create a stronger feeling of her presence…a place that was special to the two us…her favorite place in the world! Walt Disney World! Those who knew my mom, knew that she was an avid Disney collector, she loved all things Disney and going to Disney was a dream that she thought she’d never get to live out because she was so sick and we just couldn’t afford to go. In 1997, I asked my mom to accompany me to the UCA cheerleading finals at Disney my senior year in high school, she was overjoyed and it was a turning point in our relationship, it is there that she stopped being just my mom and also become my best friend. We've had many wonderful trips together since then with the children, and each and every time she would light up like a child as soon as we passed through the gates. We’ve decided to place my mother’s most treasured Disney possession, her personalized Mickey Ears (She always wanted those, lol) on a column next to the altar. During the processional, my oldest son will be placing my mom’s favorite flower, a yellow rose, next to the hat so that we can acknowledge her presence. I know that my mom would have loved a Disney Fairytale Wedding, and that is why we have chosen such an unconventional location for our nuptials!

Unfortunately, the location did present some challenges. First and foremost…money! As you all know, Disney weddings don’t come cheap and we’ve had to make some sacrifices to keep costs down. Also, with the wedding being the week before Christmas, we knew there would be financial stresses for our guests as well. With these things in mind we decided it would be best to keep the guest list to family only. Joe’s parents and siblings will be there, as well as his best friend (who is his Best Man and like a brother to him) and his family. On my side, there will only be my children, my dad, and two of my aunts…one of which will be honoring my mother by stepping in as Mother of the Bride. That’s a total of 20 people (and 1 infant)...perfect for a Disney Escape Wedding. We’re planning to throw a big party before we leave so that we can celebrate with those who won’t be coming with us to Disney.

So that brings me to the wedding party…here’s the breakdown:

Best Man - Joe’s best friends
Groomsman – Joe’s brother
Maid of Honor – Joe’s sister
Bridesmaid – My other Aunt
Flowergirl – My daughter
Ushers – My two boys

Our music is a bit unconventional as well. As I've mentioned before, Joe loves his video games. He’s even dragged me into it and I’m addicted to Kingdom hearts…soooo…with that and our location in mind, we chose our music:

Prelude/Guest Seating - "Dearly Beloved", Kingdom Hearts II
Processional - "Melodies Of Life" - Final Fantasy 9
Bridal Party - Isn't It Lovely, Kingdom Hearts II
Bride - "Eyes On Me", Final Fantasy 8
Unity Candle - "Candle On the Water" – Pete’s Dragon
Recessional - "When You Wish Upon A Star" - Pinocchio
First Dance – “If I Never Knew You” - Pocahontas

All of the music is simply beautiful and it flows nicely together…I’m so happy to not being using traditional music…If I had to walk down the aisle to Pachabel or Wagner I’d scream and run in the opposite direction! This is definitely more “us”!

What are we doing? Here’s the synopsis:

Sat, December 15th – Some of the guests will be arriving…we will be staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies resort. Joe and I plan to tie up loose ends with our wedding planner this day, deliver the welcome bags to the hotels, call the vendors, and get settled in. For those who arrive this day, we plan to take them to Downtown Disney for some shopping and good eats!

Sun, December 16th – Everyone should be there by late afternoon. We are going to the Magic Kingdom with the kids and our guests this day to soak in some Disney “magic”. I mean, what fun would it be to have a Disney Wedding and not visit the parks? In the evening we will be having a Welcome/Rehearsal dinner at Ohana’s in the Polynesian resort.

Mon, December 17th – The big day! The hairstylist, makeup artist, and dress steamer will be at the hotel bright and early (7am!). Once we’re ready the limos will take everyone over to the Wedding Pavilion for our 12pm ceremony. Following the ceremony there will be a champagne toast on the Commander’s Terrace at the Grand Floridian where Joseph and I will share our first dance as husband and wife. At 2pm, the guests will be taken to Garden View Tea Lounge to enjoy their choice of fine teas or wine, light hor'dourves, and wedding cake while Joe and I finish up with the photographer. After that, we have a 4:30 reservation at 1900 Park Fare where we will celebrate together as we dine with Cinderella and her friends. When dinner is over a motorcoach will take the guests back to the hotel until about 8pm when we will pick them all back up and take them to our grand finale celebration...an illumiations DP in Morocco!

Joe and I will then check into The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. We have decided to extend our honeymoon through Christmas so we changed up our lodging a bit. After two nights at the Grand Floridian, we will be changing over to the Port Orleans Riverside resort where we will be spending the next 7 nights. After that the kids we rejoin us and we’ll be heading to historic Savannah for a few nights! I can’t wait!!!

I’m getting so excited…the planning is coming along quite well, and I’ve gotten more done than I thought I would at this point, so I’m happy about that. As things progress, the reality of it all is really setting in…I get to marry my best friend…how lucky am I???

wow Diane! (whiping my tears...) your wedding is really going to be EXTRA special! I'm so happy its working out for you.

...and your kids are just sooo adorable!

 

[Lynn5700]

Diane I love your story Your wedding is going to be beautiful! I am so happy for you,you get to be there during Chrsitmas

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Thanks guys! It really is going to be special for me and I'm so grateful that DF is such a good sport. He's not a huge Disney fan but he realizes how much it means to me and he's happy that I'm happy. Besides, I'm bound and determined to make a convert out of him yet! And I'm so excited that we will be spending our first Christmas together as husband and wife there! I think I'm going to surprise him by having a tree delivered to the room! He'll be thrilled! I can't wait!

Mickeyfan...I hope to see you there!!!!

...and your kids are just sooo adorable!

Thanks Abby! We think so too! You know...Disney is great, you can experience it on so many levels...but I have to tell you that there's nothing like experiencing the magic of disney through the eyes of your children!

 

[luv4mylittleones]

YAY! I finally got the chains for the kids pendants. I ordered them from ebay (of course) and they weren't exactly what I expected but I think they will do nicely. My oldest may not like his...he's almost 9 and he digs those cuban chains so this thin snake (rope) chain may not be his cup of tea...we shall see, lol. The two younger kids have an even thinner box chain. At any rate, I don't really expect them to wear them after the wedding day...it's more of a keepsake. I was really worried about Joe fumbling with the clasps during the ceremony so I bought those clever clasp things I saw on tv (but mine came from ebay... )...they are great! I really like the way the pendants turned out...I tried to take a picture with my camera phone but of course, it looks like crap...haha!

The pendants are just a ladies size 4 band (I think they are 4mm wide) and I had them each engraved with the wedding date and "A Family United". They look great but I couldn't get a good picture of the engraving. I hope the kids like them!

 

[princessdisneybelle]

Thanks guys! It really is going to be special for me and I'm so grateful that DF is such a good sport. He's not a huge Disney fan but he realizes how much it means to me and he's happy that I'm happy. Besides, I'm bound and determined to make a convert out of him yet! And I'm so excited that we will be spending our first Christmas together as husband and wife there! I think I'm going to surprise him by having a tree delivered to the room! He'll be thrilled! I can't wait!

Mickeyfan...I hope to see you there!!!!


Thanks Abby! We think so too! You know...Disney is great, you can experience it on so many levels...but I have to tell you that there's nothing like experiencing the magic of disney through the eyes of your children!

Diane I have spent Christmas at Disney several times. It is amazing! Just be sure to take some warm clothes. Two years ago when we were there a cold front came through and it was freezing. If you look I think on the family board. The do a tree exchange I believe, well they used to. Where a tree is decorated by a family and just passed on. So you don't have to get your own or the huge expense of them. Just wanted to tell you that the GF tea was amazing. Your guests will love it.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Diane I have spent Christmas at Disney several times. It is amazing! Just be sure to take some warm clothes. Two years ago when we were there a cold front came through and it was freezing. If you look I think on the family board. The do a tree exchange I believe, well they used to. Where a tree is decorated by a family and just passed on. So you don't have to get your own or the huge expense of them. Just wanted to tell you that the GF tea was amazing. Your guests will love it.

Thanks Laura...that sounds like a lot of fun...I'm going to have to go over there and check that out! And I can't wait for the tea...I think it's going to be one of my favorite parts of the day!!!

 

[poohface]

Hey Diane, I am just catching up on your pj, sorry not been round much lately but its been hectic here.

Everything looks fantastic, you have such great taste and put so much thought into everything as usual.

You and your family are going to have such a wonderful day

 

[MickeyAnne]

I love what you are doing with the pendants! What a great way to start this new part of your lifes as a family!!!

 

[Cinderella22]

Your story is so sweet. What a wonderful way to honor your mom. The pendants are great. You have so much done~! Wow.

 

[Tiggerific04]

Hey Diane, everything looks great! I was just wondering if you got your dress yet?? I'm sure you would have posted about it if you had, but figured I'd ask anyway. I finally got mine back from the tailor and I love it! I know you're going to love yours as well!

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Hey Diane, everything looks great! I was just wondering if you got your dress yet?? I'm sure you would have posted about it if you had, but figured I'd ask anyway. I finally got mine back from the tailor and I love it! I know you're going to love yours as well!

Hey!! No, the dress hasn't come in yet and I'm getting a bit frantic about it. I've been emailing the lady for the last two weeks and she hasn't responded. I'm really quite aggravated at the situation. Hopefully it'll be here soon and I'm praying I can squeeze my fat but into it come December! I can't believe that your wedding is so close...I think about my dress buddy all the time! It's funny how much alike our big day is...and now we are dress twins too! I can't wait to hear all about your wedding, I can only imagine how stunning you will look!!! I wish you the most magical day ever!!