So why are we getting married at Disney you ask? Heres 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. Thats 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 shed never get to live out because she was so sick and we just couldnt 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. Weve decided to place my mothers 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 moms 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 dont come cheap and weve 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. Joes 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. Thats a total of 20 people (and 1 infant)...perfect for a Disney Escape Wedding. Were planning to throw a big party before we leave so that we can celebrate with those who wont be coming with us to Disney.
So that brings me to the wedding party
heres the breakdown:
Best Man - Joes best friends
Groomsman Joes brother
Maid of Honor Joes 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. Hes even dragged me into it and Im 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" Petes 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
Im so happy to not being using traditional music
If I had to walk down the aisle to Pachabel or Wagner Id scream and run in the opposite direction! This is definitely more us!
What are we doing? Heres the synopsis:
Sat, December 15th Some of the guests will be arriving
we will be staying at Disneys 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 Ohanas 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 were 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 Commanders 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 well be heading to historic Savannah for a few nights! I cant wait!!!
Im getting so excited
the planning is coming along quite well, and Ive gotten more done than I thought I would at this point, so Im 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???