**Faith and Max's 12.22.12 Swan/Garden Grove/ADH Wedding!!** UPDATED 16!!

[tinkerbell 766]

Great result on the badges (I mean buttons - we call them badges in the UK!!). Love the ears!!

[elleinad16]

Hi, Faith!

Looks like you had an amazing and productive trip! (You look adorable in the bridal ears). I can't believe all those buttons!

Also, that's great news your family enjoyed the ceremony site and you got to talk more about the reception. Awesome!!!

[MrsDuck]

Originally Posted by DoomBuggy0922

Wow, you definitely made some progress this weekend! And I am happy for you, but also VERY JEALOUS THAT YOU GOT TO GO TO MNSHHP THIS WEEKEND!!!! I've only been once. Did you say hi to the HM float for me?!?!

I got those bride ears at my shower and I love them. They're so cute! I'm also going to make my DF the groom baseball cap ears.

And YAY!!! I am so glad you got some Just Married buttons! My grandmother got me some at Kidani Village back in February. She and my grandfather have been married for 50 years, so they got some strange looks when they asked for the Just Married buttons...

Glad that you'll definitely have characters at the Garden Grove too! I can't wait to try it.

Oh! So how about a quick little review of BLT? I'm staying there for 7 days in January!

I totally said hi to those Grim Grinning Ghosts for you! They missed you though!

I love that your grandma snagged the buttons for you! Go Granny!!

The baseball hat idea is the best-- much comfier for DFi! We will have to help each other out..!

Okay, and BLT was AMAZING. The Contemporary is my favorite resort for various reasons but BLT was perfect.

It was QUIET. I seriously didn't hear anyone when I was in my room. We stayed in a 1 BR and had plenty of room. The beds were super comfy, and the pool was a bit crowded but still relaxing.

My advice: go to the Top of the World Lounge to see the MK fireworks some night! If you do go, be sure to get there at least 15 minutes early as the bar starts to fill up!

I can't wait to hear how you like BLT! I told Max that I never wanted to stay anywhere else again... sadly, our DVC points would be gone pretty quick if we did that!

Originally Posted by pinkfairy1684

Yay! What a pretty girl you are, in your bride ears!
I am SOOOO jealous that you have been to MNSSHP already. We will be going one month from tomorrow!

Great updates all around!

Aww, thanks!!

I hope you have a blast at MNSSHP! Have you been before??

Originally Posted by emoses

Yah!! I really love the hats! They're so cute. I can't wait to run all around the park with you when you wear them! And the buttons!! awesome! I love the I'm celebrating buttons for the welcome bags, everyone is really going to like them! Oh honey, your craftiness makes me so happy lol The menu sounds so good!! And meditarrianian themed! Your lebanese bestie approves Can't wait to see the engagement photos and so happy mom and dad are onboard!!!

It's going to be so much fun, Lizzy!! And, I knew you'd like the menu. Can't wait to see you in December.

Originally Posted by J.ThaddeusToad

Great update! So glad you were able to get some Just Married buttons! I bought mine on ebay a few months ago - crazy, but I had to have them! Thank you for reminding me about Carrie's groom hat tutorial... may have see if my DF would wear them. Did you have any trouble finding your bride ears? I don't like the new ones either... Disney really needs to get a clue and make the groom ears on a baseball cap! I'm kind of excited to see what they do next for the Just Married buttons to make them more "politically correct!"

I decided I'd have to buy mine off eBay too if I couldn't get them!!

I had no trouble finding the bridal headband. I saw them on the Boardwalk, at MK, and at Downtown Disney. Just be sure to inspect the ones you buy because sometimes sequins are missing or are bent!

I'm really interested to see what they're going to do to make politically correct buttons.. should be interesting!

Originally Posted by Jilian

First off, I LOVE your dress. You totally rock that dress with the crinoline. Go mom! Your mom looks fabulous in her dress too. Yay for scoring the buttons, we're going up in November and we're gonna try to get some buttons too. I ordered off ebay and when they came they were from DisneyLAND not Disney world. Oops.

I love your hat idea for the save the dates, that will look really cute.

Thanks so much!! My mom loved your comment too!

Definitely try your luck at getting the buttons! It's worth a shot.

What do the DL buttons look like?

Originally Posted by vickxo

Love that you got your "just married" buttons, I picked up a set on my trip Aug 2010 and good thing I did, I can't believe they are so hard to find anymore. I just wish I had gotten to groom top hat before those got discontinued to.

I wish we had gotten the top hat too. Definitely look into Lurkyloo's baseball hat alternative though!!

Originally Posted by tinkerbell 766

Great result on the badges (I mean buttons - we call them badges in the UK!!). Love the ears!!

Thanks Jo!

Originally Posted by elleinad16

Hi, Faith!

Looks like you had an amazing and productive trip! (You look adorable in the bridal ears). I can't believe all those buttons!

Also, that's great news your family enjoyed the ceremony site and you got to talk more about the reception. Awesome!!!

All of the buttons are ridiculous! I don't know where to put them all!

Thanks for reading along and for all the sweet comments, everyone!!

[Tinkerkell007]

Hi Faith! Everything sounds wonderful so far! I was reading your first post and I felt like we were cut from the same mold! I love Disney (duh) Harry Potter and scrapbooking!

I think the dress you picked is perfect and agree that the poof makes it even better, good call on that.

I look forward to hearing more about your planning, fun stuff!

[MrsDuck]

Originally Posted by Tinkerkell007

Hi Faith! Everything sounds wonderful so far! I was reading your first post and I felt like we were cut from the same mold! I love Disney (duh) Harry Potter and scrapbooking!

I think the dress you picked is perfect and agree that the poof makes it even better, good call on that.

I look forward to hearing more about your planning, fun stuff!

So glad you found my PJ! Thanks for your kind words!

We definitely are from the same mold!!

[MrsDuck]

Happy October ladies!!

This year is really flying by! I'm so excited that it's October- Fall is my favorite time of the year and is the start of all the fun holidays!

In regular-life news, not much has been going on. It's midterm time for me which is pretty tiring but I only have a week of tests left. Whew!

I also found out my FMIL will be in town for the month of October to visit a few friends (she lives in NV, we are in FL) so it will be nice to see her!

I figured I'd post today about our tentative wedding weekend plans and ask your opinion on a few things..

Wedding Weekend Plans

Thursday, December 20, 2012: off to the World!! DFi is going to take a half day off so we'll probably leave the house around 1pm-- it takes us about 2 1/2 hours to get to WDW from the house.
3:30pm: Arrive and check in to ??
4-?: Put together the welcome bags, general wedding housekeeping.
Dinner: Somewhere close to whatever resort we choose. My immediate family will hopefully all be here by this day so we can do dinner and spend the evening together.

Friday, December 21, 2012: This is my FMIL's 50th birthday and I need to figure out something for us all to do to celebrate!! I'll ask for opinions later in the post...
Morning: casual breakfast hopefully alone with close family, friends and DFi.
Mid-morning/Afternoon: FMIL's birthday celebration!
Evening: Rehearsal.. time to be determined!
Welcome Party: I think we are going to just have a casual get together at Ft. Wilderness. They do a really fun campfire with sing-a-longs, marshmallow roasting, etc. I think we'll have everyone who wants to attend meet here to just hang out and relax!

Saturday, December 22, 2012: WEDDING DAY!!! And, our 7 year Anniversary!!
Morning: breakfast with my parents. I just want to be alone with them this morning.
Mid-Morning: lounge around the resort wearing my "Bride" hoodie (I'm going to DIY it!) and ears
Afternoon: start getting ready!! I'm assuming we'll start around 1 or 1:30. I'll be needing my hair done as well as to do my own makeup and to get in my dress.

We are doing a "first look" and taking family pictures before the wedding as well.
5pm: GET MARRIED!!
5:30/5:45: I'm assuming the ceremony will be over at this point. We'll go take some more pictures while our guests go to the Garden Grove.

I think we're making the ADR for 5:30- maybe 5:45.
6: Eat, cut the cake, relax with the guests and mingle with Goofy and Pluto!
Evening: Hit Jellyrolls to have some fun!

Sunday, December 23, 2012
Morning: A Farewell Breakfast.. Location? TBD!

After the breakfast, that is the extent of our plans. Max and I are going to check into our honeymoon resort (probably Kidani at AK) and just enjoy the rest of the day there.

We are spending the next week at Disney World but haven't planned much of the honeymoon. We do know this:
1. We want to spend Christmas Day at MK. Yes, we know it'll be crazy but I really want to!!
2. We want to eat breakfast at Chef Mickey's. It's our favorite character dining spot- regardless of the bad DIS reviews!
3. We want to eat breakfast at Donald's Tusker House Breakfast since it's the only place that Donald and Daisy show up together-- plus, they're wearing their cute safari outfits!

Now, I Need Your Opinion!

1. Where should my family and I stay before the wedding??

We are DVC members and were thinking about staying at Boardwalk or at Beach Club, just so we are super close to the S/D. BUT, now we are thinking that it may just be worth the money to stay at the Swan. Any thoughts on this?

2. What on Earth should I plan to celebrate FMIL's 50th birthday?!?

It needs to be something we do in the mid-morning or early afternoon as we will have to get ready for the rehearsal/finalize last minute wedding details in the late afternoon.

It also needs to be something affordable as I'm sure DFi and I will be paying for it.

The guests would include: my parents, me, DFi, her, her DH, her DD, her DS, and DS's Wife. It could possibly include a few of her friends if they attend the wedding. I think we'd be looking at approximately 10-15 people.

Any thoughts on this??

3. I need bouquet help!!

I really like the bouquet I picked off of Karen's list but I'm starting to think I want something a little more fun and whimsical-- something more me.

Here is a bouquet made up of ranunculus and some other flower that I don't know the name of... (Sorry if it's huge!!)



Here's one made up of just peonies!


Thoughts on these?

I really appreciate your help!!

I guess that's it for today; can't wait to hear your thoughts-- thanks for reading along, everyone!

[Icecoldpenguin]

Faith,
It is funny how alike we are in many things. My DF is crazy about donald duck which is kind of funny, I love star wars, I scrapbook, and other stuff. I am excited to read your PJ i think it will be fun! happy planning and congratulations! you are getting married just shortly after me and I will still be at disney world when you get married we should meet up!

I see you want to spend christmas day at MK we will be there too i am sure. So I think you should stay at the beach club that is where we are going to stay the swan would make things easier for you but either way they aren't too far from each other i just would not want to stay there if I have the option to stay at the beach club, as far as the other 2 things you asked I am clueless as to an opinion but hopefully i can help you in the future

Teresa

[DoomBuggy0922]

Hi Faith!!! So, here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. Hmmm. Honestly, I think if I were you, I would stay at the Swan, at LEAST for the day before/the day of the wedding. It just sounds like the easiest thing to do, you know?!?! You can usually get rates under $200/night for the Swan. However! You also can't use DME at the Swan, and I don't know if that's something you usually do (we do). So I guess it has its pros and cons convenience wise. But I think it would be easiest for you, at least, to stay at the Swan!

2. As to celebrate your FMIL's 50th--- that's a difficult one! You could go mini-golfing? But I feel that's what everyone always says haha! Ummm... what does she like? I feel like it would be really neat if you took her to Japan and got her a picked pearl, and maybe had lunch at one of the Epcot places--- Chefs de France comes to mind. Or you could do tea at the GF--- I like that idea! Or maybe lunch at the GF Cafe. I hope that helps!

3. The picture of the bouquet does not work. However, I am all for whimsy!

Also, thank you for your review of BLT! I am glad you loved it! DF and I will just have a studio, but that will be plenty of room for the two of us. I can't WAIT!

[Jilian]

I think your plans sound good so far. As for where to stay, do you know that you get use of the hospitality suite @ the swan the day of the ceremony as long as it is available? I plan on staying @ the CBR and then just heading over to the hospitality suite in the morning. So I don't think you necessarily have to stay nearby, especially since you're driving and will have your own transportation if needed.

What kind of things does your FMIL like? Would she like a fancy tea luncheon at the Grand Floridian? A character breakfast? If you'd be ok spending $55 or so per person you could do hoop de do review or spirit of aloha dinner show, but both are later in the day. I think the first seating is 5:15 or so. But beer/wine is included in the price so it isn't that high when you think about it.

I couldn't see the picture either, but I love whimsey too. I'm sure it is beautiful and Karen can probably help you create anything you can come up with.

[tinkerbell 766]

Faith sweetie - I agree with what the girls say!! As Jilian says, you can have use of a hospitality room to get ready in (provided it is available on your day - Karen will help with this), but I think you should stay in, and get ready where, you are comfortable. Are you booking a limo or any transport? If so, it really doesn't matter where you get ready. I really enjoyed taking the transport to our ceremony!!! DH and I had done a 'first look' and the journey from BLT to the Swan was a chance to gather our thoughts and be together before the ceremony!!

For FMIL, how about tea at the Garden View Tea Room? I loved my girlie tea here, very elegant and pretty!!! You could also order a cake to be delivered from the GF bakery, who do amazing cakes!!!

Just tell Karen what you want for your floral and she will find a florist who can do it for you. I have every confidence in her!!!!

[Chilly]

Tea at the Garden View Tea Room was also what I was going to suggest.

[MrsDuck]

Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!

Originally Posted by Icecoldpenguin

Faith,
It is funny how alike we are in many things. My DF is crazy about donald duck which is kind of funny, I love star wars, I scrapbook, and other stuff. I am excited to read your PJ i think it will be fun! happy planning and congratulations! you are getting married just shortly after me and I will still be at disney world when you get married we should meet up!

I see you want to spend christmas day at MK we will be there too i am sure. So I think you should stay at the beach club that is where we are going to stay the swan would make things easier for you but either way they aren't too far from each other i just would not want to stay there if I have the option to stay at the beach club, as far as the other 2 things you asked I am clueless as to an opinion but hopefully i can help you in the future

Teresa

Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Originally Posted by DoomBuggy0922

Hi Faith!!! So, here are my thoughts on your questions:

1. Hmmm. Honestly, I think if I were you, I would stay at the Swan, at LEAST for the day before/the day of the wedding. It just sounds like the easiest thing to do, you know?!?! You can usually get rates under $200/night for the Swan. However! You also can't use DME at the Swan, and I don't know if that's something you usually do (we do). So I guess it has its pros and cons convenience wise. But I think it would be easiest for you, at least, to stay at the Swan!

2. As to celebrate your FMIL's 50th--- that's a difficult one! You could go mini-golfing? But I feel that's what everyone always says haha! Ummm... what does she like? I feel like it would be really neat if you took her to Japan and got her a picked pearl, and maybe had lunch at one of the Epcot places--- Chefs de France comes to mind. Or you could do tea at the GF--- I like that idea! Or maybe lunch at the GF Cafe. I hope that helps!

3. The picture of the bouquet does not work. However, I am all for whimsy!

Also, thank you for your review of BLT! I am glad you loved it! DF and I will just have a studio, but that will be plenty of room for the two of us. I can't WAIT!

Hey! I'm thinking the Swan is just going to be easier. Thankfully we are driving so we don't need to worry about DME.. but I do have to remember that for our guests!

I love the idea of taking FMIL to the parks but I don't think we'll have time that day. I will look into tea at the GF or the GF cafe!

Aaaanddd, I updated the pictures!

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by Jilian

I think your plans sound good so far. As for where to stay, do you know that you get use of the hospitality suite @ the swan the day of the ceremony as long as it is available? I plan on staying @ the CBR and then just heading over to the hospitality suite in the morning. So I don't think you necessarily have to stay nearby, especially since you're driving and will have your own transportation if needed.

What kind of things does your FMIL like? Would she like a fancy tea luncheon at the Grand Floridian? A character breakfast? If you'd be ok spending $55 or so per person you could do hoop de do review or spirit of aloha dinner show, but both are later in the day. I think the first seating is 5:15 or so. But beer/wine is included in the price so it isn't that high when you think about it.

I couldn't see the picture either, but I love whimsey too. I'm sure it is beautiful and Karen can probably help you create anything you can come up with.

Jilian- thanks for the reminder about the hospitality suite! I wonder under what conditions is it not available...? Any idea how far in advance you find out if you can use it?

I think FMIL would enjoy the tea at the GF or maybe simply just going to lunch at a nice restaurant. I guess I could always get a cake delievered to the restaurant as well!

Originally Posted by tinkerbell 766

Faith sweetie - I agree with what the girls say!! As Jilian says, you can have use of a hospitality room to get ready in (provided it is available on your day - Karen will help with this), but I think you should stay in, and get ready where, you are comfortable. Are you booking a limo or any transport? If so, it really doesn't matter where you get ready. I really enjoyed taking the transport to our ceremony!!! DH and I had done a 'first look' and the journey from BLT to the Swan was a chance to gather our thoughts and be together before the ceremony!!

For FMIL, how about tea at the Garden View Tea Room? I loved my girlie tea here, very elegant and pretty!!! You could also order a cake to be delivered from the GF bakery, who do amazing cakes!!!

Just tell Karen what you want for your floral and she will find a florist who can do it for you. I have every confidence in her!!!!

Jo- we aren't booking transportation as we figure that we will just stay close enough to walk. Or, we will have at least 2 cars we can use. Not super glamorous but it is afforadable!!

So many suggestions for the Tea! I will certainly look into it! Thanks!

And, I will definitely get in contact with Karen about the floral. Your bouquet came out gorgeous and I hope mine is just as pretty!

Originally Posted by Chilly

Tea at the Garden View Tea Room was also what I was going to suggest.

Thanks Chilly!!

Thanks for reading along everyone!

[LittleKittyMarie]

Just caught up on your PJ. I love your dress, it's so beautiful! And those bouquets are so lovely, I particularly like the second, but the colours of the first are so pretty too! I am loving all your plans so far, and I can't wait to read more!

Also, I was also going to say tea at the GF, but I see everyone beat me to it, haha.

[Icecoldpenguin]

[QUOTE=MrsDuck;42872888]Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!


Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Faith,
Seriously what is up with the clown pool it significantly freaks me out. Greg (DF) and I were just at Disney and went to MNSSHP We just wore t-shirts and orange bandanas but we had a blast. I did not even think to ask around for the just married buttons. I am not sure I really care that much about it honestly I kinda like the happily ever after ones. I think everything is coming along great I love your dress and all that stuff.

Are you guys going in december? we will be there the 21st-27th and we will be signing some contract stuff and trying to plan some other things.

well i will talk to you soon,

Teresa

[MrsDuck]

Originally Posted by LittleKittyMarie

Just caught up on your PJ. I love your dress, it's so beautiful! And those bouquets are so lovely, I particularly like the second, but the colours of the first are so pretty too! I am loving all your plans so far, and I can't wait to read more!

Also, I was also going to say tea at the GF, but I see everyone beat me to it, haha.

Hi there! Thanks for reading along!

I appreciate your kind words and the tea suggestion! I'm going to look into it!
[QUOTE=Icecoldpenguin;42874120]

Originally Posted by MrsDuck

Hi everyone!! I fixed the flower pictures in my latest post if anyone is interested in seeing them!


Hey there! Yes, we definitely sound alike! I love finding internet twins!

It'd be cool if we could meet up! We will have to plan!

Thanks for the suggestion about Beach Club. We prefer it over the Boardwalk as I really don't like the theming of the BW. That clown pool scares me!!

Faith,
Seriously what is up with the clown pool it significantly freaks me out. Greg (DF) and I were just at Disney and went to MNSSHP We just wore t-shirts and orange bandanas but we had a blast. I did not even think to ask around for the just married buttons. I am not sure I really care that much about it honestly I kinda like the happily ever after ones. I think everything is coming along great I love your dress and all that stuff.

Are you guys going in december? we will be there the 21st-27th and we will be signing some contract stuff and trying to plan some other things.

well i will talk to you soon,

Teresa

I really hate the clown pool. I am terrified of clowns and there's nothing appealing about going down a clown tongue slide or having to see him staring at me while I'm swimming! (<--- I laugh but I'm so NOT kidding!!).

Getting the Just Married buttons is a lot of work! If you aren't crazy about them, just get the the Happily Ever After ones! They're still fun and there's a possibility that there will be *new* Just Married buttons out by the time our weddings roll around.

We are going up this December. I'm not sure when yet but we want to try to go as close to our date as possible (12/22). Hopefully we can meet up!