Wade and Michelle's at-home wedding and WDW DISNEYmoon - new updates on page 6

[DCLbrideSept2009]

**** Changed the title to reflect our NEW plans. We are now getting married in a simple ceremony at home, either at the courthouse or at the botanical park where my mom and step-dad got married, with just our kids, my parents, my sister, BIL, nephews and niece on 9/19/09. Then we are having our reception in St. Louis, where I am from and where most of my family still live, on 11/27/09, the day after Thanksgiving***********

Hi, everyone! After reading these boards for the last few months, I thought I'd start a planning journal for my fiancee' and I. A little background info:

We have both been married once before and each have 2 kids from those marriages, so 4 kids total. We met 6/27/08 and within about a week KNEW we were meant for each other. Moved in together after 7 weeks. Again, we were SO SURE that each other was "THE ONE" even though neither of us thought we believe in that until then. I never believed in soulmates or anything like that until I met Wade. We couldn't be more perfect for each other.

So as we started talking about marriage, I kept changing my mind and going back and forth about what I wanted to do for the wedding. While both of us have been married previously, neither of us really had the wedding we wanted. Mine was very low-scale/cheap/not what I wanted at all... and he eloped to Vegas. So we wanted this one to really be what WE wanted. I had mentioned early in our dating days how I always wished I had a Disney wedding. So that idea came up at some point, but I'm thinking, no way can we afford that. Until I came across the DCL weddings! THAT'S IT!! Seriously, a light bulb went off and I pretty much yelled across the room that, "I MADE MY DECISION! DISNEY CRUISE LINE WEDDING!" HE was all for it! We're both Disney nuts and kinda nerdy... so this is us to a "T"...

We decided not to really invite anyone for various reasons but not protest if someone said they seriously wanted to join us... so far we have a possibility of one couple, maybe 2 couples (all friends) joining us, but nothing set in stone so far. The only thing set in stone so far is that WE are booked on a 4-night cruise on the Wonder to set sail on 9/20/09 and our wedding is booked also. We will be getting married on Deck 7, not Castaway Cay.... I really wanted the SHIP wedding and it's cheaper, so win/win in my mind...

The one thing we are going to have a problem with is that we don't want to bring any of the kids along. I know that may seem awful to some people. But this is our HONEYMOON also. Not to mention the fact that we can't really afford to bring 4 kids along (they would be ages 15, 10, 9 and 7 at that time). Also difficult to do with school for the time we're going (oldest being in high school). The plan is to try to book a WDW trip for sometime in 2010 so that when they find out we're doing this without them, we can tell them we already plan to take them all to WDW at a later time... that's the plan anyway...

So that's the beginning of our PJ... it won't be very extensive since we won't have a bridal party and minimal, if any, guests attending...

 

[padisneyfour]

welcome and congrats looking forward to hearing your plans!

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Okay... so we were booked on the cruise in a category 6 stateroom. After thinking about all the things we want to do (WDW honeymoon after, MK photo shoot, as well as other things this year not wedding/trip related such as moving in April, getting a new computer, etc.) and how much money is actually available to do all these things, we decided that $1000 for a veranda just wasn't worth it. So we downgraded our category 6 stateroom to a category 12. Saved $1000! We've also decided we're going to drive instead of fly, saving about another $400 or so. And since we've decided to drive, we're going to stop in Destin on the way. I've never been to Destin. My sister used to live there. She passed away a little over 5 years ago, was cremated, and her ashes were scattered in the ocean in Destin. So we'll make a short stop there.

We hadn't booked the WDW honeymoon part of our trip yet, as we were waiting to see about finances, what kind of deals came up, etc... so my DF is at work the other night and forwards me an e-mail from Disney Destinations for a 40% off PIN code!! He didn't realize they didn't send them to everyone and was going to just delete it until he read the threads on the boards about it! So.... long story short, we booked the Contemporary standard garden wing room for $168 night for 5 nights!!

So now we need to do some planning (figure out songs, etc) and get our passports. I need to get a dress but refuse to go try on dresses until I lose at least 30 pounds. I turn the big 4-0 in June and hope to lose the weight by then...Really want to lose 40 pounds by the wedding but at least 30 before dress shopping.

Also... we weren't planning on having anyone on the cruise with us, but now it looks like my "best" friend (seems silly to have a BFF at my age!) and her husband might be joining us!!

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Just a little update... My mom is married for the second time to an AWESOME guy who I really think of as a dad now (my dad passed away about 6 years ago). They've been married for over 6 years. My sister recently got married for the second time also to an AWESOME guy... they just did a simple courthouse wedding, sister, groom and my niece... my sister wore the dress my mom wore in her second wedding. We're now thinking that "second time's the charm" seems to be the case in our family. So I'm debating whether to also wear the same dress (mom and sister are smaller than me so real motivation to lose the weight!!) or get a new one. I didn't plan on anything really formal anyway. This is a cocktail length simple white lace dress... I also wasn't planning on wearing white. But there's more "sentimental value" in this particular dress, I guess. So that's a decision I need to make at some point. Also trying to pick out music. That's about it for now!

 

[wgqual]

"We're both Disney nuts and kinda nerdy." Speak for yourself sweetie..I'm not nerdy..Everyone knows how computers work!!

I guess i should introduce myself..SO the 1 reader to this post knows who i am cause the second reader to this post sleeps with me every night .. ok i guess I am a bit of a nerd with my stupid jokes...I am the Groom to be..

My wonderful bride is the planner of the group so I will let her fill in the details but the wonderful thing about getting married on the ship is there is not a lot that needs to be done. So i will try and spice it up to maintain our 1 reader...

The biggest decision right now is which diet to do to get ready for the big day. I really dont want to scare the little kiddos at Castway Cay when the shirt comes off . I've lost more than 80 pounds the last year and need about 50 more to go...

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

I'm going to attempt to put a pic in here, but I'm pretty clueless about these things, so bare with me... this is the dress my mom and sister both wore for their second weddings. not the greatest pic, but it's all I have right now... it's from my sister's courthouse ceremony...

<a href="http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x99/michellealva/?action=view&current=dress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x99/michellealva/dress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

well, that didn't work... maybe my "nerdy" DF can help me out...

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Okay, since this is a simple DCL wedding, no centerpieces or any decorating to plan. I want to incorporate the color purple (maybe 2 or 3 different shades) into it wherever possible, like my bouquet, the boutonniere, cake... According to the info I have from DFTW, my flower options are:

Solid French Bouquet - solid color roses clustered into a classically round bouquet with a sheer ribbon - available in red, white, ivory, light pink, hot pink, lavender, yellow, orange, or any combination of the above colors...

AND
Boutonniere - A single rose accentuated with bear grass...

OR

Tropical Bouquet - A striking mix of colorful tropical flowers in free form design, casually tied with palm leaves...

AND
Boutonniere - A tropical flower adorned with bear grass...

Or upgrade for an additional $50 -
Calla Lily Bouquet - a vivid contemporary bouquet that gives a sophisticated look with wrapped stems in a satin ribbon with pearl pins

and boutonniere - a vivid calla lily boutonniere accented by bear grass

those are available in white, pink/burgundy and orange/yellow

Romance Bouquet, Autumn Bouquet and Holiday Bouquet also with no descriptions given -

And again, I have no idea how to get pictures inserted into my posts... obviously the one above didn't work...

so those are the decisions that need to be made for the flowers...

I'm also going to ask if they can incorporate some purple on the cake somehow too...

 

[wgqual]

Is this what you wanted?

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Is this what you wanted?

Yep! This is the dress my mom and sister wore for their second weddings, the dress I'm considering wearing... not the best picture, but the best I could come up with...

thanks, baby!

 

[auntpunkin]

I just caught up on your PJ. Your plans so far sound great! I agree, 2nd time's the charm! or prince charming..

 

[malibustacey]

Hello my name is Stacey and i want to say i love the plans so far. I think its really nice that you can both have the wedding you have both dreamed of, and it will be a wedding you will never forget. When i comes to Disney- they only do the best!!

I have to say too, that its nice that you can have the choice to wear your mums dress, its a really personal touch (plus it could be your something old, and borrowed!).

Well done to the Groom for loosing 80 pounds already. (i dont know your name!) and i wasnt to wish you lots of luck Bride to be for the loosing weight!! (i dont know your name either! hehe!).

Im glad your plans are coming together, and i think you are more than right to have got that cat 12 room- you saved $1000 - thats very good, and deciding to drive! Everyone likes to save money!! (me included!!).

I like the sound of your floral too... if you could get purple colours into your bouquet that would look amazing. (mmm i might nick that colour idea! =P). I think a purple coloured bouquet would look so pretty!!

So yeah, i need to stop talking now and i'll be waiting for more updates!!

Hugs!

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

As of today, I have 40 pounds to lose before the wedding... that's an average of 5 pounds a month! It'll be tough! I have a consultation at Jenny Craig today... we'll see if that will work for me... I haven't had the best luck with weight loss lately... Most of my problem started when I was in a car accident in September, hurt my neck and knee, and haven't been able to work out since... I need to gradually start working out again!

 

[malibustacey]

well if you take it easy, and gradually build up a workout then you'll do fine!! Plus i think, because you are loosing weight because of the wedding and you dont want to try on a dress until you loose it, then it will make you more determind!!

i dont know who Jenny Craig is, but im guessing a trainer? If she is, then she will definately be able to help you. If she isnt, then try and join a gym where you can have a trainer (im not sure how it all works in US, fee wise) and they will help you.

Im sure you'll do it!! I know you will! Think of your wedding at the end of it! You have support from me!!

Hugs

 

[Goldeelox9]

Hi! My DCL wedding was wonderful! I am excited to see another DC L bride. We are few and far between!

YOu can get them to work with you on flowers...I did. Also with Cat. 12 rooms, there are only 13 of these on the ship so your chance of upgrade is great! We had a cat. 6 for the wedding (thanks daddy) but in Nov. when we go back for our Anniversary, we are paying for it all so it's Cat. 12 for us too! LOL

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Yes, Lisa, I've been following your PJ and TR!! So for your flowers, did you e-mail them a pic of what you wanted? Or just give them a general idea of flowers/colors? I think I'd be happy with pretty much anything, I'm fairly easy to please... well, with most things, at least... I did hear back from Cathy, and she said to just put what I want on the contract when I sent it back... and then when we get about 45 days out, she'll get in touch with the pastry chef about the cake...

Oh, and did you do your own hair??? Cuz DF brought up a point... that even if I have someone do my hair for the ceremony, if we decide to do the MK and/or Epcot photo shoot, I will have to do my own hair that morning... and I know that you did the photo shoot.... (which were awesome!!)

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Okay... another small update... The scale this morning indicates I need to lose AT LEAST 35 pounds, but prefer 40, in 8 months! That's gonna be TOUGH!! Actually, I need to lose as much as possible before even trying on dresses! And if I want to wear the dress my mom and sister wore, will DEFINITELY have to lose probably 40! I'm guessing the dress is probably about a size 6... which of course is the size I USED TO BE until maybe a year ago when the weight started creeping back up... i've actually gained about 25 pounds just in the last 7 months that DF and I have been together!! ugh...

So I went for a consult at Jenny Craig (for the UK poster... Jenny Craig is a weight loss center - you go for weekly weigh-ins and buy their food)... so I will be starting that diet tomorrow... I need to get back into working out also...

 

[malibustacey]

Well i wish you luck and if you need support- you have it here! I am trying to loose weight, ive put on two stone, and its mostly round my belly and im finding it really really hard to loose it there!! It just wont shift! =(.

I am trying to loose around 35 pounds (2stone and maybe more if poss). It will be tough but as inspiration think of the dress and the wedding. hehe.

So do you have any inspirations for your flowers? Have you seen any purple shades of flower bouquets... if you have.. share them pwease!

Talk soon!

 

[DCLbrideSept2009]

Okay... I'm going to attempt to add pics again... I'm going to start with just one pic and see if that works first... I've found a few pics of some bouquets, but nothing that says "THIS IS IT" exactly... I'm kinda thinking maybe purple/burgundy and orange calla lillies? But here are a few ideas...

And this is how I want the cake to be, but square tiers (and only 2 tiers) if it's possible...

 

[Goldeelox9]

I know they only do very basic cakes.....Good luck getting them to do this one. They have a square option and a round. I was told they won't gaurentee anything but the shape. I told them the accent color I wanted.

FOr Flowers.....first I picked a bouquet and upgraded it, but the upgrade charge was like $150! I couldn't pay that. So I went with the tropical bouquet and picked the colors, I switch the Hot Pink for the roses and white for the calas and they picked the rest, but I LOVED it! I paid $50 more to have it bigger then the norm.

You can email Cathy they can get just about anything, but you will pay for it. It is cheaper if you just switch around one of thier bouquets to your colors.