A Hidden Mickey Wedding and a Disneymoon with a newbie - TR - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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A Hidden Mickey Wedding and a Disneymoon with a newbie - TR *Updated 12/7 *
Hi Everyone!! We just got home a few days ago and what a crazy few weeks it has been! I have so many stories to fill you in on...
The wedding was amazing I couldn't of asked for a better day. Just phenomenal. Not a thing went wrong and the weather...well it was a miracle let's just say that...
And our Disney trip? Well it was pretty awesome too...now your probably wondering how Ken did as this was his first Disney trip...well let's just say we won't be rushing to go back anytime soon... but he didn't hate it either . I guess that's not so bad then!
The days leading up to the wedding were just insane! I had tons of family from the UK arriving as well as my two beautiful bridesmaids flying in from Calgary.
Because I had organized as best as I could all that was left to do now was to stress about the things I had no control over like the weather (which was forecasting rain), and everything arriving to the Elm Hurst ok, and other people being on time...
After that thought I figured that the best way to treat my bridesmaids (and myself for that matter) was to take them for a full day at the spa the day before the wedding. It was an awesome day filled with girly chats, mani's, pedi's, and massages. Just what I need to unwind a little before the big day.
We didn't end up leaving the spa that afternoon until about 3 o'clock and then it was off to the Elm Hurst Inn to check in (to a room I wouldn't be sleeping in that night) and to get ready for the rehearsal.
Now your probably wondering why I paid for a honeymoon suite a second night and will not even be sleeping in it...well the original plan was to stay the night Friday have both hair and makeup done in the room Saturday so we wouldn't have to travel anywhere Saturday and just relax. Well I did manage to find a mobile airbrush makeup artist to come to the room but couldn't find a mobile hairstylist (well one that didn't cost $$$$) so the new plan was to bring all of our stuff for Saturday and set up in the room Friday so while we did have to be in Guelph Saturday morning to have our hair done we could just drive straight to the Elm Hurst after to start makeup and not have to worry about unpacking a car, checking in, setting up etc. All in all the new plan worked out pretty well....
Anyway so once we got in the car to head to the Elm Hurst after the spa day I started to get really nervous! Like....really nervous...i've never felt so sick before. Now I wasn't nervous to marry Ken - i've never been so sure of anything in my life - but I was nervous to be up in front of a crowd of people all day.
Once we checked into the honeymoon suite I unpacked and laid everything out for the next morning. Since I had paid an arm and a leg for the room an extra night, and I needed to calm my nerves, I decided to take full use of the HUGE jacuzzi whirlpool tub while the girls ordered room service for a late lunch/early dinner.
When I got out of the tub the girls had gone out onto the patio (yes the room had a gorgeous patio overlooking a valley) to watch another bride yet married. As I watched her walk down the aisle I completely broke down. I couldn't believe I was getting emotional over someone else's wedding - or maybe it was the realization that the bride tomorrow walking down that aisle would be me. Either way I had this sneaky feeling I was going to loose my bet with Ken...I bet him 10$ that I wouldn't cry during the ceremony...hmmm...I better make sure I have cash on me...
Soon after both families, the groomsmen, and Ken arrived and we met with the officiant who was going to conduct the ceremony. Everything went smooth and everyone knew where they were supposed to be at what times. We were all set for Saturday!
We didn't plan anything formal for after the rehearsal but the wedding party did decide to go out to Boston Pizza for some snacks and drinks...I don't remember eating much that night as my nerves were still playing with my stomach...
It was at BP's that my maid of honor realized she forgot to pack her passport, and she was driving us across the border to Buffalo on Sunday to catch our plane to Disney...she was pretty upset and she ended up driving back home (2 hrs) to pick it up. Since she was driving all that way I told her to just sleep at home and meet us at the hair salon in the morning so she could get some rest. So that night it was just my two other bridesmaids that stayed the night with me...
I said an emotional goodbye to Ken (knowing I wouldn't see or speak to him again until I got to the end of the aisle) and headed home with my bridesmaids.
Now my ladies were awesome to me that night... they both had me lay on the couch while they popped in a Disney DVD of my choice (I went with Finding Nemo) and both took turns massaging my feet. Once it was getting late the one bridesmaid (who has taken massage therapy classes) had me get into my pj's and lay in bed while she massaged my back, legs, and arms until I feel asleep. HEAVENLY!! I have never slept so good and been so relaxed!!
Up Next: The Wedding Day (pics will be posted in this update)
Did Ken win $10? Did it rain? Does someone have a major wardrobe malfunction during the wedding? ...Stay Tuned!
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I woke up around 7 am on the morning of the wedding to the sound of my bridesmaids running the shower...then it hit me...IM GETTING MARRIED TODAY!
No coffee needed that morning I was wide awake and ready to get the show on the road...I was in the shower by 7:30 and was ready to go by 8:00 am. My maid of honor had arrived on time and helped me get together any last minute items...
Then I stepped outside....and there was clear blue sky!! Looks like the rain they were forecasting was no where in sight..WOOHOO!!
After a quick run to Tim Hortons for a tea we were ready at the salon and sitting in the chair by 8:20 am - 10 minutes ahead of schedule..NICE! All the girls were allowed to pick whatever hairstyle they wanted (since it's their day to get spoiled too) and everyone was finished way ahead of schedule....we were planning on being out by 10 am so we could be at the Elm Hurst for 11 am to start make-up.
Now I didn't wear a watch on the wedding day for this very reason...I knew I would be stressing about time...and low and behold we were late..but it was because my hair took the longest I NEVER run late...ever..for anything LOL but I handled it surprisingly well... I think I was distracted by how pretty my hair looked... we ended up being on the road for about 10:30 am...only 30 minutes behind schedule.
We arrived at the Elm Hurst for 11:20 am and Chelsea (my makeup artist) was waiting for us...Don't worry we didn't leave her waiting...one of the bridesmaids called ahead to let her know we were running late.
As Chelsea was setting up we ordered room service (as we knew we wouldn't have time to go anywhere to eat) and we popped "The Hangover" into the Blue Ray player for something to watch/listen too.... but this wouldn't be the first reference to the movie "The Hangover" on my wedding day...more on that later...
In the meantime the photographer arrived and started snapping away as we were all getting ready...it's funny though I don't really remember him being there at all throughout the day except when me and Ken were doing our photos after the wedding...funny..must of been the nerves again...
My Bridesmaid (Meagann H) had her makeup done first followed by my other bridesmaid (Megan O) and then my Maid of Honor (Sylvia). As they were all taking turns in the hot seat I was back and forth checking out the Grand Ballroom...I was so excited to see my flowers, cake and the decorations...
First to arrive was the flowers.... Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.17.54 PM.jpg
They were perfect! Everything I dreamed they would be...and I just LOVED that she threw some purple Calla Lilly in there too...the hidden Mickey thing didn't work out on the handle which I was disappointed about but other than that they looked fabulous!
When I took all the flowers down the Grand Ballroom they had already finished setting up all the tables.... Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.17.39 PM.jpg
This is the most amazing feeling for me - seeing all my hardwork laid out in front of me ...all the menu's, place cards, favors, all of the colors coming together...it was just so exciting seeing my vision coming together.
Then the cake arrived.... Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.17.03 PM.jpg
I was awestruck! I knew the cake was going to be fabulous when I was working with Lynette in designing it but to see it in real life... I LOVED IT!! I couldn't believe all the damask pattern was hand painted and the flowers looked so real but they were sugar flowers! Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.17.18 PM.jpg
I already knew I was going to have a hard time cutting it to eat but man did I ever just want to keep that cake forever...
Around 1 o'clock it was my turn in the hot seat to have my make up done....I have to say I am now sold on the airbrush makeup...for one my skin will never look that flawless EVER again and second it didn't even feel like I had makeup on...I had Chelsea try something a little more dramatic than just our traditional "natural" look and I loved it...I really wanted something that had more color and really made my eyes pop..I felt so glamorous when she was finished....
With my MIL now in the hot seat (my mum wanted to do her own hair/makeup) for makeup and all the other bridesmaids dressed and ready to go all that was left was for me to put on the dress.... but will it still fit?
It took three girls holding on to me and lacing me as tight as they could but...the dress fit!! Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.19.38 PM.jpg
It was tight and hard to sit down in but I don't think I would ever look that slim again in anything so I toughed it out for the day
All my ladies looked beautiful...the Groom and his men had arrived...and my dress fit like a glove...only one thing left to do...GET MARRIED
I got one last shot with my ladies before we went outside.... Screen shot 2010-09-28 at 8.25.41 PM.jpg
Im surprised how calm I look here...I was feeling so sick and nervous.... Oh well on with the show!
The ceremony was supposed to start at 3 pm and I was out and ready for 2:50 pm and guests were still arriving! Hmmm not too often the bride is waiting on the guests...isn't it normally the other way around?
All the girls made it down the gravel hill and down into the valley...all that was left at the top of the hill was me and my dad... I remember him telling me to smile over and over and over..I think I was just so nervous about the hill/soft grass and high heels too that I forgot to smile....
It's so funny because I was so nervous the whole way down the hill but as soon as I turned and saw Ken at the end of the aisle all the nervousness went away. All I saw was him the whole time - like tunnel vision. He looked so handsome..my heart melted all over again...
...now for the funny part...
as soon as I stepped onto the grass my gorgeous nine west pumps got stuck in the grass..I tried to take a few more steps but it wasn't going to happen...I got all flustered and hiked up dress, kicked off my shoes, and walk the rest of the aisle in bare feet. At least everyone got a good laugh at it and it made for cute photos...
The ceremony went by really quickly but I did make sure to take it all in - our officiant was amazing and improvised some amazing wedding advice for us off the top. Near the end when we were exchanging rings and saying our vows I was trying so hard not to cry - and then I saw the quiver in Ken's chin and his eyes getting all watery. We both shed a tear or two at the same time....so I didn't loose the bet!!
Before I knew it the officiant had announced us husband and wife and we were on our back down the aisle (making a short pit stop to pick up my shoes).
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Luckily we kept on schedule for dinner at 6:15 pm...I was starving by this point!
Dinner was amazing...it was a 4 course plated meal...too bad my dress was so tight I couldn't eat too much of it... the food was a hit with everyone.
Instead of glass clinking for a kissing game we decided to have a hula hoop set up in front of the head table so if people wanted to see me and Ken kiss they had to hula hoop...it made for some pretty entertaining moments throughout the evening...
The speech's were a highlight of the evening...Ken's friend Mike told the story (very well) of the night I first met Ken, all my bridesmaids and maid of honor made me cry a little and Ken's little brother was HYSTERICAL!! He is so funny and always knows how to make me smile but his speech was the hit of the night...If you have ever seen "The Hangover" you may remember Alan's speech about the 'wolf pack' on top of the roof in Vegas at the beginning of the movie...well that was one of the parts of his speech...along with a PSA about snow blindness in cats (from "Talledega Nights")...and much much more..it was awesome..everyone was laughing so hard they were crying by the end...
My dad's speech made me cry... a lot... he said so many wonderful things...Me and Ken made our speech right after and I didn't write anything and decided to 'wing it' but was so emotional from my dad's speech I forgot everything I wanted to say...
Our first dance was great - we danced to Sparks by Coldplay. Ken and his mum danced to 20 years late by Aaron Line and me and my dad danced to It Wont Be Like This for Long by Darius Rucker (we both used to love Hootie and the Blowfish back in the day so this was a perfect fit for us).
At the end of the night we did one final dance to "I want to grow old with you" by Adam Sandler (from wedding singer). It was an awesome way to end the night...
I was dead on my feet before midnight even though I said I could last until 1 am... Me and Ken retired back to the honeymoon suite, I opened a few cards while Ken spent forever trying to figure out how to unlace my dress ( I think there was a threat of just using a pair of scissors ) and then it was off to bed. As I was laying in bed that night, completely exhausted, I couldn't help playing the day's events over in my head again. I had just married the love of my life, my soulmate, and best friend. I couldn't of asked for a better day. It was perfect and I wouldn't have changed a single thing....
Just as I thought I might fall asleep another thought crept into my head...one that I never thought would being so preoccupied with wedding planning....all I could think of now was that tomorrow we'd be in DISNEY WORLD!!
Your wedding was beautiful. You look absolutely amazing. I'm so glad everything seemed to work out perfectly and I can just see you kicking your shoes off.
Day 3 - Magic Kingdom Day "That was the most magical day EVER!"...
Today was an early start – around 7 am I think. We woke to Mickey and Stitch telling us to “get moving” – Ken was less than impressed. I was super excited!! This was the day that I had been waiting for - the day that I can walk hand in hand down an empty Main Street with Ken on the way to our breakfast with the princesses.
We ended up leaving the room around 7:30 and heading for the monorail. A few minutes later we were being ushered into the breakfast reservations line at MK. I was super excited to be wearing my bridal ears and button (can you tell?) IMG_1653.jpg
Ken wasn’t wearing his hat but his pin was good enough for me! About 7:50 am we were led into the park. We were only about the 3rd or 4th family in line so we really did feel like we had MK to ourselves! Ken, being as goofy as he is and seeing just how ridiculously happy I was, suggested we skip hand in hand down Main Street – so we did! Just like we were 5 years old. Awesome. When we got to the hub we noticed that everyone in the crowd was veering to the left…we were the only ones in our group headed to CRT, everyone was headed to CP! I was thrilled! We would be the first people at CRT that day! WooHoo!
We got to the counter, gave the CM our names, and waited for our name to be called. A few minutes after we arrived another couple showed up with a small child. And guess who got picked to be the “princess of the day” and get one-on-one time with Cinderella before CRT opened? Not me….the little girl from the family behind us. While I totally respect their choice, I totally agree that they should choose children, it made that little girls day, I mean the look on her face? Priceless. But the little girl inside of me couldn’t help being just a tiny itsy bitsy little bit disappointed that I didn’t get some one-on-one time with Cinderella.
About 10 minutes later after the little girl and her family had her time with Cinderella the rest of us were let in to have our picture taken with the princess. Ken did very well and even played up to the little prince charming jabs she made at him – so proud. After the photo we were led upstairs by the “princess of the day” and her family. We got an awesome table right by the window (a continuing trend in our trip?) but half of the view was of the big crane that was parked right behind the castle (and remained there for pretty much our whole stay).
Our waiter came over quickly and took our drink orders and left us with the assortment of pastries and a purple wand for me...When the waiter came back he brought a sword for Ken "to protect his princess with"..it was very cute...here's Ken's scary pirate-ish face ....
We both decided to go with the traditional breakfast option and the food even came out to us before the princesses started to make their rounds. The first one out was Aurora (who is slowly becoming my second favorite – Belle being my first).
Our waiter was really great about coming back to take our photo when the princesses came around so we could both be in the shot. Next came Jasmine (sorry no pic of that one)…
Belle! We even had the best interaction with her…she was asking a ton of questions about how I met my “prince” etc. It was awesome!! All in all though the breakfast went by really quickly. We had seen all the princesses and eaten our fair share of food (ken had 2 plates) and we still ended up leaving at only 8:40 am.
On the way out we saw a couple of photopass people standing around in the hub..time to put them to work! We had a great photopass photographer this time round (best ive ever had I think)…she was awesome! She had us doing all sorts of creative shots and poses. I’ll have to post some pics in my next post since im over my limit for this post….
About 10 minutes later we decided it would be time to head over to Tomorrowland so we could be there for rope drop. It was really neat since all the Tomorrowland CM’s were out and chatting away with everyone to pass the time. The only thing I didn’t like about the morning was that we didn’t get to see the welcome show outside of MK. That is a favorite of mine. I’d get up early any day to watch that show!
Soon enough the rope dropped and we were all lead to the back of tomorrowland with some groups splitting off to ride Buzz Lightyear and others to Space Mountain…
Which one did we choose?
Will Ken enjoy his day at MK?
Just how much food is too much food?
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