This post came to us from J. Darling, a soon to be Disney bride...
It all started with a conversation…
To give you just the tiniest bit of back story here, Sean and I have been trying to plan our wedding since January. Our first, most budget friendly option, was Shades of Green in Disneyworld. We found out that through them, we could have a ceremony and reception for less than $4k. I have no doubt that it would have been lovely – and being located on Disneyworld property would have given us ample opportunity to throw in some Disney Magic.
So there was really no question “if” we’d have a Disney wedding. We looked at other venues, but this one just sat right with both of us.
Well, as many military couples know, planning around the military’s schedule is a nightmare. Finally, we were told not to make any plans in the fall. Since our initial date was in the first week of November, this was tragic. In fact, we were told not to make any plans until after 2012. Moving it up was not an option due to both budget and scheduling.
Losing the wedding date was hugely disappointing. We were just beginning to plan a honeymoon ( a Disney Cruise) and I really needed a vacation. (Still do!)
But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Starting back at square one, with now over a year to plan, we reevaluated a few things. We talked and figured out “Hey, we can afford more than I thought we could.”
To give you just the tiniest bit of back story here, Sean and I have been trying to plan our wedding since January. Our first, most budget friendly option, was Shades of Green in Disneyworld. We found out that through them, we could have a ceremony and reception for less than $4k. I have no doubt that it would have been lovely – and being located on Disneyworld property would have given us ample opportunity to throw in some Disney Magic.
So there was really no question “if” we’d have a Disney wedding. We looked at other venues, but this one just sat right with both of us.
Well, as many military couples know, planning around the military’s schedule is a nightmare. Finally, we were told not to make any plans in the fall. Since our initial date was in the first week of November, this was tragic. In fact, we were told not to make any plans until after 2012. Moving it up was not an option due to both budget and scheduling.
Losing the wedding date was hugely disappointing. We were just beginning to plan a honeymoon ( a Disney Cruise) and I really needed a vacation. (Still do!)
But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Starting back at square one, with now over a year to plan, we reevaluated a few things. We talked and figured out “Hey, we can afford more than I thought we could.”
Which lead to – “If you could get married anywhere, where would it be?” Exotic locations immediately came to mind. Most of them were EPCOT, but we didn’t care for the time restrictions involved. So then the most exotic location in Disneyworld came to mind…
Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
That should have told us something right from the start – thought a hotel wedding would have no doubt been “nice”, it wouldn’t have really been “us.” In many ways, having the wedding at a military resort felt a little like the military “is” our life, rather than a stepping stone into the future. Something more exotic made sense.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
That should have told us something right from the start – thought a hotel wedding would have no doubt been “nice”, it wouldn’t have really been “us.” In many ways, having the wedding at a military resort felt a little like the military “is” our life, rather than a stepping stone into the future. Something more exotic made sense.
See, Sean and I have been an adventure from the start. We met through AOL (America Online) LONG before online dating services were common place. In fact, we were teenagers at the time (16 and 19) and NOT looking for love. We were just looking from someone cool to role play with. He was in Michigan and I was in California and life took us different places, but we always stayed in touch, spending hours on the phone just about every day, no matter who we were with or what we were doing. When he signed up for boot camp and I underwent a long journey that resulted in barely missing the most dangerous type of female cancer by the skin of my teeth, we decided that life was too short NOT to give this a try. We knew when we first met it would either be like kissing a family member – or kissing the person we’re ment to be with. Obviously, it was NOT like kissing a family member.
When life finally showed us that our paths were going in the same direction, we jumped head long into making this thing work – and despite the challenges of being a military family, it’s worked beautifully. The love and support of family and friends has ment the world to us, so we want to include them and show them a really good time as well. We truly see life as an adventure. We wouldn’t have been able to make it this far in life if we didn’t – so it’s time to invite friends and family along for it in one of the most beautiful, magical, and exotic places in the USA.
I’m expecting a call from Disney Fairy Tale weddings on Wednesday, but here’s a basic outline of what I plan to discuss with the planner:
Date: A Thursday in October (NOT the week before Halloween)
Location: Belvedre Ruins.
Collection: Wishes
Budget: $24-30,000 Including honeymoon
Time: After the park closes to the public around 7:30pm
Ceremony site: Both will be occurring within the Animal Kingdom
Guest list: between 40-50 people.
Entertainment: I’m wondering if Mo Rockin’ would consider a guest appearance, as amplified music isn’t allowed.
This is adventure we can’t wait to go on.
I’m expecting a call from Disney Fairy Tale weddings on Wednesday, but here’s a basic outline of what I plan to discuss with the planner:
Date: A Thursday in October (NOT the week before Halloween)
Location: Belvedre Ruins.
Collection: Wishes
Budget: $24-30,000 Including honeymoon
Time: After the park closes to the public around 7:30pm
Ceremony site: Both will be occurring within the Animal Kingdom
Guest list: between 40-50 people.
Entertainment: I’m wondering if Mo Rockin’ would consider a guest appearance, as amplified music isn’t allowed.
This is adventure we can’t wait to go on.
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3 comments:
First, thank you and Sean for all the sacrifices you both have made for your country!
Just an FYI Oct. 1st is Disney World's anniversary. Our wedding was on Thursday Oct. 2nd. It was an amazing day, but we may have picked the 1st if we knew.
Congratulations on your "Magical" adventure wishing you every happiness!
Congrats J! I've seen you comment over the past couple of years and it's wonderful that you're finally getting a fairytale moment of your own. I think your locations sound amazing and I can't wait see how your wedding planning unfolds. :D
First weekend in October is The Wine and Dine Half Marathon and is the busiest weekend in October :) Keep that in mind!
LOVELY venue! Congrats to the both of you!!!
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