For anyone who's been following along - sorry for the extended delay. I've been super busy with life - oh yeah, my at home reception, too LOL and had to let some stuff go for a little while. I don't know how many of you were following along, but I am determined to get this thing finished for anyone who was and for any future or potential Swan brides out there. (Sorry that my pictures are so big).
WEDDING DAY Part 3
Once Randy was all set taking shots of Melissa and I in the lobby of the Swan, it was time to get married. Susan came over to ask us if we were ready. I was so excited. We walked outside and around the corner. It was such a lovely day out there.
Melissa began her walk down the walkway as the harpist played A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.
When Susan gave me the signal I began my walk to When You Wish Upon A Star. The music was absolutely beautiful. I am so glad that we chose a harpist as it was very romantic.
As planned, when John saw me coming (he was standing under the arch next to Reverend Tim) he began walking towards me.
We met about half way where he took my arm and we walked the rest of the way together. I was so happy. I had waited for this moment for so long and it all felt so right. I made sure to really take it all in.
A few of our guests sort of followed a bit behind John to take pictures, which felt a little weird for a moment, but they went right back to their seats. And then my crazy mother had to make a comment about it being about time and she thought she was going to have to get the chains. Everyone laughed. I wish she didnt say anything. We are very laid back people and really wanted something fun but I wanted this part to be romantic and dreamy
no comments from the peanut gallery, mom! It was ok though.
Reverend Tim was amazing. The more he spoke, the more I truly thought that he was inside Johns head saying everything that John feels. It was seriously like he was reading Johns mind. One regret I have is that we did not video tape the ceremony. I would love to go back and hear our ceremony and vows again. The whole thing was so romantic and touching. Ive even considered getting in touch with Rev Tim to see if he has a copy of our vows, I would love to have them as a keepsake.
During the ceremony I noticed how the arch was decorated. I had requested just a fabric swag with no flower arrangements. I had also sent a couple of boxes of pink and pearly white Christmas ornaments to Susan for her to use with the décor as she saw fit. She ended up bunching them up and tying them around the arch. Two sets actually looked like Mickey heads Im not sure if that was done intentionally or not, but I like to think it was as Mickey heads were incorporated into our theme. In any case I thought the arch looked great.
Also during the ceremony a couple of ferries (the ones that go between Hollywood Studios, the resorts and Epcot) blew their horns for us. We thought that was very cool. During the exchanging of the rings, poor John had a hard time getting my rings on. Rev Tim had taken both my band and my diamond and handed them to John together. The problem is, they will not slide on my finger together. He tried but I ended up having to help him. We giggled a little about this.
Rev Tim finally pronounced us husband and wife and told us to kiss. I guess we didnt kiss good enough because he then instructed John to hold onto his wife and kiss her like you mean it. It was cute. The whole thing was just so romantic, special and moving.
I am so glad that I found Reverend Tim. I learned so much about him from past Disney Brides. And a friend of mine (another Disbride) who also had her wedding at the Swan (and did not have such a great experience) used Rev Tim. He saved the day for her. When I learned that I just had to have him. He absolutely added to the magic of our day. I give him an A+.
After the ceremony, Susan (and Randy) were great at keeping things organized (thank goodness as I would not have known what to do and when). Susan suggested we take a few minutes to mingle with our guests. There were lots of hugs, kisses and tears. Then they wheeled the cake into the area and we did our toast and cut the cake. Fortunately, Reverend Tim (again awesome) thought to ask John if we had anyone to do the toast. He did not have a best man and we never thought to ask anyone to do the toast though I am sure his brother would have done it without question. But Rev Tim came over with us and said (closely quoted) May your marriage last as long as Mickey and Minnies and may you have as much money as they do. It was great.
I just loved our little cake. It was adorable and delicious! I cannot seem to find a good color picture of it, so here it is in black and white
Then we did our first dance to Eric Claptons Wonderful Tonight (played by the harpist of course).
After our dance we did a bunch of pictures with everyone. We did a group picture:
A picture with our moms:
My sister and brother-in-law with us:
Johns brother and sister-in-law with us:
Our niece:
Our friends & their kids:
Melissa & I took a few more pictures:
After the pictures John & I passed out our favors and wrist bands for the dessert party. We told everyone to go have a great time in Epcot and that wed catch up with them later. Melissa and Bryan stayed with Susan to collect our things and John and I made our way to the Boardwalk with Randy to take pictures.
Favors:
Some things to note throughout the socializing, cake cutting and picture taking the harpist played continuously. She played mostly Disney music and mixed in some Christmas songs. She was great. If any of you future brides has the chance to book a harpist for your event I highly recommend one. The music is very recognizable as you do not just get the melody or the harmony with this instrument, you get both. The music was also not intrusive at all, she sat right in the middle of us all yet it was like a background theme track. And it was so romantic and beautiful.
Also to note I really enjoyed working with Susan from JustMarry. I had my doubts because of other stories Ive read about, but I had nothing but success with her. She did a wonderful job with the decorations I sent down and really captured my vision with the things I requested. She always got back to me within a reasonable amount of time with answers to my questions and concerns. We had a lovely day and a wonderful time. I rate JustMarry with an A.