charliegirl76
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2012
Oh, my! I have sooo much to catch up on! I will be back, as soon as my home doesn't look like a huge disaster from returning from my own honeymoon! 
Wishes in Catsablanca: 7.22.13 Epcot Wedding PJ&TR! Updated 03/09/15
- Thread starter LittleKittyMarie
- Start date
1EvilQueenfan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2008
Ok Nicole,
Loving your TR,
Would you do Victoria and Albert's again?? We don't have it scheduled because of the cost. We will be there for 2 weeks so all dining adds up. We are planning on getting the Tables in Wonderland card so we would get a discount. Just don't know if I can convince him to go. Maybe next time??
Soo looking forward to hearing about your MK photo shoot. I so want to have Cricket for our shoot. Wondering how much I could imply that to get her??
Jodi
Loving your TR,
Would you do Victoria and Albert's again?? We don't have it scheduled because of the cost. We will be there for 2 weeks so all dining adds up. We are planning on getting the Tables in Wonderland card so we would get a discount. Just don't know if I can convince him to go. Maybe next time??
Soo looking forward to hearing about your MK photo shoot. I so want to have Cricket for our shoot. Wondering how much I could imply that to get her??
Jodi
Love the picture of your leftover cake and your comments - so funny, though it still looks delicious.
It's a lot of fun to read the groom POV. As for your V&A experience, it sounds like you two had a great time. All of the food looked delicious, and it sounds like you had a lovely experience. Also, I think making the cork to the bottle of champagne you drank at V&A is a neat idea - not something you hear of people doing, and it's a cute reminder of your wedding.
It's a lot of fun to read the groom POV.
As for your V&A experience, it sounds like you two had a great time. All of the food looked delicious, and it sounds like you had a lovely experience. Also, I think making the cork to the bottle of champagne you drank at V&A is a neat idea - not something you hear of people doing, and it's a cute reminder of your wedding. 
Aschenputtel
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2013
Hi!
This is my first post ever on the DIS after a long time of lurking (and getting engaged in the meantime ;-)). When I found your pj I fell totally in love with your theme and you look so beautiful and timeless (and I adore your shoes!!!). I'm really excited to hear more about how your honeymoon and your portrait sessions turned out!
Congratulations to both of you!!!!
This is my first post ever on the DIS after a long time of lurking (and getting engaged in the meantime ;-)). When I found your pj I fell totally in love with your theme and you look so beautiful and timeless (and I adore your shoes!!!). I'm really excited to hear more about how your honeymoon and your portrait sessions turned out!
Congratulations to both of you!!!!
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
Thank you! Another's on the way!
Thanks! One of the great things about getting back to the hotel room in time for Wishes on our wedding day was that it was exactly two years to the day that we got engaged during Wishes, so it's pretty special for us in a lot of ways.
Oh, my! I have sooo much to catch up on! I will be back, as soon as my home doesn't look like a huge disaster from returning from my own honeymoon!
Haha! I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon! For us, getting back to reality was definitely the only downside.
Ok Nicole,
Loving your TR,
Would you do Victoria and Albert's again?? We don't have it scheduled because of the cost. We will be there for 2 weeks so all dining adds up. We are planning on getting the Tables in Wonderland card so we would get a discount. Just don't know if I can convince him to go. Maybe next time??
Soo looking forward to hearing about your MK photo shoot. I so want to have Cricket for our shoot. Wondering how much I could imply that to get her??
Jodi
Hi Jodi! We'd definitely go back to Victoria and Albert's. Cost was definitely a consideration, but Tables in Wonderland helped. For practical reasons, fine dining meals aren't a frequent occurrence for us, so when we do go out to one, it's important for us to feel like we got our money's worth. We felt that way at the end of this meal.
Even though we submitted three photographer names at our planning session, we still made it plain to our Wedding Planner that Cricket was our FIRST choice. I hope you get her!
Love the picture of your leftover cake and your comments - so funny, though it still looks delicious.
It's a lot of fun to read the groom POV.
Thanks! The sagging looks of the cake made it a little easier to stick a fork into it and eat it. I'm not sure I'd have had the heart to in its original pristine form.
Thank you! Congratulations on your engagement!
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
Epic Disneymoon: Day 2
Bride POV: The Magic Kingdom Photoshoot
It was back to the early morning schedule as our alarm clock went off at 3:30am or rather Mike Wazowski called to suggest we get up and greet the day. I had to console DH that this was in fact "sleeping in" compared to when we girls had had to wake up for the wedding day beautification. I, more or less, just rolled out of bed and made myself (and our room) presentable. He, more or less, just rolled over into a chair and watched TV.
At 4:00am I got a phone call from Jenny at the front door because the doors to the rooms are locked at that point in the day, which makes sense, and I quickly ran down to let her in. The process carried on similarly to the wedding day. She had taken photos of my hair to replicate the look, and then just simply repeated the make-up. I think I even liked the make-up more on the photoshoot days, though the differences are quite subtle. We maintained comfortable small talk, while Cake Showdown (or Sugar Dome?) and Three's Company played on the TV. The infomercials started later.
DH himself started getting ready around 5:00am and we got the 30-minute warning call from Cricket at 5:30am. We were running a little behind and DH had to learn fast how to lace up my dress (it's not as though he could practice ahead of time!).
We met Cricket and her assistant, Amanda, in the lobby. As we drove over to MK, Cricket gave us a couple photos from the DP, including my favourite shot with the umbrella. It really built up confidence and anticipation for the photoshoot and how great our photos were going to turn out!
She drove directly into MK through a CM entrance between Adventureland and Splash Mountain. If you've ever been on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, this is where you go backstage to see the parade float building. She parked the car in Liberty Square near the Riverboat entrance, and grabbed her equipment. All employees have to wear orange work vests in MK before park opening, they're very strict about it. Apparently MK has the most strict rules, it's more relaxed at the other parks. I can probably understand why. There were a lot of trucks and workers everywhere: painting, hosing, building. In the dark and with all the work going on, MK was almost unrecognizable.
The first shot we did was the "moat shot." It was the only photo location I'd specifically requested. When we got to the bridge where she would take the photo, she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. Then she told me to press a number. At the touch of a button Cinderella's castle lit up! How magical! And later on I got to tell my family I had turned the lights on that morning... mind-blowingly awesome!
As we walked down on to the grass there was a family of ducks waddling around, and they made a cameo in our moat shot, which is so cute! Amanda helped us down and set up the lighting, while Cricket prepared up on the bridge. It took quite a long time to set it up (and to be fair, she had warned us about that during our phone call before the wedding). For us it was worth it because it was the only shot I really, definitely wanted, but for others you could probably do quite a few locations in the time it takes to set it up. Something to consider. One last comment before the photos. I brought a pair of flats with me, it was a really good idea for this one shot, because you are standing on the grass. And if you had a long wedding day, your feet might even still be sore from wearing heels.
Teeny photo, but check out the ripples in the water on the left hand side -- our duck family!
Next we hit up Main Street, because the lights were on, which Cricket said was unusual. I'm glad we did, because I love the photos we got.
Next Partners Statue. Cricket asked to try another experiment, and I was all for it. She handed me a parasol this time.
Outside the Castle...
Under the Castle...
In the Castle...
Shh... I'm looking into a washroom. But I'm sure it's the most romantic washroom...
While we were inside the castle the Head of MK came in with a group of guests, who "oohed" and "ahhed" and congratulated us.
Bride POV: The Magic Kingdom Photoshoot
It was back to the early morning schedule as our alarm clock went off at 3:30am or rather Mike Wazowski called to suggest we get up and greet the day. I had to console DH that this was in fact "sleeping in" compared to when we girls had had to wake up for the wedding day beautification. I, more or less, just rolled out of bed and made myself (and our room) presentable. He, more or less, just rolled over into a chair and watched TV.
At 4:00am I got a phone call from Jenny at the front door because the doors to the rooms are locked at that point in the day, which makes sense, and I quickly ran down to let her in. The process carried on similarly to the wedding day. She had taken photos of my hair to replicate the look, and then just simply repeated the make-up. I think I even liked the make-up more on the photoshoot days, though the differences are quite subtle. We maintained comfortable small talk, while Cake Showdown (or Sugar Dome?) and Three's Company played on the TV. The infomercials started later.
DH himself started getting ready around 5:00am and we got the 30-minute warning call from Cricket at 5:30am. We were running a little behind and DH had to learn fast how to lace up my dress (it's not as though he could practice ahead of time!).
We met Cricket and her assistant, Amanda, in the lobby. As we drove over to MK, Cricket gave us a couple photos from the DP, including my favourite shot with the umbrella. It really built up confidence and anticipation for the photoshoot and how great our photos were going to turn out!
She drove directly into MK through a CM entrance between Adventureland and Splash Mountain. If you've ever been on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, this is where you go backstage to see the parade float building. She parked the car in Liberty Square near the Riverboat entrance, and grabbed her equipment. All employees have to wear orange work vests in MK before park opening, they're very strict about it. Apparently MK has the most strict rules, it's more relaxed at the other parks. I can probably understand why. There were a lot of trucks and workers everywhere: painting, hosing, building. In the dark and with all the work going on, MK was almost unrecognizable.
The first shot we did was the "moat shot." It was the only photo location I'd specifically requested. When we got to the bridge where she would take the photo, she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. Then she told me to press a number. At the touch of a button Cinderella's castle lit up! How magical! And later on I got to tell my family I had turned the lights on that morning... mind-blowingly awesome!
As we walked down on to the grass there was a family of ducks waddling around, and they made a cameo in our moat shot, which is so cute! Amanda helped us down and set up the lighting, while Cricket prepared up on the bridge. It took quite a long time to set it up (and to be fair, she had warned us about that during our phone call before the wedding). For us it was worth it because it was the only shot I really, definitely wanted, but for others you could probably do quite a few locations in the time it takes to set it up. Something to consider. One last comment before the photos. I brought a pair of flats with me, it was a really good idea for this one shot, because you are standing on the grass. And if you had a long wedding day, your feet might even still be sore from wearing heels.
Teeny photo, but check out the ripples in the water on the left hand side -- our duck family!
Next we hit up Main Street, because the lights were on, which Cricket said was unusual. I'm glad we did, because I love the photos we got.
Next Partners Statue. Cricket asked to try another experiment, and I was all for it. She handed me a parasol this time.
Outside the Castle...
Under the Castle...
In the Castle...
Shh... I'm looking into a washroom. But I'm sure it's the most romantic washroom...
While we were inside the castle the Head of MK came in with a group of guests, who "oohed" and "ahhed" and congratulated us.
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
Next up Carousel... I believe I may have also requested the photo on the carousel if we had time during the phone call.
New Fantasyland...
When we got inside the Beast's castle there were a couple of ladies wandering around taking measurements. They were measuring the castle for its first Christmas decorations!
Somewhere around the end of our Beast's castle shoot, people started coming up to Cricket and telling her we had to leave. And then the near constant P.A. announcements started up that cars needed to be moved and everyone needed to get out by 7:45.
Well... there was still time for a couple last photos.
As we were leaving MK, the security at the entrance had really been increased with bomb-sniffing dogs and more. Cricket remarked that there were a lot of very important people there that morning, and unusually high security. Perhaps there was a VIP coming or something. We never really found out, but it felt like it made the experience just a little more cool, if that's even possible!
Cricket dropped us off back at the GF front entrance, and kept my bouquet for its refresh for our DHS shoot the next morning.
We took a bit of a rest after the photos, sleeping in a bit more until our breakfast reservation at Kona, and gearing up for the first of two days guiding my family (my parents plus 6 WDW first-timers). I left my hair and make-up intact (sans veil), so if anyone is wondering how well Beaute Speciale's work holds up you'll get a little bit of an insight here with photographic proof. And it was definitely put to the test - guiding a group of 10 (including myself and DH) around Magic Kingdom in July heat, rain and crowds. No breaks. Go!
New Fantasyland...
When we got inside the Beast's castle there were a couple of ladies wandering around taking measurements. They were measuring the castle for its first Christmas decorations!
Somewhere around the end of our Beast's castle shoot, people started coming up to Cricket and telling her we had to leave. And then the near constant P.A. announcements started up that cars needed to be moved and everyone needed to get out by 7:45.
Well... there was still time for a couple last photos.
As we were leaving MK, the security at the entrance had really been increased with bomb-sniffing dogs and more. Cricket remarked that there were a lot of very important people there that morning, and unusually high security. Perhaps there was a VIP coming or something. We never really found out, but it felt like it made the experience just a little more cool, if that's even possible!
Cricket dropped us off back at the GF front entrance, and kept my bouquet for its refresh for our DHS shoot the next morning.
We took a bit of a rest after the photos, sleeping in a bit more until our breakfast reservation at Kona, and gearing up for the first of two days guiding my family (my parents plus 6 WDW first-timers). I left my hair and make-up intact (sans veil), so if anyone is wondering how well Beaute Speciale's work holds up you'll get a little bit of an insight here with photographic proof. And it was definitely put to the test - guiding a group of 10 (including myself and DH) around Magic Kingdom in July heat, rain and crowds. No breaks. Go!
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
GROOM POV
All right, all right, I'm going, already. Took the boat to the Poly and said "Aloha" to Kona Cafe. We were running a bit late but still had to wait for a table, despite several empty tables. Oh well. We needn't have hurried. Our server was very friendly and suggested celebratory mimosas. A fine suggestion that we took her up on.
Nicole: I don't know how these things happen, but it may be why we're married.
Nicole ordered the famous Tonga Toast, and I had the less-famous Big Kahuna platter. At this point, Tonga Toast doesn't really need a description, suffice to say it involves stuffing bananas into French toast. Now, the French might bristle at having bananas all up in their toast, but one bite will tell you that such a combination was meant to be. You've heard of "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité?" The holy union between bananas and French toast is the fraternité they're talking about. It's a big, heavy beast of a thing, though, and eating a whole one gets to be a chore in the last few bites.
Vive le toast!
But those pineapple pancakes in the Big Kahuna are nothing to sneeze at! In fact, if you sneeze at them, you'll be less likely to eat them, so don't sneeze at them. You should eat them, because they're very, very good! In fact, Nicole liked them more than her Tonga Toast. Overall, I'd say that the Big Kahuna is a better meal, whereas Tonga Toast is three or four heavenly mouthfuls and then a long nap.
Not that we needed more sugar-covered carbs, but our server brought us two chocolate cupcakes with adorable folding umbrellas. It was a lovely gesture.
Cheers! Let's eat!
Can I just say that Kona Cafe is very reasonably-priced? Even with booze, a plate of food called the Big Kahuna, and a brick-sized French toast, the price was comparable to my breakfast at Picabu. And that's with table service. Ugh! That place!
It was getting on in the morning, so we sped over to MK to meet up with Nicole's parents and extended family. It was an unnecessary rush, as they did not arrive for another hour or so. We bided our time by browsing the crystal shop and Main Street and taking in the morning parade.
It wasn't until after eleven that the others finally arrived. We're used to getting through most of the rides before that time, so the lackadaisical pace of this day would be a distinct change for us. Nevertheless, we'd resolved to make this a memorable Disney vacation for our guests, and if that meant moving at their pace, then that's what we'd do.
Nicole's father and uncle are great fans of thrill rides, so we headed over to Frontierland for Splash Mountain fastpasses, and the group split in twain, with Nicole and the bulk of the group (heretofore dubbed "Thrillies") queuing up for Big Thunder Mountain, and me leading the weak-stomached ("Queasies") over to Fantasyland. The Queasies took in the Enchanted Tiki Room and Pirates (a hit, even with Nicole's mom who hates rides.) We met back up again to get on Haunted Mansion (a nightmare of group-herding, if ever there was one) then split up again while Nicole took the Thrillies to cash in their Splash Mountain fastpasses, and I ran with a fistfull of room keys to get Space Mountain fastpasses.
You've probably noticed that Nicole and I were deliberately leveraging our resources (i.e. splitting up) to fully maximize our earning power (getting fastpasses.) Not to pat ourselves on the back but... oh, heck, I'm fully patting ourselves on the back, because I'm proud that we were able to get our guests on the essential attractions and they feel like they got their money's worth. Pat, pat!
The Thrillies didn't need Splash Mountain to get thoroughly soaked, because another rainstorm did it for them.
Even with a pre-soaking [note the welcome bag ponchos coming to good use!], Splash Mountain was fun, and Queasies were treated to It's a Small World. We decided to break for lunch in the Figaro room at Pinnochio's Village Haus, where this happened:
Oh, would that our own cat, Kimchi, had the same refined table manners as Figaro!
Kimchi's fascination with ribbon is comparable, though...
After lunch, I dashed to the Jungle Cruise for fastpasses while Nicole took the group to line up for Pirates--The Queasies didn't mind an encore, and the rest of the group loved it. The Jungle Cruise was another hit (they all loved the cheesy jokes), but there weren't enough fastpasses, so Nicole and I waited on the pier.
Then it was over to Tomorrowland via family castle photo-op. The photopass person even asked us where we got our "Just Married" buttons!
With some time before the Space Mountain fastpasses, we stepped through the interdimensional portal to Monstropolis for a show at the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. With newly added Monsters U. alum, for a fully synergistic experience. Our last stop in the parks was Space Mountain--an A++ with the Thrillies if there ever was one.
Nicole: Ashley and I were photo-ready!
Nicole: I look like some crazy 1920s flapper lady... Where's the hooch!?
All right, all right, I'm going, already. Took the boat to the Poly and said "Aloha" to Kona Cafe. We were running a bit late but still had to wait for a table, despite several empty tables. Oh well. We needn't have hurried. Our server was very friendly and suggested celebratory mimosas. A fine suggestion that we took her up on.
Nicole: I don't know how these things happen, but it may be why we're married.
Nicole ordered the famous Tonga Toast, and I had the less-famous Big Kahuna platter. At this point, Tonga Toast doesn't really need a description, suffice to say it involves stuffing bananas into French toast. Now, the French might bristle at having bananas all up in their toast, but one bite will tell you that such a combination was meant to be. You've heard of "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité?" The holy union between bananas and French toast is the fraternité they're talking about. It's a big, heavy beast of a thing, though, and eating a whole one gets to be a chore in the last few bites.
Vive le toast!
But those pineapple pancakes in the Big Kahuna are nothing to sneeze at! In fact, if you sneeze at them, you'll be less likely to eat them, so don't sneeze at them. You should eat them, because they're very, very good! In fact, Nicole liked them more than her Tonga Toast. Overall, I'd say that the Big Kahuna is a better meal, whereas Tonga Toast is three or four heavenly mouthfuls and then a long nap.
Not that we needed more sugar-covered carbs, but our server brought us two chocolate cupcakes with adorable folding umbrellas. It was a lovely gesture.
Cheers! Let's eat!
Can I just say that Kona Cafe is very reasonably-priced? Even with booze, a plate of food called the Big Kahuna, and a brick-sized French toast, the price was comparable to my breakfast at Picabu. And that's with table service. Ugh! That place!
It was getting on in the morning, so we sped over to MK to meet up with Nicole's parents and extended family. It was an unnecessary rush, as they did not arrive for another hour or so. We bided our time by browsing the crystal shop and Main Street and taking in the morning parade.
It wasn't until after eleven that the others finally arrived. We're used to getting through most of the rides before that time, so the lackadaisical pace of this day would be a distinct change for us. Nevertheless, we'd resolved to make this a memorable Disney vacation for our guests, and if that meant moving at their pace, then that's what we'd do.
Nicole's father and uncle are great fans of thrill rides, so we headed over to Frontierland for Splash Mountain fastpasses, and the group split in twain, with Nicole and the bulk of the group (heretofore dubbed "Thrillies") queuing up for Big Thunder Mountain, and me leading the weak-stomached ("Queasies") over to Fantasyland. The Queasies took in the Enchanted Tiki Room and Pirates (a hit, even with Nicole's mom who hates rides.) We met back up again to get on Haunted Mansion (a nightmare of group-herding, if ever there was one) then split up again while Nicole took the Thrillies to cash in their Splash Mountain fastpasses, and I ran with a fistfull of room keys to get Space Mountain fastpasses.
You've probably noticed that Nicole and I were deliberately leveraging our resources (i.e. splitting up) to fully maximize our earning power (getting fastpasses.) Not to pat ourselves on the back but... oh, heck, I'm fully patting ourselves on the back, because I'm proud that we were able to get our guests on the essential attractions and they feel like they got their money's worth. Pat, pat!
The Thrillies didn't need Splash Mountain to get thoroughly soaked, because another rainstorm did it for them.
Even with a pre-soaking [note the welcome bag ponchos coming to good use!], Splash Mountain was fun, and Queasies were treated to It's a Small World. We decided to break for lunch in the Figaro room at Pinnochio's Village Haus, where this happened:
Oh, would that our own cat, Kimchi, had the same refined table manners as Figaro!
Kimchi's fascination with ribbon is comparable, though...
After lunch, I dashed to the Jungle Cruise for fastpasses while Nicole took the group to line up for Pirates--The Queasies didn't mind an encore, and the rest of the group loved it. The Jungle Cruise was another hit (they all loved the cheesy jokes), but there weren't enough fastpasses, so Nicole and I waited on the pier.
Then it was over to Tomorrowland via family castle photo-op. The photopass person even asked us where we got our "Just Married" buttons!
With some time before the Space Mountain fastpasses, we stepped through the interdimensional portal to Monstropolis for a show at the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. With newly added Monsters U. alum, for a fully synergistic experience. Our last stop in the parks was Space Mountain--an A++ with the Thrillies if there ever was one.
Nicole: Ashley and I were photo-ready!
Nicole: I look like some crazy 1920s flapper lady... Where's the hooch!?
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
We beat it back to the monorail to get to our respective dinner reservation: we to our dinner at Ohana with my parents, Nicole's parents and brother's family, and Nicole's extended family to her aunt's birthday dinner at The Wave.
Predictably, the wait for our reservation at Ohana was a long one, and we were seated well after our reservation time. I realize an ADR isn't a typical reservation where they're holding you a table, but it seemed pretty egregious in this particular instance. Perhaps it was because my two-year-old niece was there and I didn't want them to wait for dinner longer than necessary. They seemed to take it in stride, though, so I think I was the only one who was aggravated.
Nicole: Grumpy looking DH surrounded by happy looking family. Psst: It was just him.
Everyone in our party seemed to enjoy themselves, particularly Nicole's parents who really loved the food. There's no doubt that Ohana is a good place for big gatherings, because there's something for everyone, big pineapple drinks, and with the floor show, a lot to see and do. But I think I'm done with Ohana for a while. Enough, Ohana. Enough now.
Eat...
Drink...
Be married!
Bread pudding encore!
Nicole: Minnie and Yeti cat chat amicably while an exhausted DH falls asleep nearby.
Ohana means Family!
We'd made plans for to meet back up with Nicole's family after dinner for Wishes, but somehow when the monorail pulled into the Grand Floridian and the doors opened, Nicole and I just fell right out. Isn't that odd? In spite of ourselves, flop! We were on the floor of the monorail station watching the train pull away to the Magic Kingdom without us. And with literally minutes before the next train was due to arrive, we decided to go back to the hotel room instead. After all, we had another pre-dawn wake-up call tomorrow...
As the night drew to a close we were lulled to sleeping by the soothing sounds of the Electric Water Pageant....
Next Up: An ominous morning in 1930s Hollywood...
Predictably, the wait for our reservation at Ohana was a long one, and we were seated well after our reservation time. I realize an ADR isn't a typical reservation where they're holding you a table, but it seemed pretty egregious in this particular instance. Perhaps it was because my two-year-old niece was there and I didn't want them to wait for dinner longer than necessary. They seemed to take it in stride, though, so I think I was the only one who was aggravated.
Nicole: Grumpy looking DH surrounded by happy looking family. Psst: It was just him.
Everyone in our party seemed to enjoy themselves, particularly Nicole's parents who really loved the food. There's no doubt that Ohana is a good place for big gatherings, because there's something for everyone, big pineapple drinks, and with the floor show, a lot to see and do. But I think I'm done with Ohana for a while. Enough, Ohana. Enough now.
Eat...
Drink...
Be married!
Bread pudding encore!
Nicole: Minnie and Yeti cat chat amicably while an exhausted DH falls asleep nearby.
Ohana means Family!
We'd made plans for to meet back up with Nicole's family after dinner for Wishes, but somehow when the monorail pulled into the Grand Floridian and the doors opened, Nicole and I just fell right out. Isn't that odd? In spite of ourselves, flop! We were on the floor of the monorail station watching the train pull away to the Magic Kingdom without us. And with literally minutes before the next train was due to arrive, we decided to go back to the hotel room instead. After all, we had another pre-dawn wake-up call tomorrow...
As the night drew to a close we were lulled to sleeping by the soothing sounds of the Electric Water Pageant....
Next Up: An ominous morning in 1930s Hollywood...
Aschenputtel
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2013
I think it's great that you spent so much time with your guests and planned everything for them! And your MK shoots turned out beautiful - you two look so relaxed that one couldn't tell that it was practically in the middle of the night! I really like the shoots with the parasol, it looks like you bought it with the dress! Do you know if you can request such things for your portrait sessions?
And thanks for the congrats (perhaps I should mention: if my posting times seem weird or my grammar bad - I'm from Germany, so I'm posting overseas).
And thanks for the congrats (perhaps I should mention: if my posting times seem weird or my grammar bad - I'm from Germany, so I'm posting overseas).
elphie101
Left my heart in Tomorrowland
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2008
I kept meaning to reply to your last update (literally had the tab open 2 or 3 times!) but I never got around to it.
V&A looks DI-VINE. I love food so much, I would love to cross that off our Disney Dining bucket list someday. DF is far less of an adventurous eater than I am, so it might take a couple of years to convince him - maybe a 10 year anniversary?
Your MK pictures look so beautiful! I really think you lucked out having Cricket do your shoot. I love that you got some in the day time too, not all before sunset so it looks like the middle of the night.
Mmmmmm Kona and Ohana. Even with the poor Ohana timing those two have some of the most drool worthy food pics!
Sounds like splitting up when we do the parks with a large group is going to be necessary. Especially when everyone has different priorities and what they will or won't do! Love your system
V&A looks DI-VINE. I love food so much, I would love to cross that off our Disney Dining bucket list someday. DF is far less of an adventurous eater than I am, so it might take a couple of years to convince him - maybe a 10 year anniversary?
Your MK pictures look so beautiful! I really think you lucked out having Cricket do your shoot. I love that you got some in the day time too, not all before sunset so it looks like the middle of the night.
Mmmmmm Kona and Ohana. Even with the poor Ohana timing those two have some of the most drool worthy food pics!
Sounds like splitting up when we do the parks with a large group is going to be necessary. Especially when everyone has different priorities and what they will or won't do! Love your system
TiffinyKaye
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 22, 2013
Nicole--your photos are so gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can only hope that my pictures are as gorgeous! I think if I can have Cricket, I'll cancel the whole MK shoot. Seriously--she's the only person I want taking my MK photos.
Tiffiny
Tiffiny
NoOrdinaryPrincess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2011
Awesome!!!
Bewitch324
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 12, 2009
You two have so many wonderful pictures at the MK--I'm so excited for you! I love the ones inside the castle and BOG the most I think...your wedding clothes just look so perfect in those settings...
Interesting about the setup time for the one shot, I hadn't really thought about that, but it makes sense.
It was fun hearing about your day touring with your family groups at the MK--I like the way you divided every one up and each spearheaded your group. I'm sure they all appreciated getting so much time and attention from you both.
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful pictures and looking forward to more!!!
Brooke
Interesting about the setup time for the one shot, I hadn't really thought about that, but it makes sense.
It was fun hearing about your day touring with your family groups at the MK--I like the way you divided every one up and each spearheaded your group. I'm sure they all appreciated getting so much time and attention from you both.
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful pictures and looking forward to more!!!
Brooke
1EvilQueenfan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2008
Nicole,
Ok I'm in! We have a reservation for V&A, mostly thanks to your TR! I had brought it up but with the price of it we weren't going to, but what an awesome time to do it! Another reason why I wanted to do it now is the TIW card will discontinue the discount for it at the end of the summer of 2014!
I am in love with your MK pictures!! You've given me great inspiration! Interesting about the set up time for the moat picture but seriously it's a must!!
Now to pray,wish, hope and some how make it happen to get Cricket as our photographer!!
Jodi
Ok I'm in! We have a reservation for V&A, mostly thanks to your TR! I had brought it up but with the price of it we weren't going to, but what an awesome time to do it! Another reason why I wanted to do it now is the TIW card will discontinue the discount for it at the end of the summer of 2014!
I am in love with your MK pictures!! You've given me great inspiration! Interesting about the set up time for the moat picture but seriously it's a must!!
Now to pray,wish, hope and some how make it happen to get Cricket as our photographer!!
Jodi
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
Thank you! I'm not sure about requesting props, but when you talk to your photographer prior to the wedding day you should definitely bring up any prop ideas you might have, or ask if they have any props they normally like to use. I didn't really think to even ask about props, it was all Cricket's idea, in the case of our wedding.
We definitely recommend V&A, it is worth trying to convince your DF! And it's Disney World, so I'm sure they always have less adventurous choices.I kept meaning to reply to your last update (literally had the tab open 2 or 3 times!) but I never got around to it.
V&A looks DI-VINE. I love food so much, I would love to cross that off our Disney Dining bucket list someday. DF is far less of an adventurous eater than I am, so it might take a couple of years to convince him - maybe a 10 year anniversary?
Your MK pictures look so beautiful! I really think you lucked out having Cricket do your shoot. I love that you got some in the day time too, not all before sunset so it looks like the middle of the night.
Mmmmmm Kona and Ohana. Even with the poor Ohana timing those two have some of the most drool worthy food pics!
Sounds like splitting up when we do the parks with a large group is going to be necessary. Especially when everyone has different priorities and what they will or won't do! Love your system
We are very happy with the MK shots, and lucked out with the early summer sunrise. It's really nice to have the mix of day and night photos.
Splitting up was the best way for us to really maximize everyone's time. It was little strange to basically be apart for a lot of the day on the first couple days of our honeymoon, but they way my family keeps raving about the experience makes it all worth it!
Cricket is truly amazing! Fingers crossed you get her for your shoot!
Thanks!
Thank you for reading! I think Cricket did mention on the phone that the setup time for the shot would take longer, and it really does. It takes a while for them to get the lighting right and because the photographer and assistant have to be separated to setup the shot from the bridge and the lawn/moat communication between them also takes time. If you really want that photo it's worth it, but if you'd rather go to more locations, it may prevent you. We had to choose between BoG and the Little Mermaid area during the shoot, for example, because we only had time to visit one.
That is good to know about the TIW card discontinuing the discount. We used the card during our meal, and it definitely saved us quite a significant amount. So glad to hear you are going to go for it too! It's an amazing experience.Nicole,
Ok I'm in! We have a reservation for V&A, mostly thanks to your TR! I had brought it up but with the price of it we weren't going to, but what an awesome time to do it! Another reason why I wanted to do it now is the TIW card will discontinue the discount for it at the end of the summer of 2014!
I am in love with your MK pictures!! You've given me great inspiration! Interesting about the set up time for the moat picture but seriously it's a must!!
Now to pray,wish, hope and some how make it happen to get Cricket as our photographer!!
Jodi
Fingers crossed you get Cricket! She is amazing and does amazing work
!
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
A belated Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone! Oh and Happy New Year too! Congratulations to all the 2014 DisBrides who will be getting married this year, I'm so excited for you!
And now back to the report!
Epic Disneymoon: Day 3
The next morning began much the same as the previous day. I think we may have had an extra 15 minutes in bed because our DHS shoot meeting time was at 6:15am rather than 6:00am, but it was the hardest day of the three to get up. I think my body finally knew we were reaching the end and was starting to conk out. Since I was ready I went down to the lobby before Jenny called up and saw her just outside the door as I got there. She told me that was the first time anyone had ever done that. Well, I was used to the procedure at that point.
Finally all the early mornings and long exhausting days were catching up with me, so the small talk drifted off quickly and I mostly just sat and with my eyes closed, but I didn't sleep, because for whatever reason I can't sleep while sitting.
Things were going very smoothly, so we were all set to go a lot earlier. No rushing with laces, we finally had it all down! We got to the lobby and Cricket and Amanda were just arriving. Good timing.
On the way over Cricket told us that there had been an awful storm around in the early hours of the morning and she was glad they hadn't cancelled our shoot. So were we, since the storm was news to us... we hadn't seen or heard anything!
Just like MK, she drove right into the park through an entrance near Fairfax Faire and the other quick service restaurants on Sunset Blvd and parked on the street between the Beauty and Beast theatre and the Fantasmic entrance.
There were some seriously ominous clouds overhead.
When we had discussed with Cricket where I wanted photos at Hollywood Studios back in June, I told her Tower of Terror. And maybe Sunset Blvd. But I wouldn't be disappointed if all our photos were exclusively at ToT. With that in mind, she set our first shot up in front of the Tower.
With the ominous clouds and winds really picking up. Amanda leaned over Cricket's camera and said no one will ever have a shot like it.
Next we picked up our heels and headed over to the Tower itself via the exit. As we were walking a CM/worker drove by in a golf cart and literally said: "Storm's a-comin'!" We ran up the stairs to the terrace just making it before a massive downpour let loose from the skies. It was seriously ominous. The perfect atmosphere for ToT. Except for, y'know, the wet.
We started with photos in the entrance way to the ride. She did her best to get us in as far as possible, but it's a tough proposition to make it look we were actually in that lobby. Oh well, I knew how it would be.
I got the sense that the rain was throwing her off a little. There's was a lot more thinking happening than at MK, which had fled like a fluid flow from location to location. It was seriously pouring rain, so all our locations were somewhat limited. At least we'd made it to the terrace!
That being said, I am really happy with these. They are the perfect lighting for a dank 1930s Hollywood hotel, and I feel like I'm looking at the exact vintage look I was going for when I had devised the theme for our wedding.
And now back to the report!
Epic Disneymoon: Day 3
The next morning began much the same as the previous day. I think we may have had an extra 15 minutes in bed because our DHS shoot meeting time was at 6:15am rather than 6:00am, but it was the hardest day of the three to get up. I think my body finally knew we were reaching the end and was starting to conk out. Since I was ready I went down to the lobby before Jenny called up and saw her just outside the door as I got there. She told me that was the first time anyone had ever done that. Well, I was used to the procedure at that point.
Finally all the early mornings and long exhausting days were catching up with me, so the small talk drifted off quickly and I mostly just sat and with my eyes closed, but I didn't sleep, because for whatever reason I can't sleep while sitting.
Things were going very smoothly, so we were all set to go a lot earlier. No rushing with laces, we finally had it all down! We got to the lobby and Cricket and Amanda were just arriving. Good timing.
On the way over Cricket told us that there had been an awful storm around in the early hours of the morning and she was glad they hadn't cancelled our shoot. So were we, since the storm was news to us... we hadn't seen or heard anything!
Just like MK, she drove right into the park through an entrance near Fairfax Faire and the other quick service restaurants on Sunset Blvd and parked on the street between the Beauty and Beast theatre and the Fantasmic entrance.
There were some seriously ominous clouds overhead.
When we had discussed with Cricket where I wanted photos at Hollywood Studios back in June, I told her Tower of Terror. And maybe Sunset Blvd. But I wouldn't be disappointed if all our photos were exclusively at ToT. With that in mind, she set our first shot up in front of the Tower.
With the ominous clouds and winds really picking up. Amanda leaned over Cricket's camera and said no one will ever have a shot like it.
Next we picked up our heels and headed over to the Tower itself via the exit. As we were walking a CM/worker drove by in a golf cart and literally said: "Storm's a-comin'!" We ran up the stairs to the terrace just making it before a massive downpour let loose from the skies. It was seriously ominous. The perfect atmosphere for ToT. Except for, y'know, the wet.
We started with photos in the entrance way to the ride. She did her best to get us in as far as possible, but it's a tough proposition to make it look we were actually in that lobby. Oh well, I knew how it would be.
I got the sense that the rain was throwing her off a little. There's was a lot more thinking happening than at MK, which had fled like a fluid flow from location to location. It was seriously pouring rain, so all our locations were somewhat limited. At least we'd made it to the terrace!
That being said, I am really happy with these. They are the perfect lighting for a dank 1930s Hollywood hotel, and I feel like I'm looking at the exact vintage look I was going for when I had devised the theme for our wedding.
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
Right around here the weather started to let up and Cricket asked if I wanted to risk possible getting dripped on by going under the trellis. You bet I did! It was my last day wearing the dress in Disney, there was no way I was going to let a little rain prevent me from getting my dream photos!
I can't believe we were allowed to do this. I love them!
Following that, we went back down the stairs to the courtyard.
We started over to a walkway near some drinking fountains. I'd never been over in that area before.
And then we went back into the courtyard. The rain was still spitting gently, but at this point, it didn't matter at all.
I can't believe we were allowed to do this. I love them!
Following that, we went back down the stairs to the courtyard.
We started over to a walkway near some drinking fountains. I'd never been over in that area before.
And then we went back into the courtyard. The rain was still spitting gently, but at this point, it didn't matter at all.
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
After that we headed to do a couple last shots on Sunset Blvd.
Apparently DHS is the only park that will open early if they are all ready to go, so with the pre-opening cast members quickly clearing out, Cricket was starting to worry she might need to move the car. Amanda offered to go take care of it while she continued photographing us.
And that was it! Amanda brought around the car and literally just as I was climbing in the came pouring down again! Lucky or what!! A CM in a shop door was congratulating us and Amanda was telling me what she was saying because I couldn't hear from the backseat. She was so sweet.
As we drove back to the GF we all remarked how lucky it was that today wasn't the wedding day! Back outside the GF we departed company from Cricket, thanking her profusely once again for all her work and saying a final goodbye. Sigh!
Apparently DHS is the only park that will open early if they are all ready to go, so with the pre-opening cast members quickly clearing out, Cricket was starting to worry she might need to move the car. Amanda offered to go take care of it while she continued photographing us.
And that was it! Amanda brought around the car and literally just as I was climbing in the came pouring down again! Lucky or what!! A CM in a shop door was congratulating us and Amanda was telling me what she was saying because I couldn't hear from the backseat. She was so sweet.
As we drove back to the GF we all remarked how lucky it was that today wasn't the wedding day! Back outside the GF we departed company from Cricket, thanking her profusely once again for all her work and saying a final goodbye. Sigh!
LittleKittyMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2011
So I have the rest of the day's text ready, I'm just waiting for a couple of photos from my Mom to finish putting the photos in!
In the meantime, here is a link to the photobook that I made for our parents for Christmas. There are some more (and bigger) photos than I posted in my TR and other details from the wedding in it for anyone who'd like to see more photos.
Link: http://www.blurb.ca/bookstore/invited...
In the meantime, here is a link to the photobook that I made for our parents for Christmas. There are some more (and bigger) photos than I posted in my TR and other details from the wedding in it for anyone who'd like to see more photos.
Link: http://www.blurb.ca/bookstore/invited...
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