16 Days of Disney! A Wedding and Disneymoon Trip Report!

Introduction

Welcome to my Disney World Wedding and Disneymoon trip report! For the full pre-trip report, click here.

I’ve decided to start by introducing…

The Full Cast

First (copypasta!) there’s me:

24 year old, prior-Air Force, college student with a possibly unhealthy love for Disney and Disney World in particular. This makes my fourth trip to Disney World since my very first trip in 2009.


Coda:

27 year old merchant marine. This is his second trip to Disney World.


Coda’s twin (yep, twin, honestly) brother, Levi, and his girlfriend, Carolyn:

Levi's first (and only) trip was in 2010, and Carolyn hasn't been since she was a kid.


My mom, dad, and my brother, Michael:

This is everyone's first trip!


Coda’s mom and sister, SuHana:
Apparently we have absolutely no pictures of Coda's mom... So this is Coda and SuHana.

Also their first trip.


Our friend, Reuben and his son, Cy:

Yep, their first trip too!


Wow! Can I just say that I will never bring this many people to Disney World (or anywhere else, for that matter) EVER again! Levi and Carolyn joined us from December 15th – 22nd, and they were great! Reuben and Cy were there from the 16th – 22nd, but man, they were a handful. My family and Coda’s mom and sister arrived on the 20th and left on the 22nd and that was complete madness. I promise, we’ll get to that.


The Plan

This trip was supposed to be completely stress free! Key word here is “supposed”. Shockingly, it was not.

We ended up arriving a day early on the 14th. The first few days were mainly for Coda to spend time with his brother and friend Reuben. Coda’s brother, Levi, lives in Alaska (for those of you who are geographically challenged, that is many miles from North Carolina), and they hadn’t seen each other in over a year. The 20th through the 22nd were days to spend with family and, most importantly, get married. Finally, the 23rd through the 29th was our honeymoon. Again, supposed to be stress- and drama-free…

Oh, there was also much consumption of Disney food planned.

Next up: How things actually played out.

 

[rufio]

Day Eight – Part Two

The last thing we did was having pictures taken around the Boardwalk. It was so much fun! There were people stopping in the breezeway to watch us, people watching us on the boardwalk. One little girl yelled, “princess!” I’m not often the center of attention, but I think that everyone should get to be on her wedding day. These are two of my favorites:

The Boardwalk was perfect! Everything about our wedding was exactly what we wanted! We had only the most important people attending and I honestly think I preferred being inside to outside. While it was fun for people to watch us while we were having pictures taken, I don’t think I would have liked a bunch of people watching our ceremony.

Finally, it was time to go back to the hotel. The limo had already taken everyone who had come with Coda back to All Star Music and now it was back for us. We all piled in and got back and both our families came to our room. Yes, maybe it’s weird, but we were having another photo shoot the next day and I needed my mom to help me get out of my dress and hang it properly. At some point Brenda and Hana ducked out, again without saying goodbye. Then my family left as well and we… relaxed… til it was time for dinner. I changed into a shorter white dress (one that you all helped me pick out!), but kept my wedding shoes on.

We had dinner reservations at the Grand Floridian Café at 7:30pm. We chose GFC because we knew it wasn’t overly expensive and we could afford for everyone to order whatever they wanted, including drinks, appetizers, and desserts. My parents met us at our hotel and we drove over together. There were photopass photographers in front of the tree, so we took advantage!

Everyone (including me) was awed by the Grand Floridian! The band was out playing music, which was amazing! And the gingerbread house smelled awesome! I made it my mission to come back and get a gingerbread shingle.

We checked in for dinner and waited for everyone to arrive. Everyone was very dressed up, though not in tuxes, because it was our wedding dinner. Levi even went out and bought clothes for the event a few days earlier. But Coda’s mom and sister showed up wearing jeans and huge snow coats. Oh well. Just go with it, I guess.

We were seated pretty quickly and sat down to order. Only one person ordered a drink (Levi) and only two ordered appetizers (me and Coda)! Maybe we could have made reservations somewhere nicer… Coda had some kind of crab cake thing.

I had a butternut squash bisque! Yum!

Sorry for the bad picture! Even though we were the only ones to order appetizers, we shared with everyone who would take some! For dinner, I had steak, and I really don’t remember what Coda had.

Because we’d brought our wedding cake, no one ordered dessert either! We told everyone to get whatever they wanted, but everyone was happy with the cake. So, for a meal that we budgeted $450, we ended up spending $160. I’m not saying I’m complaining, but I did feel a little cheap. We sent everyone home with a white chocolate Mickey and Minnie favor!

Well, everyone but Brenda and Hana. Once again, they dashed out the door without saying by. When I noticed, I mentioned it to Coda and he chased them down. Brenda quickly returned to say that she wasn’t leaving, she had just been looking around. Then she told me bye. Then Coda told me he had found her in the parking lot.

After dinner, my family and I actually did go out to look around and Coda and Levi got ahold of the camera. I told them the pictures were going on the internet and they said they didn’t care. Here’s hoping they actually don’t care.

Someone let me know if those are deemed inappropriate!

When we got back to the table, Rueben set Cy to the task of swiping the roses off the tables so he could take them back to the lady he was staying with. I don’t have much to say about that. We all told him it wasn’t funny, but he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Everyone followed us to the hotel around midnight for some reason and we promptly kicked them out! It’s our wedding night, people!

Up next: Epcot photo shoot, DTD, and more food.

 

[coachwnh]

Why is there always someone that tries to ruin a wedding? Im glad you were able to enjoy your wedding, even if they couldnt. their loss!

 

[Bama14]

Day Eight

Our wedding day!!! On such a big day, I slept in til 9:30! Coda went to the Contempo Café to grab us coffee and I started getting ready for my hair and makeup artist to arrive. Coda got back and gave me some really bad news. There were hurricane force winds outside! And we were getting married at Sea Breeze Point, outside! I went out on the balcony to see for myself and I knew there was no way I could walk all the way to Sea Breeze Point from the Boardwalk and keep my hair and dress in place and not freeze to death. I got on the phone and called my wedding coordinator, Kristin, and asked her what we could do. She assured me that the wind would not be a problem, but I knew that we wouldn’t be comfortable. Not to mention Coda had been sick for nearly a week and didn’t need to be standing outside in cold wind. She then offered to move the event into one of the Boardwalk Ballrooms, which was already included in the price! Score! I was really surprised that she was able to move everything without a hitch the morning of the wedding. Another A+ for Disney!

My mom arrived a little early with dad and brother in tow. My dad and brother had a day planned on the town so we said our goodbyes and gave them instructions to be back by 1:15pm to get ready for the wedding.

At 10:45, the hair and makeup artist arrived. I don’t recall her name, but we used Beauté Spécialé. I was having my hair and makeup done, while my mom was getting just hair (my treat). My mom went first, and she would kill me if she knew this picture was on the internet! Don’t tell her!

While she was getting dolled up, we kicked Coda out.

He was planning to spend the day with Rueben and Levi doing whatever it is that guys do. Then, it was my turn!

We were watching Say Yes to the Dress…

During the prettying process, Coda’s mom and sister arrived. My mom had texted her earlier and asked her to take the limo over with us. “Awww, that’s so sweet of you!” you say? Why, how sweet of you to say so! But I must admit, I had ulterior motives. We had learned from the Magic Kingdom fiasco that she couldn’t be trusted not to bring Brittany. We figured that if she was with us, we could keep an eye on who came and went. Tell me again how sweet I am!

Once Brenda got to the room, I started getting really nervous. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with her, or if it was just because it was getting closer by the minute! I started shivering, even after the window had been shut! I was almost ready when my dad and brother got back. It was then that Brenda and Hana decided to wait for us in the lobby. No problem! My dad and brother got dressed in their tuxes and came out looking sharp! With everyone ready to go, the makeup artist asked for her payment.

OH CRAP!

I had completely forgotten that I had to pay her the remaining balance. Actually, I didn’t realize I would have to pay her at all! They had taken down a credit card number for my deposit and I had been under the impression that she would use the same information for the remainder that I owed. Nope, cash only! I happened to have $100, but she needed $150! My mom, dad, and brother scrounged around in their wallets and managed to come up with the remaining $50. Crisis averted! So with that taken care of, we met the limo outside.

Before we got there, Coda and his party were taking pictures with our photographer.

When we arrived at the Boardwalk lobby, Kristin was there to meet us. What a wonderful lady! She was so great and accommodating from start to finish! She led us inside to meet with Ron, our officiant. He was very quick and to the point, walking me through what needed to happen. Of course, I had also forgotten to get money out to pay his balance, so I sent my brother with him to an ATM with my debit card to take care of that. In the meantime, our photographer, Mike, took some pictures of my family and me.

I LOVED the Christmas decorations!

Finally, it was time to go to the ballroom where I would be getting married! Everyone in the lobby stopped to look and tell us congratulations. It was a magical experience! Kristin took us to the doors where the violinist was waiting for his cue. She asked me if I was ready and I said no! I was still shaking! But she gave him the cue and my dad walked me inside.

As soon as I started down the aisle my nerves settled. I think seeing him at the other end put me at ease. I got up to the front where my dad gave me away.

Michael was my man of honor and Levi was Coda’s best man. It was around this time that my mom made Rueben move to the front of the room to video! I am thankful for the video, but I wish he wasn’t in all of our pictures! After our vows (I think… it was somewhere in there) we had our sand ceremony.

It was pretty funny, actually. We had no idea what we were doing and then at the end he told us to shake it up together. Um… what? It was a little awkward, but it is such a great keepsake! It’s sitting on my TV stand right now.

Finally, we were pronounced man and wife!

We walked out of the room for tradition’s sake and stood there with Michael and Levi while the rest of our guests came out one at a time to greet and congratulate us as Mr. and Mrs. Well, all but one. Coda’s mom refused to come out and greet us. She says it was because Levi was with us and they don’t get along. Regardless of the reason, I was offended. But I refused to let anything bring me down on my big day! So we went back in the room where I noticed our cake for the first time! Levi, as the best man, gave a very touching toast.

The cake was cut and we fed each other a piece. Coda was very careful not to get it on my dress.

And then it was time for our first dance. We had been secretly practicing a wedding waltz without telling anyone. Unfortunately, everyone there was too uncultured to know what a waltz was and couldn’t figure out why we weren’t glued to each other…

We sat down and ate our yummy cake!

That’s cider, by the way. No, we didn’t give the 4 year old champagne! Coda and I (with the okay of my parents) decided to sit with his mom and sister. My parents know how to fend for themselves, while Coda’s family tends to mope.

The cake, of course, was delicious! It was everything I expected a Disney wedding cake would be! And we got to keep the cute topper, which is sitting on my bookshelf! Finally, the event was over and it was time for more pictures. First we took some with my family.

Then with Coda’s – at least they’re sort of smiling.

And [almost] last was our staged exit with lavender and green rose petals:

Up next: More pictures and reception dinner.

You look absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!!!!

 

[coachwnh]

And again, you make me LOL!!

 

[GatorAsh]

You looked so beautiful!

 

[journ116]

All caught up again! You were most definitely a blushing bride! How cool was that getting married in WDW?! My DH and I plan on renewing our vows there for our 10 yr. anniversary (only 2 1/2 years to go...and plan)!

As for your drama, I'm sorry that you had to endure it, especially on yours and your DH's special days! Although I've never had drama with my in-laws (they're some of the sweetest people ever), my mom on the other hand, unfortunately has drama encircling her 24/7...I will never invite her on another trip willingly!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Yea!!!! Congratulations!!! You look so beautiful!!! I love that picture of you with Coda's reflection!! So neat. Glad and relieved all the drama is over.

 

[ArielLover]

You looked amazing

 

[Sans Souci]

Aww, you looked lovely. Everything looks good--the hair and the dress. Congrats to you and Coda.

 

[disneygirl1024]

Wow congrats! That was definitely a beautiful wedding. The pictures were gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Berry91]

You looked gorgeous! And such a beautiful dress

 

[s&k'smom]

Ohhhh honey you looked so wonderful, your whole family did. what a day you had. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures.

 

[TheMouseFan]

What a beautiful wedding!! I especially love the picture in the lobby with the Christmas decorations. It brought back a lot of good memories for me. I was married on Dec. 19 and the church was totally decked out for Christmas and made for some beautiful pics. Good for you for not letting all the drama ruin your big day! Can't wait to read more.

 

[Ariel484]

Beautiful photos, Tracey! I love both of your wedding dresses and I'm glad that your ceremony was able to be easily moved. And good luck with those in-laws of yours...I'm glad Coda is on your side!

Congratulations!!

 

[rufio]

Why is there always someone that tries to ruin a wedding? Im glad you were able to enjoy your wedding, even if they couldnt. their loss!

I agree!

You look absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!!!!

Thank you!

And again, you make me LOL!!

Haha, I try!

You looked so beautiful!

Thank you!

All caught up again! You were most definitely a blushing bride! How cool was that getting married in WDW?! My DH and I plan on renewing our vows there for our 10 yr. anniversary (only 2 1/2 years to go...and plan)!

As for your drama, I'm sorry that you had to endure it, especially on yours and your DH's special days! Although I've never had drama with my in-laws (they're some of the sweetest people ever), my mom on the other hand, unfortunately has drama encircling her 24/7...I will never invite her on another trip willingly!

Can't wait to read more!

I hope your vowel renewal is just as amazing as this was!! As for the drama, at least she showed everyone her true colors.

Yea!!!! Congratulations!!! You look so beautiful!!! I love that picture of you with Coda's reflection!! So neat. Glad and relieved all the drama is over.

That's one of my favorites too! And thank you!

You looked amazing

Thanks!

Aww, you looked lovely. Everything looks good--the hair and the dress. Congrats to you and Coda.

Thank you so much!!!

Wow congrats! That was definitely a beautiful wedding. The pictures were gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! And I actually shared here before Facebook!

You looked gorgeous! And such a beautiful dress

Thanks!

Ohhhh honey you looked so wonderful, your whole family did. what a day you had. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures.

Thank you! And you're welcome!

What a beautiful wedding!! I especially love the picture in the lobby with the Christmas decorations. It brought back a lot of good memories for me. I was married on Dec. 19 and the church was totally decked out for Christmas and made for some beautiful pics. Good for you for not letting all the drama ruin your big day! Can't wait to read more.

Thank you! I loved the Christmas decorations as well! I think everyone should have a Christmas wedding!

Beautiful photos, Tracey! I love both of your wedding dresses and I'm glad that your ceremony was able to be easily moved. And good luck with those in-laws of yours...I'm glad Coda is on your side!

Congratulations!!

Thank you!

 

[rufio]

Day Nine

Wake up was at 4:15am! Yep, you heard me right! The hair and makeup artist arrived at 4:30 to get started in preparation for the Epcot bridal shoot! Coda stayed in bed, which was interesting because we were in a studio! We tried to be very quite while getting ready. She finished early and helped me into my dress before we said goodbye again. Coda was up by this time and was in his tux waiting on our ride. And then we had our first test as a married couple… You know, ladies, when you’re getting married and you have to use the little girl’s room? Your maid of honor generally holds your dress, yes? Well, what if it’s just you and your husband of one day? Yep, that happened.

We headed down to the lobby to meet Mike and a female photographer (I can’t remember her name). We got into their SUV and headed off to Epcot. Unfortunately, this was the coldest day we had seen at Disney so far! It was in the 30s and windy. I wore a small jacket over my dress. Coda was lucky to have three layers!

When we got to Epcot, we rode in through the back and entered in the SUV next to the American Adventure! It was completely empty except for the few maintenance workers. It was so cool riding in a car through an empty World Showcase!

Yay!!! Our first stop was Italy. It was hilarious! We got out, shivering, waiting for Mike to set up, then his assistant grabbed my jacket, they snapped a picture, and she gave it back. I told them that I absolutely HAD to have a picture with SSE!

Then into Italy itself.

After nearly freezing to death, Mike decided to move us indoors, to Tutto Italia.

And they got a special shot of my Beauty and the Beast inspired shoes!

And then it was back outside to brave the cold again… We got to go to this spot, where guests are usually not allowed. I felt like such a rebel!

Our next stop was Japan. We started outside again on the bamboo bridge.

It was less sunny here, so we moved inside to Tokyo Dining.

Where he had us lay on the floor.

And then it was back outside for another SSE shot!

Next we drove over to Morocco!

And one inside:

Outside, I asked for a shot of my Epcot tattoo.

Our very last stop was Germany. I specifically asked for it since my grandmother was German and I knew my mom would appreciate it.

It was the end of a fantastic morning! We drove back out through the American Adventure and were dropped off at our hotel room around 9am.This is an experience I would definitely recommend to anyone! Especially an Epcot fan, like myself!

Next up: Post-wedding brunch, switching hotels, and the rest of day 9!

 

[the1nonlysinger]

Day Nine

Have been enjoying your TR a lot! What gorgeous photos!! Too bad those are only for weddings on property. I would have LOVED to do a shoot like that!

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Wow, wow and more wow! Those Disney photographers know how to get perfect shots. Y'all looked great! I couldn't tell you were cold at all.

 

[disney1077]

Your wedding pictures are beautiful. I loved your wedding dress. And the pictures in Epcot are absolutely stunning!

 

[GoalieGirl16]

Beautiful dress! You are making me reconsider an Epcot portrait session. (That sound you hear is the costs of my Escape Wedding climbing!) who was your planner?