True Love Conquers All - Disney Fairytale Wedding & Disneymoon Sept 2011

I wake up every morning wondering if it was a dream. It was my dream come true – I got married at the Wedding Pavilion in Walt Disney World. I married my best friend who shares my love for Walt Disney and his legacy. I am just the luckiest girl in the world!

How It All Began

My name is Shelley and like many little girls, I always dreamed of being a princess. Here’s a picture of 15 year old me donning the Bride ears back in 1996. I love this picture for so many reasons but I mainly miss the 2 floor Centorium. I like Mouse Gear but I miss my Centorium :(

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When I was in my mid 20’s I became jaded towards love. One night in September 2006, I went out with some of my girlfriends for a girls’ night out. I remember telling them that I just wanted to meet a nice guy who liked Disney. Yep, those were my criteria: nice guy, likes Disney. We proceeded to our favorite bar and it was still a bit early so the bar wasn’t very full. While I was ordering drinks, a guy came up and started talking to us. The funny thing was, he was all by himself! It’s not every day that a guy has the guts to walk up to a group of girls and just start talking. At first I ignored him thinking he was just another jerk. But then he spotted my Kingdom Hearts cigarette case and matching lighter. (Kingdom Hearts is a video game series, sorry – it is the best video game series to grace God’s green earth. If you love Disney and video games, you must play this series.) I remember the face he made at me, like he couldn’t believe we were meeting. He also loved the Kingdom Hearts series and his name was Jason. I remember so much of that night because it changed my life forever. We talked about everything Disney and he told me that his favorite Disney movie was The Sword in the Stone. I found that very interesting because that is not a well-known animated classic. I told him I had a cat and that I had named her after a character in Aristocats. After a few guesses, he said “Oh I know, so you named her Duchess?” (RIP Duchess, we lost her this past June :cry: ). I couldn’t believe I had met my nice guy who liked Disney. I don’t think we ever really dated; we were always in a serious relationship from that point forward.

In 2009 we went on our very first Disney World trip together with my Mom (see the trip report here). At this time, my career was not going well and neither of us had been to Disney World since 2003. This trip changed our lives forever and both of us have made major career strides since then. I have also lost a ton of weight since then :D Let’s take a stroll down memory lane…

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We went back a little over a year later in September 2010 (see the trip report here). On my 29-and-12-month birthday, Jason proposed to me while we were flying over London on Peter Pan’s Flight during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, September 21, 2010. I loved his proposal, it was absolutely perfect!

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Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Ohhhhh Shelley this sounds like SUCH a wonderful day.:) Seriously, SO magical! I LOVE the view from your room! So pretty! :D And that tub! I can't WAIT to stay there!!!

AND I can't wait to read more. :D

Hi Jackie! It was SO magical!! I really miss that view. You never have a bad day with the castle on one side and the wedding pavilion on the other!! Regardless of where your room is, the Grand Floridian is a great resort. I've been lucky enough to stay there a few times and every time was totally fabulous!

SQUEEEEEE...the anticipation is killing me! :lol:

Just the pictures of the Grand Floridian are enough to get pumped about the wedding. I love that you got the message from Mickey and Minnie, so adorable. I got the "happy anniversary" message while we were at Epcot and it was so nice and turned my whole day around that day.

I can feel your excitement through the internetz! Soooo looking forward to reading moar!!

Hey Erin! We were so lucky to be able to stay at the Grand Floridian and we had such a great time there! We honestly didn't know if Saratoga Springs would measure up but it was fabulous in a different way. We loved it there too!

Yay!!! an update!! :)

And I would totally take a bath if I had that bathroom as well, it looked so inviting and relaxing.

Can't wait for more!!!

Hey Jess!! I am a huge fan of baths and this tub was just soooo inviting! I wish I had that in my house :(
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Day 2!

Jason and I got up early, got dressed and went to wait for the bus to Animal Kingdom. A nice lady chatted us up about the wedding and I randomly saw her again later that day in a bathroom at Animal Kingdom! It was too funny. We got to Animal Kingdom just after rope drop.

We went walking for a bit, we were in no hurry! We saw the otter and catfish and then went to safari and got fast passes.

Next we went to Rafiki's Planet Watch and spent over an hour there! That place is awesome! We even got to see our pal, Jiminy Cricket!! This is the first time I’ve ever gotten a picture with him, I was so excited and he didn’t even have a line!

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After that we watched vets take care of a sick antelope and the CM taught us about Guam, snakes, and how birds are going extinct there because of the snakes :( I love learning stuff!

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After that, we went to the petting zoo. A couple CMs chatted us up about the wedding. One of them had just gotten married recently too. I really loved getting to talk to so many people on this trip!

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I love the content expression on this little guy’s face!

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Looks like these guys have been to Pleasure Island!

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Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Day 2 Continued...

Next, we rode the safari and the bridge effect was working! I can’t remember the last time we rode that with the bridge effect, it was a nice surprise! We also got some great pictures because I sat all the way on the left (and I learned how to use the camera)!

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Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Day 2 Continued Even More...

After that we went to get fast passes for Expedition Everest and on the way we saw Dee-Vine for the very first time! We both loved her!

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We went to our fave spot, Drinkwalla, for some slushies and relaxation. Then we rode Expedition Everest and the waterfall was working but the hawk was not. The Yeti was present and moved somewhat but of course not A mode.

After that we met up with family at Pizzafari. My niece, Emma, made an aisle in her mac & cheese and sang here comes the bride :) So cute!!! We took my Grandma back to her room at the Contemporary and then we took the monorail back to the Grand Floridian. I totally cried at the WP spiel :) The guests in the car clapped for us and I just couldn’t help it!
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Day 2 Finale!

After a good nap, we went back to pick up Grandma for dinner at Liberty Tree! First I had to take some pictures from her awesome room!

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We got to liberty tree and checked in. After a very long wait we were seated. Everything was delicious and worth the wait!

Love the assist by Grandma!

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I meant to take more pictures that night but everything happened so quickly that I never got a chance! Jason didn’t feel well so he went back to the hotel after dinner and Grandma and I stayed for Wishes. I cried like a baby!

I tried to meet up with my sister, Trish, but it was too crowded. While I was on the phone with her standing on Main Street, my other sister, Jenn, and her family bumped into us randomly!

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I have to give props to my Grandma for being 82 and walking around the Disney Parks. She didn't use an ECV the entire time. Yeah she walked slow but she said the exercise was good for her. We had to stop a few times to sit and rest but that was fine with me!

We had a really nice night and we all took the monorail back together. My nieces kept talking about the wedding and how excited they were. It was such a magical day!

Jason texted me this picture while I was on my way back...

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Next up, the Bachelorette party at Akershus!!
 

PartOfYourWorld

Well-Known Member
Can't wait for the Bachelorette party pictures!!! :sohappy:

And your grandma's view at the Contemporary: to die for..I love it!

And seeing your pictures at Animal Kingdom made me really miss it..It's my least favorite park, but I still like to go there and we didn't make it there this trip :(
 

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
Great report so far, can't wait to read more. That view from the Contemporary is amazing. I think that just might be my new dream room!

It was nice meeting you in Epcot. You two looked quite happy--congratulations again!
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Can't wait for the Bachelorette party pictures!!! :sohappy:

And your grandma's view at the Contemporary: to die for..I love it!

And seeing your pictures at Animal Kingdom made me really miss it..It's my least favorite park, but I still like to go there and we didn't make it there this trip :(

I was SO excited for the bachelorette party! What a fun idea to do the Akershus Princess Breakfast for my bachlorette party :) I love my family!

Yeah that view at the Contemporary was suweet! I need to start taking more video when I go on vacation, the pictures just don't do it justice. The total 360 view of the Magic Kingdom resort area is beautiful.

Aww too bad you didn't get to Animal Kingdom. Jason and I usually spend multiple days there but our focus was really EPCOT on this trip! That was the only day we got over to Animal Kingdom in 9 days :(

Great report so far, can't wait to read more. That view from the Contemporary is amazing. I think that just might be my new dream room!

It was nice meeting you in Epcot. You two looked quite happy--congratulations again!

Hi Tom! It was nice meeting you and Sara too! I'm sorry if I startled you when I shouted out your name...I had been having fun at F&W all day :lookaroun I cannot wait to post about the Touring Plans meet, that was off the hook!!! I have been to many meets and I was not expecting food...and drinks! We were all in heaven. I just wish we took a picture together! Oh well, next time.

I would love to see your pics from that room at the Contemporary! My little Nikon P&S doesn't do it justice. Not sure when I'll get to upgrade, probably not until after we move :)
 

switts

Member
Great report so far, can't wait to read more. That view from the Contemporary is amazing. I think that just might be my new dream room!

It was nice meeting you in Epcot. You two looked quite happy--congratulations again!

why can't i ever bump into Tom :cry: this makes me jealous i could use some pointers on photography just getting started and my next trip will be the first where i make an attempt at doing some hopefully decent pictures
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Sigh! I'm loving the excitement and anticipation of these first few days of your wedding trip. The ability to greet Cinderella Castle, the Polynesian, and the Wedding Pavilion with only the effort of arising from bed in the morning - swoon! That is the most fabulous room view EVER. And three cheers to the fine folks at the Grand Floridian for that little bit of extra magic they sent your way. :sohappy:
 

Ravenclaw87

Member
Oohh I am so glad I checked your thread! I didn't realize you had updated again--- silly me!

BABY ELEPHANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry. he's just SO cute. And so are the donkeys!)

It looks like you had fun. DF and I NEVER spend time in AK--- we usually just go for a half day, tops. Maybe we'll spend more time in January as it won't be the middle of summer and 3,000 degrees outside!

I'm glad you liked LTT. :D I haven't been since they got rid of Mick and Minn.

Can't wait to hear about Akershus! I've only been there for dinner, but I think dinner is soooo yummy.
 

PartOfYourWorld

Well-Known Member
I was SO excited for the bachelorette party! What a fun idea to do the Akershus Princess Breakfast for my bachlorette party :) I love my family!

Yeah that view at the Contemporary was suweet! I need to start taking more video when I go on vacation, the pictures just don't do it justice. The total 360 view of the Magic Kingdom resort area is beautiful.

Aww too bad you didn't get to Animal Kingdom. Jason and I usually spend multiple days there but our focus was really EPCOT on this trip! That was the only day we got over to Animal Kingdom in 9 days :(

And we all know why it was EPCOT! :) Food & Wine!! But you know there was still tons of things that we wanted to try but still didn't. Excuse for another trip!!! :)
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
ahh I am sooo anxious!! Can't wait to read about the bachelorette party!!

The bachelorette party was SO fun!! I can't wait to write about it. The princesses were all in character and we had some funny conversations :)

why can't i ever bump into Tom :cry: this makes me jealous i could use some pointers on photography just getting started and my next trip will be the first where i make an attempt at doing some hopefully decent pictures

I gotta tell you, I knew that a lot of other members of the Disney online community were going to be down for the 40th anniversary. I totally planned the wedding around the 40th anniversary because I knew there would be a ton of meets and other informal events. Boy was I right! I had also seen Tom tweet about the Touring Plans meet so I knew he would be there. I got to catch up with so many of my online friends and I'll cherish those memories forever :sohappy:

Sigh! I'm loving the excitement and anticipation of these first few days of your wedding trip. The ability to greet Cinderella Castle, the Polynesian, and the Wedding Pavilion with only the effort of arising from bed in the morning - swoon! That is the most fabulous room view EVER. And three cheers to the fine folks at the Grand Floridian for that little bit of extra magic they sent your way. :sohappy:

Yeah that room was SUWEET! I wish I could be like The Suite Life and live in a hotel for the rest of my life. That room would be my #1 choice! I'm saving up the soaps from that room (even though you can buy them) and I just used them this morning. Now I smell like the Grand Floridian Spa and I want to go back!!!

Oohh I am so glad I checked your thread! I didn't realize you had updated again--- silly me!

BABY ELEPHANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry. he's just SO cute. And so are the donkeys!)

It looks like you had fun. DF and I NEVER spend time in AK--- we usually just go for a half day, tops. Maybe we'll spend more time in January as it won't be the middle of summer and 3,000 degrees outside!

I'm glad you liked LTT. :D I haven't been since they got rid of Mick and Minn.

Can't wait to hear about Akershus! I've only been there for dinner, but I think dinner is soooo yummy.

Yes the baby elephant! I read about him on the Disney Parks blog and I was really hoping to see him. Man he was fast! He ran right over to his mother and the whole car was ooing and aahing. It was too cute!

I actually really like AK when it's hot outside. It's the only park that has TONS of shade and they have those mist fans everywhere. It's definitely my pick for a park to go to on a blasting hot day in the FL sun!

LTT was awesome but I was a bit surprised they didn't do anything for our wedding. Maybe it was because Grandma was there too? Out of 5 (I think?) restaurants we ate at, only the Hollywood Brown Derby gave us something for our wedding. I gotta say that was a bit disappointing but of course nothing can ruin such a magical trip :)

And we all know why it was EPCOT! :) Food & Wine!! But you know there was still tons of things that we wanted to try but still didn't. Excuse for another trip!!! :)

Yes, we need to go to F&W again! The one thing I wanted were those potstickers in China but I was too full by the time we got around to there! Plus the line was unbelievably long. Ah well next year we'll live there so I'll be sure to try every last item and get my passport stamped :sohappy:
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
DisneyManners.com

I am pleased to announce that I have launched a new blog. I call it DisneyManners.com and it's a place where we can discuss real life stories about encounters with both good and bad manners in the Disney Parks. I'm always looking for good ideas, so check it out and feel free to contact me!

I also have a trip report section where I'm posting wedding stuff. But don't worry, I will continue to post my wedding trip report here too. Day 3 is coming up soon :sohappy:
 

Fashionista007

Active Member
Original Poster
Day 3 isn't finished yet but I wanted to post these super cute PhotoPass pictures I just bought! SO glad they let you do digital downloads :sohappy:

This picture turned out exactly like I pictured it when the photographer suggested this pose! Shades of things to come...

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We love the movie UP so this picture is totally us!

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More updates coming soon, I promise!
 

PartOfYourWorld

Well-Known Member
Yes, we need to go to F&W again! The one thing I wanted were those potstickers in China but I was too full by the time we got around to there! Plus the line was unbelievably long. Ah well next year we'll live there so I'll be sure to try every last item and get my passport stamped :sohappy:

Oh ya! I remember we walked by there, but we didn't stop because the line was long.
I wish I could have tried one of those pork sliders from Hawaii and there was a few other things but I can't remember them.

Exactly so you could head over there almost everyday if you wanted and try something different everyday!! :sohappy:

And love the UP photopass picture!!! So cute!!!
 

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