Disneyland Bride

So I just received some exciting news today!My engagement photos were nominated for Best Engagement for the DisneyWeddingBlog Awards!

Here are a few photos from the shoot:

photographers: Tsubaki Photography

We have no one to thank but our photographers! The husband and wife duo were amazing and did this shoot while one of them was pregnant! AMAZING!

So if you get the chance, go to this link and vote for us!

http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2012/02/vote-for-2011-disney-wedding-awards.html

Happy early Valentine’s Day and thanks to EVERYONE!!! Now go vote

Wow has it been awhile and I am so terribly sorry! I have been extremely busy and MIA. But in light of it being Friday I thought I would just jump back into things.

Guess what?! Valentine’s day is coming up and I am almost embarrassed to admit that it is one of my favorite holidays. To me its just  a day to celebrate  your love and I think that’s an amazing day to be apart of.

So In spirit if the romantic holiday I am sharing this beautiful romantic wedding cake that has gorgeous whimsical touches and of coarse, plenty of hearts for Valentine’s day.

I hope you have an amazing day filled with love and be thankful for all of your loved ones in your life!

So since my Disney wedding turned into an animation theme I wanted to keep on that path with my bridal party. Originally Sleeping Beauty was my theme but to incorporate moreof Mike’s interests we made the theme more board. In doing so we decided to theme parts of the wedding and everything “us” will be Sleeping Beauty.

For Example, our table are all themed after different animated movies making the Sweatheart table Sleeping Beauty.

To go along with the theme, Mike and I decided to have our bridal party be known as the “Royal Court.” Basically we assigned everyone on our Royal Court a Disney prince or princess to be incorporated with, much like how Mike and I are Aurora and Prince Philip.

Sounds lame I know, but going back to the tables, we really want a head tale for our bridal party and instead of making tables for each princess movie we just decided to make one big one with all the royalty there making room for more of the classic movies.

Lets get this straight, they are NOT going to be dressing like the Disney character or anything like that. Just some small touches to add to the theming like a pin on their character or something like that.

So I finally started asking my girls to be apart of my Royal Court.

First I popped the question by getting down on one knee and asking them to be apart of my Royal Court and presenting them with a ring pop in a home made box with a Midden Mickey on it.

Once She said yes I gave her a little Bridesmaid goodie bag presenting her with her chosen princess. Lucky for me all of my girls picked different princesses. I was so relieved I wouldn’t have people bitter that they didn’t get their first choice .

I even made T-shirts with a siloette of there Princess on the front with their name and then a Royal Court logo on the back.

Mike has yet to decide how he will go about asking his boys. He is always down for suggestions if any of you have ideas!

I had the absolute pleasure to not only meet this beautiful bride but watch her wedding from above while I was staying at the Disneyland Hotel, and man can I tell you it was gorgeous! (I also got to check her into her wedding night room which was none other than the infamous Fairy Tale Suite!!). I love it when brides chose offbeat and nontraditional paths and with her STUNNING blue wedding gown she did so with flare! Her whole wedding incorporated lovely cultured touches with striking color everywhere, I just had to share!

“One thing I really want any one who dreams about their dream wedding Disney or not to realize is that a wedding day is not the beginning of a marriage, it is simply a formal declaration of a marriage that began when two people met and decided to marry one another.”

Location:Rose Court Garden, Sleeping Beauty Pavilion
Vendors:

Officiant : Rich Cowley www.WellSayIDo.com
Flowers: Flower Allie www.flowerallieweddings.com
Linens: Cinderella Flowers www.cinderellasflowers.com (upon recommendation of her florist)
Photographer: Lifetime Images www.lifetimeimages.com
Videographer: Timeless Memory www.atimelessmemory.net
Hair & Make Up: Lisa Leming www.lisaleming.com/

My view from above!!

Wishes Collection

Customized and tailored to your needs.

•  Food and Beverage

Dinner Receptions

A minimum food and beverage expenditure of $125.00 per person, plus 21% service charge and 8.75% sales tax, will apply to functions beginning after 2:00 p.m. at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® and Spa, Disneyland® Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel.

Lunch Receptions

A minimum food and beverage expenditure of $100.00 per person, plus 21% service charge and 8.75% sales tax, will apply to functions beginning prior to 2:00 p.m. at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® and Spa, Disneyland® Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel.

• Wedding Expenditure

A minimum expenditure of $12,000 for events Friday through Sunday, or $10,000 for events Monday through Thursday, excluding tax and gratuity, is required. During the holiday seasons a higher minimum may apply. Food and beverage, flowers, décor, music, entertainment, special transportation, ceremony site fees and any other services exclusively for the wedding event will apply toward reaching or exceeding this minimum if provided by the Disneyland® Resort and or Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

• Guest Accommodations & Theme Park Tickets

We are pleased to offer special room rates at any of the three Disneyland® Resort Hotels for any guests attending this special day. In addition, special priced Theme Park tickets will be offered. Your Disney Wedding Sales & Service Manger will be happy to discuss the availability and details of these opportunities for you.

To encourage your guests to take advantage of these attractive offers, Disney will create a

personalized website for your Guests to exclusively book Hotel Reservations and Disney

Theme Park Tickets online.

*Ticket prices and quantities subject to change.

A complimentary standard room is offered for your special first night together in the

Resort location of your reception. Suite upgrades are available at an additional charge,

based on space availability.

• Parking

Self Parking – Couples hosting their wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony at

the Disneyland® Resort will receive complimentary self-parking for their guests. Guests

will be directed to park their vehicles in available Resort Hotel parking locations.

Valet Parking – Couples may host their guests’ valet parking for a flat fee of $17.00 per

car attending. If they choose not to, their guests will pay the standard fee for valet

parking if requested.

• Ceremony Locations

Disneyland® Hotel $2,200.00

The Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland® Hotel proposes a private and truly romantic ambiance. More than 800 flourishing rose bushes accent the stately lawn and lead the way to the breathtakingly beautiful gazebo. Vibrant color, lush landscaping and splendid architecture render this venue unforgettable.

 For receptions only, there is a $1,000.00 room rental fee.

• Catering Options

Our award-winning culinary staff will create a tantalizing meal with your personal tastes

in mind. Your Disney Wedding Sales and Service Manager will be pleased to provide

you with sample menu suggestions showing the wide variety of options available or

custom design a menu specifically to your culinary tastes.

All of our wedding receptions include the following:

• Service staff

• Head table or Sweetheart Table

• Linens and napkins

• Elegant Resort table settings.

• Skirted tables for your guest book, place cards and gifts

• Cake table and serving of the cake.

• Wooden parquet dance floor

Specialty Enhancements

• Cinderella’s Crystal Coach (not available with Escape Collection) from $2,900.00  (Includes a white horse, the Royal Footman, and white floral accents. Available only at the Disneyland® Hotel or Disneyland® Park. Limited availability and subject to cancellation during inclement weather.)

• Castle Backdrops from $ 3,300.00

Floral

Our award-winning floral designers look forward to creating breathtaking wedding

flowers for your special day. Prices will vary according to specific flowers chosen,

seasonal availability and size of arrangements. Below, you will find a sampling of

available floral offerings.

• Bridal Bouquet

• Maid of Honor/Bridesmaid Bouquet

• Flower Girl Basket

• Mother/Grandmother Corsage

• Toss Bouquet (complimentary with bouquet purchase)

• Boutonnieres

• Ceremony Décor

• Centerpieces

We will be happy to design your wedding flowers from your own suggestions and

photos. Please contact your Disney Wedding Sales & Service Manager for details.

(Note: A floral set-up and delivery fee will be applied per wedding.)

 Reception Décor

• Specialty Chair from $ 12.00 per chair

• Specialty Chair Covers from $ 7.00 per chair

• Specialty Linen Custom Pricing

• Custom Disney Themed Enhancements Custom Pricing

Musical Entertainment

Personalize your wedding celebration with Disney entertainment. Choose from ceremony

musicians to lively, crowd pleasing DJs and bands. Some of our most popular options

include:

• Classical Guitarist from $ 995.00

• Harpist from $ 900.00

• Pianist from $ 900.00

• Classical String Trio from $ 1,650.00

• String Quartet from $ 1,995.00

• Disc Jockey (4 hours) from $ 1,995.00

• Bagpiper from $ 725.00

• Live Band from $ 6,500.00

Note: All prices are subject to change.

Themed Entertainers

• Major Domo from $ 1,565.00

• Fanfare Trumpeters (2) from $ 1,100.00

hFanfare Trumpeters (4) from $ 1,700.00

Prices for the above musical entertainment include the performers, instruments, microphone, power, set-up

and technical support.

World Famous Disney Characters

• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from $ 1,350.00

Character appearances based on one 30-minute set within a one hour time frame.

Additional appearances can be added for an additional charge.

Want a small intimate wedding or a Disney wedding at an affordable price? Then you should consider an Escape package with Disney Fariy Tale Weddings. What is an Escape Package? How much is it and what does it incude? Well you have come to the right place!  I have listed out all your options and package details:

Escape Wedding Collection - $5,000.00 inclusive  
 All prices and guidelines are subject to change without notice.

Image from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

 Standard Escape Package Includes:
Ceremony at Dreams Gazebo, Pier Side Pavilion, Parkview Terrace, Brisa Courtyard or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa’s Wedding Garden.
Offered on a Monday – Thursday (non-holiday), starting at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm or 2:30pm.
Maximum of 26 Guests
Officiate at the ceremony
Seasonal Bouquet for Bride; specific colors and flowers may be requested, but may result in an additional charge
Boutonniere for Groom
CD player at ceremony; background music playing or you can assign someone in your group to skip to the songs you want played

Image from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

Menu includes 3 course plated luncheon or dinner selection of:
“Love’s First Kiss”

• Artisan bread basket
• Petite Mache, young frisée, sun-dried cherries, toasted pecans, with port wine glaze and shallot-lime vinaigrette
• Roasted meyer lemon chicken breast with garlic just, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus spears, carrots, and squash
• Tahitian vanilla bean crème brûlée with seasonal berries
• Freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and specialty teas

 “Dreams Come True”

• Artisan bread basket
• Baby field greens, sweet currant tomatoes, and orange supremes with toasted pine nut dressing
• Mustard crusted New York steak with merlot sauce, butter braised carrots, green beans, and Portuguese chorizo mashed potatoes
• White and dark chocolate dipped strawberries (3)
• Freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and specialty teas

 House champagne/cider toast
Two-tier wedding cake selection of:

• Mickey’s Delight Round
• Mickey’s Delight Square
• Victorian
• Simple Elegance Round
• Simple Elegance Square

 Background music in reception room
Hosted self-parking for all guests
Dressing room for bridal party with mirrors, coat rack, and cocktail tables and chairs
Dance floor (*note: this is NOT in the planning packet, but was offered to our party)

Image from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

Optional Package Add-Ons:
Floral (seasonal): You may provide your own centerpieces, though your party is entirely responsible for setup and clean-up.  Any candle arrangements must be approved by the Anaheim Fire Marshall.

• Bouquets: $100 inclusive
• Boutonnieres: $15 inclusive
• Wrist Corsages: $30 inclusive
• Flower Girl Baskets: $35 inclusive
• Basic White Aisle Runner: $85 inclusive
• Gazebo Medium Cluster of Flowers: $325 inclusive
• Rose Petals Scatters on Aisle: $125 inclusive
• Short Square Glass Centerpiece: $100 inclusive
• Short Round Glass Centerpiece: $100 inclusive
• Tall Square Glass Centerpiece: $250 inclusive

Image from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

 Table Linens: Standard white, ivory, or at the Grand Californian gold leaf linens are included in your package.

• Choice of Color Organza Overlay: $25 inclusive per table
• Choice of Color Full Length satin Linen: $40 inclusive per table

 Chairs: Standard hotel banquet chairs are included in your package.

• White or Ivory Chair Cover with Choice of Colored Sash: $10 inclusive per chair
• Silver, Gold, Mahogany, Fruitwood, Black, White, or Crystal Chivari Chair: $12 inclusive per chair

 Reception Music: House background music is included in your package.

• CD/iPod hookup in reception area: $100 inclusive

Image from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

 Cake/Favors: You may provide your own cake topper, cake knife and server, and champagne flutes if you choose.

• White Chocolate Castle Cake Topper: $140 inclusive
• Fresh Flowers on Cake: $200 inclusive
• White/Milk Chocolate Castle with Personalized Ribbon: $5.50 inclusive each
• White Chocolate Mickey and Minnie Photo Frame with Personalized Ribbon: $7.50 inclusive each

 Characters: Mickey and Minnie may join you at your cake cutting dressed in lavender, yellow, or white.

• Mickey and Minnie: $1350 inclusive

The Ultimate question.

I found myself searching, and emailing, and hunting down the answer to this questions for a VERY long time. I wanted to make sure I could afford the wedding before I get my hopes up and contact Disney Fairy Tale Wedding (DTFW). Unfortunately, most places that had information on weddings were of Walt Disney World Weddings which are a lot more popular than Disneyland’s.

Finally I just sucked it up and emailed them because I knew no matter what the price was that was where I wanted to tie the knot.

Basically they have three options for pricing for your wedding.

You can have an Escape wedding, which is their smaller more inclusive wedding for around $5000.

Then there is the most popular, the Wishes Collection which starts at $10,000.

And then there’s the rare Couture Collection which runs over $40,000

Now, if you have done any research on Disney weddings you know that these prices really aren’t the price of your wedding and let me explain why. Disney is a package and includes a lot of stuff! The prices they give out are minimums you have to hit.

For example, lets say you have a Wishes wedding that has a minimum expenditure of $10,000 then you need to spend. You are spending $75 per person for food and have 60 people coming to your wedding. That leaves you with $5500 that you need to spend. The fun thing about that is you can put it toward decorations, fun menu and drink items, and open bar, entertainment options, or even transportation like the famous Cinderella Coach.

When you are working things out with DFTW you will get what is called a BEO. Basically a list of all the items in your wedding and their casts. Actually you will get two: You wedding BEO and a Floral and Decor one. At any time you can cut things out, add things on, and change these BEOs prior to your wedding to accommodate your needs, Disney is very good at working with what you have. BEO tend to be scary at first but slowly become nicer to look at.

Be wary it is actually very hard to stay within or close to you minimum. Most end up going over because of a number of reasons like  decor costs, large weddings attendees,  or perhaps costs of items they really want in their wedding.  I would say the average Wishes wedding costs around $20,000.

All in all, a wedding at Disney is doable under any budget. You might not get Mickey and Minnie at your wedding with a lower budget or the Cinderella Coach, but you can do it! So don’t be discouraged over prices and just talk to DFTW. They are very accommodating.

**Prices are subject to change and not garunteed