Annie and Joe's "How Much Disney Can I Sneak In" At Home Wedding May 2017 - Update 7/25!

I guess it would get pretty old after a while if you kept yelling "Look over there! Squirrel!" every couple of minutes...

Especially since you can't really see the outside from our desk.

Ugh. No kidding.
I'm tempted to use my tablet for DISing, but then... I want to comment or reply... and it's such a pain in the butt!

I created a post once on my tablet, and an hour later I was ready to throw it across the room.


That's exactly what we were going for! To get to the reception, we're going to have two options, but then one will be closed for maintenance.
 


Photographer

Hello all! Good news. As you probably guessed from the title, we booked our photographer! It may seem kind of lame, but this is actually the part of our wedding I was most excited about. My dad has dabbled in photography my whole life, which means, true talk, I can get kinda snobbish about it. Yet oddly enough, it's also something I wasn't really concerned about at first. So, Jason, our photographer, sort of fell into our laps.

Back in January, Joe, my parents and I attended a wedding show. After about an hour of wandering around (and talking Joe out of the "free" chiropractic consult :rolleyes:) I was starting to feel burned out, but we only had one row left so I powered through. Seriously, bridal shows--not for the faint of heart. Anyway, as we turn the corner, I notice the photographer's booth. And realize that a lot of his photos are the same kind that my dad would have taken. And then I realize that Dad is already deep in conversation with him. We get to talking about this photo (please note that all photos in this update are copyright of Veritas Photography):

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He said it took him almost 30 minutes to get this shot, because every time the Ferris Wheel would start spinning, the other ride would go back down and unload. And then it would start....and the Ferris wheel would stop to unload. I was impressed by this dedication, because I (and Dad) am also known to wait in the same spot for a few minutes to wait for that "perfect shot" ie monorail in front of Spaceship Earth.

Another thing I really liked about him was that he was very down to earth. When asked how he chose Veritas as the name for his studio, he said he didn't want to be "Jason Martin Photography" because it seemed pretentious. And then he goes "There's actually a little bit of another reason too. There's this indie film, you may not have heard of it-"

And I rather geekishly and excitedly shout out "Boondock Saints!!!!"

Yeah, he knows the director. He said he was actually supposed to be in the sequel, but then it took so long to come out. I love that movie. Can practically quote it. So I had a bit of a fan girl moment.

Anyway, when I got home I decided to check out some of his other work. And these two photos jumped out at me:

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As we have already established, I have a fondness for Coke. Plus, it just so happens that the straws in this photo are also my wedding colors. And I just liked the shot.

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This one actually moved me to tears. And it was funny because when we met with him a couple of weeks ago, I talked about it and he told me how the groom was this really rough around the edges biker guy who had been in trouble with the law, but the bride was very sweet and polished and essentially helped him turn his life around. If you look closely, you'll notice his arm is scratched and banged up. But to me, this picture somehow embodied love, and the strength two people lend each other. I may have gushed a bit.

So I held off booking him until we had a firm date, but pretty much the day we sent the deposit in for the hotel I emailed him asking if our date was still available. And it was! Even better, for all deposits made in April, he was including a free engagement session! So needless to say, we booked and my heart was happy.

 
Hello all! Good news. As you probably guessed from the title, we booked our photographer!

Good for you guys!

My dad has dabbled in photography my whole life, which means, true talk, I can get kinda snobbish about it.

I get it. My DW is the same.

Seriously, bridal shows--not for the faint of heart.

:laughing: Seriously, things you don't expect to hear about bridal shows...

We get to talking about this photo

I can see why. Wow.

And I rather geekishly and excitedly shout out "Boondock Saints!!!!"

Um... I've never heard of it. Sorry.

And I just liked the shot.

Me too!

If you look closely, you'll notice his arm is scratched and banged up.

Saw that immediately.

Even better, for all deposits made in April, he was including a free engagement session!

Score.

So needless to say, we booked and my heart was happy.

And I'm happy for you guys!
 
I get it. My DW is the same.

I had an old co-worker who used to brag about her photography skills and said it was her "passion in life".........but she only ever used her Iphone. Which, granted, takes good pictures, but I'm sorry. Using your phone does not make you a photographer.

:laughing: Seriously, things you don't expect to hear about bridal shows...

Dude. For me, it was torture. Shove your way through hundreds of people, with vendors spicing their wares in your face every 5 feet, and as soon as you make eye contact they're getting your contact info and blood type and telling you why they are the best...no thank you. There was barely any free food!

Um... I've never heard of it. Sorry.

It never did well in theaters, which some say is because it was fairly violent and released right after Columbine, and others say is because it's not that great. It stars Sean Patrick Flannery and Norman Reedus (of Walking Dead fame) as Irish brothers turned vigilantes. Lots of shooting, blood, and swearing.

And I'm happy for you guys!

Thanks!
 


Yay! I'm so glad you were able to get who you wanted! Those pictures are amazing! I love the dedication - it's such a good thing to know that they're passionate, not just good or "I can make a lot of money doing this"

Boondock Saints is one of Zack's favorites. We actually haven't watched it in a while...

Dude. For me, it was torture. Shove your way through hundreds of people, with vendors spicing their wares in your face every 5 feet, and as soon as you make eye contact they're getting your contact info and blood type and telling you why they are the best...no thank you. There was barely any free food!
Isn't it terrible? I went to a big one out here with my sister and stepmom (lucky Zack). The day before I went to my first one on a whim, and it was a little one at a venue. That one was still hard for me because I'm shy, and there wasn't a crowd to hide in, but I would do a million of those over a big one again. Crowds, loud, pushing, no good food for ours either! And a booth or two I was inclined to check out had the least pushy people - as in, stand on the other side and talk to each other, ignoring possible customer. Everytime I turned around, it seemed we had lost my stepmom to the chiropractor booth, or the botox booth, or the laser hair removal booth...

It also didn't help that we had zero plans at that point-we still weren't sure what state we were going with. I did see a hairpiece I liked, and I got a nice pen and I use the tote bag to corral wedding things...
 
I had an old co-worker who used to brag about her photography skills and said it was her "passion in life".........but she only ever used her Iphone. Which, granted, takes good pictures, but I'm sorry. Using your phone does not make you a photographer.

So she's in the (in the US) same club as about 94 million other people! Yay!

:sad2:

Dude. For me, it was torture. Shove your way through hundreds of people, with vendors spicing their wares in your face every 5 feet, and as soon as you make eye contact they're getting your contact info and blood type and telling you why they are the best...no thank you. There was barely any free food!

Ugh. Nope, nope, nopity nope.

It never did well in theaters, which some say is because it was fairly violent and released right after Columbine, and others say is because it's not that great. It stars Sean Patrick Flannery and Norman Reedus (of Walking Dead fame) as Irish brothers turned vigilantes. Lots of shooting, blood, and swearing.

Lots of shooting, blood, and swearing and it wasn't a hit? What's up with that?!?
 
Wow. So. I have really been neglecting you guys. I'm sorry, every evening I get home and have every intention of firing up the laptop.....and then I decide the 17 stairs I have to climb aren't worth it haha. And this is why my pants are getting tighter.....

So, a few updates, though unfortunately I won't have many pictures because my job blocks access to sites like Pinterest and Facebook and Photobucket.

When we left off, we'd booked our reception space and our photographer. And, well, to be honest, that's still all we have booked. We've headed into crazy wedding season. Last month we attended my soccer teammate's, and I took a picture of her cake because it's pretty much exactly the design I had in mind for mine. I can't link to the that picture, but I can show you a picture of the cake topper we decided on:

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Isn't it adorable? I found it on Etsy through ChickDesignBoutique. She has all different breeds of dogs. I was very excited when I realized the Great Dane looked close enough like Belle. The one downside to a rescue haha.

Also while at my friend's wedding, Joe and I were discussing centerpieces. I mentioned if I had my way, I'd have a rose under a glass dome on every table. Joe gets all excited and says "WE SHOULD USE FRYING PANS!!" So, uh, yeah we promptly got on Amazon (we were waiting to be called for food, I wasn't ignoring a toast or anything) and found 6 inch cast iron pans for $7.99 each. And free shipping. We haven't ordered them yet, as we need to see how many tables we'll have, but we're planning on a pillar candle in the middle surrounded by flowers in the pan. I think it's going to be adorable. And we don't really get along with our mailman, so I am getting some guilty pleasure out of imagining his reaction when they hand him that box.

We have a tasting next Thursday with the Doubletree, so hopefully next week I'll have an idea what our menu will look like. I know we're doing a buffet, but not many details past that. I really have been slacking on all this haha.

This weekend I'm bridesmaid in a friend's wedding, and then 2 weeks from now I'll be in Texas for my cousin's wedding. I'll try to find time to pop back in and post our engagement photos (because we got those!). If not, see you lovelies in August! Gotta sign off now because my manager's back hee hee


 
Your frying pans sound really cute! I did a quick google and found another place where you can get them (in other sizes, too, if you want). Want the link?

We're in the same situation as you regarding the menu :lmao: We have to confirm what days off Matt has next week and then we can hopefully set up a tasting.

Have fun at the weddings!
 
Wow. So. I have really been neglecting you guys.

You should be ashamed of yourself!!!!!

and then I decide the 17 stairs I have to climb aren't worth it haha. And this is why my pants are getting tighter.....

:laughing:

So, a few updates, though unfortunately I won't have many pictures because my job blocks access to sites like Pinterest and Facebook and Photobucket.

Sounds like it's time for a new job!
(Mine blocks YouTube)

but I can show you a picture of the cake topper we decided on:

I really like that! Nice!

I mentioned if I had my way, I'd have a rose under a glass dome on every table. Joe gets all excited and says "WE SHOULD USE FRYING PANS!!"

uh........... what? (At this point I was thinking of a frying pan with a wilting rose sitting in it.)

So, uh, yeah we promptly got on Amazon (we were waiting to be called for food, I wasn't ignoring a toast or anything)

:laughing: "Uh, Annie? You need to do your toast now.... Annie?"

but we're planning on a pillar candle in the middle surrounded by flowers in the pan. I think it's going to be adorable.

Ah! Now I get it... and yes. Adorable.

And we don't really get along with our mailman, so I am getting some guilty pleasure out of imagining his reaction when they hand him that box.

Remind me to never get on your bad side.

Not that you have one, of course.




:rolleyes1

This weekend I'm bridesmaid in a friend's wedding, and then 2 weeks from now I'll be in Texas for my cousin's wedding.

You'll be broke from weddings before you have your own!
 
I love the cake topper! And I'm so glad Joe came to his senses for centerpieces :rotfl:

Can't wait to see the engagement pictures! You've been keeping busy! But I am right with you on the 17 stairs is too many lol
 
I did a quick google and found another place where you can get them (in other sizes, too, if you want). Want the link?

Yes please! Really the quick search we did at the reception was it, so I'm totally open to other sites.
We're in the same situation as you regarding the menu :lmao:

But no one really cares about the food right? :lmao:

Sounds like it's time for a new job!

Nah, I think I'll stick with this one. I like my co-workers.

(At this point I was thinking of a frying pan with a wilting rose sitting in it.)

Heh. It would be an interesting way to combine two of my favorites

Remind me to never get on your bad side.

Not that you have one, of course.

Maybe not a bad side, but I am known for holding grudges. I still haven't forgiven my parents for making me ride Haunted Mansion on my 8th birthday.

You'll be broke from weddings before you have your own!

That's what it feels like! I just remembered today I should probably get a gift for my cousin......

I love the cake topper! And I'm so glad Joe came to his senses for centerpieces

Thanks! I was very excited he came around too. I think the Disney touches at Kelsey's wedding rubbed off on him.
 
So, very strange today. I turn on my laptop to do some work in a spreadsheet, and I notice that my wireless icon doesn't have an exclamation point like it normally does. On a whim, I try to get online, and lo and behold wifi is working again. I figured while I had the chance I'd try to get on and do a real update.

Reception
We're doing a buffet that allows for two salads, two entrees, and three sides. I know at least one salad will be Caesar, because that's Joe's favorite. And his dad's. (side rant: now if only I can train them that there is no need to specify "no cucumbers" when they order one, because Caesar salads do not COME with cucumbers and I shake my head every time they order like that) The other will probably be a mixed green, because the other option is mozzarella and tomatoes and I don't like Caprese salads so....you can't have one haha. For the entrees, again I'm pretty sure we'll be choosing their London Broil option. I'm torn between either a chicken or pork dish for the second, but we're tasting all three so hopefully that will help me choose. For the accompaniments, it's looking like one vegetable dish, one potato dish (to be decided specifically at the tasting) and then the part that made me really happy is that they count penne pasta with marinara as a side, so a) I can indulge in my love for all things pasta and b) it'll be a nice vegetarian option so I don't feel so guilty not having a vegetarian main dish. Sorry to all you vegans/vegetarians/pescatarians out there....nothing against your beliefs, just not how my family rolls.

Cake
Now that I'm on a computer, I can actually show you a picture of what I'm envisioning
cake.jpg
I'd use purple flowers rather than orange, but I love the stripe look. And since a friend has graciously offered to make our cake for free, I don't want to go too crazy. And yes, her cake topper does say "To Infinity and Beyond."

Flowers
I think I've mentioned before that we're not doing floral bouts. Instead, we'll probably use an old fashioned key, like so, but with the ribbon around the middle of the key
1f1a3e5a6d14863a084efcb687fcabde.jpg


For my bouquet, I hadn't really given much thought to it, but then I saw the following picture on Pinterest and fell in love. Funnily enough, I was showing pictures to Joe to one day, and I got to that one and he said "that one's you. I could see you with that." :rotfl: Glad we agree!
ae37db7424abe4e1d837d1040cbd5e16.jpg


The next two are just with different flower varieties, because I have no idea what will actually be in season. Bright and bold is what I plan on telling the florist.
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For my maids, I have no idea. Could be sunflowers. Could be yellow daisies. Could be baby's breath, could be roses. I figure I'll wait until they've ordered their dresses, then show the florist a picture and ask for advice.

Engagement pictures!
We'll get a CD with the actual copies minus the watermark in a few days, but I just couldn't wait to share some of my favorites! All credit, of course, goes to my fabulous photographer Jason with Veritas Photography (and I'm obligated to give you the link to his website: veritasdp.com)


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This one is for @pkondz
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And then my absolute favorite, which is my new Facebook profile pic
Annie & Joe-0061.jpg



There's just something magical about this one, like we're straight out of a fairy tale.

It was a fun shoot, despite us being outside and the temps being in the low nineties. Jason tried to keep us in the shade wherever he could.

That's all for now my lovelies!
 
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Nah, I think I'll stick with this one. I like my co-workers.

That's a major plus. Seriously.
I'm fortunate that I get along with my co-workers as well.

Heh. It would be an interesting way to combine two of my favorites

Wilted flowers is a favourite?

Cook bacon in the frying pan before you use it.
1. You can eat the bacon
2. The smell would be awesome.
3. The leftover grease will keep the dead rose centered.

Maybe not a bad side, but I am known for holding grudges. I still haven't forgiven my parents for making me ride Haunted Mansion on my 8th birthday.

:lmao:

So, very strange today. I turn on my laptop to do some work in a spreadsheet, and I notice that my wireless icon doesn't have an exclamation point like it normally does. On a whim, I try to get online, and lo and behold wifi is working again. I figured while I had the chance I'd try to get on and do a real update.

Go! Post! Post!!!!!

I know at least one salad will be Caesar, because that's Joe's favorite.

Ah! Smart man that Joe.

side rant: now if only I can train them that there is no need to specify "no cucumbers" when they order one,

er.... about that "Smart man" comment a second ago...

and I don't like Caprese salads so....you can't have one haha.

:laughing:
Coming from a man who's been married for over 25 years now....

Rule #1. On the wedding day (and all decisions leading up to it) the bride's rule is law and is not to be trifled with.
This only applies on the wedding day.
Rule #1. After the wedding day... the wife's rule is law and is not to be trifled with.

I'm torn between either a chicken or pork dish for the second,

Just my two cents. Unless the pork is amazing (or, conversely, the chicken is horrible) go with the chicken. There's just way too many people (my DW for one) who only eat chicken.

I can indulge in my love for all things pasta

Reason #54 of why I love you.

Cake
Now that I'm on a computer, I can actually show you a picture of what I'm envisioning
cake-jpg.183919

Love it. Classic. Elegant.

Flowers
I think I've mentioned before that we're not doing floral bouts. Instead, we'll probably use an old fashioned key, like so, but with the ribbon around the middle of the key
1f1a3e5a6d14863a084efcb687fcabde.jpg

I've never seen that! And I really like it.

For my bouquet, I hadn't really given much thought to it, but then I saw the following picture on Pinterest and fell in love.

Wow. That's a show stopper.
Hope you can get something like that.

Engagement pictures!

Hate to tell you this, but.... none of the pictures showed up.
Could be just me, I'll have to see when I get home.
But I copied the link from one of them into the browser window and it gave me an error "you do not have permission..."
 
Could be just me, I'll have to see when I get home.
But I copied the link from one of them into the browser window and it gave me an error "you do not have permission..."

Well...poo. It's probably because I tried the lazy route of linking directly to my Google Drive. When I get home tonight I'll try again
 
I love the flowers, and the bouts. And the cake. And the menu options. :rotfl2:

But really, I am so with you on the menu stuff. No fancy/weird salads because I won't eat them. I mean, I don't eat a lot of salad as it is... but also, I know a good chunk of guests also wouldn't eat a fancy/weird salad. And caprese would be exactly that to them. I was also hoping for a menu with a pasta side dish for the two vegetarians on our list. I would hate to waste a main dish on a vegetarian option - like you said, no offense, just not how my family rolls either. Plus I :love: pasta. I was aiming for mac and cheese - very sophisticated :p

I also love your cake, because I really like those types of cakes. I was looking at similar ones, or ones like this where they mix the textures:

80ff2137f2b22fd445ecd902b8c4b1ca.jpg


Or, you know, the Whimsy cake from the Escape package... :D

I can't wait to see the pictures!!!
 
That's a major plus. Seriously.

It really is. I've been lucky that except for a rare few, I've gotten along with almost everyone I've worked with. But those few....man what a difference they can make.

Wilted flowers is a favourite?

You mean it's not for you?:confused3
No, Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. Two of my favorite Disney movies.

Go! Post! Post!!!!!

That's pretty much what was going through my head while typing. I kept expecting my signal to go out at any time.

er.... about that "Smart man" comment a second ago...

Well you know, he can't have at all. It just wouldn't be fair to the rest of the male race.

Rule #1. On the wedding day (and all decisions leading up to it) the bride's rule is law and is not to be trifled with.
This only applies on the wedding day.
Rule #1. After the wedding day... the wife's rule is law and is not to be trifled with.

I love these. I kinda want to frame this for my living room.

Just my two cents. Unless the pork is amazing (or, conversely, the chicken is horrible) go with the chicken. There's just way too many people (my DW for one) who only eat chicken.

I understand that logic, and we'll probably end up going with that. But the pork looked really good. And, you know, we'll have pasta.....

Reason #54 of why I love you.

Pasta lovers unite!

Can't wait to see them! I'm dying here!!

I think I fixed it! You'll have to scroll back up and see if you can see them now.

I love the flowers, and the bouts. And the cake. And the menu options. :rotfl2:

Haha, I think we established you and I have very similar tastes. And budget. And families. Too bad you live all the way across the country.

Or, you know, the Whimsy cake from the Escape package... :D

Wasn't it so nice of Disney to include such nice cakes? I was leaning towards mixed textures, but after seeing this one in person I'm pretty sold.

but also, I know a good chunk of guests also wouldn't eat a fancy/weird salad. And caprese would be exactly that to them

I mean, seriously, who looked at tomatoes and cheese and was like "that'll make a GREAT appetizer"
Plus I :love: pasta

Pasta lovers unite!
 

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