Friday, April 20
Today was rehearsal day. We had a late morning rehearsal breakfast planned at the Captains Grill. We walked over from the BCV and checked in. I had booked it later so that it wouldnt be crowded and so we could all sit together. I think there were around 15 of us because most of Adams family hadnt made it in just yet, they were scheduled to come in later that day. We checked in and they tried to seat us in two tables that they described as being just across the aisle from each otherwe go to sit down and they were way too far apart. So we finally made it clear that we would just rather wait a little while so we could have one big table. This took another 10 minutes or so, but they finally got it sorted out. They even put a few balloons on the table which I thought was sweet. I think pretty much everyone ate off the buffet and it was very tasty. We gave out our gifts to the parents and bridal party.
I hand hankies embroidered for Adams parents and my dad. I gave my mom a bracelet with our initials and birthstones on it that I got on Etsy. I gave our MOH some earrings (also from Etsy) with her birthstone, amethyst, which also matched her dress. The guys got collar stays that said you are and bad *** and they seemed to like them. The gifts were on the small side since we had taken everyone to Discovery Cove. It was a good meal and Im glad we did a breakfast. Since we were doing a welcome dessert party that night, there just wasnt any other time for an actual rehearsal dinner which is funny because I had ALWAYS planned on doing a rehearsal dinner at Ohana, but plans change, lol. Oh and I dont think anyone took pics at breakfast because I dont have one.
Our rehearsal went really well. The weather was still pretty good at that point. We ran through the ceremony and went over all the usual stuff. I got to wear my little veil again from the night before and my Disney bride shirt. Oh and we tied the balloons from breakfast onto my grannys
scooter and about halfway through the rehearsal one popped and I thought we were being shot at, lol; Lots of fun!
Next Adam and I went over to check into the Boardwalk. We used our comp night so he could have his own room to get ready in the next day. I totally missed the boat on getting an upgradeI guess you can request a concierge room or something, oh well. We got a nice corner room overlooking the courtyard. He moved his stuff over to this room. I will admit that around this point I started to get a bit pouty about the weather.
MOH Jana and I headed out to get our nail done. I had the longest pedicure ever and a regular French manicure. We were at the nail salon (off property somewhere) for what seemed like forever. While we were there watching numerous episodes of the Singing Bee it started to rain and not a gentle Northwest Arkansas shower, but a real Florida toad strangler
and thats when I knew I better get ok with being moved inside. Oh, and while I loved my pedicure, that stupid manicure managed to chip before the wedding the next daylame. Probably my fault for not getting something more permanent, but I hate the way any type of faux nail feels. At some point we finished up our nails and we made a brief stop at a liquor store for champagne and whiskey. I also had a real Einstein moment when I sent the champagne over to Adams room thinking it was meant for us when it turns out that Jana had meant for us to have it the next morning while getting ready
you must make these things clear to the preoccupied bride, lol.
Our welcome party that night did get moved inside. I got mad and then I got glad about 10 minutes after we arrived at the Grand Floridian. My parents, granny, Adam and I drove over in the minivan. We were put in a salon and I was soooooo grateful that they put vases on the tables with red roses in them. We didnt pay for any extra décor because I have seen pics of what they normally do at Sago Cay and I knew it would be fine. After about 15 mins we even managed to get them to turn on some Disney music which was greatbecause it was so quiet at first, almost like a wake or something. We met out photographers, Ty and Chris, and they were super nice. I dont think our planner was there at all, which now that I think about it seems a little strange, but whatever. The desserts were fab!
Oh and we had a great example of Disney customer service: my dad is diabetic but he usually manages just fine, but that night he was having issues so he couldnt really eat any of the desserts. One of ladies on the catering team somehow conjured him up a sugar free fruit parfait. It was SO nice and my dad was so surprised. We got to see all the guestI think everyone at the wedding was also at the welcome party, which was great because I got to meet some of Adams family for the first time and see some friends I hadnt seen in ages. We even got to go outside and see the fireworks!
Me and my parents:
Bride, Groom, Best Man and Officiant
Dad and his special dessert
Adams grandparents and Aunt
Disclaimer: I freaking LOVE Wishes!!!! I was dead set on having a DP at Sago Cayperiod. So we ended up doing it as a welcome party once we decided to switch our ceremony over to SBP. In fact having an Illuminations DP was a last minute addition, mainly done so I could be guaranteed fireworks photos in our wedding attire. In hindsight, our guests vastly enjoyed Illuminations over Wishes and I even had the Wishes audio piped in. Also the fireworks photos at EPCOT blew the ones taken at Sago Cay out of the water. So for future brides contemplating the two options: I would go for Illuminations; your guests will love it; theyll be right in the action and theyll feel special going backstage. Oh and both our DPs were moved indoors, but I think the verdict would have been the same either way.
Once the show was over we headed back over to see our guests off on the bus then we drove over in the minivan. I dont really remember too much about going to sleep that night. I know I was really excited, but I was also tired and just really for the next day to be here already
