Disney Wedding Podcast

Although the basics of planning a Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding at Walt Disney World remain the same, the way Disney handles the planning process has changed significantly in the wake of COVID-related staff cuts. This week I am joined by Sara Fader, who is planning her 21st anniversary vow renewal at Tower of Terror, to discuss all the changes to Disney's planning process in Florida, from the Zoom planning sessions and shortened planning timeline to the group menu-tasting event and even the new cake-tasting kit available for pickup! You'll hear her experience with each step of the planning process and get our advice to prepare you for planning your own wedding or vow renewal at Walt Disney World!

This week, Syreeta Garabini shares the story of her UK Gazebo Courtyard ceremony and Terrace des Fleurs celebration at EPCOT. After she and David had their Disney Cruise Line wedding cancelled twice due to COVID-19, they decided to switch to an event at Walt Disney World just six weeks before their date! Today you'll hear how Syreeta was able to plan on a shortened timeline (using photos and info from this podcast and the Fairytale Weddings Guide!), which savory foods she added to their cake and Champagne celebration, and where they saved and splurged. She also shares whether it's worth it to add Mickey and Minnie, even with the physical-distancing restrictions and only seven guests!

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This week, Connor Templeton shares the story of her 2019 wedding aboard the Disney Fantasy, with a ceremony in the Atrium and a celebration in Outlook. Connor knew she wanted to be married aboard the Disney Cruise Line from a young age, and choosing a 7-day cruise allowed her and Michael to spend plenty of time with their guests. Today you'll hear how they chose their ceremony and reception venues, what Connor did about hair and makeup for the big day, and why they decided to use the ship's onboard photography contractor, Shutters, for their wedding photography. You'll also hear Connor's best advice for anyone planning a Disney cruise wedding or vow renewal.

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Today, Hannah Brian shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony, Grand Floridian Ballroom reception and Terrace des Fleurs dessert party in EPCOT. Hannah and Chris knew from the start they wanted to be married at the Wedding Pavilion, and they were sold on the Grand Floridian for their reception when they saw another couple's wedding there during a site visit. Today, Hannah shares her top wedding planning tips, including where she saved so she could splurge on reception floral and décor. Plus, she offers details on the ways Disney accommodated a number of different food allergies among her guests.

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This week, Katy Barnhart shares the story of her Sea Breeze Point ceremony and Marvin Gardens reception at BoardWalk Inn Conference Center. Katy and Devin's hometowns are 1,800 miles apart, so Walt Disney World seemed like the perfect compromise for a destination wedding in February 2020. Today you'll hear how they chose their venues, which brunch menu items were their favorite, and how they budgeted for their Valentine's Day-themed floral and décor. And Katy shares how Disney surprised them with an appearance by Mickey and Minnie!

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Today, Katherine Quirk-Schwartz and Russ Schwartz share the story of their wedding celebration in all four theme parks at Walt Disney World! They kicked off the event with a welcome party at Animal Kingdom's Harambe Market, bookended by ride mix-ins on Kilimanjaro Safari and Flight of Passage, then held their ceremony in Magic Kingdom's East Plaza Garden and followed it with brunch at California Grill. That night, they treated their guests to dinner at EPCOT's Living Seas Salon, a Soarin' ride mix-in, and cake-cutting and dancing at American Adventure Rotunda—complete with an appearance by Mickey and Minnie! They later wrapped up the celebration with a farewell party at PizzeRizzo in Disney's Hollywood Studio and a ride mix-in on Slinky Dog Dash! Today Katherine and Russ talk about the logistics of planning and replanning an elaborate event after COVID-19 canceled their Aulani wedding plans and caused three postponements. They also share extensive menu-planning advice, including the dishes that were a hit with their guests.

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This week, Joanie Dawley shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and celebration at the Grand Floridian Marina. Joanie and Robert were able to have their dream wedding within a budget by choosing a Tuesday, using outside vendors, and minimizing floral and décor. You'll hear how she and Robert selected their venues and vendors, which menu items were the biggest hits, and their best advice for anyone considering a Disney wedding!

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Today, Tyler and Anthony Borges-Nizzari share the story of their Aulani wedding ceremony at Lanikuhonua and reception inside 'AMA 'AMA restaurant. When planning their wedding in New York City during the peak of COVID became too difficult, their solution was to add a ceremony to their trip to Aulani for Anthony's 30th birthday! Their dreams of having a ceremony and reception with a view of the ocean were realized when their original reception venue became too windy on the day of the event and Disney moved everything inside 'AMA 'AMA—making Tyler and Anthony the first couple ever to have a wedding there! In this episode, they discuss how they planned a wedding in a location they'd never seen from their home thousands of miles away, including their top menu picks and tips for other couples who may be considering Aulani as an alternative to a traditional at-home wedding.

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This week, Mariah Leggett shares the story of her Disney Springs wedding at Paddlefish. You'll hear how she and Robert chose to be married at one of their favorite places at Disney after COVID cancelled their Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding—and five attempts to reschedule! Mariah also shares how she planned her No. 1 priority for the wedding, floral and decor; her top recommendations for vendors, menu items and cake flavors; and how she and Robert included their kids in their ceremony!

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Today, Jessica Krasny shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, pre-reception Terrace des Fleurs and reception at American Adventure Rotunda, complete with an appearance by the Dapper Dans and a ride mix-in on Soarin'! You'll hear how Jessica was able to customize every aspect of her floral and décor, including details on the custom storybook backdrop behind her sweetheart table. She also offers tips on the planning session and shares how she and Elliot chose their officiant.

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