Disney Wedding Podcast

Today, Savannah Sims shares the story of her 2019 ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and reception at the Grand Floridian Convention Center's St. Augustine Ballroom. She and Drew were at Disney when they learned their original wedding venue was closing, and they made the decision to switch to a Disney wedding that day! Today she shares her best tips for sticking to your wedding budget, whether it's eliminating experiences guests don't expect anyway or getting double duty out of a photo backdrop instead of paying for lots of flowers. She also offers recommendations for menu planning and ensuring all your guests have an enjoyable, stress-free time by foregoing the bridal party.

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This week, Jamie Hawk shares the story of her elopement at Italy Plaza in EPCOT. She and Matt originally planned to have a large wedding at that venue in May 2021, but they canceled due to COVID-19. While they were planning their at-home wedding for June, Jamie realized she really just wanted to elope to Disney—and one month later, they did! Today you'll hear how their priorities shifted from small details to making big memories, what Jamie did when she realized her wedding gown wouldn't arrive in time, and her best advice for anyone who's ever fantasized about ditching their large-wedding plans for an elopement. Plus, she shares what it was like to be the first couple allowed to do a bridal portrait session inside Pandora — The World of Avatar without having to be married there!

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Today, Hayley Widing shares the story of her Paddlefish wedding at Disney Springs. Originally she and Joe considered a Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding, but she wasn't happy with the restrictions on floral, décor and entertainment at many Disney venues. When she found Paddlefish in Chapter 10 of Carrie Hayward's Fairytale Weddings Guide, Hayley knew it was the perfect blank slate for her wedding vision! Today she shares how she was able to plan a wedding at a venue she'd never been to from her home in Australia, including tips on choosing the menu and finding vendors, plus her No. 1 piece of advice: Hire a wedding planner!

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This week, Michelle Hurtado shares the story of her wedding at Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa just one week after it reopened following the COVID-19 shutdown. She and Michael were scheduled to be married at 'Ama 'Ama Patio on the fifth anniversary of their first Aulani vacation, but they didn't find out whether their wedding could happen until three weeks before—and they had to switch from a full Wishes wedding and reception to an Escape ceremony-only event! On today's episode, Michelle discusses how their plans changed, including swapping a full reception for dinner across the street at Roy's and adding a second, Up-themed wedding cake! She also discusses Disney's and Hawaii's mask and physical-distancing requirements. And you'll see photos from the pre-park-opening bridal portrait session she and Michael added at Walt Disney World a few months later!

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Today, Rachel Johnson shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony and EPCOT reception. Due to Disney's COVID-19-related venue capacity limits, they had dinner first at Italy Isola, then a ride mix-in on Soarin', followed by speeches, dancing and the cake-cutting at American Adventure Rotunda. In this episode, Rachel discusses how Disney handles weddings with larger guest lists during the pandemic, all of her favorite menu items and cake flavors, and her best tips for anyone trying to decide whether to stick with their Disney wedding plans or postpone.

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This week, Keesha Davenport shares the story of her EPCOT wedding, with a ceremony in the Germany Pavilion and a reception at Terrace des Fleurs! Keesha and Adam chose Germany for their ceremony because Adam was born in Germany and was stationed there in the Air Force. Their reception was originally planned for Ariel's, but due to Disney's COVID-19-related capacity restrictions, Keesha and Adam chose to move it to the France Pavilion to avoid having to be in a ballroom—a decision that allowed them to get photos with two of EPCOT's character cavalcades! Today Keesha discusses planning a wedding under Disney's COVID protocols and shares her best tips for anyone in a similar situation.

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Today, Ashleigh & Dan Harrison share the story of their 2019 wedding ceremony at Sea Breeze Point, with a reception at Atlantic Dance Hall. Ashleigh and Dan originally planned to hold their reception at Italy Isola, but the backstage transportation requirement and tricky timing with the fireworks led them to reconsider. The moment they walked into Atlantic Dance Hall, they knew it was the perfect place for their reception! In this episode they share their top tips for cake flavors, saving money on a BOC bar, and working with Disney Floral when you're on a budget. Plus, each shares their favorite moment of the wedding day!

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This week, Crystal Jacobs Berry shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony with first look and portrait session at Magic Kingdom, followed by brunch and cake at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Crystal and Mark chose Sago Cay Pointe when they booked their wedding, prior to the pandemic. But they ended up switching to the Wedding Pavilion in order to avoid having to wear masks during the ceremony. Today Crystal talks about Disney's COVID-19 policies for the ceremony and the portrait session, how she ordered her two-tier naked cake from Grand Floridian Private Dining, and her best advice for anyone wondering if they should postpone their COVID-era Disney wedding.

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Today, Dana and Charlie Chapman share the story of their wedding at Paradise Cove in Orlando. Although they met as Disney cast members and originally planned a Sea Breeze Point wedding, Dana and Charlie ended up cancelling and rebooking at Paradise Cove due to Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' COVID-19 restrictions and reduced staffing. Today they share their best tips, including the vendors and menu items they recommend. You'll also hear about Charlie's speedboat entrance to the ceremony and how they ensured the dance floor would be packed, even at a 10am wedding!

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This week, Castianne Mills shares the story of her ceremony and celebration at Canada Terrace in EPCOT. She and Dustin originally chose Luau Beach for a Cinco de Mayo 2020 ceremony. But when Disney reopened with COVID policies that mandate masks at all outdoor resort wedding venues, they switched their rescheduled wedding to EPCOT at Christmastime! Because Disney wasn't doing fireworks shows at the time, Castianne and Dustin cancelled their dessert party and had a cake and Champagne celebration with churros and beignets instead. Afterward, they treated their guests to a ride mix-in on Frozen Ever After! Today you'll hear what it was like planning and holding a Disney wedding in the time of COVID, including the physical distancing and mask requirements at their ceremony and at their Magic Kingdom and EPCOT portrait sessions. And you'll hear Castianne's advice for anyone unsure about moving forward with their Disney wedding plans in the COVID era.

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