Disney Wedding Podcast

Today, Samantha Lietz shares the story of her Wishes ceremony at Clementine Lawn and reception at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion, with dessert party at Epcot's UK Lochside. Samantha talks about the unique entertainment options she added, including a photo op with Merida's horse and the logistics of coordinating separate appearances by Donald Duck, Stitch and Jiminy Cricket. She also shares details of her welcome party at Dinosaur Lounge in Animal Kingdom, complete with a Red-tailed Hawk animal encounter and two ride mix-ins, plus a rehearsal dinner at Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

This week, Disney bride Katrina Rice shares the story of her Cruise Collection wedding ceremony in the Atrium of the Disney Dream and reception in Evolution, plus fireworks photos during Pirate Night! Katrina talks about how she modified the standard cruise package to be more like a traditional land wedding by adding a full reception with drinks and appetizers, a Dole Whip unity ceremony, a DJ and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. She also brought her own photographers, videographers and cosmetology team and shares tips for couples interested in exploring this option. And you'll hear her best advice for anyone interested in planning a wedding aboard the Disney Cruise Line!

Today, Abral Wilson-Thrasher shares the story of her Magic Kingdom ceremony, Tomorrowland Terrace brunch, Grand Floridian Ballroom reception and Marina dessert party, including a first look at Cinderella Castle, appearances by Lumiere and her favorite rock band, Velcro Pygmies; the projection-mapping wedding cake; and not one but FOUR different gowns—two of which lit up! You'll hear how Abral chose her locations, what her favorite menu items were, how she managed all the dress switches, and which moment—in a wedding filled with spectacular moments—was her favorite!

This week, Disney bride Jenifer Shoener joins me for an in-depth look at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' March 2 Bridal Showcase at Walt Disney World. We cover all the cake, menu items, floral, decor, vendors, and entertainment, plus the new mobile site for attendees, the IllumiNations dessert party and the self-guided venue tour. We also look at what was new and different this year, what was most valuable, what we wish we'd seen and whether a future bridal showcase would be worth the trip for couples planning Memories, Escape and Wishes events in Florida.

Although Catholic couples have been taking advantage of this option for years, most people aren't aware that you can have a Wishes Collection Disney wedding reception even if your ceremony is held off-site or at one of the non-Disney venues on property. As long as you meet the Wishes Food & Beverage and Enhancement minimums, you may plan your ceremony at another venue and still use Disney for such ceremony elements as floral, decor, transportation and photography.

On today's episode, Disney bride Nicole Wymyczak shares how she combined a ceremony at Disney Springs' Paddlefish with a reception at the Grand Floridian's Whitehall Room & Patio, plus a dessert party at Living Seas Salon and UK Lochside. Nicole offers pricing and planning info for Paddlefish, covers the logistics of integrating an off-site ceremony, and reveals how she kept the budget low via a savvy combination of DIY and outside vendors. She also speaks frankly about the problems with her dessert party and offers advice to help future Disney couples avoid a similar situation.

This week, Rachael Callison-Rabatin shares the story of her rainy-day Escape ceremony at BoardWalk Inn's Harbor Club Breezeway, meal at The Attic and dessert party at Living Seas Salon with fireworks viewing at UK Lochside! Rachael discusses her strategies for weathering the storm, planning from a distance and plussing the Escape Collection package. Plus you'll hear her tips on the best reception menu items, dessert party treats and cake flavors!

Today, Whitney Carroll shares the story of her Fourth of July ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at the Grand Floridian's St. Augustine Ballroom, and dessert party at Sago Cay (with bridal portraits taken around the corner at Sago Cay Lawn)! She discusses how they chose their venues, what happened when rain delayed the fireworks for their Happily Ever After dessert party, and how she was able to bring her wedding in under budget using Carrie Hayward's Fairytale Weddings Guide. Whitney also shares tips for planning an at-home reception in order to include friends and relatives in the celebration when they aren't able to make the trip to Disney.

This week, Ashela Bean shares the story of her wedding ceremony at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin's Crescent Terrace and her reception in the resort's Osprey Ballroom. Ashela discusses how choosing the Swan & Dolphin for her 100-guest wedding cost less than half the price of a Wishes Disney Wedding and still fit her Disney theme, including an appearance by Mickey & Minnie. She also shares her favorite menu items and advice for anyone planning a wedding at the Swan & Dolphin.

On today's show, Shannon Mais shares the story of the first-ever wedding ceremony held at Animal Kingdom's Caravan Stage, plus her reception in Harambe near Festival of the Lion King. Shannon talks about how she almost abandoned her dream of an Animal Kingdom wedding until Andrew had the idea to request the Caravan Stage. She also shares her process for finding a DJ, her best menu items and cake flavors, and her top tips for anyone planning a wedding at Walt Disney World.

This week, Disney bride Barbara Schuster joins me to discuss everything you need to know about Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' Memories Collection of weddings and vow renewals at Walt Disney World.

This show is designed to introduce you to the basics of the package—what is and isn't included, what it costs in 2019, which locations are available, what the requirements are—and give you a timeline for a typical Memories event.

We also answer frequently asked questions about swapping package elements, upgrading, finding an officiant, adding a cake or a catered event, and more!