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Dreaming of a Disney Wedding

Posted on April 3, 2011 8:29 am by TheAngelForever

The 2011 DisneySMMoms event began with the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Platinum Soiree. I already wrote about how we were greeted. Now, it’s time to share the event that was held inside the Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion. We all walked down the aisle and took our seats. Imagine being a bride and having this view before your eyes:

The first speaker was Michael Shettell from Alfred Angelo. He came to talk about the new line of Disney Princess inspired dresses. We had seen some on our way into the pavilion.

Shettell shared how he came up with the designs. Here is a video that Alfred Angelo made about the new line.

We were then in for a surprise. Everyone at the event was going to be the first to view the Cinderella Gown. To say that this dress could take your breath away would be an understatement. Here are a few photos courtesy of DisneySMMoms:

Next, we were told about the new options for people from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and/or Honeymoons. The new Disney Ever After Blog has a wealth of information, stories, memories, and more. They recently wrote about the trend in candy buffets at weddings – like the one they had for us at the soiree.

We were also introduced to a couple that had been married at Disney World two years ago. That is about the time that I knew we were going to see a wedding take place before our eyes. Suddenly, Kristen and Greg were whisked away and an energetic Carley Roney from The Knot and The Bump talked to us. She told us about the start of The Knot and how it grew from the original days on AOL to where it is now. She reminded all of us that in order to be successful, we have to find a way to engage our audience and ignite their passion. She showed us just how they used this in their online community to grow, expand, and mature.

Next up was David Tutera. I have to admit something here. I had heard of him, but never seen My Fair Wedding before.

Tutera was so personable, even hugging one of the fans within the crowd. Then he told us about an upcoming episode where he goes to Topeka, Kansas to do a wedding that is part of a Make a Wish Foundation wish. I know I want to see this episode now that I know the background behind it and the passion to making a magical wedding that Tutera has.

Next thing we knew, we were thrust into a party – a wedding was taking place before our eyes. Yes, Kristen and Greg were renewing their vows during the DisneySMMoms event. There were dancers, amazing gowns, Cinderella coach, fireworks, champagne toast and more.

Then it was time to head over to the beach front at the Grand Floridian Resort where our families were waiting for a fun filled evening that included a delicious dinner.

Lots more from the 2011 DisneySMMoms coming soon.

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event. All photos used before the final collage were taken by Disney Fine Art Photography & Video.

Categories:
Blogging Conference Disney DisneySMMoms fun interesting photos

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree

Posted on March 27, 2011 6:00 am by TheAngelForever

Almost ten years ago, TechyDad and I were married. At the time, my soon to be husband had never been to Walt Disney World.

It’s okay to gasp since I know I did.

When we were planning our honeymoon, we wanted to do something different. I am not a beach person. Over time, I convinced TechyDad that we should do a Walt Disney World honeymoon. We stayed the the Beach Club Resort, added on the Deluxe Dining Plan, made some advanced dining reservations (ADRs in Disney lingo), planned to see Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, and did several behind the scene tours. At our table, during our reception, we even had two special guests.

Fast forward to the first event at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We were all invited to be guests at the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree. When we arrived, we were given Minnie Bride Ears or Mickey Top Hats. TechyDad and I almost bough similar ones on our honeymoon, but never did. Now, I had my own Mickey ears.

When we walked toward Franck’s, near the Wedding Pavilion, we were greeted by Franck and Edna. Yes, these characters were brought to life (Father of the Bride and Incredibles anyone?!) and came over to as many people as they could to welcome us to the event.

Franck and Edna explained that we should go make ourselves a candy box to take as our gift. Who are we to say no?! It was like Candy Land (which actually has a Disney version) was placed on a magical table before our eyes.

After this, we went into Franck’s to see all of the amazing wedding cake and setting displays. The photos do not do the creations justice.

Then it was time to head into the wedding Pavilion. On the way into the building, that I had always longed to see from the monorail, we were able to see the new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Alfred Angelo Gowns that are inspired by the Disney Princesses.

Once inside, we made sure to take some photos of us wearing our ears. Christina from Cutestkidever and I are sporting our ears together. Sitting with us were Debra from AFrugalFriend and Cathi from Planes, Trains & Taxi Cabs.

Soon it was time to sit back and learn about the new happenings with the Disney Parks. We would also be the first people to see the Cinderella inspired dress, hear from Carley Roney from The Knot and The Bump, meet David Tutera from My Fair Wedding, and witness an amazing Disney style wedding.

It was just the beginning of a magical evening. Many more photos to come soon care of the amazing photographers at Disney who captured the beauty of the evening.

Categories:
Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms fun looking back photos

Saying Goodbye to Disney For Now

Posted on March 25, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Magical family memories are what you dream of when traveling to Walt Disney World and it is a simple item to fulfill.

On this trip alone we have done many new and old favorites which include:

Bouncing with Tigger when getting a photo taken
Searching for the hidden Mickey’s that lurk in all different places
Eating with Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Alice, Cinderella at Akershus
Taking the entire family on Kali River Rapids together since the little guy was tall enough
Eating at Boma still soaked 3 hours after the previously mentioned ride
Meeting the amazing people behind Cake Wrecks
Watching Captain EO and traveling back to 1986 with my boys
Traveling around the world and back to complete a passport
Trying Kim Possible
Catching a glimpse of the Main Street Electric Parade before heading back to the resort after 12 hours
Eating pizza at 9:30 and laughing that we are having dinner so late

The boys and I have had yet another fantastic experience, filled with memories that will last a life time.Of course, the hardest part of a vacation is packing up to head home and going back to reality. By the time you read this we will be home, in the cold temperatuers, possible facing more snow. Right now, I am still hear and heading off for our last magical day at Disney.

My question for you today:

What is the hardest part of going back home after a vacation, and how do you help to ease back into things? One other thing –> Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #144

Categories:
Blogging Conference Disney DisneySMMoms fun jl jsl nhl photos vacation

Celebrating Purim

Posted on March 20, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As a child, I have many memories of celebrating Purim with my family. My mother, father, brother and I would go to Shul with my Mimi and Poppy. I often dressed up as Queen Esther since this was her big day. For years I would not go near our rabbi because he scared me in his Megillah Gorilla costume one year. I am happy to report I was able to get over it since he was also the one that married us almost ten years ago.

TechyDad and I have also taken our kids to synagogue for Purim celebrations.

The boys adore dressing up and taking part in the Megillah reading celebration. Groggers to make noises each time we hear the name Haman uttered, only adds to the fun and excitement for a child.

Today, the boys and I will be celebrating Purim a little differently. To help get you in the mood and tell you the story, I wanted to share the Maccabeats Purim Song video. Enjoy!

For previous Purim related posts that I have written, you can check them out here.

Categories:
fun holidays jsl looking back Music nhl TechyDad video

Yarn Art Fun

Posted on March 14, 2011 8:43 am by TheAngelForever

It is no secret that I have a lot of yarn scraps in storage from my knitting. I often wonder what to do with them and how to let the boys have some fun. Over February break, the boys and I were stuck at home thanks to a storm. The boys wanted to do an art project.

Thanks to their request, I started to look around the house for ideas. I found some construction paper and noticed my yarn. I quickly thought of something, so I went and gathered Elmer’s glue, scissors, and my scraps of cotton yarn. I had a mission and the boys were ready to be creative. First I cut lots of yarn into smaller pieces for all of us to use with our project.

Everyone picked out a sheet of construction paper. Then the boys made squiggles of the glue on the paper.

After this, it was time to create our masterpieces. Here are some photos of the boys with their work in progress:

I watched as the boys picked their yarn and placed them into the glue. Then I got an idea to make something for TechyDad. Here are our creations below. JSL’s is the top, NHL’s is in the middle, and mine on the bottom.

The boys really enjoyed this, but got sticky from the glue and eventually lost interest. Of course, I had an idea and wanted to do another picture. As I started working on it, NHL came over to help me get colors to use within my work.

The papers looked really great after they dried. The white glue disappeared and we were able to hang them up. I know that we will definitely be doing this again, and I have another item that I hope to try with yarn art soon.

Do you have any ideas on how to use scrap yarn with kids for crafts? If you do, I would love to hear about your projects. Please be sure to share them below in the comments.