By Perfect Wedding Guide ‘National Wedding Expert’, Susan Southerland
I often receive questions from brides planning destination weddings. The biggest question is how they can make their wedding meaningful and memorable without spending every last dollar they have. Well, today’s real wedding story features a couple who did just that! Sarah and Burt had their wedding at the beautiful Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in July and traveled here to Orlando from Scotland.
My associate, Karen, worked with Sarah and Burt on their big day. She said that the most memorable moment for her was watching the wedding photographer, Dan Higgins (www.danhigginsphotographer.com), working with the bride in the Swan’s lobby and hearing all of the guests applauding. Sarah was beside herself! Karen also noted that Sarah truly seemed to enjoy every moment of her wedding experience and didn’t let anything deter her from her happiness.
Please read on for more details about Sarah and Burt’s special day!
Susan: How did you and your spouse meet?
Sarah: Through friends. We met over a few quiet drinks five years ago. Clichéd I know!
Susan: Tell us about the proposal.
Sarah: It happened exactly two years to the day before we got married. Burt proposed when we were vacationing in Orlando – during a thunderstorm – in the rain!
Susan: Why did you choose your particular wedding location?
Sarah: Of all the choices we had, the WDW Swan stood out – beautiful surroundings, wonderful hotel, great location! A beautiful backdrop for our photos and a great place to spend our big day. We ideally wanted the wedding to be completely stress free and arranging to stay in the hotel was part of achieving that.
Susan: What was it like for you on the morning of your wedding?
Sarah: The most serene I have ever been in my life! A wonderful morning. It all passed too quickly. I very much enjoyed the time getting ready with my mother, the hair and makeup stylist (Makeover Maven, www.makeover-maven.com/), the dressing, and the laughs we had with our photographer (Dan Higgins) and videographer (PD Weddings, www.pdweddings.com/). I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Susan: What were your thoughts as you walked down the aisle?
Sarah: Apart from praying for my shoes to stay on, I was absolutely speechless at how beautiful the place was and how very handsome my fiancé was. I felt proud of my mom for walking me down the aisle and was delighted to see everyone looking so fabulous and excited. I was surprised at how very relaxed I was – taking it all in my stride! I was so happy, I couldn’t cry – all smiles, and still smiling.
Susan: What was the most memorable part of the day for you and your spouse?
Sarah: We both remember our kiss lasting a bit longer than it maybe should have! Our most memorable moment would have to be in the afternoon, after a siesta and some room service – the concierge delivered some chocolates and a bottle of red wine to our room – we sat and shared the wine watching the storm in the afternoon. It was amazing.
Susan: What was your biggest fear about the wedding day?
Sarah: I didn’t have any, at all. I knew everything would be perfect – and if it wasn’t, it was still going to be the best day of my life.
Susan: What was one delightfully unexpected moment on the wedding day?
Sarah: The wedding cake Burt mashed into my face as we were feeding each other. I have still to get him back for that! Made for a great photo though!
Susan: Were there any particular elements of your wedding day that you considered unique or personal touches?
Sarah: Perhaps a couple – my mother walked me down the aisle and I had no bridesmaids. I did, however, have a ‘bride’s best man’! He was my best friend, Ian – we have known each other for 20 years and he’s the second most important man in my life!
Susan: Based off of your experience, would you share some advice for other brides and grooms who may still be planning their weddings?
Sarah: A wedding is perhaps one of the biggest days of your life- just always remember why you are doing it. It’s nice to have a perfect day, but don’t stress out – don’t argue with your bridesmaids or your mom. The day will pass so quickly so please remember every second!
Thank you, Sarah and Burt, for sharing the details of your celebration with all of us! Do you have a real wedding story you would like to share? If so, please email me at the address below with your experience and some photos. You might be the next bride featured on our wedding blog!
If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here on the wedding blog or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook (search: Susan Southerland Secret) or follow me on Twitter (@Susansoutherlan).
Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan
