Disney Wedding Podcast

#489 Katherine & Russ' Magic Kingdom Wedding

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’ ri...

#488 Joanie & Robert's Grand Floridian Wedding

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! Click here to see all the photos!

#487 Tyler & Anthony's Aulani Wedding

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...

#486 Mariah & Robert's Paddlefish Wedding

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! Click ...

#485 Jessica & Elliot's American Adventure Wedding

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....

#484 Vendor Spotlight: Lyra Vega Bridal

On today’s episode, Lyra Vega Bridal owner Lilian Hung joins me for a look at everything you need to know about ordering a custom bridal gown online. Lilian’s frustration with her own wedding gown search made her want to bring transparency and reasonable pricing to the bridal industry while filling a need for Disney princess-worthy ballgown-style dresses, which many online retailers don’t offer due to high shipping prices. Eliminating the “plus-size tax” was another goal: None of her company...

#483 Emily & Nick's Italy Pavilion Wedding

This week, Emily Roberto shares the story of her Italy Plaza ceremony at EPCOT, which she and Nick planned in just one month after their original wedding plans were cancelled twice due to COVID-19. They chose the Italy Pavilion because they wanted an in-park event and both come from large Italian families! Today you'll hear where they splurged and where they saved to make their dream Disney wedding a reality, including treating their guests to brunch at Raglan Road and drinking around World ...

#482 Aleshia & Cameron's Grand Floridian + Paddlefish Wedding

Today, Aleshia Valance shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, cake and Champagne celebration at the Grand Floridian Convention Center, and reception at Paddlefish.  She and Cameron originally planned to follow their ceremony with an evening reception at California Grill. But when Disney canceled all fireworks shows due to the pandemic, Aleshia and Cameron decided to switch to brunch at Paddlefish, which they'd fallen in love with when they dined there on the trip that woul...

#481 Jasmine & Stephen's EPCOT Wedding

This week, Jasmine Navarro shares the story of her UK Courtyard ceremony and Terrace des Fleurs celebration at EPCOT. She and Stephen were originally told their first choice, the UK Pavilion, would be unavailable due to construction, and they chose the Wedding Pavilion instead. But when COVID-19 altered the park's plans, they were able to have their wedding in UK Courtyard after all! Today, Jasmine shares all the ways they were able to save money on the wedding so they could afford a portrai...

#480 Erika & Evan's Beauty and the Beast Wedding

Today, Erika Exnicios shares the story of her 2019 ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, pre-reception at Italy Isola, and reception at American Adventure Rotunda. Erika and Evan fell in love on a trip to Walt Disney World and got engaged at Tower of Terror, so Disney was the perfect setting for their Beauty and the Beast-themed wedding! Today you’ll hear how they customized their wedding with floral, decor and entertainment, including an appearance by the  English Butler and a live painting com...

#479 Christy & Mike's Swan + Paddlefish Wedding

This week, Christy Carey shares the story of her Crescent Terrace ceremony at the Swan & Dolphin and Paddlefish reception. She and Mike wanted to be married at Disney but also needed cost-effective and flexible venues that would allow them to choose all their own vendors. Today you’ll hear how Christy chose those vendors, where she saved and splurged, and what ended up being her favorite memory of the day. Click here to see all the photos!

#478 Mystee & Mike's Italy Pavilion Wedding

Today, Mystee Ipong shares the story of her ceremony at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, meal at Sea Breeze Point, and dessert party at the Whitehall Room & Patio—plus a welcome party at Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Courtyard and ride mix-in on Avatar Flight of Passage! When Mike and Mystee had to cancel their 400-person hometown wedding due to COVID-19, they decided to add a smaller wedding to their honeymoon at Walt Disney World. In this episode you’ll hear how Mystee surprised Mike with an appearanc...

#477 Alex & Kiefer's Grand Floridian Wedding

This week, Alex Gonzales shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at the Grand Floridian Ballroom Salons VI-IX, and after-party at Pixar Alley in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! She discusses the best decisions they made for their COVID-era wedding, including the menu items they loved the most, how glad they were to have Mickey and Minnie (even with physical distancing), and how much fun their dessert party and Tower of Terror ride mix-in were, even without a showing o...

#476 Taralyn & Christopher's EPCOT Wedding

Today, Taralyn Cyccone shares the story of her February 2020 Canada Terrace ceremony and Living Seas Salon reception in EPCOT. Making budgetary tradeoffs like having a mid-week brunch and doing DIY décor allowed Taralyn and Christopher to afford all their must-have items for the wedding, including a surprise appearance by Mickey and Minnie! Today, she shares tons of great money-saving tips, including how she was able to bring her own centerpieces to a theme park reception by putting numbers ...

#475 Amber & James' At-Home Disney Wedding

This week, Amber Farrow shares the story of her epic elopement on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats after her Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding at Sea Breeze Point was pushed back a year due to the pandemic. Due to 50 mph winds and rain, she and James ended up doing their ceremony twice: once for the few family and friends who were able to make it to the site, and again for all their guests the following day! A few months later, they held a Disney-themed reception for those who won’t be able to attend ...

#474 Savannah & Drew's Grand Floridian Wedding

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 backdro...

#473 Jamie & Matt's Italy Plaza Wedding

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 arr...

#472 Hayley & Joe's Paddlefish Wedding

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 ho...

#471 Michelle & Michael's Aulani Wedding

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 discus...

#470 Rachel & Ian's American Adventure Rotunda Wedding

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 d...

#469 Keesha & Adam's EPCOT Wedding

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 allowe...

#468 Ashleigh & Dan's Atlantic Dance Hall Wedding

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 mo...

#467 Crystal & Mark's Grand Floridian Wedding

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,...

#466 Dana & Charlie's Paradise Cove Wedding

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 ...

#465 Castianne & Dustin's EPCOT Canada Wedding

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 celebrat...

#464 Sara & Sam's Grand Floridian Wedding

Today, Sara Landesberg shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony and Whitehall Room & Patio reception. She and Sam originally wanted to be married at Fort Wilderness’ Clementine Lawn, but by the time they were able to start working with Disney, it was no longer available. Instead they chose Oak Manor Lawn, but when rain threatened to make the area a muddy mess, their ceremony was moved to the Wedding Pavilion.  Sara discusses the logistics of planning for these venues, her favorite m...

#463 Celia & John's Shades of Green Wedding

This week I welcome Celia Kucera back to the show! Last year, she told the story of her impromptu elopement after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed her Shades of Green Disney wedding. Today, Celia shares how her ceremony on Mangino’s patio and reception in the Magnolia Ballroom turned out, including which plans changed and what safety measures have been implemented by Shades of Green. You’ll also hear how she surprised John with a serenade featuring members of her college a cappella group, plu...

#462 Courtney & Andy's Napa Room Wedding

Today, Courtney Bronson shares the story of her ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, pre-reception at the Whitehall Room and reception (with Happily Ever After fireworks!) at California Grill’s Napa Room. You’ll hear how she and Andy chose Disney for a small Tangled-themed event instead of a huge family wedding back home, where she splurged and saved, and her best tips for anyone planning a wedding at Walt Disney World.  Click here to see all the photos! 

#461 Kristy & Stephen's Sea Breeze Point Wedding

This week, Kristy Houston shares the story of her ceremony at Sea Breeze Point, dinner at Shula's and dessert party at UK Lochside (with desserts moved to Living Seas Salon due to the cold)! You'll hear how Kristy started her day at 2:30 am to be ready for her first look with Stephen inside Magic Kingdom as part of their pre-park-opening bridal portrait session, followed by an EPCOT portrait session and a nap! Kristy also talks about why they chose a private room at Shula's over a catered ev...

#460 Jeni & Jen's Luau Pointe Wedding

Today, Jeni Mullen and Jen Januzelli share the story of their wedding at Luau Pointe and dessert party at Sago Cay in the Grand Floridian Marina. When the hassle of finding vendors and tracking everything on spreadsheets became too much, Jen suggested they scrap their New Jersey wedding plans and get married at Jeni’s favorite place instead! Today you’ll hear their tips for using Luau Pointe, how they were able to customize their “Happily Ever After” fireworks dessert party menu with Disney ...

#459 Samantha & John's Grand Floridian Wedding

This week, Sam Macchione shares the story of her 2019 ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and reception at the Grand Floridian Convention Center's St. Augustine Ballrooms A & B. Sam and John used outside vendors for multiple aspects of their "Light"-themed Disney wedding, including photography, uplighting and a light-up dance floor, plus a day-of coordinator to set out and clean up the numerous DIY projects they created.  They also added Disney's projection-mapping wedding cake to their recepti...

#458 Kylie & Ryan's EPCOT Wedding

Today, Kylie and Ryan Dontje share the story of their EPCOT UK Courtyard ceremony and Terrace des Fleurs cake and Champagne celebration, which was moved to World Showplace Pavilion due to rain. Originally, Kylie and Ryan planned to marry at Bovey Castle in England during a family trip to Europe. But when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from traveling, Kylie’s mom suggested they consider Walt Disney World instead. Kylie and Ryan decided that if they couldn’t be married in the UK, they’d ...

#457 Anne & Robert's Magic Kingdom After-Hours Wedding

This week, Anne Lipcsey shares the story of her after-hours ceremony in the Hub at Magic Kingdom and reception at East Plaza Garden. When Anne and Robert’s May 2020 Sea Breeze Pointe wedding was postponed due to COVID-19, they rescheduled for November 2020. About a month before the event, their planner suggested they switch to an after-hours theme park wedding to avoid the mask requirement for outdoor resort venues, and Magic Kingdom was one of the available locations! Today, Anne discusses ...

#456 Sarah & AJ's Disney Cruise Wedding

Today, Sarah Beckner shares the story of her Disney Cruise Collection wedding aboard the Dream, with a ceremony in the Atrium and a reception in Evolution. She and AJ chose a cruise wedding to escape the cold and bring both their families together for a multi-day celebration. Today, Sarah discusses the upgrades she chose to personalize the wedding, why they decided to bring their own photographer on the cruise, and how their extended cake and Champagne celebration turned into the dance party...

#455 Nicole & Chuck's American Adventure Rotunda Wedding

This week, Nicole Neumann shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, cocktail hour at the Whitehall Room & Patio, reception at American Adventure Rotunda and dessert party at Italy Isola. Nicole and Chuck chose American Adventure Rotunda for their reception because they wanted their guests to have a VIP, in-park experience unlike any other wedding they’d been to. To this they added a DJ, the Major Domo, a Magic Mirror photo booth guest book, confetti cannons and a visit by Mic...

#454: Lauren & Timothy's Grand Floridian Wedding

Today, Lauren De La Cruz shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony, Whitehall Room & Patio reception, and Grand Floridian Ballroom cake-cutting and character appearance. Lauren and Timothy originally chose Sea Breeze Point for their ceremony but had to plan an entire backup wedding at the Swan & Dolphin when Disney began canceling weddings due to COVID-19. After Disney confirmed that their October wedding was still on, Lauren & Timothy chose to move to the Wedding Pavilion so they wo...

#453 Jen & Travis' Luau Pointe Vow Renewal

This week, Jen and Travis Stitt share the story of their 10-year vow renewal in January 2020, including a ceremony at Luau Pointe, Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai, a portrait session at Saratoga Springs, and dinner and fireworks at California Grill’s Napa Room. As wedding photographers, Jen and Travis have had plenty of opportunity to envision what they’d do for their own event, and today you’ll hear their best tips for maximizing your budget and creating a wedding or vow renewal that is un...

#452 Audrey & Sylvain's Yacht Club Wedding

Today, Audrey Blais shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and reception at the Yacht Club Convention Center’s Saybrook Room, with a dessert party at Italy Isola West in EPCOT. Canadians Audrey and Sylvain chose Walt Disney World for their 2019 wedding to keep their guest list small—and because they are huge Disney fans! You’ll hear how they chose their ceremony and reception venues, which menu items were their favorites, what it was like to plan from so far away, and how t...

#451 Lauren & Jake's Aulani Wedding

Today, Lauren Knotts shares the story of her Aulani wedding ceremony at ‘AMA ‘AMA Patio and reception at Rainbow Reef. Although they live in the Midwest, Lauren and Jake chose Aulani for their January 2020 wedding as a laid-back alternative to Walt Disney World where Lauren could live out her dream of a beach wedding. You’ll hear how they chose their venues and selected their vendors, what it was like to plan from a different time zone, and which menu items were their favorites. Plus Lauren ...

#450 Aviana & Josh's Grand Floridian Wedding

Today, Aviana Collins shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and reception in the Grand Floridian Ballroom, plus a welcome party at the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Aviana and Josh were the second couple to be married at Walt Disney World after weddings resumed following the pandemic closure, and in this episode she answers all your questions about Disney’s COVID-19 policies at the time of her event. You’ll also hear how they chose Disney for their wedding,...

#449 Samantha & Paul's Luau Beach Vow Renewal

This week, Samantha Hojnacki shares the story of her vow renewal at Luau Beach. Samantha and Paul got engaged at Walt Disney World but wanted to be married at home so that their friends and family wouldn't have to travel. In November 2019, they got to have their dream 10-year vow renewal at Luau Beach! Because they originally had a formal church wedding, Samantha and Paul wanted their vow renewal to be a casual beach ceremony with their three children. You'll hear how  they incorporated a fa...

#448 Meagan & Andrew's California Grill Wedding

#447 Samantha & Samuel's Celebration Elopement

Today, Samantha Barthel shares the story of her elopement in Celebration, with a cake-cutting celebration and photo shoot at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. She and Samuel were planning a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding for September that was canceled due to COVID-19 and rescheduled for next year. They decided that eloping in formerly-Disney-owned Celebration was the next best thing, especially because it allowed them to have their dog, Walter, at the ceremony! Today you’ll hear how they planned t...

#446 Danielle & Nick's Luau Beach Wedding

This week, Danielle Belton shares the story of her ceremony at Luau Pointe, with a meal at Kona Cafe and an EPCOT dessert party at UK Lochside. Danielle and Nick both work in the cruise industry and travel a lot for work, so they wanted their wedding to be centrally located and easy to plan. You'll hear how they chose their ceremony and dessert party venues, what their favorite menu items were, and how Danielle spent several months creating her bouquet out of Disneyland and Disneyland Paris ...

#445 Anna & Tyler's Hard Rock Hotel Wedding

Today, Anna & Tyler Pugh share the story of their wedding at Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel just two days before the resort closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll hear how these two huge Harry Potter fans chose the venues for their ceremony and reception,  which menu items were the biggest hits with their guests, and how easy it was to plan with the help of the Just Marry! team. Anna and Tyler also offer their top advice for anyone whose original wedding plans have been affected by...

#444 Caitlin & Julio's California Grill Wedding

This week, Caitlin Mendoza shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at California Grill and dessert party at EPCOT’s UK Lochside. Caitlin knew she wanted to be married at the Wedding Pavilion ever since she was a child riding the monorail and spotted a horse and carriage carrying a bride to her wedding. When it came time to plan her own Disney wedding, Caitlin added lots of special touches, including a first prayer instead of a first look, a last dance after guests...

#443 Tiffany & Sean's Living Seas Salon Wedding

Today, Tiffany Chaplin Tichy shares the story of her Sea Breeze Point ceremony, Living Seas Salon reception and UK Lochside EPCOT Forever dessert party.  You’ll hear how Sean suggested they hold their wedding at Walt Disney World, why they chose their ceremony and reception locations, and what their favorite menu items and cake flavors were. Tiffany also discusses how she chose her floral and decor, including adding the water-effect lighting and decor package available at Living Seas Salon, ...

#442 Jessica & Cameron's Bella Collina Wedding

This week, Jessica Cristofoli shares how she planned a wedding at Bella Collina in just 30 days after Disney twice postponed and then canceled her original wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll hear how smooth the planning process was, from getting more floral and decor at a lower cost to having the chef replicate Disney’s churro cake flavor. Jessica also discusses the physical-distancing measures put in place by Bella Collina and what she did to make her guests feel safer. And you’ll...

#441 Danielle & Ryan's Summerhouse Wedding

Today, Danielle Buccilli shares the story of her Wedding Pavilion ceremony, Grand Floridian Summerhouse reception, and EPCOT UK Lochside dessert party. You’ll hear why Danielle chose Christmastime for her wedding to Ryan, what it’s like to use an all-outdoor reception venue like the Summerhouse, and where to save and splurge at the dessert party. Danielle also shares what she would change and what she would do all over again! Click here to see all the photos!

#440 Stephanie & Andrew's Trader Sam's Vow Renewal

This week, Stephanie Nash shares the story of her vow renewal at Luau Pointe, with a reception at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Stephanie & Andrew originally wanted to be married at Disney, but their families were not on board with the idea. So for their 20th anniversary, they had exactly the Disney ceremony they wanted! Today, Stephanie discusses how she chose their date and locations, where she splurged and saved, and how she worked within the restrictions on Trader Sam’s events. She also offe...