Disney Wedding Podcast

#390 Escape Wedding Spotlight: Maureen & Justin

Today, Maureen Casaus shares the story of her Escape wedding at Sea Breeze Point, catered meal at The Attic, and dessert party at UK Lochside. She discusses what it was like to plan remotely from California, why she decided to add a catered meal to the package, and her favorite menu items. Maureen also shares how she saved on floral and decor and her top tip to ensure the ceremony music is played the way you want! Click here to see all the photos!

#389: Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Courtney & Ryan

This week, Courtney McDonnell shares the story of her Wishes wedding ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, cocktail hour at Luau Beach, and reception at Sunset Boulevard inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Courtney discusses the unique aspects of planning at these venues,  her favorite menu items from the wedding and the Fantasmic! rehearsal dinner, and what happened when it started raining right in the middle of her outdoor reception!  Click here to see all the photos!

#388 Aulani Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Karen & Alex

Today, Karen Lawyer shares the story of her Wishes Collection ceremony and reception at Aulani’s Lanikuhonua Phase II venue. You’ll hear how Karen and Alex chose Aulani for their wedding, which special Hawaiian touches they added to the event, and how they narrowly avoided being moved into a ballroom when an all-day downpour stopped just two minutes before the rain backup call was made! Karen also shares her top tips for menu items, decor and working within the restrictions of this unique ve...

#387 Escape Wedding Spotlight: Vicky & Simon

This week, Disney groom Simon Kirk shares the story of his Escape wedding to Vicky Morse, with a ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, cake and Champagne reception at Citricos Rotunda, catered meal at The Attic, and dessert party at UK Pubside in Epcot. Simon talks about the planning process, with special tips for other UK couples on getting your marriage license by mail and working within Disney’s shorter booking timeline when you’re used to planning trips several years in advance. He also deta...

#386 Magic Kingdom Wedding Spotlight: Kathy & Abdallah

Today, Kathy Pratt shares the story of her Wishes ceremony in front of the Magic Kingdom’s East Plaza Garden, reception at the Grand Floridian’s St. Augustine Ballroom, and dessert party at Italy Isola and World Showplace in Epcot. Kathy talks about how she incorporated her Beauty and the Beast theme, including an attraction mix-in at Beauty and the Beast — Live On Stage in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! She also discusses the trickier aspects of planning a Magic Kingdom ceremony, like the rain...

#385 Vero Beach Vow Renewal Spotlight: Morgan & Mike

This week, Morgan Davidson shares the story of her Escape Collection vow renewal at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. She discusses how she and Mike decided to hold a vow renewal and why they chose the Beachside BoardWalk at Disney’s Vero Beach, how they found outside vendors, and which menu items they recommend from their reception. You’ll also hear a detailed timeline of their day and Morgan’s top tips for planning a wedding or vow renewal at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort! Click here to see all t...

#384 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Erin & Tom

Today, Erin McKee shares the story of her Wishes ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at the Grand Floridian’s St. Augustine Ballroom and Happily Ever After dessert party at the Grand Floridian Marina. She discusses the logistics of planning a large, 160-guest wedding at Disney; how she was able to communicate her vision for the lush floral and decor at her Tangled-themed reception; and her favorite menu items from the reception and dessert party. Erin also shares the magic moment she...

#383: Disneyland Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Sara & Amanda

This week, Sara Russert shares the story of her Adventureland-themed wedding at the Grand Californian’s Brisa Courtyard and Trillium Room, plus a private viewing at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room after the park closed! You’ll hear how she pulled off a highly themed reception on a shoestring budget by sourcing her own antique decor, driving it down to Disneyland from Seattle, and hiring an outside florist to set it up for her. In fact, the theming was so detailed that Disney allowed Sara a...

#382: Escape Wedding Spotlight: Kirsten & Regan

Today, Kirsten DeRoche-Whitesell shares the story of her Escape wedding ceremony at Luaue Pointe, meal at Morimoto Asia and dessert party at Vikings Landing in Epcot. Kirsten shares how she and Regan chose the Escape package, what they did to customize it and how they planned their dessert party. She also discusses their Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios bridal portrait sessions. Click here to see all the photos!

#381 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Rose & Eric

Today, Rose & Eric Waples share the story of their Wishes ceremony at Sea Breeze Point, reception at California Grill and dessert party at Epcot’s UK Lochside, plus a Fantasmic! welcome party with Tower of Terror ride mix-in. They discuss how they chose their venues, what it was like working within California Grill’s menu restrictions, how they saved on floral and decor, and the importance of working on DIY projects together. They also talk about what it’s like to do a Magic Kingdom bridal p...

#380 Paradise Cove Wedding Spotlight: Kristina & Joe

This week, Kristina Sazama shares the story of her wedding at Paradise Cove and welcome party at UK Lochside in Epcot. Kristina and Joe met on MouseMingle.com, and she talks about how they considered a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding but ultimately chose Paradise Cove for both their ceremony and reception. She also discusses the fireworks welcome party she added through Disney Meetings & Events, which ended up being held in Spaceship Earth Lounge due to rain. And Kristina gives her top tips for ...

#379: Christa & Mickey's Surprise Vow Renewal

Today, Christa and Mickey King share the story of the surprise vow renewal Mickey planned for Christa on the 10th anniversary of their Disney wedding! You’ll hear how Mickey was able to secretly plan an entire Wishes Collection ceremony and reception at Sea Breeze Point with the help of the same Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings planner who planned their wedding, including how he figured out what Christa would want and his top tips for pulling off a surprise of your own. Click here to see all t...

#378 Vendor Spotlight: Officiant Katherine T. Imundi

#377 Cruise Wedding Spotlight: Colette & John

Today, Colette and John Vignocchi share the story of their Disney Cruise wedding week aboard the Disney Dream, including a bachelorette party at Pink Lounge, rehearsal dinner at Remy, a Castaway Cay wedding ceremony at Wedding Pointe, a dinner buyout of Palo and a dance party at Evolution. You'll hear how they planned their event with a "test cruise," added custom touches like a step-and-repeat photo backdrop, and arranged to have Kingdom Hearts Donald and Goofy appear at their dance party. ...

#376 Memories Wedding Spotlight: Kristin & Timothy

This week, Kristin Hanes shares the story of her Memories Collection wedding at Sago Cay Pointe and meal at Narcoossee's. Kristin discusses how she and her fiance originally planned for an Escape Collection wedding but switched to Memories. She also covers which elements she upgraded and added, and how she ordered a wedding cake for delivery to their reservation at Narcoossee's. Kristin also shares whether she thinks the Memories Collection is worth its price tag.  See all the photos here!

#375 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Shelley & Tim

Today, Shelley Powell shares the story of her Wishes Collection ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at Citricos and dessert party at Terrace des Fleurs in Epcot. Shelley discusses her search for the perfect reception venue, her favorite menu items, and how she incorporated Disney touches throughout the day. She also speaks frankly about the Magic Kingdom bridal portrait session and whether it’s worth booking.  Click Here to View All Photos!

#374 Escape Wedding Spotlight: Shelby & Kyle

This week, Shelby Kramer shares the story of her Escape Collection wedding ceremony at Sea Breeze Point, reception at House of Blues, and dessert party at Vikings Landing in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Shelby discusses how she chose Escape over Wishes, what the planning process was like for both the Disney and House of Blues portions of her day, and how thrilled she was with the oft-derided Vikings Landing location. You’ll also hear about a host of special wedding-day surprises, from an Amphica...

#373: How to Have a Wishes Wedding for the Minimum Expenditure

When considering a Wishes Collection wedding at Walt Disney World, one of the top questions couples ask is, “Is it really possible to get married for the minimum expenditure listed on the website?” And for many, that answer is the one thing that will determine whether they have a Disney wedding. On today’s show, Disney bride Jackie Hamilton joins me to discuss how to keep your Wishes wedding or vow renewal from going over Disney’s minimum expenditure requirements. First we look at what t...

#372: Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Morgan + John + Dan + Shay

This week, Morgan Glennon shares the story of her Wishes wedding at Walt Disney World—with a surprise appearance by country music stars Dan + Shay that blew up the Internet! First you’ll hear about the planning, including how Morgan chose  her floral and decor, plus all the locations for her wedding weekend: the Grand Floridian Marina & Sago Cay Pointe for a Happily Ever After welcome party, the Wedding Pavilion for the ceremony, the Grand Floridian’s Summerhouse Patio for cocktail hour, the...

#371 Vendor Spotlight: DJ JW Jaeger

This week, JW Jaeger joins me to discuss how to choose a DJ for your Disney wedding! As an approved vendor for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings in Florida (as well as a protégé of popular Disney DJ Charles Miles), JW has lots of experience with the unique aspects of a Disney wedding. Today, he answers common questions like how to decide between hiring a DJ and using an iPod, what kinds of questions to ask a potential DJ, and whether it’s awkward to have a DJ if your group is very small. He also ...

#370 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Amanda & Ben

Today, Amanda Weiler shares the story of her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, dinner at the Grand Floridian Ballroom , and reception at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. Although the reception was originally planned for a ballroom, Amanda found that she was adding so much floral and decor to make the room unique that it made much more sense to switch to a theme park venue. The reception was originally planned for Expedition Everest Base Camp but was moved to Tusker House at the last minute du...

#369: Escape Wedding Spotlight: Diana & Keith

This week, Diana Gaydusek shares the story of her Escape ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, reception at Commander’s Terrace, catered event at the Grand Floridian Convention Center,  and fireworks photos at Sago Cay Lawn. Diana and Keith were among the last couples to be able to use Commander’s Terrace before it was absorbed by construction for the Beauty & The Beast-themed lounge coming to the Grand Floridian, and she talks about her search for a non-ballroom venue for the Escape cake & Cham...

#368 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Seana & Greg

Today, Seana Eason shares the story of her wedding ceremony at Sea Breeze Point and reception at Norway Loft, with IllumiNations fireworks photos at Italy Isola.  Seana discusses how being moved to Norway from Italy due to rain turned out to be a blessing in disguise! She also shares her favorite menu items and cake flavors from the wedding and her welcome party, plus her top tips for anyone planning a Wishes wedding at Walt Disney World. Click here for photos!

#367 Disneyland Wedding Spotlight: Lori & Jorge

This week, Lori Lizarraga shares the story of her Wishes Collection wedding at the Disneyland Resort. Lori and Jorge had their ceremony at the Rose Court Garden, their pre-reception on the Adventure Lawn, their reception on the Magic Kingdom Lawn, and their afterparty at the Sleeping Beauty Pavilion. Lori talks about planning her wedding from Mexico, including how she worked with vendor Flowers By Cina to get the lush, colorful floral and decor she wanted. She also shares her top planning ti...

#367 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Danielle & Jason

Today, Danielle Ormonde shares the story of her Wishes ceremony at Luau Pointe and reception at Trader Sam's, plus a welcome dessert party at the Grand Floridian's Whitehall Room and Sago Cay. She discusses the logistics of using a unique venue like Trader Sam's, including how she scheduled Mickey & Minnie between the ceremony and the reception due to the prohibition on characters inside the bar. She also shares her favorite menu items, best planning tips and great advice for anyone planning...

#366 How to Switch from Wishes to Escape

This week, Carla Joules-Spencer joins me to discuss what happens when circumstances change and you need to switch your Disney wedding from the Wishes Collection to the Escape Collection. Carla talks about the steps she took to turn her Wishes wedding into an Escape ceremony at Harbor Club Breezeway, reception at Spaceship Earth Lounge and fireworks photos at Eau de France—including which Escape package options she picked, how she upgraded her cake, and what she did for her dinner menu. She a...

#365 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Samantha & Jeff

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 anima...

#364 Disney Cruise Wedding Spotlight: Katrina & Josh

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 photographer...

#363 Magic Kingdom Wedding Spotlight: Abral & Josh

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 ...

#362 Disney's Bridal Showcase: Is It Worth The Trip?

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...

#361 How to Combine a Wishes Reception with an Off-Site Ceremony

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, Disne...

#360 Escape Wedding Spotlight: Rachael & Chad

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!

#359 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Whitney & Jeremy

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. Whitn...

#358 Swan & Dolphin Wedding Spotlight: Ashela & Sterling

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.

#357 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Shannon & Andrew

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.

#356 Memories Collection Overview & FAQ

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 e...

#355 Escape Collection Overview & FAQ – 2019

This week, Disney bride Remi Cassels joins me to discuss everything you need to know about Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' Escape 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, which locations are available, what the requirements are—and give you a timeline for a typical Escape event. We also answer frequently asked questions about swapping package elements, upgrading...

#354 Wishes Collection Overview & FAQ – 2019

This week: Wishes Collection Overview + FAQ! Disney bride Lauren McGrew-Hitzhusen joins me to discuss everything you need to know about Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings’ Wishes Collection weddings and vow renewals at Walt Disney World. We cover the three expenditure requirements—a ceremony fee, a per-person food and beverage minimum expenditure, and an enhancement minimum expenditure—with specific pricing for 2019. Plus, we discuss the planning process from start to finish, including the on-site...

#353 First Steps for the Newly Engaged – 2019!

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the most popular holidays for proposals, and if you recently became engaged, congratulations! For the first episode of the New Year, we're looking at the first steps you need to take in 2019 to plan your Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings' Memories, Escape or Wishes collection wedding at Walt Disney World. Whether you’ve been planning your Disney wedding in your head for years or you just discovered that Disney does weddings, today’s show has the steps and tips t...

#352 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Alexis & Miranda

On today's show, Alexis Aldamuy shares the story of her Wishes Collection ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion and reception at American Adventure Rotunda. You'll hear how Alexis and Miranda chose these locations, what happened when rain threatened their day,  and how they added unique, reusable decor to their day—including a love-lock ceremony that will be displayed in their home. You'll also hear Alexis' top tips for anyone planning a Wishes event at Walt Disney World.

#351 Maria & Alex's Animal Kingdom Christmas Wedding

This week, Maria Makonnen shares the story of her Christmastime Wishes wedding at the Wedding Pavilion and Animal Kingdom's Tamu Tamu Courtyard, plus a safari ride mix-in! Maria discusses how she planned the event from the UK, including how they chose their ceremony and reception locations and how she was able to provide real candles for the centerpieces and candelabra for the cake table. She also covers some of the logistics of holding an in-park reception and her top advice for anyone cons...

#350 Cruise Wedding Spotlight: Sadie & Ian

On today's episode, Sadie West shares the story of her Cruise Collection wedding aboard the Disney Dream. Sadie and Ian held their ceremony in the Atrium and had their cake and Champagne reception in Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar. Sadie talks about customizing the standard cake and bouquet that come with the package, getting photos with characters, and why she recommends getting up early for a photo shoot on Castaway Cay. 

#349: Escape Wedding Spotlight: Megan & Ramy

This week, Megan Gomez-Mesquita shares the story of her Escape wedding at Disney's BoardWalk Resort, with a meal at Whispering Canyon and a dessert party during IllumiNations at Epcot. You'll hear what happened when rained moved Megan and Ramy from Sea Breeze Point to Harbor Club Breezeway, the tunnel under BoardWalk Inn. Megan also discusses how she upgraded her Escape Collection cake flavors and bouquet, added an appearance by Pluto, and did all her planning remotely.

#348 Wishes Wedding Spotlight: Nicole & Joey

Earlier this year, Nicole Jubin Burke joined me for my First Steps for the Newly Engaged episode. Today, she returns to the show to share how her Disney wedding turned out! Nicole and Joey were married at the Wedding Pavilion and had their reception at California Grill. They also added a welcome party in Dinosaur Lounge at Animal Kingdom, complete with appearance by Safari Goofy, and a dessert party that was moved into Imagination Lounge, the DVC member area above Journey Into Imagination wi...

#347 Cruise Wedding Spotlight: Kristen & Mubarek

This week, Disney bride Kristen Alhassan shares the story of her Cruise Collection wedding in Outlook Lounge aboard the Disney Dream. Kristen and Mubarek met when they were both cast members at Walt Disney World, and they added many personal touches to their event — including a three-hour catered reception in Outlook Lounge directly after the ceremony. You'll hear how Kristen customized the wedding package, what she did for hair and makeup services on the ship, and how she brought aboard a f...

#346 Four Seasons Wedding Spotlight: Megan & Jason

Today, Megan Kay shares the story of her Intimate Package wedding at the Four Seasons, including a ceremony on the Areca Lawn and a reception in the Pamplona Room at Capa. You'll hear how Megan and Jason chose the Four Seasons, what the planning process was like and how they added a private cocktail hour and reception to the package—including a view of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom! Megan also speaks frankly about the costs of a Four Seasons wedding and whether it is a money-saving alternat...

#345 Escape Wedding Spotlight: Eden & Brandon

This week, Disney bride Eden Graziano shares the story of her Escape wedding ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, with cake and Champagne reception at the Whitehall Room, dinner at 1900 Park Fare and a Happily Ever After fireworks cruise that night! Eden details how she and Brandon chose their venues, the upgrades and customizations they made to the Escape package, and how they planned all the way from Canada. You'll also hear how Eden set up a room block for her guests, plus her best tips for ...

#344 Lisa & John's Halloween Disney Wedding

Today's episode is a very special treat: Lisa Farrington shares the story of her Halloween wedding ceremony in the Japan Pavilion, brunch at Chef Mickey's, IllumiNations reception at Terrace des Fleurs, and after-party at Tower of Terror! You'll hear how Lisa and John chose these venues and worked within an unusual wedding-day timeline in order to use them. Lisa also shares extensive advice about planning the menu and how she achieved a romantic-gothic take on a Halloween theme through flora...

#343 Memories Wedding Spotlight: Carey & Scott

Luau Beach ceremony moved to the Whitehall Room & Patio!

#342 Amanda & Aaron's Walt Disney Family Museum Wedding

How to get married at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco!