OKWTink
May 5th, 2006, 22:01
What seems like a very long time ago, our Bride bestowed that name upon me. I’ve cherished it ever since.
When she invited me to her most important life event to date, I could but only say yes, even for all my clinical shyness and paranoia about meeting people.
There are no photos here at this time, only words. Photos may find their way to this thread, but for now you’ll allow me the indulgence of sharing my experience with you in this manner, please? This is not a complete accounting by any means; rather highlights of a perfect day.
It’s difficult to know where to best begin, so I’ll arbitrarily choose the walk to the Wedding Pavilion.
I walked along the Polynesian bit of beach, and imagined a young, beautiful woman there with a very handsome young man. What was he doing in my mind’s eye? Proposing! Ah yes, she’d said yes. You could tell by the glow on his face and her beaming smile. I wasn’t there then, you understand. It’s just this image that kept me company as my guest and I walked to the Wedding Pavilion.
As we approached, the Groom and his family were entering the covered entry to the chapel. Our Alec was there, and Junior Mickey, Breeze, and my lovely Sister Tinker and her husband Jim.
Our Groom was handsome beyond words in his full Highland Dress. He was greeting people as they arrived and was steady as a rock. No attack of nerves for our Groom. He was a Scotsman with a purpose and that purpose was marrying his Joanne.
Our Groom’s family are very lovely folk. His parents introduced themselves and welcomed the guests, along with their son. Jonathan’s Grandparents are incredible. They are a very beautiful and warm couple. Handsome doesn’t quite cover it, but is the only word that I can think of right now. Grandfather Smith rivaled his Grandson for handsomeness in his kilt. Grandmother Smith was dressed in a lovely heather coloured chiffon dress that floated as she walked. Her deep purple stole completed a lovely ensemble that was complimented by the fascinator in her upswept hair.
Once we were all seated, the violinist played lovely Disney themed music. Love songs, of course!
People entered. Excitement built. Jonathan’s Grandparents came down the aisle, then his Parents. They were seated to the right of the main aisle.
Joanne’s Father came down the aisle next with her Mother. One look at this stunning couple and you know where Joanne gets her sweet face and regal stature. Her parents are tall and slender and her mother was simply lovely in a full-length lavender outfit complete with a beautiful matching hat.
There were just a few moments to look around the chapel. Terry and his wife Sue were in the pew directly behind me, so I was able to introduce myself to them. Breeze was able to introduce me to our Wendy L and her husband, too! What a great feeling to meet the lovely people here from this site.
All was now quiet and the doors were closed. Suddenly, they opened silently and Auntie Vicar was standing there. Slowly and with grace, as only a Vicar can have she walked down the aisle. Our Bride made the stole she was wearing especially for this day. It was beautiful in its intricacy.
Our Groom, followed by his Best Man and Groomsman were next. Jonathan was perfect. His Plaid swayed gently as he approached the altar to the strains of Braveheart.
The door had closed after them, and the guests turned expectantly back toward it when the music changed. Once again, the doors opened silently and there stood the prettiest little girls you could ever hope to see. Paula and Alec’s eldest daughter was followed by Mickeymac’s. They carried lovely pomander style bouquets, and never missed a beat.
The chief Bridesmaid, Jonathan’s sister was so pretty in her outfit! Her hair was swept up and she virtually floated down the aisle.
All eyes followed them to the altar until the music changed. Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo? Yes! The guests turned back to the closed door as the violinist merrily played this melody.
The silent doors flew open and there she stood! The littlest girl of all! Paula and Alec’s youngest daughter as flower girl moved the entire congregation to gasps of “OH!” and “How beautiful!” There she stood in her beautiful white dress and full wreath of flowers and her sparkling magic wand! A huge smile lit her face and she came down the aisle as if she had wings on her feet!
You know what comes next, eh? No. No really you don’t. None of us did. Oh, we all thought we knew. We thought that we would see our Bride coming through the door, but we couldn’t have possible imagined what we did see.
The music changed. The doors silently opened one last time. And there she was. No one took a breath. No one could. Time hung suspended. The smile on her face, the love and beauty radiating from her entire person truly made the bright Florida sun seem dim by comparison. Our Bride actually shimmered in her beauty. The satin of her dress gleamed and the handset beadwork sparkled in the sunshine. Her father stood by her side, handsomer than a Dad has a right to be! As they started down the aisle, I somewhere found the presence of mind to steal a glimpse of our Groom.
He was gazing at his Bride like he’d not seen her before. And perhaps he hadn’t. Perhaps he’d never seen this much absolute love shining from her face.
As they reached the altar, the ceremony started. Auntie Vicar shared memories of the time she first brought her young niece to Walt Disney World. “One day, I’ll get married here.” This was ‘One Day.’
The ceremony served to demonstrate the love this couple has for each other. It invoked the promise of the future, and shared their respect and love for their parents. From the vows that they spoke, “…ring encircles your finger…as my love encircles your heart…” to the beautiful poem read so perfectly by Alec, to that very special passage from Corinthians read with great dignity by Grandfather Smith, to the lighting of the eternity candle, the blessing of hands, the Apache Wedding blessing and the First Presentation of Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor, each moment of this ceremony had been carefully and precisely planned. It left no doubt in this guest’s mind that this woman and man love each other completely and will do so until the end of time.
As the New Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor came down the aisle the sense of happiness in the chapel elevated to near giddiness! Everyone was smiling and had actually applauded the New Couple!
Guests then moved from the chapel to stand on either side of the walkway leading to the drive. Little packets of dried flower petals were distributed and Cinderella’s Carriage, complete with footmen, awaited the Bride and Groom. This really is the “stuff of faerie tales” and “forever after.”
As Joanne and Jonathan made their way to the carriage, guests showered them with the petals that danced lightly on the gentle breeze before being swept away. They were handed into the carriage by the gold and white clad (and bewigged!) footmen. The beautiful team of white horses carried them away.
Guests were invited to stroll to the Summerhouse of the Grand Floridian where the violinist played anything the guests wished to hear. Disney themed music, Renaissance, Baroque, all was played by this very talented musician.
There was a lovely buffet of very refreshing fruit, along with chilled beverages for the guests to enjoy until the return of the Bride and Groom. Guests mingled and shared their comments on the beautiful ceremony that we’d all been honored to witness just moments ago. “Never more beautiful in my life…” “…stunning…” “…I was ok, Sister Tink, until the end…” “Have you ever in your life seen anyone so beautiful?” “It takes a very secure Bride to have such beautiful attendants!”
It was a lovely interlude that allowed everyone to get to know each other a bit better. Meeting friends from this board, and family members of both the Bride and Groom was a very nice way to while away an hour.
When our Beautiful Couple returned, the guests were then escorted to the private reception room in the Grand Floridian. What a lovely room!
Each table had its own name, the most beautiful fresh flower bouquets and at each formal place setting was an individual place card, along with a menu with each guest’s name. Perfection. I honestly cannot tell you how moved I was to see that the table at which I was seated was named, “The Fairy G-dmother Table.”
The cake was in the far corner. With its own light beaming down upon it, the cake was a shimmering masterpiece. Topped by the castle, it also featured beautiful flowers that echoed the colors of those of the wedding party.
Our Bride and Groom had their lovely table for two that was the centerpiece of the dining area. The reception opened with toasts from the Bride’s Father, followed by our Groom. The timbre of his voice when he said, “…my wife…” for the first time, still makes me shiver (deliciously of course) a bit. The Best Man completed the toasting with his, and you’ll be pleased to know he didn’t cast (many) aspersions on our Groom’s character.
How can I accurately describe the reception? I can’t. I can only attempt to share with you the thoughtfulness and care that Our Newlyweds had put into this day. Every measure was taken to be certain that their guests’ comfort and pleasure were provided for in the most complete manner.
The theme of champagne, red raspberries, and dark chocolate ran through the dinner with most delicious success! The mixed green salad was dressed with either red raspberry vinaigrette or champagne vinaigrette. It was a truly difficult decision but I finally (much to the server’s relief) decided upon the red raspberry. It was perfect. Not too sweet and with the right amount of tartness, it complemented the crispy greens beautifully.
Suddenly, the strains of “Be Our Guest…” filled the dining room. The entry doors were flung open and the servers (all in black formal wear) entered carrying serving platters of the most incredible ice sculpted “glass slippers” you can imagine! The slippers were on a “pillow” of ice and the toe of the slipper was filled with raspberry sorbet. There was a little blue light under each pillow. Can you see it; the dimmed lights with the servers fairly prancing into the room with lighted ice slippers for each guest? Incredible. Oh, and the sorbet was delicious.
As guests finished the sorbet, the little blue lights were kept to use later. They make lovely arcs of light when waved in a slow crescent over one’s head. Mine is still lit!
The main course was either chicken or beef. I had selected the beef and what a selection it was. Filet mignon on a bed of mashed potato with a savoury glace was accompanied by asparagus and a finely julienned serving of carrot. It was absolutely delicious. The filet was as tender as butter and the glace was perfectly seasoned.
Now lest you think our Bride and Groom expected their guests to have cake for dessert, let me quickly disabuse you of that notion! Dessert was an amazing affair of white chocolate slipper, filled with crème, dotted with fresh raspberries, a dark chocolate affair filled with mousse, a red coulis heart on the plate along with a chocolate (cocoa) castle. It was in a word - divine.
The reception itself was a lively affair filled with music, and dancing and our Bride leading a conga line, Scots style. Bouquets were thrown, and garters were removed! All that tossing and catching made this old faerie G-dmother a bit dizzy!
Our Bride and Groom had lovely surprise guests to entertain their wedding guests. Mickey and Minnie in formal wear came along to the party for dancing and cake cutting! As the Bride and Groom fed each other a bit of the lovely cake, Mickey and Minnie stood alongside watching to be sure all was well.
Photos were taken, visiting was made from table to table, laughter, merriment…joy was shared. I’ll not tell you all the secrets of the dancing… but if you get a chance, do ask our Fine Scottish Groom about the “YMCA” number, ok?
At the final dance, “Loch Lohman” all guests (yes, even this old fat one) encircled the Bride and Groom and sang along. Then, as the handsome kilted man to my left said, “It’s going to get lively!” which it did! We danced toward and away from the Newlyweds who continued in their own dance in the center of the ring. Joyous, and robust!!! At the very end, the men hoisted our Groom to their shoulders. Robust indeed!
It’s not over yet, folks! At the close of the reception, all guests were escorted to a private bus and whisked away (backstage I might add) to the World Showcase. As the wedding guests led the way, our Bride and Groom were greeted with applause from the WDW visitors.
We were there for the Illuminations Dessert Party and what a dessert party it was!! There were lovely little cakes, and crumpets, and éclairs, and tarts, and oooh, any number of tasty bits! There was coffee and tea and cold drinks as well.
As we all continued to enjoy one another’s company, time came for Illuminations to start. In the backdrop of a gorgeous fireworks display, Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor stood with arms encircling each other. The breeze played with our Bride’s veil, and the plaid on our Groom’s shoulder danced along with it.
As the fireworks came to a close, our Groom kissed his Bride. All is well in the world. Jonathan has his Joanne.
When she invited me to her most important life event to date, I could but only say yes, even for all my clinical shyness and paranoia about meeting people.
There are no photos here at this time, only words. Photos may find their way to this thread, but for now you’ll allow me the indulgence of sharing my experience with you in this manner, please? This is not a complete accounting by any means; rather highlights of a perfect day.
It’s difficult to know where to best begin, so I’ll arbitrarily choose the walk to the Wedding Pavilion.
I walked along the Polynesian bit of beach, and imagined a young, beautiful woman there with a very handsome young man. What was he doing in my mind’s eye? Proposing! Ah yes, she’d said yes. You could tell by the glow on his face and her beaming smile. I wasn’t there then, you understand. It’s just this image that kept me company as my guest and I walked to the Wedding Pavilion.
As we approached, the Groom and his family were entering the covered entry to the chapel. Our Alec was there, and Junior Mickey, Breeze, and my lovely Sister Tinker and her husband Jim.
Our Groom was handsome beyond words in his full Highland Dress. He was greeting people as they arrived and was steady as a rock. No attack of nerves for our Groom. He was a Scotsman with a purpose and that purpose was marrying his Joanne.
Our Groom’s family are very lovely folk. His parents introduced themselves and welcomed the guests, along with their son. Jonathan’s Grandparents are incredible. They are a very beautiful and warm couple. Handsome doesn’t quite cover it, but is the only word that I can think of right now. Grandfather Smith rivaled his Grandson for handsomeness in his kilt. Grandmother Smith was dressed in a lovely heather coloured chiffon dress that floated as she walked. Her deep purple stole completed a lovely ensemble that was complimented by the fascinator in her upswept hair.
Once we were all seated, the violinist played lovely Disney themed music. Love songs, of course!
People entered. Excitement built. Jonathan’s Grandparents came down the aisle, then his Parents. They were seated to the right of the main aisle.
Joanne’s Father came down the aisle next with her Mother. One look at this stunning couple and you know where Joanne gets her sweet face and regal stature. Her parents are tall and slender and her mother was simply lovely in a full-length lavender outfit complete with a beautiful matching hat.
There were just a few moments to look around the chapel. Terry and his wife Sue were in the pew directly behind me, so I was able to introduce myself to them. Breeze was able to introduce me to our Wendy L and her husband, too! What a great feeling to meet the lovely people here from this site.
All was now quiet and the doors were closed. Suddenly, they opened silently and Auntie Vicar was standing there. Slowly and with grace, as only a Vicar can have she walked down the aisle. Our Bride made the stole she was wearing especially for this day. It was beautiful in its intricacy.
Our Groom, followed by his Best Man and Groomsman were next. Jonathan was perfect. His Plaid swayed gently as he approached the altar to the strains of Braveheart.
The door had closed after them, and the guests turned expectantly back toward it when the music changed. Once again, the doors opened silently and there stood the prettiest little girls you could ever hope to see. Paula and Alec’s eldest daughter was followed by Mickeymac’s. They carried lovely pomander style bouquets, and never missed a beat.
The chief Bridesmaid, Jonathan’s sister was so pretty in her outfit! Her hair was swept up and she virtually floated down the aisle.
All eyes followed them to the altar until the music changed. Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo? Yes! The guests turned back to the closed door as the violinist merrily played this melody.
The silent doors flew open and there she stood! The littlest girl of all! Paula and Alec’s youngest daughter as flower girl moved the entire congregation to gasps of “OH!” and “How beautiful!” There she stood in her beautiful white dress and full wreath of flowers and her sparkling magic wand! A huge smile lit her face and she came down the aisle as if she had wings on her feet!
You know what comes next, eh? No. No really you don’t. None of us did. Oh, we all thought we knew. We thought that we would see our Bride coming through the door, but we couldn’t have possible imagined what we did see.
The music changed. The doors silently opened one last time. And there she was. No one took a breath. No one could. Time hung suspended. The smile on her face, the love and beauty radiating from her entire person truly made the bright Florida sun seem dim by comparison. Our Bride actually shimmered in her beauty. The satin of her dress gleamed and the handset beadwork sparkled in the sunshine. Her father stood by her side, handsomer than a Dad has a right to be! As they started down the aisle, I somewhere found the presence of mind to steal a glimpse of our Groom.
He was gazing at his Bride like he’d not seen her before. And perhaps he hadn’t. Perhaps he’d never seen this much absolute love shining from her face.
As they reached the altar, the ceremony started. Auntie Vicar shared memories of the time she first brought her young niece to Walt Disney World. “One day, I’ll get married here.” This was ‘One Day.’
The ceremony served to demonstrate the love this couple has for each other. It invoked the promise of the future, and shared their respect and love for their parents. From the vows that they spoke, “…ring encircles your finger…as my love encircles your heart…” to the beautiful poem read so perfectly by Alec, to that very special passage from Corinthians read with great dignity by Grandfather Smith, to the lighting of the eternity candle, the blessing of hands, the Apache Wedding blessing and the First Presentation of Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor, each moment of this ceremony had been carefully and precisely planned. It left no doubt in this guest’s mind that this woman and man love each other completely and will do so until the end of time.
As the New Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor came down the aisle the sense of happiness in the chapel elevated to near giddiness! Everyone was smiling and had actually applauded the New Couple!
Guests then moved from the chapel to stand on either side of the walkway leading to the drive. Little packets of dried flower petals were distributed and Cinderella’s Carriage, complete with footmen, awaited the Bride and Groom. This really is the “stuff of faerie tales” and “forever after.”
As Joanne and Jonathan made their way to the carriage, guests showered them with the petals that danced lightly on the gentle breeze before being swept away. They were handed into the carriage by the gold and white clad (and bewigged!) footmen. The beautiful team of white horses carried them away.
Guests were invited to stroll to the Summerhouse of the Grand Floridian where the violinist played anything the guests wished to hear. Disney themed music, Renaissance, Baroque, all was played by this very talented musician.
There was a lovely buffet of very refreshing fruit, along with chilled beverages for the guests to enjoy until the return of the Bride and Groom. Guests mingled and shared their comments on the beautiful ceremony that we’d all been honored to witness just moments ago. “Never more beautiful in my life…” “…stunning…” “…I was ok, Sister Tink, until the end…” “Have you ever in your life seen anyone so beautiful?” “It takes a very secure Bride to have such beautiful attendants!”
It was a lovely interlude that allowed everyone to get to know each other a bit better. Meeting friends from this board, and family members of both the Bride and Groom was a very nice way to while away an hour.
When our Beautiful Couple returned, the guests were then escorted to the private reception room in the Grand Floridian. What a lovely room!
Each table had its own name, the most beautiful fresh flower bouquets and at each formal place setting was an individual place card, along with a menu with each guest’s name. Perfection. I honestly cannot tell you how moved I was to see that the table at which I was seated was named, “The Fairy G-dmother Table.”
The cake was in the far corner. With its own light beaming down upon it, the cake was a shimmering masterpiece. Topped by the castle, it also featured beautiful flowers that echoed the colors of those of the wedding party.
Our Bride and Groom had their lovely table for two that was the centerpiece of the dining area. The reception opened with toasts from the Bride’s Father, followed by our Groom. The timbre of his voice when he said, “…my wife…” for the first time, still makes me shiver (deliciously of course) a bit. The Best Man completed the toasting with his, and you’ll be pleased to know he didn’t cast (many) aspersions on our Groom’s character.
How can I accurately describe the reception? I can’t. I can only attempt to share with you the thoughtfulness and care that Our Newlyweds had put into this day. Every measure was taken to be certain that their guests’ comfort and pleasure were provided for in the most complete manner.
The theme of champagne, red raspberries, and dark chocolate ran through the dinner with most delicious success! The mixed green salad was dressed with either red raspberry vinaigrette or champagne vinaigrette. It was a truly difficult decision but I finally (much to the server’s relief) decided upon the red raspberry. It was perfect. Not too sweet and with the right amount of tartness, it complemented the crispy greens beautifully.
Suddenly, the strains of “Be Our Guest…” filled the dining room. The entry doors were flung open and the servers (all in black formal wear) entered carrying serving platters of the most incredible ice sculpted “glass slippers” you can imagine! The slippers were on a “pillow” of ice and the toe of the slipper was filled with raspberry sorbet. There was a little blue light under each pillow. Can you see it; the dimmed lights with the servers fairly prancing into the room with lighted ice slippers for each guest? Incredible. Oh, and the sorbet was delicious.
As guests finished the sorbet, the little blue lights were kept to use later. They make lovely arcs of light when waved in a slow crescent over one’s head. Mine is still lit!
The main course was either chicken or beef. I had selected the beef and what a selection it was. Filet mignon on a bed of mashed potato with a savoury glace was accompanied by asparagus and a finely julienned serving of carrot. It was absolutely delicious. The filet was as tender as butter and the glace was perfectly seasoned.
Now lest you think our Bride and Groom expected their guests to have cake for dessert, let me quickly disabuse you of that notion! Dessert was an amazing affair of white chocolate slipper, filled with crème, dotted with fresh raspberries, a dark chocolate affair filled with mousse, a red coulis heart on the plate along with a chocolate (cocoa) castle. It was in a word - divine.
The reception itself was a lively affair filled with music, and dancing and our Bride leading a conga line, Scots style. Bouquets were thrown, and garters were removed! All that tossing and catching made this old faerie G-dmother a bit dizzy!
Our Bride and Groom had lovely surprise guests to entertain their wedding guests. Mickey and Minnie in formal wear came along to the party for dancing and cake cutting! As the Bride and Groom fed each other a bit of the lovely cake, Mickey and Minnie stood alongside watching to be sure all was well.
Photos were taken, visiting was made from table to table, laughter, merriment…joy was shared. I’ll not tell you all the secrets of the dancing… but if you get a chance, do ask our Fine Scottish Groom about the “YMCA” number, ok?
At the final dance, “Loch Lohman” all guests (yes, even this old fat one) encircled the Bride and Groom and sang along. Then, as the handsome kilted man to my left said, “It’s going to get lively!” which it did! We danced toward and away from the Newlyweds who continued in their own dance in the center of the ring. Joyous, and robust!!! At the very end, the men hoisted our Groom to their shoulders. Robust indeed!
It’s not over yet, folks! At the close of the reception, all guests were escorted to a private bus and whisked away (backstage I might add) to the World Showcase. As the wedding guests led the way, our Bride and Groom were greeted with applause from the WDW visitors.
We were there for the Illuminations Dessert Party and what a dessert party it was!! There were lovely little cakes, and crumpets, and éclairs, and tarts, and oooh, any number of tasty bits! There was coffee and tea and cold drinks as well.
As we all continued to enjoy one another’s company, time came for Illuminations to start. In the backdrop of a gorgeous fireworks display, Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan Taylor stood with arms encircling each other. The breeze played with our Bride’s veil, and the plaid on our Groom’s shoulder danced along with it.
As the fireworks came to a close, our Groom kissed his Bride. All is well in the world. Jonathan has his Joanne.