New Look for YourFairytaleWedding Blog

We had a little break but we are back and with a new theme to our blog, we hope you like it.

We have lots of new ideas,  “Trends we Love” and suggestions to share with you and assist in your Disney Wedding Planning wherever you may be getting married.

Planning a Fairytale Wedding should be as much fun as it is hard work and the articles shared here aim to give you inspiration and memories you can share with your family and friends forever, just like those shown here in this magical montage of past Disney Brides.

YourFairytaleWedding Memories

The YourFairytaleWedding Blog is run by the same people who bring you the Disneymooner Forums a place where you can interact with Disney Brides past, present and future.

Enjoy the new look!

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Vendor Reveal: Jess Cumbie Photography

Continuing our series of “Vendor Reveals”.  Through our Disneymooner forums we’ve found our members have used a number and variety of Vendors for their Disney Wedding and we’ve been asking those Vendors to reveal just a little more about their business……. and themselves!

What is the name of your business/service and what is your offering?
Jess Cumbie Photography/Photography

What is your name, seems obvious I know but maybe it’s different from your business name?
Jess Cumbie

What do you believe makes your business/service unique? Me

How did you get started and how long have you been doing this?
Officially started in January of 2007

When not working a wedding at Walt Disney World (or another venue for that matter) what are you doing?
Tending to one of my many doggies, spending time with my hubby when he’s here (he’s Navy)… I spend a lot of time with my family, I have a large family… Movies, catching up on favorite TV show, friends… the usual stuff… Ironically my clients tend to take me to the best places for weddings and other shoots so sometimes some of the most fun I have is with them!!

What is your favorite part about your job?
The fact that it’s rewarding.

What types of wedding packages do you offer Disney brides?
All my wedding packages start with 4hrs of coverage then the bride can choose from there. I like for my sessions to be as customizable as possible for the client.

What is your favorite wedding trend right now in relation to your business/service?
The First Look

What’s your favorite thing about doing Disney weddings?
It’s Disney… Does there need any more explanation?

Happily Ever After

What was your strangest request when working a Disney Wedding?
Nothing too out of the ordinary… I JUST got off the phone with one of my brides who asked me if I would want to come to their desert party inside the park after the wedding, even though they know I can’t shoot… just to come and enjoy… I told her that it was her call but I’m FOR SURE not going to say no to fireworks and sweets!!!

Magical

What’s your most memorable moment that you have taken away from a Disney wedding?
Each one is so different and so special. I had a couple actually surprise their guests with Mickey and Minnie at their reception… I was MORE thrilled than the kids were to see them… I think I got a little misty eyed like some people do over Justin Bieber… I know I’m a dork, and I’m ok with it 😉

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

JUST FOR FUN
If you were getting married at WDW where would you have your ceremony and reception and why?
oh my… I think if I were to be getting married… I’d do it… ummm…. well….. uhhhhhhhh….. sigh… I have no idea… I don’t know how people choose!!!!

Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
I have to answer this very question for one of my Disney brides and I simply can’t… can I get more direction, like which movie, which era etc etc…. Ariel, Baloo, Maleficent, Genie, Flora, Fauna & Maryweather… Gus…

Which is your favorite Disney attraction and why?
Epcot… cause I’m a foodie! 🙂

FINALLY
Why should a Disneymooner choose your service?
To quote myself, from my Disney Wedding info packet……..
“Why Choose Jess Cumbie?
Why Choose Jess Cumbie as your Disney Wedding photographer? I’m sure it’s a question you’ve asked. As a Disney bride you’re spending quite a bit of time planning your wedding online……you’re relying on others who’ve had Disney weddings before and the Disney wedding planners. It’s hard to plan a complete wedding long distance. Many express that they want to have a non-Disney photographer at their wedding, which is fully understandable. It’s your wedding and the photographer is one of the most important aspects of the wedding. So, why choose me? I grew up Disney, my parents bought my sister and I annual passes, we also had the vacation club growing up. We’d go down on weekends 4-5 times a year. I use the term “Disney brat” same as people call themselves an “Army brat”. I love Disney, being there in the parks or just Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk. I spent my own honeymoon at Disney, and most all my vacations not because it’s close, easy or convenient but because I love it. I believe that’s what makes me a great Disney Wedding photographer.”

Jess Cumbie Photography
www.jesscumbie.com
facebook.com/jesscumbiephotography
jesscumbie.blogspot.com
904-219-7784

Thanks to Jess Cumbie for answering our questions as part of our Vendor Reveal series, if you would like your work revealed to our readers please contact yourfairytalewedding@disneymooner.com

Disneyland Vendor Reveal: Your Harpist

Continuing our series of “Vendor Reveals”.  Through our Disneymooner forums we’ve found our members have used a number and variety of Vendors for their Disney Wedding and we’ve been asking those Vendors to reveal just a little more about their business……. and themselves!

Another Vendor Reveal from the West coast servicing Disneyland Fairytale Weddings.

What is the name of your business/service and what is your offering?
– Your Harpist provides harp music for all of Southern California – Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas

What is your name, seems obvious I know but maybe it’s different from your business name?
– Ted Nichelson

What do you believe makes your business/service unique?
– The magic of live harp music adds so much to the finesse of a wedding ceremony. Not only is the instrument beautiful to look at but the sound is as well.

How did you get started and how long have you been doing this?
– I began taking harp lessons in my hometown growing up, and have been a professional harpist for more than 10 years now. I’ve played for more than 1000 weddings in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and California.

When not working a wedding at Disneyland (or another venue for that matter) what are you doing?
– I am a property manager in Los Angeles when not working as a harpist

What is your favorite part about your job?
– Most of all, I enjoy getting to travel around the area and perform at many interesting resorts, hotels, and natural settings.

What types of wedding packages do you offer Disney brides? (please feel free to add a link for Brides to get more information if applicable)
– I offer a standard wedding package, which includes consultations, a prelude of music to set the mood as guests are seated, the processional music, the recessional, and a short postlude as guests exit. On occasion, brides elect to have me also play for the cocktail hour.

What is your favorite wedding trend right now in relation to your business/service?
– I have really enjoyed the personal touches that brides and grooms add by selecting music that is meaningful to them in one way or another. I believe it makes their special day that much more memorable. I’ve been very willing to work with special requests to make this possible.

What’s your favorite thing about doing Disney weddings?
– The wedding staff at Disney is very organized, friendly, and wonderful to work with. I have never had any problems.

What was your strangest request when working a Disney wedding?
– I haven’t had a strange request, but one time a bride came riding in on the Disney Main Street fire engine, which I thought was amazing.

What’s your most memorable moment that you have taken away from a Disney wedding?
– One time Goofy walked up to me and really got exited about my harp, and did a pantomime to communicate how much he loved my music. I really enjoyed the extra attention, Goofy certainly is a comedian.

JUST FOR FUN
If you were getting married at Disneyland where would you have your ceremony and reception and why?
– The Rose Court Garden is a lovely setting, there is plenty of room for guest seating, it is quiet, and very intimate. A good place for the reception is the Sleeping Pavilion which has windows overlooking the beautiful Disney Hotel property.

Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
– I’ve always liked Goofy, mostly because Goofy’s Kitchen is nearby where most wedding receptions take place and he always waves at me.

Which is your favorite Disney attraction and why?
– I’ve always loved the Haunted Mansion – it never gets old no matter how many times you visit.

FINALLY
Why should a Disneymooner choose your service?
– I really do care about my clients, and do everything possible so that they will be happy and satisfied with the music for their special day. I feel that I am professional, reliable, and also confident of my performing skills. Anyone booking Your Harpist can be sure they will be very pleased with my services.

Theodore Nichelson – Your Harpist

Thanks to Ted, Your Harpist for answering our questions as part of our Vendor Reveal series, if you would like your work revealed to our readers please contact yourfairytalewedding@disneymooner.com

Trends We Love: Rectangular Tables

The following post is written by our Disneyland Wedding Guru Debbie.  To read more about  tips and trends to make your wedding stand out, please visit our Disneymooner Forums

Guest seating: Long rectangular tables

If you’d like a different look and feel to your reception you may want to consider long rectangular tables for your guests instead of the typical rounds. This can lead to a more intimate setting since your guests won’t be sitting so far across from each other. However, some people do not like that they may have reduced access to those sitting farther down the table from them. Long tables are typically perceived as more of a traditional family style set up. Depending on your guest count you can use one long table or several shorter ones. Be sure not to cram too many guests into one table or getting in and out of their seats could be cumbersome. The long tables can lead to a very elegant or casual feel depending on the décor you choose. When visualizing your reception space and the elements you’d like to include (dance floor, music, cake table, etc.) this may be a good option for laying out the room.

Here are some long tables options we love…..

Photo from: http://www.projectwedding.com/real_wedding/show/namrita-roman-santa-barbara-ca/3

Photo from:/www.projectwedding.com

Photo from: http://www.theperfectpalette.com

Photo from: italianweddings101.blogspot.com

Photo from: http://www.onewed.com

Photo from: http://www.tbofweddings.blogspot.com/

Photo from: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com

Photo from: http://tenpoundslighter.wordpress.com

We are really loving this table trend, what about you?  Do you have other ideas on how to seat your wedding guests?

Disneyland Vendor Reveal: White Rabbit Photo Boutique

Continuing our new series of “Vendor Reveals”.  Through our Disneymooner forums we’ve found our members have used a number and variety of Vendors for their Disney Wedding and we’ve been asking those Vendors to reveal just a little more about their business……. and themselves!

Our next Vendor Reveal comes to us from the West coast servicing Disneyland Fairytale Weddings.

What is the name of your business/service and what is your offering?
My  business name is the White Rabbit Photo Boutique, and I offer wedding photography, custom invitations, and am just getting a new photo booth(!!!) A lot of people assume that I decided on the White Rabbit name because I’m a Disney fan. It’s semi-true, but the biggest reason was because it was exciting to start my own business, and it felt a little like Alice following the Rabbit down the rabbit hole on her way to a new adventure. It also was whimsical, and I’m a big fan of whimsy.

What is your name, seems obvious I know but maybe it’s different from your business name?

Jenna Henderson

What do you believe makes your business/service unique?
The biggest difference between myself and other photographers, is my training as a visual anthropologist. I had to photograph different cultural events and people, and so I learned to document everything about the environment I was in. Because of this, I’m great at capturing the overall details and feeling of the wedding day, as well as showcasing the personalities of the couple. The thing that ties in weddings to my anthropology training, is that I’ve had art training since I was very young, so I try my best to capture the day in a way that is also beautiful.

How did you get started and how long have you been doing this?
Ack! This is a long story! Many moons ago, I worked at a popular photography studio in the Central Valley as a second shooter. I was working towards my degree in Anthropology, with a minor in Digital Media. I was hoping to eventually get contractual work photographing other cultures in different countries around the world. I loved anthropology, but then I unexpectedly met my husband and didn’t want to travel for years at a time without him. Instead of applying for grad school and anthropology contracts, I used my backup plan and began working as a kindergarten teacher for two years. When we adopted my son, my teaching contract just happened to end because our school was closing. While I was at home raising my son and looking for jobs, I started blogging and posting photos about our life (www.thislittleblog.com). This led to being asked about photographing an engagement shoot, which led to being asked to photograph a pirate wedding, which led to being asked to photograph a proposal in the Dream Suite, which led to being added as a preferred vendor at Disneyland! I couldn’t believe my good fortune, and cried happy tears on the phone when I was told I was being added to their vendor list, because I’m sappy like that!

When not working a wedding at Disneyland (or another venue for that matter) what are you doing?
I love, love, love, to spend time with my husband and son. We are big foodies, so we love to try out new restaurants and cook. Other things I love: walking, hiking, quilting, gardening, and reading. Oh, and I spend a lot of time at Disneyland with my son, who thinks Mickey Mouse is the coolest person on the planet. After mom and dad, of course. 😉

What is your favorite part about your job?
Hands down, getting to photograph people on one of the happiest days of their lives.

What types of wedding packages do you offer Disney brides? (please feel free to add a link for Brides to get more information if applicable)
I have four photography packages starting with escape weddings and moving up. All of my packages include my services for the entire day (I don’t like time limits!) and a beautiful Custom Designed DVD with all of the high resolution images. Brides and Grooms can print images on their own, or have them printed through my professional printing company. I also design albums, do custom framing, engagement books, and anything else you can think of. People are usually surprised when they see my pricing, but I like keeping my pricing affordable because I know what it’s like to pay for a wedding and I think everyone should have the chance for beautiful pictures on their wedding day.

What is your favorite wedding trend right now in relation to your business/service?
I think it would be all the creative details people pull into their weddings. I’m always amazed at how creative and classy the Disney Brides are.

What’s your favorite thing about doing Disney weddings?
This is hard because there are so many things I love about Disney Weddings. I love getting to know the couples because we have a common love of Disney, but I also love working with the Disney Coordinators. They love their job as much as I do, and it is really fun to work with their team. They tell me about how beautiful a dress is going to be, or how neat the details of an upcoming wedding are. It’s great working with people who are so excited about the weddings that I’m going to be photographing. It’s a really fun, rewarding, and positive environment.

What was your strangest request when working a Disney wedding?
I haven’t had any strange requests yet. This is probably because I went to school for anthropology and am still waiting for the day that someone asks me to try a soup that’s made out of bug juice.

What’s your most memorable moment that you have taken away from a Disney wedding?
Ack! I am going to sound so silly, but here I go….When I worked at the park ages ago, I used to take the long route and made a point of walking through the castle every morning so I could hear “When You Wish Upon a Star”. My favorite line from the song was when they’d sing, “fate is kind, she brings to those who love”. It happened to play when I walked through the castle on my first shift at Disneyland, so it was special to me. If I heard that part of the song when I walked through castle at the beginning a shift, I knew it was going to be a good day. Not too long ago, I was photographing a Morning Castle Shoot for Tina and On Wa. I walked through the castle and heard that particular part of the song. I had this moment where I felt like things had come full circle, and that I was the luckiest person on the planet to be able to do something I love so much.

JUST FOR FUN
If you were getting married at Disneyland where would you have your ceremony and reception and why?
My husband and I talk about this all the time, and we decided we’d get married in New Orleans Square. We love the atmosphere over there, and think it would make an awesome spot for a wedding. Second runner up is the Mark Twain River Boat.

Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
Alice, of course! I love how logical she is about the quirkiest things. I often feel like I’m having Alice moments.

Which is your favorite Disney attraction and why?
Storybook Land Canal Boats, because I worked there for five years and that attraction was my baby. I have a hard time riding it now, because if I see one single thing misplaced, it makes me want to bring the Attraction Tinker Fairies some cookies so I can get it fixed pronto.

FINALLY
Why should a Disneymooner choose your service?
THIS! Coming from the worst salesperson in the world! I would want a Disneymooner to choose my service because they love my photos. After your wedding, the only thing you’ll have to look back on are your photos and videos! It’s so important to choose a photographer that is going to give you photos that you want for always. My son’s favorite book is our wedding album, and I’m so glad we took the time to find a photographer that we loved! Disneymooners should do the same, and if it happens to be me? Yayyyyyy, that’s awesome! I can’t wait to work with you!

Jenna Henderson
White Rabbit Photo Boutique
Los Angeles/Orange County/Central Valley
1 (909) 293 8064

White Rabbit Photo Boutique Website
jenna@whiterabbitphotoboutique.com

Thanks to Jenna, White Rabbit Photo Boutique for answering our questions as part of our Vendor Reveal series, if you would like your work revealed to our readers please contact yourfairytalewedding@disneymooner.com