Charleston Wedding
The Ultimate Charleston Wedding Planning Resource
Walt Disney WorldJodi & Victor's Walt Disney World Wedding
Maximum Happy,
Minimum Stress, Great Value
We (Jodi Bucknam and Victor Nazarian) got married at Walt Disney World on Sunday 18 April 2010 at the Gazebo in the Rose Garden at Disney's Yacht Club resort and had our reception at the Atlantic Dance Hall.
The bride & groom laughed and cried and danced.
The critics raved:
It couldn't have been any better. - Bride's Mom
I want to do it all over again. - Groom
The best wedding I've ever been to. - Our minister, Tony Guida
If you've seen Molly Ringwald in "Sixteen Candles" or Steve Martin in "Father of the Bride" you may understand my state of mind in early 2009. I was worried and I wasn't sure we knew what we were doing. Marrying Jodi was a rock solid sure thing. I couldn't have been more positive of anything in my whole life. HOW do we get married?
HC SVNT DRACONES... (Here Be Dragons)
I asked Jodi to marry me on the Royal (pipe organ) stage at the Maryland Renaissance Festival on the last day of the Fall 2008 season. I was just back from an airborne Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol, still in my uniform flight suit. We'd been dating since the previous February and had known each other from swing dancing for about a year before that. She said yes, my friend Gary played Ode to Joy on the pipe organ and I was walking on clouds. Now we had to start walking those clouds in the direction of a wedding, somewhere.
We spent months, buying magazines, doing Internet research and talking to friends. We must have put in 200 hours on our MacBooks looking up details and reading reviews and comments on weddings and we probably put over 5,000 miles on Jodi's Honda Civic Hybrid traveling to interesting wedding spots. We wanted to stay out of debt and pay for it mostly on our own. It had to be fun, include dancing and have as many of our friends and family as possible. We knew we could save some money by doing our own invitations and ceremony programs and providing a few of our own special touches. We even got our friend Slash (Eric Dunn) to draw up some special graphics we could use in our invitations. We knew we'd probably spend quite a bit if we wanted a memorable event and we wanted to do it RIGHT, get a good value and have lots of fun for our money.
We had lots of ideas for themes including Victorian formal, steam punk, zoot suits, island/tropical and Jazz Fest in New Orleans, etc. I even suggested getting married by a ship's captain in period garb - a pirate wedding.
Jodi wasn't into the pirate wedding theme but getting married on a ship (in non-pirate clothes) stayed on the list. We considered several cities close to the water and also maybe staying close to home.
Even though Washington D.C. is beautiful in the Spring the sprawling nature and inflated costs of the D.C. metro area would have made staying close to home expensive and complicated.
Also, because Jodi's family is somewhat dispersed and would have to travel anyway it only seemed fair to have the wedding somewhere worth traveling to. This made a destination wedding much more appealing, at least to my logic.
We visited, Baltimore, Portland (Maine), Tampa, Orlando, New Orleans, Charleston and several other cities. One of the pilots in my Coast Guard Auxiliary aviation flotilla, even flew us out to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay. Then we talked it all over, did the math and searched our hearts. All in all it came down to what would make the maximum happy with the minimum stress at a reasonable cost? Walt Disney World came up on top. It was more than just choosing a location, it was more like choosing a project management team with romantic show business experience.
I had just one tiny concern...
"I don't think I want a Mickey Mouse wedding."
Looking back that might seem silly. We had just about the best time anyone can have getting married. Before-hand however I had some real concerns. I didn't want to spend the price of a small, used airplane on something that might feel plastic and be regarded as cheesy. I love Disney and Pixar and I'm fond of the Sorcerer's Apprentice. We own every Pixar film and we both love The Muppets. Even so, I wanted to make sure our wedding would be a Jodi and Victor focused affair, special in its own right.
I was also worried I would talk Jodi into something she wouldn't love. I can be a real bulldozer when it comes to decisions. When the little voice in my heart expressed concerns about "Mickey Mouse wedding" I listened to it. I made sure to say something to both Jodi and the Disney folks. I also made a point of listening to everyone. I'm not always the best listener but for this, I tried to listen extra hard.
Here's where the Disney folks really impressed me, Telepathy. Yup, Kristi Davis one of Disney's wedding sales representatives over at Franck's can read minds! She showed us the wedding chapel and the beach near the Grand Floridian and then, perhaps reading my body language or looking inside my skull suggested we go over to the Yacht Club and look at the rose garden and gazebo. Long before I met Jodi my best WDW trip ever was back in the early 2000's when I stayed for several days at the Yacht Club. It's cool, retro and wonderful and it's right by the water. Also, it's walking distance to both Epcot and MGM (now Disney's Hollywood Studios). Somehow Kristi must have known I love all of that. I love mind readers!
We were still not sign-on-the-dotted-line just yet. We made sure to finish up visiting the other sites we had planned and we double checked our hearts. We looked at numbers and talked with friends. We asked family members what they thought and then we did the smart thing. We talked with Jodi's mom.
Jodi's mother Anita is a saint. Really! She's a super smart, ultra cool professor over at Ohio State (Go Buckeyes) and not only was she happy to let us do the wedding any way we wanted but she also said she'd help us if we needed it. She agreed with us that WDW was a good idea and was very supportive. Likewise Jodi's father was very supportive as well and also offered to help if needed. Although we wanted to do this ourselves as much as possible we were relieved to know that help would be there if we needed it. We did "tap the rents" a little for money for photography, etcetera and my own mother even put up some money for the rehearsal dinner. They were all comfortable with Disney and helped keep our stress down a lot.
The due diligence and teamwork really brought Jodi and me closer together and made us more confident in our decisions. Some people have buyer's remorse about their wedding (the place, hopefully not the partner). I didn't want to ever have any feelings whatsoever that we could have done it better. By personally visiting lots of locations together and talking to lots of people face-to-face we bonded and we assured ourselves we were doing the right things. Then we chose Walt Disney World and Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Smart move, they were able to make it all happen with lots of happiness and without stress. They have, or can arrange for, almost everything you might need.
Walt Disney's company is much more than cute media icons and cultural fluff. He and his brother Roy established a creative business culture that revolves around family, friendship and taking good care of people. Disney has what it takes to make a wedding into a celebration:
1. Professionals who are capable and motivated to make things happen.
2. Customer service - feeling pampered should be part of any wedding.
3. Happiness, fun and smiles, for everyone - key to a good wedding.
4. Low stress!!!
5. Resources that are all close at hand.
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Joanna Bailey Charleston WeddingsIn our experience, Joanna Bailey was all talk and no action. We feel that she bilked us out of $2,500 and did virtually nothing. I would be happy to talk to you about my experience and refer you to other unhappy clients so that you will see that this is not isolated. Contact us at pecinovs@gmail.com. Please don't make the same mistake we did and let her have any impact on your special day.
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Blustarfruit JewelryI couldn't of imagined my day with out my amazing necklace and bracelet!!!
**PERFECT**
XOXO
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Charleston Flower MarketWe ordered all our flowers and made our own centerpieces and bouquets. The flowers turned out really good, and she even gave us extras because some of the roses werent bloomed yet. The lady gave us a lot of information and input on what would look good and we appreciated her very much.
VERy Very helpful!
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The Music Maker DJ Service IncSinclair was an AMAZING DJ. If you make an appointment with the music maker make sure you ask SPECIFICALLY for him. He was attentive and checked with me for scheduling. He had all the music I requested. Most of which I told him were suggestions... and My ceremony music was difficult to find but he didnt make a big deal about it. The wind did ruin the sound for the ceremony so thats why my rating dropped a little.
The price I listed included a photobooth. It was a HUGE hit and there was ALWAYS a long line. The quality of the pictures was poor half the time. It didnt seem to bother the guests but I've seen the pictures turn out better. But the attendant was really nice and helpful. She even dealt with our crazy family; which says A LOT!
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I have a Blue by Enzoani Charleston gown in ivory for sale. Size 14, never worn, tags still on. Not married yet, and indecisive about my gown...
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hey ladies! i am going on a mini-moon to Charleston!!! i want to know all the good places to go and the ones to stay away from! restaurants, places to go, shop, etc, etc
we prefer non-chain restaurants, but we are definitely going to paula deen's place! : )
thanks girls!!!!
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I need help!! My best friend got engaged a couple months ago and wants to get married in Charleston on or near the beach and is having the hardest time finding a place!!!
If you got married in Charleston or are planning on getting married there where is your venue??
Thanks in advance!!:)
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What is your location?
Who are your vendors?
Why the heck is it so expensive to throw a wedding here?
I need some local inspiration!
Our ceremony is downtown @ St. Luke's on MUSC's campus
Reception @ The Historic Rice Mill on Lockwood
We are using Red Shutter Studio for photography
& Other Brother Entertainment for our DJ
& Rococo Bakery is doing our cake!
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Red Shutter Studio in Charleston did the photography. They were amazing! If anyone is looking for a photographer in that area, I highly recommend them. They're reasonably priced and we get all the rights to our pics included in the package.
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Anybody live in the area? FI and I are considering moving out there at the end of 2010. Just wondering what it's like to live there.....I've only visited for a short time once. :)
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Hi everyone,
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I am going to be moving to the Summerville/North Charleston, SC area pretty soon and I would like to meet new friends from that area or any other area and make friends, Maybe have cookouts or dinner’s in our homes Etc. Also I will be getting married within the next year or two and I need lots of help in planning, this will be the 2nd time for both of us, I am 41 and he is 36. Together we will have 5 children when our families become 1 <Myself 3 - ages 26,18 and 7> <Him ages 8 and 3> Allan is a massage therapist and I myself write cookbooks to raise donations for charities and also do in home cooking classes and catering for small events. Besides all that I have mentioned above other plans include opening Allan a new spa studio, opening 2 new restaurants and buying/decorating a new home. I adore making new friends wherever I go and I don’t like doing things or planning things ALONE so If anyone would like to send me a message that would be GREAT!!!!!!!!
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Thanks for reading,
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Connie C
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Charleston Wedding Bios
Catering~MountainState Catering in Bridgeport, WV
Florist~Cara Ewald of Blooms in Bridgeport, WV
www.bloomswv.com
Photographer~Tim Ray Photography in Fairmont, WV
www.timrayphoto.com
Ceremony
Violinist~Anne Hamilton of the West Virginia Symphony
Ceremony Cellist~Susan Bestul (played principal cello for Luciano Pavarotti in 1998)
DJ Services~Ed Morrison's Night Life Entertainment in Bridgeport, WV
Invitations~Casey Combs McGuire, Graphic Designer in Wilmington, NC
Cake~Joy Anderson of Bridgeport, WV
Chairs/Tables/Linens~MPE Rentals in Morgantown, WV
www.mperentals.com
Bridal Gown~Coni & Franc in Morgantown, WV
www.coniandfranc.com
Bridesmaid Dresses~TJ Formal
www.tjformal.com
Flower Girl Dresses~www.cutieclothes.com
Groom/Groomsmen/Ring Bearer Tuxedos~S&K Menswear in Charleston, WV
Favors~Mrs. Miller's in Amish Fredericksburg, OH~www.mrsmillersnoodles.com
Rings~TK Dodrill Jewelers in Huntington, WV
www.dodrilljewelers.com
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When it comes to our wedding party, we both agreed that we didn't want a small or a large party, but something in the middle. We wanted to be able to include those friends and family whom we are closest to.
My Maid of Honor, Jessie, and I have been friends since 2nd grade. During our First Communion ceremony in 2nd grade, we walked down the aisle together and have been friends ever since! I only find it fitting that she be just as close to me on my wedding day, and chose her as my Maid of Honor! She recently moved to Charleston for school, but is doing anything and everything she can to help out!
Sarah, Lindsey, and Erin are 3 of my best friends from my sorority. We've had tons of fun together and they are just as excited for us to finally get married as we are!
Sarah is Grant's sister-in-law and is such an important member of our wedding party! She's been through planning a wedding, and is such a great help!
Barrett chose his older brother to be his Best Man. I have known Blake since Barrett first introduced me as his girlfriend 6 years ago! Barrett was Blake's best man last year, when him and his wife Sarah(above) got married last year.
Barrett chose the following to be his groomsmen:
My younger brother, Timothy:
Barrett's fraternity brother, Matt:
And lastly, all four of his younger cousins (Jack, 16; Barrett; Taylor, 17; and Will, 17):
And Davis, 10:
Quite a good lookin' bridal party!? We think so, too!!
Up Next: Reception Venue
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First off this picture is me and the love of my life right before he asked the big question on New Years Eve infront of our closest friends. We have been together for 9 years now and are finally getting married! I'm so excited! We both are born and raised in Charleston,WV. We also went to high school together that is actually were we meet and fell in love!
Neither of us wanted a huge wedding so we have picked a location at a local state park. We both love to be outdoors. As most people can say about me I am very old fashioned. I dont need things to be way over the top but they still need to be nice! My big worries are my dress, flowers, cake(s), and photos. So far I have gotten my dress. My uncle is taking care of my flowers. An old friend of mine is going to be doing my photos and the cake(s) is still up in the air.
We are expecting 100 to 130 people.
I had no problem planning two wedding for close friends but now that its my turn I'm having the worst luck trying to figure out how I want things. Any ideas or help you can throw at me please do!
Thanks!
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I am so stoked about my musician! I knew I wanted a solo guitarist who sounded a bit like Jack Johnson (my favorite).I searched every city from Central Florida to Charleston...and there were so many great choices. Luckily I found Charlie Walker right down the street at a local bar. He rocks!! I can't wait to treat my guests to his magnificence...
Check him out...become a fan :) http://charliewalkerband.com/
I just had to add a picture of Jack..
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Hi everyone! We are Kate and Colin. We live in St. Louis Missouri.
ABOUT KATE:
Heres me in the copilot seat (Colin is in the pilot seat...more about that later). I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and about two years ago (after college) I moved to St. Louis to be closer to my family. My parents bribed me to leave my homeland by buying a nice house and allowing me to rent it out.
I am a graphic designer by day and by WEEKEND, I own my own wedding photography business (THIS IS NOT A PLUG, I PROMISE!!!) so weddings are ALWAYS on my mind! I love my Colin, our pets (perhaps they should get their own page), my family, reading, riding horses, taking pictures, traveling, cooking...
ABOUT COLIN
Colin grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He went to school in St. Louis and became a pilot :)
He loves me :) our pets, St. Louis Cardinals, baseball in general, football, being outside, cooking and traveling...among other things.
HOW WE MET :)
Remember the nice house my parents bribed me with? Well, turns out it was necessary to rent out the extra rooms. One of the first people that responded was Colin :) We talked for a whole summer while I was still in SC getting ready to move and by the time I got to St. Louis and met him for the first time in person, I was hooked :) We were friends for a couple months before we ventured into uncharted waters and started our relationship.
Living together from day one was HARD at first, but we made it!
Heres our house:
Here we are!
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