Chesapeake Wedding

If you are interested to attend or know someone who might be, the next bridal show is

January 8, 2011

noon-4pm

Jodi & 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.
    
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.
    
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.

Lots more, eMail is you want to hear the whole 18 page review

I don't want a puppy, too much work... but we are moving into a house in just about a month and my hubby has wanted a dog since we met.  I pretty much promised him we could get one once we had a house.  Our first wedding anniversary is on August 22nd and I thought it might be cute to get him a dog that following weekend after we move into our house.  Or even put it in his anniversary card that he can pick one out and we'll go together to find one.  We'll adopt one, of course... hopefully one that is mellow and well-trained, at least a few years old so over the puppy stages.  Also needs to be nice to kitties, because we have 2!  Any breed suggestions?  Am I nuts?  I know I would be to get a puppy! LOL

I don't want a puppy, too much work... but we are moving into a house in just about a month and my hubby has wanted a dog since we met.  I pretty much promised him we could get one once we had a house.  Our first wedding anniversary is on August 22nd and I thought it might be cute to get him a dog that following weekend after we move into our house.  Or even put it in his anniversary card that he can pick one out and we'll go together to find one.  We'll adopt one, of course... hopefully one that is mellow and well-trained, at least a few years old so over the puppy stages.  Also needs to be nice to kitties, because we have 2!  Any breed suggestions?  Am I nuts?  I know I would be to get a puppy! LOL

Our new venue's caterer, asked us to put together a sample menu of what we want, so that we can know how much per person we will be paying. We are doing a Scattered Station reception.  The stations will be throughout 3 floors and 6 rooms of the venue.

This is what we, myself & FI and the caterer came up with.

 Cocktail Hour Menu:

BUTLERED HORS D'OUERVES

• Colossal Shrimp Cocktail
• Vegetable Spring Rolls, Hoisin Sauce
• Thai Chicken Satay
• Braised Short Rib Samosas
• Miniature Quiche
• Mini Gourmet Pizzas
• Grilled Ham & Cheese Triangles
• Baguette Pannini with Roasted Vegetables & Aged Provolone

ANTIPASTO Display

A generous display of Italian Fare

Tortellini Salad With Pesto, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Pesto, Aged Provolone, Genoa Salami, Sopressata, Eggplant With Arugula, Tuscan Bean Salad, Grilled Radicchio, Grilled Zucchini, Olives With Fennel & Orange, Roasted Garlic, Italian Fontina, Gorgonzola, Grilled Portobello, Capicola, Herb Grilled Fennel, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Tomato Salad, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil, Romano, Pepperoni, Anchovies, Roasted Asparagus With Pignoli, Roasted Red Peppers, Foccacio & Italian Bread

Seafood Martini's Display

• Tequila Cured Salmon
• Pan Charred Scallops
• Garlic Grilled Shrimp
• Spicy Tuna Tartar
• Roasted Red Snapper
• Ceviche
• Jumbo Lump Crab

GOURMET CHEESE Display

Montrachet With Herbs, Salmon Cheesecake, Smoked Mozzarella, Imported Brie Topped With Dried Fruit & Nuts, Castello Blue Bread Sticks, Sesame Crisps, Water Crackers, Baguette, Pepper Toast & Homemade Crackers

DINNER/ENTREE & SIDES PERFORMANCE, ACTION & INTERACTIVE STATIONS:

SALAD STATION

Caesar Salad with Parmesan Curls in a Asiago Cheese Basket

Caprese fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, olive oil & basil

Red & Green Leaf, Pear, Goat Cheese & Lemon Mustard Dressing

BUTLERED SOUP SHOOTERS

• Spicy heirloom red & yellow tomato
• Chesapeake Bay corn and crab chowder

BUTLERED APPETIZERS

• Phyllo with Spinach, Feta, and Pinenut Purse
• Baltimore Crab Cakes on Star Tartlets, Orange Basil Remoulade
• Coconut Shrimp Skewers, Lime Cream
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Grilled Pineapple Chutney
• Mesquite Grilled Filet Skewers, Sherry Scallion Sauce

BUTLERED SHORT PLATES

• Chicken Tamales Nortenos con Salsa Verde, Tomatillo, Poblano Peppers & Cilantro
• Herb Grilled Baby Lamb Chop with Soft Parmesan Polenta

PASTA PLUS STATION

Prepared To Order With Your Choice Of:

Fettuccine, Penne, Tortellini, Pasta Verde,

Mix-ins: Shrimp, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Prosciutto, Broccoli Florets, Pesto, Chopped Clams, Crushed Garlic, Olive Oil & Parmesan

Choice of Sauces: Homemade Marinara, Light Alfredo, Sun Dried Tomato, Puttanesca, Bolognese

QUESADILLA STATION

Design your own!

Flour Tortillas and Everything Else You’ll Need!

Grilled Chicken or Beef, Diced Tomatoes, Cheddar & Jack Cheeses, Sour Cream, Salsa, and Onions, Pico de Gallo, Chopped Onions, Lettuce,Tortilla Chips & Assorted Salsas

MASHED POTATO BAR

Yukon Gold, Garlic, Buttermilk & Sweet Potatos with assorted toppings: Butter, Sour Cream, Bleu Cheese, Shredded Cheese, Broccoli, Roasted Red Peppers, Chives, Gravy  Bacon, Pecans, Walnuts,  Brown Sugar

MAC N' CHEESE BAR

Cavatappi pasta mixed with your choice of cheese sauce: Asiago, Cheddar, Gruyere, Mozzarella or American, with assorted toppings & mix-ins: Lobster, Pancetta, Spinach, Tomatos, Feta, Ground Beef, Sausage, Broccoli, Chicken, Pepperoni, Shrimp, Mushrooms, Basil, the possibilities are endless

CARVING MEAT STATION

• Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin,
• Roasted Pork Tenderloin
• Ginger Rubbed Grilled Turkey Breast

GRILL  STATION

All choices are marinated, seasoned to your liking and served with complimentary sauces.

• Boneless Chicken Breast
• Fish Fillets—salmon, sea bass, halibut, snapper, wahu

MIDNIGHT SNACK

Mini Cheeseburgers, with Curly Fries & Funky Catsups

Mini Philadelphia Classic CheeseSteaks, Lean & Sliced Thin, On “Homey” Rolls Smothered with Fried Onions, Mushrooms & Cheese Whiz with Boardwalk Fries

Hot Pretzels with Assorted Dipping Sauces

Mini Milkshakes

We wanted to have our wedding as close to the water as possible.. So we decided on Kurtz's in Pasadena MD.

This is where the ceremony will take place overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. You can hear the water crashing on the rocks... so romantic for this Bay Loving Girl.

For some odd reason we didn't really take many pictures of the interior, mostly outside.  But this is the ceiling of the octagonal shaped ballroom. 

Here is the view in

UPDATE!!! THE VENUE DID UPGRADES!!!

THEY ADDED A FIREPLACE!!!

aND UPGRADED CHAIRS AND THE COLUMNS

BUT YOU CAN STILL SEE THE WATER FROM EVERY ANGLE!!

YAAAAAY! I LOVE IT

Since we got married in an area that I don't live in anymore, I was having a really hard time deciding on a stylist for the day of the wedding.  I really wanted to have a stylist that would come to us at the hotel, that way we weren't running around like crazy all morning long.  My step-mom recommended the Rudy & Kelly Salon (http://www.rudyandkelly.com/mtpleasant.html) off of Mt Pleasant Road in Chesapeake, VA.  Brooke & another stylist (Sorry I can't remember her name!) came to the Westin that morning and were great!!!  We had plenty of time to get ready and all the girls looked SUPER!  Brooke was the stylist that ended up doing my hair and she was FABULOUS.  I only had my hair trial with her the Monday prior to the wedding; talk about last minute! :)

Hair Inspiration:

Actual Hair on Wedding Day:

Adam and I met online believe it or not. We had been emailing back and forth for about an hour, then texted for about two hours. We must have hit it off because after that, at 1am might I add, we decided to meet. Since then, every weekend, we have been inseperable. Since Adam is in the Navy, it has been a little difficult to see each other as much as we would like. That's why I moved to Chesapeake to be with him this past weekend! It's the best decision I've ever made, besides saying yes of course!