After I Do: Kaila & Jason’s Disney Cruise Line Wedding

Jun 7

What was your favorite moment from the wedding day?

There were SO many magical moments that day, but one that stood out was being approached by many little girls and them asking if I was a princess! It was absolutely precious!

How did you feel when you first saw everything come together at the venue?

Getting married on a cruise ship is a little bit different than getting married on land, because you truly do see your 'venue' as is before your big day arrives! The Grand Hall on the Disney Wish is simply stunning, and from the moment I stepped onboard, I couldn't wait to have my staircase moment!

Was there a part of the planning process that stood out as especially enjoyable or memorable for you?

Yes! Michelle joined in on the planning process about six months before my wedding, and partnering with her was the single best decision I made. I remember, very vividly, that she hopped on a call with my Disney Cruise planner and I, and she not only took notes, but asked very good questions that I hadn't even thought of.

What was the most unexpected or pleasantly surprising part of your wedding day?

After our reception, Jason and I had plans to meet our parents and wedding party at Señor Frogs, in Nassau, for some fun drinks! Well, when I got there, I saw my 81-year-old grandma was also there!! She had previously told me that she wasn't going to come - due to her having to use a wheelchair for long-distance walking - but she was there! I couldn't have been more thrilled to share such a sweet memory with her!

How did your family and friends react to the overall experience and design of your wedding?

Everyone absolutely loved it! The entire thing. And I even had some Disney Doubters - let alone Disney Cruise Line - on my hands. Most of them said they would consider a Disney cruise in the future!

Were there any personal touches or details that felt particularly meaningful to you?

Besides having my maternal grandma present, which I spoke to in another question, I was able to carry my late paternal grandmother's handkerchief with me down the aisle. It was my, 'something' blue. It meant a lot to me, as well as my father. I know she would've been so proud!

If you could give one piece of advice to couples currently planning their wedding, what would it be?

Honestly? Ask all of the questions. And, even then, do your research, join the Facebook pages, hire the wedding coordinator, etc. There were so many questions I didn't know I needed to ask until read others experiences. Also, if someone from your wedding party isn't with you when you pick up your dress from the alterations, PLEASE have them take a video of the seamstress showing you how to find your bustle. I didn't do that, and it bit me later on.

How did having us as your wedding planners make a difference in your experience?

It was a night-and-day experience! The onboard coordinator didn't have a clue, and it was glaringly obvious to everyone. She executed very poorly, and if I didn't have Michelle there to fill the gaps, the day would've been absolute chaos and filled with even more frustration. Word to the wise, cruise brides: Take the coordinator with you! Every employee on a cruise ship works a 6-month contract, and the onboard coordinator is no exception. Sure, you could catch a seasoned coordinator on their 5th or 6th month, but you could also catch them on their first week. This is one of the most important days of your life; don't leave it up to chance!

What aspect of the wedding do you think your guests will remember the most?

I believe they'll all remember the theming best. Being on a Disney cruise is a 100% immersive experience from the drinks to the food to the decor. Being fully immersed in Disney - 24/7 - for three whole days is something to behold!

Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently, or was it everything you hoped for and more?

To be clear, the day was spectacularly amazing because I got to marry my best friend, in the best place, surrounded by even better people! I'll truly relive that day over and over again. However, there are a few things I'd do differently. Since I'm local to Orlando, I chose to drive over to the port the morning of. I wish I hadn't done that, because even the 50-minute drive caused me stress. I wish I hadn't promised to get everyone to the port - including luggage. This proved to be a nightmare. Let people get to the port themselves. The last thing I would've done differently would've been to clarify with the onboard coordinator that she was coming to my room to get me ahead of the ceremony. The paper delivered to my stateroom said she would, but she did not. I was late to my own wedding. Learn from my experiences!

Is there anything else you want to add?

I just want to thank Michelle again for all her hard work and determination to make this day truly special! She is such a wonderful human, and she took so much stress off my shoulders. In my opinion, if you're getting married on a Disney cruise - take Michelle with you!! Build it into your budget. I originally wasn't going to take a coordinator because I didn't see the value, but hear me when I say I was wrong! I'm so glad I partnered with her because she filled all the gaps. I'm thankful for her!