Disney Social Media Moms – Weddings and Dinner on the Lawn

Day one of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration included learning about weddings Disney style and having dinner on the Lawn of the Grand Floridian. What a way to start off a conference that included family, magical memories, great food and social media information.

My husband, Shawn, daughter, Sammi (12) and I  moved over to the Grand Floridian from Old Key West for the first day of the conference. I’ve always wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian so one of my dreams came true right away! We did have some issues at check in where we had to wait until the last minute (3:00) to get into our room. It was frustrating since I needed to iron and change my clothes. I guess I should have done that ironing before hand to not be so stressed out.

A Photo Opp Outside the Grand Floridian

But once that was over and I made my way to the Wedding Pavilion area, my mood quickly changed. I was greeted by very friendly CM’s (Cast Members) who gave me Mickey Ears with a bridal veil and some cute pins. Next I saw the tables set up outside, full of candy and flowers, the wait staff with champagne and sparking cider and the group of bloggers I’d be spending my time with for the rest of the conference. There were lots of smiles and hugs all around.

Disney Wedding Pavilion Party

A little while later we were escorted into the Wedding Pavilion chapel by Edna from the Incredibles and Frank from Father of the Bride, who were hysterical! Inside we learned about the services offered by Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons including the new Bringing the Fairy Tale to Life campaign. Tied in with Disney’s Let The Memories Begin campaign, couples can share their Disney wedding experience online.

Candy Buffet Table

This is Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons 20th Platinum Anniversary and we were guests of their soiree! Speakers included Michael Shettel, Vice President of Alfred Angelo design and creative vision behind the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Collection,  Carley Roney from The Knot and David Tutera from My Fair Wedding. I fell in love with Michael’s new Cinderella Platinum Anniversary Gown and dreamed of renewing my vows at Disney World while I  watched a lovely couple’s wedding renewal vows, who had their wedding two years ago at Disney.

While the wedding party and the couple left the chapel, with fireworks set off behind the chapel, I was right next to David Tutero. He is very friendly and enjoyed meeting his fans. A woman asked if he would mind taking a photo with her daughter and he gladly obliged, even talking to her about her favorite episodes of his show.

David Tutero Speaking With A Young Fan

After the soiree, we were off to dinner on the Lawn of the Grand Floridian with our families. The weather was gorgeous. The food was plentiful, served buffet style and included salads in a plastic cone, various cheeses, vegetables, chicken dishes, a children’s buffet and more desserts than I care to remember (because I ate so many!) We were treated to music by the Main Street Band, various Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto and carnival games. We ate to our hearts’ content and had some good laughs.

Sister Suffragette, Unkown Character and @MomMaven's Son

Please forgive me for the lack of photos during dinner, but I was enjoying myself so much that my camera was long forgotten. Shawn did get a chance to walk to the beach with Sammi and got a photo of the sand creation made just for us – The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Sand Sculpture

I had an early morning the next day, so we went to our room about 9 PM. I told Shawn about the weddings and vow renewals at Disney, hoping to plant a seed. Sammi was thrilled with the time spent at Dinner on the Lawn. And we knew we were off to a good start for the rest of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.

I paid to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. In exchange for my registration fee, I received deeply discounted rates on hotel, park tickets, events, meals, and swag. I am not required nor was I asked to write about the events by Disney or any other brands, celebrities, or speakers affiliated with the event. All opinions are my own.