clutsycd

Here are some pictures of our wedding day!!! Hope this works!!!

I just have to say that a girl can do all the planning in the world for that perfect wedding and until you get to that moment and realize all the planning couldn't make that moment you share exchanging vows with your new husband any better. Nothing else matters once you are looking into each others eyes falling even more in love than every day previous to that day.

Ladies don't sweat the details...just enjoy each and every moment.

Now with that being said I want you all to know that Carnival did an amazing job on our wedding! It really couldn't have gone any smoother from start to finish. We arrived at the cruise terminal and everyone directed exactly where we needed to go. Met our coordinator right at security and everyone was escorted to a little waiting area. Lucky for us we got through customs rather fast and were aloud to board by 11am. We went to the room and we all quickly finished getting ready. Now I have ready about the 20 minute wait that the bride does alone and let me tell you reading about that freaked me out a little, but luckily the photographer came and took pictures during this time. Speaking of the photographer....Janet was AMAZING!!! Words cannot express how grateful I am to her for capturing every single moment perfectly.

We had our ceremony in the Universe Lounge which is where they hold all the big shows. We came down from the second floor....this was the scariest thing that happened....walking down about 25-30 stairs in my dress...whew thank goodness my dad was there to help me down. The ceremony was absolutely amazing, then off to the reception. Now while this was quick and seemed like it was over in a matter of seconds it was perfect. Got to spend a little time with each guest and thank them for coming, dance a little, drink a lot and just plain be happy. Our package was the Celebrate Big package and it was just perfect. Opting out of the traditional things such as garter belt and flower toss. Then everyone that wasn't sailing had to leave us so we could get our extended party on for the weekend.

Everyone talked about how expensive the photos were.....yes the packages were expensive, but I have to say after seeing what an amazing job Janet our photographer did I just had to have it all. And in my own opinion it was worth every penny.

Again though ladies I get that you want the day to be so special and perfect but the only thing that mattered to me after it was all said and done was the moment when I got to my groom and the tears were running down his face. And the look in his eye when we were saying our vows and the little squeeze of his hand during the ceremony to calm me down. No decorations, no cruise line, no reception, no planning can make that moment any different or any better.

Only 16 more days until we get married in Port of Miami on the Carnival Fantasy!! Getting so excited! Everything is just about ready to go, just a couple small last minute things to do. All I do now is wait for that call to go over final details. This board and all of you brides have made this whole experience so easy. Questions that I've needed answers to I've been able to find those answers here like parking, drinks for non sailing guests while they wait, how to carry everything onto the ship, etc. Thank you to all of you!!! We decided to go the easiest route and not bring on a bunch of decorations. All we have is a shadow box that I made to use as guest book, wedding favors, cake topper and a card box. My cousin is making silk bouquets/bouts for me and that's it....SIMPLE!!! Everyone keeps asking me if I"m stressed or nervous and I tell them NO that's the best part of getting married on a cruise ship.....NO STRESS!!! :)

49 days until the I Do's!!!!! I'm getting so excited already!!! Trying to wrap up the guest list with those last minute people. Dress fitting was last week and I just have a couple more things to get done. YAY!!!!!

I can help you a bit already. We did a ship tour about 2 weeks ago and I was happy to learn a few things. Also, I became fast friends with the bride and her family and we have been chatting on Facebook ever since. :) First of all, I plan on bringing my dress in the garment bag it came with. In Port Canaveral, they had a porter that had a luggage rack. I met a bride that morning and she had that cart loaded up with her dress and carry on items. Also, there is a VIP room! She was waiting in there with her bridesmaid (they only let 2 in there from the wedding). The groom sat in the regular waiting area for wedding guests.

 

I have to tell you, the time went really fast. The bride arrived around 10 and the rest of the guests trickled in up until 11. Guests spent the time greeting each other and catching up. Also, the coordinators circulated and shared deck plans and reminded them of the location and time of the ceremony.

 

There was a water cooler but nobody really went over to it. We were all brought to a "pre-boarding" area around 11:15 (everyone except the bride) and then waited for the final ok. This seemed weird but when I asked the coordinator about it, she shared that it was to separate the wedding party from the arriving FTTF and Platinum guests so that the wedding party boarded first. One coordinator went with the groom to a room and the other held back a few minutes and took the bride to her cabin on a separate route.

 

From 11:30ish until 12:30, the guests all wandered the ship, had a drink or two (non-sailing guests can use a credit card for purchases) and then made their way to the ceremony venue around 12:30 for a 1pm start time.

 

It was smooth, laid back and went quickly without being rushed. I really would concern myself with the drinks. I believe it would be more trouble than it is worth. I am sure your guests will get over it and not be bummed. they wouldn't allow the coffee or water through security anyways.

Thank you so much for the information about how guests will be able to purchase drinks at the bars while they are waiting for the ceremony/reception to start. Many of my guests have been inquiring about that.

Thank you so much for the information on non-sailing guests purchasing drinks while waiting for ceremony/reception to start. Some of my guests kept asking me if they would be able to drink while wondering around.

I absolutely loved your website! I am using Wedding Wire as well, and while I thought I had covered everything after reading yours I have realized that there are so many details that I have not covered. I'm going to steal some of your ideas, hope you don't mind.

I am so glad that I found this message board, it has been so helpful in getting ideas for my May 27th, 2016 wedding on the Carnival Fantasy.

I can't wait for the big day! Going dress shopping next weekend! :)