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A True “Guest” Post: Karen and Ryan’s Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

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A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

Earlier this week I had the great fortune of being a guest at my friend Karen’s fairy tale Disneyland wedding. This marks my fifth Disneyland wedding as a guest and even though the locations are generally the same, each wedding is so personal and unique, it’s like seeing a wedding there for the very first time.

Karen and Ryan had a very fairy tale day, and I mean that quite literally. From Cinderella’s Crystal Coach, to trumpeters, to the tiara, to their choreographed first dance, everything about their wedding was fit for a Prince and Princess. Even Ryan changed into full Prince Charming regalia for the reception.

The invitation requested all the guests wear purple to the “royal soiree” which was really fun. Everyone looked great and even the Disney coordinators got in on it by wearing purple accents with their usual black & white attire.

The Rose Court Garden was beautifully decorated with a small cluster of flowers and white draping. There was also white draping along the chairs on the aisle with small clusters of purple flowers. The aisle runner was lined with scattered purple rose petals.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

Karen had her Maid of Honor and flower girl stand with her and the rest of her bridesmaids sat in the front row, which I have never seen and thought that was very considerate of Karen. Even though their ceremony was short, it was very warm out and I’m sure they appreciated being able to sit down.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

Karen arrived on Cinderella’s Coach and was presented by trumpeters! It’s the first time I’ve seen this in person and it gave me chills. It’s so cool as a guest to see the carriage pull up.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

The couple had a short but very lovely ceremony which included a unity cross ceremony.

Pre-reception was on the Adventure Lawn and included the fruit and cheese platter.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

The reception was in Sleeping Beauty Pavilion, which was decorated with the ceiling draping and lights. Small simple centerpieces made up of three floating candles and rose petals decorated each table, which were named after famous Disney couples. I was seated at the Aladdin and Jasmine table.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

Each place setting had a pocket fold napkin with DIY printed menus tucked in.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

The three tiered cake was beautiful (and delicious but I’ll get to that later)! I loved the carriage outline and the “his and hers” crowns cake topper.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

The head table was beautifully decorated with the gazebo cluster and candles. I thought it was very nice that the couple invited their parents to sit with them at the head table.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

Soon the happy couple was announced and we noticed that Ryan changed from his ceremony tux into a Prince Charming suit. They looked like a true prince and princess as they performed their choreographed waltz.

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

The meal was a modified “Love’s First Kiss” menu, with
Artisan Bread Basket,
Petite Mache, Young Frisée, Sun-Dried Cherries, Toasted Pecans, with Port Wine Glaze & Shallot–Lime Vinaigrette (salad)
Roasted Meyer Lemon Chicken Breast with Garlic Jus, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus Spears, Carrots, & Squash
White and Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

I saw two different types of cake going around, but we were served a chocolate cake with chocolate whipped cream filling and fresh raspberries. It reminded me of our wedding cake – so good!

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

We spent the rest of the afternoon dancing away and enjoying the open bar! 😉 I want to point out that Karen dyed her own crinoline with purple dye and it looked amazing!

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

At the end of the reception, we lined the exit and blew bubbles! My picture is not very good because it’s tough to blow bubbles and take pictures at the same time!!

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

When the event was over, my friends and I stuck around to help clean up and make sure everything important was collected. We had some flower arrangements that we were going to put with the rest of the things to take back up to the room, but Karen and Ryan insisted we keep them since they were leaving for their honeymoon and couldn’t take them. So with the generous favors (picture frame and votive holder) and the flowers, I had my hands full on the way home!

A Fairy Tale Disneyland Wedding

I can’t thank Karen and Ryan for inviting me and allowing me to witness yet another gorgeous Disneyland wedding. Congrats to the two of you on your happily ever after!

About Mindy

Mindy Marzec is a life-long Disney fan who grew up in Los Angeles. She started This Fairy Tale Life to share Disneyland travel tips for adults. When not at Disneyland, you can find Mindy at home snuggling with her cats and re-watching Thor: Ragnarok for the billionth time.