Disney Wedding at Walt Disney World

This Disney wedding will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first Disney Fairytale Wedding that I was able to photography since the global pandemic began in 2020 and closed down this magical place. I have never been so happy to be back in my happy place documenting couples in love. To tell a tale so sweet we must go back to the beginning of this couples love story.

Rachel and Ian met in freshman year of college through their mutual friend. Ben was Ian’s roommate and Rachel met Ben while playing frisbee one day on the quad and introduced them. Thank you Ben it is because of you they started dating back in 2016! With a love of computer games they bonded over a game called Borderlands. To move things along, Ian proposed to Rachel in January 2020 while they were on a trip abroad in the UK. Rachel said she didn’t know anything about the trip as Ian planned it all, even saying how amazing it was and that she may need to let Ian plan more trips for them in the future. While on the White Cliffs of Dover, Ian asked Rachel to be his bride. Fast forward to February 8, 2021, and here we are at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida to celebrate their love for one another.

In true princess fashion Rachel chose the Wedding Pavilion located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for her ceremony. This beautiful venue sits beside the Seven Seas Lagoon overlooking the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and the Contemporary Resort. It is pure magic and elegance. Rachel and Ian chose to do their first look at Picture Point, which is right behind the Wedding Pavilion. This location offers a stunning view of Cinderella’s Castle in the background. A staple for a Disney Fairytale Wedding is you ask me. Their first look was fun and Ian added some comedy too it by wearing his favourite hat. He said he wears it all the time and wanted to make Rachel laugh. Soon after their first look, Rachel wanted to do another one with her Dad, and oh boy was it a good one. I simply adore the relationship and bond these two share and his reaction to seeing his daughter a bride was flawless.

The ceremony time was creeping up very quickly so Rachel, her parents and I made our way to the Grand Floridian lobby to get some photos on the iconic grand staircase before getting picked up in Cinderella’s Coach. I will never forget the moment her parents opened the double doors for her and she came walking out with excitement. I know I would have totally been freaking out if I were her. This was the perfect start to her Disney Wedding. With help from her Dad, Rachel made her way into the coach and sat beside her mom. They all waved as the coach started to roll off towards the wedding pavilion.

Now that the ceremony is complete and these two are newlyweds, it is time to take care of some business with the wedding party and family photo part of the day. We made excellent use of our time at the wedding pavilion and did all the combinations at Picture Point. It really is just so pretty back there. Once we were finished with those, the newlyweds took a spin in Cinderella’s Coach before we enjoyed some photo time with it.

Oh but there is something else! I almost forgot. Rachel wanted to surprise Ian with a bagpiper after the ceremony, so when they came across the bridge on their way to the coach the bagpipe started up and Ian was completely shocked! Way to go Rachel!

Before we headed to The American Adventure in Epcot for their reception, we made a pit stop at Italy Isola for a pre-reception and dinner. We made sure to take advantage of the Mickey shaped food to have some fun with. Once dinner was done, Rachel and her guests went and enjoyed a ride mix in before heading to the reception.

From there, the evening included many heartfelt toasts, dancing and laughter. We made sure the make the most of every moment together.

If you are considering a Disney Wedding I would highly recommend one as they really are executed flaswlessly by the team at Disney Fairytale Weddings. From Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida to Disneyland in California, Disney couples can enjoy all their hearts can dream of for their wedding day.

Of course, this day would not have been complete without the help of many amazing wedding vendors:

Venue: Walt Disney World / Grand Floridian Resort and Spa / Epcot

Second Photographer: Ashley Auger

Hair Stylist: Holly Thompson – Family friend

Makeup Artist: Stacie Otto

Bridal Gown: Allegria Bridal

Gown Designer: Eve of Milady

Stationary: JLB Papery Invitations

Videography: Randy Chapman

Want to see their wedding video from Randy? Watch here

Wanna see more Disney inspired Weddings? Check out this Disney Cruise Line wedding on Disney’s Dream ship here!