June 13, 2019 /
Disney Inspired Wedding at The Pavilion
To theme or not to theme… that is the question. Okay. Maybe not the whole question. The whole question probably goes something like this: “So what’s your wedding theme?” The answer? If you think it has to be either a completely blank stare, or “oh we’re totally doing a Lion-King-themed-wedding-with-lots-of-golden-lions-everywhere-and-we’re-only-playing-Elton-John-and-our-cake-topper-is-of-course-grown-up-Simba-and-Nala-that-will-play “Can you Feel the Love Tonight.” You might be wrong.
Not completely wrong. But, we’re happy to inform you that there is a middle ground. And while we can totally get on board with a no-theme wedding just as much as we can get on board with a themed wedding, there is a happy medium between the two. Which means, you can totally have a little bit of a theme, or at least recurring notes on your wedding day without going overboard and having people think you’re crazy.
Courtney and Shane?
They found that happy medium for their wedding day with a mish-mash of a few different inspired themes. Think Royal-Disney-Inspired-Wedding-in-Kansas-City. You see, Courtney and Shane LOVE Disney. Anything and everything Disney inspired. It’s where they vacation, it’s where Shane proposed. It’s essentially their happy place. And Courtney knew when she got married that she wanted to infuse her wedding day with Disney.
Note that word we just used. “Infuse.”
The Dictionary says: “to cause to be permeated with something (such as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better.”
Courtney didn’t want to completely overrun her wedding day with all things Disney. But instead girlfriend chose to implement little pieces of Disney here and there throughout her whole day. Which made for the perfect, smallest, recurring theme, on her big day.
How did she do this? By using little pieces of inspiration at various points throughout her wedding day. We’re here to let you in on her secrets and share some of our favorite moments from her and Shane’s big day. 🙂
Disney Inspired Wedding at The Pavilion
Getting Ready | The Residence Inn Downtown
Courtney and Shane played it smart on their wedding morning. They booked two suites on the same floor, right across the hall from each other to make everything super easy for their wedding party and themselves. (Oh who are we kidding. Us too :))
So how did Courtney and Shane incorporate their “theme” into getting ready? In lots of small places, actually. Like the fonts of the monograms on the bridesmaids robes. Or the script on the bridesmaids’ gift bags. In the tiny diamond Mickey head studs Courtney wore in her ears on her wedding day. Or on Shane’s tie clip. And of course, on Courtney’s intricate wedding gown hanger for her very regal wedding gown. Just tiny little details, here and there. Nothing that overwhelmed anything, but just added to it for sure.
First Look & Portraits | Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Do you remember when we said Courtney and Shane’s wedding day was a mish-mash of a few different themes? Well, when it came time for their first look, that’s definitely where the second theme came into play. Simply put, a “regal” theme. Courtney’s gown was fit for a queen. And Shane’s tux? If you think that it resembles the one Prince Harry wore in his engagement photos, you’re right. That little touch was added on purpose. (Hello tiny theme touches).
Courtney and Shane really wanted their first look to happen in a really, really unique place that’s fit for a queen. So off to the Kauffman Center we went. After they shared their intimate first look on the glass staircase (complete with Courtney’s 16 ft long veil), we got to spend some time exploring Kauffman Center for their big portraits. And man. These two killed it, just like the royalty they are.
To add to their very royal Disney day, Courtney’s bridesmaids all wore a gorgeous taupe color with clusters of jewels and held super-neutral bouquets filled with hydrangea.
Wedding Ceremony | The Pavilion Event Space
So, here we are. Ceremony time. Where can you add little touches of your theme during your ceremony? In your setting and décor, of course. Courtney and Shane also used a very Disney-esque font on their ceremony programs. They gave their mommas red roses during the ceremony (Beauty and the Beast anyone?!) And their ring bearer carried a pillow that was a giant Mickey hand – how fun for the little guy!!
As far as adding in a little bit of Royal here and there? You didn’t miss Courtney’s veil, did you?! Because she totally topped it with a gorgeous tiara just for the ceremony. And her sweet flower girl’s dress? Royal to a T. Not to mention Courtney and Shane filled a crazy-fun bejeweled sand jar for their unity ceremony.
Reception | The Pavilion Event Space
Ahh. Courtney and Shane’s reception. You guys – they had the best party. And again, they included little pieces of Disney and royal-ness here and there all over the place. Their names and date projected on the wall? In a Disney font, of course. And you better believe their wedding cake was a beautiful (and delicious) 5 tiers of teeny, tiny Mickey heads, fairy tale words, and topped with Cinderella’s castle. All covered with gorgeous, edible pixie dust, of course. And did we mention their signature drink came with a Mickey cut-out orange peel garnish? Because yes.
But to add to the royal feeling that they also carried throughout their wedding day? The Pavilion made that easy-peasy for them. Courtney and Shane shared their first dance on a cloud. Let me repeat that.
ON A CLOUD, friends, just like in fairy tales. And it was so-romantic.
So. Do you have to do a theme at all? Absolutely not. Can you do a mini-theme on your wedding day? Of course!! But if there’s something that you both absolutely love, it doesn’t hurt to dip your toe in a little bit, or a lot of bit, depending on your personality.
Again, just little touches, here and there. Sometimes, with wedding themes, or Project Runway Designs, or even when it comes to us editing photos, you have to go all the way and then reel it back in a little bit and learn how to edit to get the perfect amount of whatever it is you’re adding. Themes aren’t bad at all. Hopefully this helped you figure out how to add little hints of a theme to your wedding day without going overboard!
Feel like you’re missing something? Check out Courtney and Shane’s Sneak Peek here.
Courtney & Shane’s Wedding Vendor Dream Team:
Getting Ready Location | Residence Inn by Marriott Kansas City Downtown
Ceremony & Reception Venue | The Pavilion Event Space
Bridal Gown |Crystal Design Couture “Chantale” from The Blushing Bride Boutique
Tuxes | Tip Top Tux
Hair & Makeup | Mackenzie Parker & Danae Gennette
Bridesmaid Gowns | Etsy
Florist | KP Floral Event & Design
Videography | RGKC Films
Limo | Showtime Transportation
Catering | Ambrosia Café
Wedding Cake | 3 Women and an Oven
DJ | Andrew with The Pavilion
Jeweler | Showcase Diamond Jewelers, Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry
Invitations & Paper | Inspiration I DO
Wedding Coordinator | Veil Events
Wedding Photographer | Rivas Weddings