My Carnival Glory Wedding!

Hey all!! We just got back from our wedding cruise on Saturday, and I must say it was amazing! I loved every minute of it, down to the screw-ups and all. I know many brides on here love hearing about the weddings and all the details so they know what to expect on their wedding day, so this may be rather long...

Before the wedding I wasn't very "involved" in all the details planning. We recieved the packet that outlined everything we needed to send in and everything we needed to tell our guests the week after we booked the cruise/wedding, and sent all the information in the next week. We had the basic Bride&Groom package, and Carnival very graciously let us bring 2 more people (the best man and flower girl) into our package. Hey, they were sailing! All 10 of our guests sailed with us, so no one was rushed to get off the boat afterwards. About 2.5 weeks before the wedding we were contacted by TWE and by Carnival to confirm the details of our wedding. We had decided to include a sand ceremony, and included wording with our package, but TWE had different vows we liked much better and decided to use those instead. I should also note we used the vows provided by the company, and they were beautiful! I have actually gotten a couple comments on the vows, and how beautiful and unique they were. ;)

Before the wedding, we booked rooms for all our guests at the Crowne Plaza in Indianharbor Beach. The rooms were VERY nice and had great oceanviews. It was a little ways away from Port Canaveral (about 30 minutes).

The day of the wedding:

As most of the brides here know, the wedding day starts out early when going on a cruise ship! We had to be at the Port by 10:30 (more on this), so I started out with my make-up by my friend Shannon at 7:30 and had my hair done at 8:15 at the Imperial Salon and Spa in Melbourne (once again, a little ways from the port, about 30 minutes). Both did an amazing job. The Imperial Salon wasn't even open until 9, but they let me come in early to do my appointment. I have super long and fine hair, but the updo only cost $65. HERE'S A TIP I NEVER KNEW --- Don't wash your hair before an updo, it's easier to style when it is a little dirty.

We had a limo come pick us (the bride and groom) up at our apartment(also near the port). HotRayz Limos is wonderful!!! They provided an 18-passenger Cadillac Escalade limo with a trailer on the back for all our luggage so we didn't have to sit with it in the limo itself! We then drove to the Crowne Plaza to pick up the rest of our guests and headed to Port Canaveral. The limo was more than enough room for all of us, and I had some big family! I would definitly recommend them to anyone looking for a limo the day of. The limo also picked us up when the cruise was over for one price.

When we arrived at the port, it was 10:30. On time, right? So I thought. We spent half an hour outside getting our luggage out and tagged and ready. Both the other wedding parties had already checked in and our wedding coordinator was waiting for us at the top of the escalator when we arrived. Another word of advice - when going through the security checkpoint, have the dress hand-checked and not sent through the belt. I had a big dress, and the security guards actually suggested I do it this way. Worked out great!

We met the coordinator, Lisa, and the officiate, Mary, in the terminal. It is air-conditioned and they actually call the area we were in the "wedding" waiting area. It is rather large, and has some chairs available. Lisa was wonderful, and so was Mary. They both kept me very informed of what was going on, and I never felt rushed into anything. I was the third wedding of the day, but we were the firsts ones on the ship. I was escorted to my room by Lisa and Mary, and Mary took our sand ceremony bottles to set them up in the Green Room (where our wedding was taking place). And for all those with questions about whether the Green Room is used for all weddings taking place on the Glory - it is. Three weddings that day, all taking place in the Green Room. Our guests met in the Ivory Lounge before the wedding. Apparently the first wedding took a little longer than they thought, because they called me (Mary, then Lisa) a little before 2 (when my wedding was supposed to start) and said they hadn't even started the second wedding. 15 mintues later Lisa was at my door and took me down to the Green Room for the wedding. It all happened very fast!

Our photographer was Gilbert, and he was amazing! He caught some really great moments. He actually came up to the stateroom beforehand to take pictures of me getting ready! He then went down to the Ivory club and took pictures of my groom and guests. During the ceremony he was very mindful of others taking pictures and of our video camera that was set up. Can't say the same for my step-dad who's butt is in half the ceremony video. :(

Before the ceremony, Lisa confirmed all the details for me. She was the one running the sound, and asked if I wanted to make any last-minute changes, which was nice. I didn't need to, but everything went very well. I had a flower-girl, and everyone helping with the wedding made everything go very smoothly with her and every other aspect.

The Ceremony: I can honestly say I was in a daze for most of it. My groom had a huge surprise for me, like he always does. I guess I should have expected something! We had decided to go with simple wedding bands - matching comfort fit white gold bands. They were gorgeous, and I really didn't care about getting huge diamonds on my wedding day. It was all about being married to my best friend and the man I love, and to hell with the rest of it. The ring-exchange comes, and the best man gives him my ring box. My groom looks at it, shakes his head, and puts the box in his pocket!!! I couldn't believe it, was he backing out???!?!? What was going on? Then all of a sudden the best man gets on one knee with a very nice looking rosewood box with a big princess-cut solitaire ring with a matching wedding band!! I couldn't believe it! "OH MY GOSH!" was the loudest part of the whole wedding. I nearly passed out, and could barely concentrate on the rest of the wedding. Apparently by not wanting a diamond, he said it made me deserve one. Granted, this ring is very very nice, but I would have been content with the regular band. But this one has a much better story. ;)

We then went on to the sand ceremony, where I couldn't concentrate on anything the officiate was saying. 2 mintues into it and "CRASH!" My flower girl knocked over one of the pillars with the flower vases on top. Everyone laughed and went on with it all. The sand ceremony was beautiful, but I was shaking a lot! If anyone wants the wording we used, let me know, I'll post it on here.

And then we kissed! Muah! ;)

Afterwards we had a two-tiered cake with champagne in the white-heat disco. Very nice, I actually like the White Heat Disco for the reception place - the candles actually go very well, and I can't stand red (it doesn't suit me) so it was perfect! If I had had an actual reception, I would have had it in there. It was much bigger than the cinn-a-bar and had a dance floor.

We then took a few pictures on Deck 5 (near the casino) and went to the photo studio where Gilbert had set up a couple backdrops for us to take pictures at. They were very pretty, and the pictures turned out great! I'll try to get them up so everyone can see sometime soon.

The Muster Drill then came, so Gilbert said he would call afterward and take more pictures for us. We went to our room, grabbed our life jackets, and headed to our station. Here is where I must tell all brides to eat the day of their wedding. Don't be like me and get so involved in everything that you just don't have time. MAKE TIME TO EAT. I got woozy during the Muster drill, pushed my way through everyone to the balcony near the boats, and proceeded to faint (in and out, three times). I like the way my husband tells this story (mostly because I don't remember it) - I went to the railing to get some air, and my knees started to buckle. He grabbed me and kept me up, and a couple ladies came over and grabbed me to keep me up. They kept asking if I was OK and grabbing to try to keep me up while my husband is saying "She's fine - GO GET HELP". My eyes were open wide and my pupils were huge. One of the ladies starts yelling "help! help!" and two of the crew go flying by, not knowing where the help is needed. Finally, one of them stopped in the right spot and called on the radio to get me some medical attention. By this point in time he had spotted a bench, so he picked me up and started carrying me. Everyone started cheering and clapping, saying "That is so romantic!". You probably would too if you saw a man in a tux carrying a woman in a bridal gown! But my husband is saying "Get the f*** out of the way!!" and everyone soon changed their tune. They got me to a bench to sit down and got me some water. They were bringing a wheel chair, but I had come to by this point. We went back up to the room to get me sat down and ordered room service (why I didn't think of this before I'm not quite sure). Needless to say, when Gilbert called, we were unable to take any more pictures around the ship... :(

And there is my wedding story! The rest of the cruise was little girls recognizing me as "the princess" and people saying congratulations. Also a few "I see you're feeling better!". I get a good laugh out of all of it now, but at the time it was pretty scary! The rest of the cruise was amazing. And believe it or not, when the "Newlywed (Not So) Newlywed game came, we were not the newest newlyweds! There were two couples married in St Thomas, so we were looked over. Oh well. Any quesions, let me know!

Oh Jeez, I completely forgot this, my mom would kill me! I heard about the bouquets, and heard they were pretty nice, but my mom is a floral designer, and said I needed more! She made me a huge bouquet, and made corsages and bouts for everone at the wedding. The bouquet was gorgeous that she made!! Granted, the ones that they provided were very beautiful, and they were real roses, but I used the ones my mom made. My groom used the provided bout, it matched perfectly, and was also gorgeous!

Hey Tyger!

Thanks for the details. I'm so happy that it went well for you and I'm really looking forward to seeing pics. I would love to see the sand ceremony that you used! And tell your man how romantic his big surprise was! Oh wow...I would have been crying! Sorry about the fainting, but sounds like you enjoyed the day and the cruise despite the "bumps" in the road (and possibly on your head!)

What a wonderful wedding story! How awesome to be surprised with a beautiful ring! Your wedding sounds just perfect (except for fainting) and so full of wonderful memories. Congratulations!

Kathy:D :D

congrats! It sounds like all in all you had a good experience, i would like to read what you said or what was said for the sand ceremony, we are doing this also, but i thought they have their own thing that they say?!?? Thanks and congrats again!!

Awww, it sounds like your wedding was beautiful! I'd love to see the wording you have for the sand ceremony. Can you send it to me? Also how did you carry the sand vase off the ship? That is my biggest fear that it will get messed up or be bulky to carry off.

Congrats to you Tyger!!!! I can't wait to see pictures!!!! Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us!

Congratulations! Thanks so much for taking the time to post your wedding experience. We really do appreciate it! I'm so happy for you!!

If you wouldn't mind posting what you used for your vows, that would really be awesome. We're thinking of writing our own vows but with everything else going on I just don't know if I have the time. I'd want them to be perfect and I'd spend hours and hours finding the "right" things to say. Is it worth it do you think?

Thanks again!! :D

Hey all!! Thanks for the good wishes.

For everything in the wedding, we used TWE stuff. Here are the Sand Ceremony vows they provide:

Hey all!! Thanks for the good wishes.

 

For everything in the wedding, we used TWE stuff. Here are the Sand Ceremony vows they provide:

 

________ and ________ may your love always be as constant as the never-ending waves, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Just as the waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth, may your love be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean’s flow, there will never be a day without your love for each other.

 

You have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings. This beautiful union is symbolized through the combining of these two individual containers of sand. The first container represents you (Groom) in all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other container represents you (Bride) in all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever be.

 

Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else. However, when these two are blended together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriched the combination. Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be a molding of two individual personalities, bonded together forming one heart, one love. The life that each of you experienced now, individually, will hereafter be inseparably united, for the two shall become one.

 

As for getting the sand off the ship, we had a bottle with a lid on it. We put it in our carry-on luggage, and it did get shaken up a little, but the sand was packed in the bottle and didn't get moved around a lot. We practiced beforehand to make sure there was enough sand in the bottle to keep it from mixing too much. The little bit of turbulence actually makes it look pretty neat!

 

Our vows were the ones that TWE provided, also:

 

I, __________, take you _________, from this day forward as my wife/husband, partner and best friend. I promise to take you to my heart as you are and as you will be. I will walk by your side forever and grow together with you. I promise to support your dreams and to be there for you for the rest of our lives.

 

Not the normal vows, which is what we liked about them. And they matched the wording of the sand ceremony. :)

 

 

Any more questions, please let me know!

Wow, after reading the sand ceremony, we have decided to use that instead of the unity candle. We really liked it. Thanks for posting it!

Fainting aside :), what a beautiful story! Congratulations!!

Hey all!! We just got back from our wedding cruise on Saturday, and I must say it was amazing! I loved every minute of it, down to the screw-ups and all. I know many brides on here love hearing about the weddings and all the details so they know what to expect on their wedding day, so this may be rather long...

 

Before the wedding I wasn't very "involved" in all the details planning. We recieved the packet that outlined everything we needed to send in and everything we needed to tell our guests the week after we booked the cruise/wedding, and sent all the information in the next week. We had the basic Bride&Groom package, and Carnival very graciously let us bring 2 more people (the best man and flower girl) into our package. Hey, they were sailing! All 10 of our guests sailed with us, so no one was rushed to get off the boat afterwards. About 2.5 weeks before the wedding we were contacted by TWE and by Carnival to confirm the details of our wedding. We had decided to include a sand ceremony, and included wording with our package, but TWE had different vows we liked much better and decided to use those instead. I should also note we used the vows provided by the company, and they were beautiful! I have actually gotten a couple comments on the vows, and how beautiful and unique they were. ;)

 

Before the wedding, we booked rooms for all our guests at the Crowne Plaza in Indianharbor Beach. The rooms were VERY nice and had great oceanviews. It was a little ways away from Port Canaveral (about 30 minutes).

 

The day of the wedding:

As most of the brides here know, the wedding day starts out early when going on a cruise ship! We had to be at the Port by 10:30 (more on this), so I started out with my make-up by my friend Shannon at 7:30 and had my hair done at 8:15 at the Imperial Salon and Spa in Melbourne (once again, a little ways from the port, about 30 minutes). Both did an amazing job. The Imperial Salon wasn't even open until 9, but they let me come in early to do my appointment. I have super long and fine hair, but the updo only cost $65. HERE'S A TIP I NEVER KNEW --- Don't wash your hair before an updo, it's easier to style when it is a little dirty.

 

We had a limo come pick us (the bride and groom) up at our apartment(also near the port). HotRayz Limos is wonderful!!! They provided an 18-passenger Cadillac Escalade limo with a trailer on the back for all our luggage so we didn't have to sit with it in the limo itself! We then drove to the Crowne Plaza to pick up the rest of our guests and headed to Port Canaveral. The limo was more than enough room for all of us, and I had some big family! I would definitly recommend them to anyone looking for a limo the day of. The limo also picked us up when the cruise was over for one price.

 

When we arrived at the port, it was 10:30. On time, right? So I thought. We spent half an hour outside getting our luggage out and tagged and ready. Both the other wedding parties had already checked in and our wedding coordinator was waiting for us at the top of the escalator when we arrived. Another word of advice - when going through the security checkpoint, have the dress hand-checked and not sent through the belt. I had a big dress, and the security guards actually suggested I do it this way. Worked out great!

 

We met the coordinator, Lisa, and the officiate, Mary, in the terminal. It is air-conditioned and they actually call the area we were in the "wedding" waiting area. It is rather large, and has some chairs available. Lisa was wonderful, and so was Mary. They both kept me very informed of what was going on, and I never felt rushed into anything. I was the third wedding of the day, but we were the firsts ones on the ship. I was escorted to my room by Lisa and Mary, and Mary took our sand ceremony bottles to set them up in the Green Room (where our wedding was taking place). And for all those with questions about whether the Green Room is used for all weddings taking place on the Glory - it is. Three weddings that day, all taking place in the Green Room. Our guests met in the Ivory Lounge before the wedding. Apparently the first wedding took a little longer than they thought, because they called me (Mary, then Lisa) a little before 2 (when my wedding was supposed to start) and said they hadn't even started the second wedding. 15 mintues later Lisa was at my door and took me down to the Green Room for the wedding. It all happened very fast!

 

Our photographer was Gilbert, and he was amazing! He caught some really great moments. He actually came up to the stateroom beforehand to take pictures of me getting ready! He then went down to the Ivory club and took pictures of my groom and guests. During the ceremony he was very mindful of others taking pictures and of our video camera that was set up. Can't say the same for my step-dad who's butt is in half the ceremony video. :(

 

Before the ceremony, Lisa confirmed all the details for me. She was the one running the sound, and asked if I wanted to make any last-minute changes, which was nice. I didn't need to, but everything went very well. I had a flower-girl, and everyone helping with the wedding made everything go very smoothly with her and every other aspect.

 

The Ceremony: I can honestly say I was in a daze for most of it. My groom had a huge surprise for me, like he always does. I guess I should have expected something! We had decided to go with simple wedding bands - matching comfort fit white gold bands. They were gorgeous, and I really didn't care about getting huge diamonds on my wedding day. It was all about being married to my best friend and the man I love, and to hell with the rest of it. The ring-exchange comes, and the best man gives him my ring box. My groom looks at it, shakes his head, and puts the box in his pocket!!! I couldn't believe it, was he backing out???!?!? What was going on? Then all of a sudden the best man gets on one knee with a very nice looking rosewood box with a big princess-cut solitaire ring with a matching wedding band!! I couldn't believe it! "OH MY GOSH!" was the loudest part of the whole wedding. I nearly passed out, and could barely concentrate on the rest of the wedding. Apparently by not wanting a diamond, he said it made me deserve one. Granted, this ring is very very nice, but I would have been content with the regular band. But this one has a much better story. ;)

 

We then went on to the sand ceremony, where I couldn't concentrate on anything the officiate was saying. 2 mintues into it and "CRASH!" My flower girl knocked over one of the pillars with the flower vases on top. Everyone laughed and went on with it all. The sand ceremony was beautiful, but I was shaking a lot! If anyone wants the wording we used, let me know, I'll post it on here.

 

And then we kissed! Muah! ;)

 

Afterwards we had a two-tiered cake with champagne in the white-heat disco. Very nice, I actually like the White Heat Disco for the reception place - the candles actually go very well, and I can't stand red (it doesn't suit me) so it was perfect! If I had had an actual reception, I would have had it in there. It was much bigger than the cinn-a-bar and had a dance floor.

 

We then took a few pictures on Deck 5 (near the casino) and went to the photo studio where Gilbert had set up a couple backdrops for us to take pictures at. They were very pretty, and the pictures turned out great! I'll try to get them up so everyone can see sometime soon.

 

The Muster Drill then came, so Gilbert said he would call afterward and take more pictures for us. We went to our room, grabbed our life jackets, and headed to our station. Here is where I must tell all brides to eat the day of their wedding. Don't be like me and get so involved in everything that you just don't have time. MAKE TIME TO EAT. I got woozy during the Muster drill, pushed my way through everyone to the balcony near the boats, and proceeded to faint (in and out, three times). I like the way my husband tells this story (mostly because I don't remember it) - I went to the railing to get some air, and my knees started to buckle. He grabbed me and kept me up, and a couple ladies came over and grabbed me to keep me up. They kept asking if I was OK and grabbing to try to keep me up while my husband is saying "She's fine - GO GET HELP". My eyes were open wide and my pupils were huge. One of the ladies starts yelling "help! help!" and two of the crew go flying by, not knowing where the help is needed. Finally, one of them stopped in the right spot and called on the radio to get me some medical attention. By this point in time he had spotted a bench, so he picked me up and started carrying me. Everyone started cheering and clapping, saying "That is so romantic!". You probably would too if you saw a man in a tux carrying a woman in a bridal gown! But my husband is saying "Get the f*** out of the way!!" and everyone soon changed their tune. They got me to a bench to sit down and got me some water. They were bringing a wheel chair, but I had come to by this point. We went back up to the room to get me sat down and ordered room service (why I didn't think of this before I'm not quite sure). Needless to say, when Gilbert called, we were unable to take any more pictures around the ship... :(

 

And there is my wedding story! The rest of the cruise was little girls recognizing me as "the princess" and people saying congratulations. Also a few "I see you're feeling better!". I get a good laugh out of all of it now, but at the time it was pretty scary! The rest of the cruise was amazing. And believe it or not, when the "Newlywed (Not So) Newlywed game came, we were not the newest newlyweds! There were two couples married in St Thomas, so we were looked over. Oh well. Any quesions, let me know!

Glad to hear your had such a wonderful wedding. Just one question. Why did the best man get down on one knee when handing over the ring? I'm not sure I follow that. I thought you were going to say he was going to ask someone to marry him in the midst of your vows!

Glad to hear your had such a wonderful wedding. Just one question. Why did the best man get down on one knee when handing over the ring? I'm not sure I follow that. I thought you were going to say he was going to ask someone to marry him in the midst of your vows!

I'm not so sure of that, either. I thought about it, and just deicided because that's who he is! (trust me) :D

Ohh, I love the wording on that sand ceremony! By chance, where did you get your sand ceremony vase? The ones I've seen so far don't have a top to them. :)

Ohh, I love the wording on that sand ceremony! By chance, where did you get your sand ceremony vase? The ones I've seen so far don't have a top to them. :)

Funny thing... we went to Pier 1 and bought one of the squarish-round candles and dug out the candle part - all the wax and wick. We used that. :) I've attached a picture. The two bottles we used to pour were actually reed scented bottles that we poured all the scent stuff out into different containers. I wouldn't recommend those, but the candle worked out VERY well! And it was a whole lot cheaper than going with anything else!

Ohh, I love the wording on that sand ceremony! By chance, where did you get your sand ceremony vase? The ones I've seen so far don't have a top to them. :)

I found a set on ebay. The center jar has a lid and they will etch whatever you would like on all three. Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280138127716&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:US:1

i actually bought my sand ceremony things from that seller on ebay- they were really nice! not the same ones as that, and it doesnt have a lid, but i will figure something out :o)

i actually bought my sand ceremony things from that seller on ebay- they were really nice! not the same ones as that, and it doesnt have a lid, but i will figure something out :o)

Glad to hear from someone who bought from that seller...and the items were nice. I cannot wait to get ours!:D

Sound wonderful! I wasnt going to do the sand ceremony because i thought i would be too shaky, but now after reading about it i am going to do it!

Ohh, I love the wording on that sand ceremony! By chance, where did you get your sand ceremony vase? The ones I've seen so far don't have a top to them. :)

I just ordered mine from Invitations by Dawn, in the Destination section, they have cork tops!!!! http://www.invitationsbydawn.com/pics/SpecialtyProductPics/InvitationsByDawn/Clusters/SandMixingAlr.jpg

I found a set on ebay. The center jar has a lid and they will etch whatever you would like on all three. Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280138127716&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:US:1

Those are very nice! The lid looks like it is glass, which is neat. We wanted the wood top. The pouring jars look like they will work out very well.

We bought our sand ceremony vases on eBay as well. The seller was just fantastic about personalizing them the way we wanted them. Ours are not personalized like the picture. We have our first names on the individual ones and our names together with our wedding date on the larger one.

All 3 bottles have stoppers that are cork at the plug with a rounded glass top.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110096901257

Our kids also did a sand ceremony and I do not recall where they purchased the stuff, but what was really funny was that they stopped as they could not get the sand out.

John & Shari