Kristina & Neil || The Anderson Pavilion

The Proposal

of

Kristina & Neil

Neil & I met on Match.com in August of 2019. We chatted for a bit online before going on our first date to Incline Public House for dinner. I was nervous about our date, but the more we talked, the more relaxed and comfortable I felt. He was so easy to talk to. After dinner, he walked me to my car, and the rest was history.
After dating for about a year, he surprised me on Sweetest Day by saying he wanted to take me to Disney World for a short vacation after Christmas. Being a HUGE Disney fan, this was music to my ears! I immediately began to plan where we would stay and what activities we would be doing. The day after Christmas, we made the long trek down to Orlando. It was a wonderful trip. We built lightsabers, rode many attractions, and had the best time. On the last day of our journey, we spent the whole day at Magic Kingdom. I was on cloud nine, running from attraction to attraction. After we got off Space Mountain, I wanted to jump in another line, but Neil asked if we could go back to the room so he could change his shoes. At first, I didn’t want to leave, but I agreed to go back to the room for just a bit. As I walked into the door of our room, I put my things on the counter, and when I turned to look at him, he was down on one knee with an Enchanted Disney ring box open. I sat there completely shocked! He then said, “You didn’t give me an answer,” and I replied, “You didn’t ask a question!” He then asked me to marry him, and I immediately said yes!

The Wedding

of

Kristina & Neil

Our wedding day was perfect! We got married on Friday of Labor Day weekend, and there was not a cloud in the sky. The bridesmaids and I got ready at the Anderson Pavilion, and the groomsmen got ready at the AC Hotel by Marriott just down the block. Sherri got pictures of the guys getting ready at the hotel before coming to the Anderson Pavilion to get photos of the bridesmaids and me. Then Neil & I met outside for our first look photos. We got pictures under the Suspension Bridge, and it was nice to have a few minutes alone together. The rest of the bridal party joined us, and we walked across the street to get some pictures at Smale Park. People passing by kept congratulating us and commenting on my dress’s beauty. We all went to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for the ceremony. The church was decorated beautifully for our big day, and it was extra special for me since it was the parish where I grew up. After the ceremony, we went back to the Anderson Pavilion, where Neil & I got a few more pictures outside and on the carousel. The reception area was immaculate with some slight Disney touches. Dinner was delicious, and the chefs at the Anderson Pavilion did a fantastic job! Dave from McFadden Music played music that kept our family and friends on the dance floor and even helped with the Disney theme by playing ““When You Wish Upon a Star”” while Neil and I cut the cake. With COVID, we had a few guests weary about coming to the wedding. However, I felt people had plenty of space to spread out with the outdoor lounge sofas, the dance floor, and even the guests who chose to ride the carousel during our reception. Since the Cincinnati Reds were in town for a game the night of our wedding and it was a “Firework Friday” night, Neil and I could enjoy a view of the fireworks right from our reception. It indeed was a perfect night, and I wouldn’t change it for the world! I felt like a Disney princess on my wedding day, and I have Bridal and Formal to thank!

Kristina’s

Bridal & Formal

Experience

I visited Bridal and Formal on Sunday, January 31st. It was crowded with many brides coming to find dresses, pick up their gowns, and find bridesmaid dresses. With all the hustle and bustle, the staff was well prepared and calm, directing customers where to go and answer any of their questions. I immediately signed in for my appointment, and within minutes, I was assigned Sandra as my sales consultant. Once my dress, veil, and headpiece came in, they were always a pleasure to talk to.
Sandra was my sales consultant, and she was terrific! She immediately asked me what I liked, didn’t like, and what my budget was. Based on my comments, she immediately pulled multiple dresses for me to try on. The first dress I tried was exactly what I was describing, but I wanted to try on more to be sure. Before I took it off, I remember thinking it would be a tricky dress to beat. If it wasn’t giving me a good reaction when trying on other dresses, Sandra could tell and would immediately have me try on the next one. She didn’t want to waste any time. I probably tried on about six or seven other dresses, and every time, Sandra would always ask if I had a smile on my face (since everyone was required to wear a mask because of COVID). However, the only one I really smiled for was the first one. So, I put the first one back on, and Sandra went and got a veil and headpiece. Once I had all three on, I knew it was the one for me. It made me feel like a real-life Disney princess. She made me feel like a princess, but Sandra also made my flower girl feel like one! She gave my niece a tiara during our appointment, and every time I came out in a dress, I could see my niece with her tiara standing on the podium, looking at herself in the mirror. If anyone is looking for a consultant, I HIGHLY recommend Sandra!