Romantic Getaway and...Proposal...

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Thu, 03/01/2012 - 01:29

drj898

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Romantic Getaway and...Proposal...

Hey everyone, I'm new here! First off..I wanna apologize for the really really long thread. But anyway, I thought I'd come here and get some advice on my upcoming trip. I was reading some past threads and stuff and you guys seem really really friendly lol. Here goes:

I'll be in WDW with my girlfriend in July, the week after the 4th. We're both in our 20's and well..I guess there's no hiding it..we're in love. I was down to Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, and Beach Club. Last week I eliminated WL. I figured it'd be A LOT more fun being over in the Boardwalk area being so close to DHS, Epcot, and the other resorts. I have some questions though:

1) Boardwalk or Beach Club? I feel like It'd be quieter by Beach Club but I wanna make sure we can conveniently get breakfast in the morning so I'm more inclined to choose BWI instead!

2) Dinner at/around MK...suggestions? She's semi-picky, so 99% of sig. restaurants are out. Ohana (unfortunately to me, the meat-eater) is out. I was thinking Cinderella's Castle but I'm afraid it'll be crraaazzyyy packed. I'd do Tony's but we're already doing Il Mulino at Swan for her birthday dinner, and another night at Mama Melrose in DHS. Too much Italian. Any suggestions?

3) We'll be at DTD for the first night..I really want to take her down there. I made reservations at Paradiso 37, but should I go for T-Rex or Raglan Road instead?

4) Last but not least....any proposal ideas? lol The leading idea so far is the Wishes Dessert Party. I don't want tons of people around but I don't think I want to be alone. I think during or after Wishes or Illuminations would be PERFECT.

Thanks so much ahead of time everyone!!

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 02:48

JeffC

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Well hello and welcome! And what fun! Young love - ain't nothing like it! So congratulations on the pending event

I'll give you some of my thoughts - can't wait to see what others say as well!

As far as Beach Club or Boardwalk - we've stayed at the Beach Club once in 2009, but never at the Boardwalk (yet). I loved it overall, and the pool is amazing! But there were a few bothersome things, at least for us. First, our room as directly in front of the pool. And during most of the afternoon, they have LOTS of kid-friendly pool activities. Using a microphone. And music. So taking in a nice quiet afternoon nap was not easy! So it just depends on where they put you as to whether it is quiet or not. And getting to our room was like a giant maze inside. "Just running down to the lobby" was an event. But again it just depend son where they put you. The resort itself was great, and the location is indeed fantastic for quick access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios! And the Boardwalk itself is great for romantic evening strolls.

For dinner around MK, maybe take a look at the menu for The Wave at the Contemporary Resort, or the Contempo Cafe for quick service. Folks would groan if I refer you over to my favorite place at MK - Cosmic Ray's. I know, I have issues. But I accept them.

For DTD the first night, we've never been but I think Paradiso 37 would be a really good choice. I'd probably advise you to avoid T-Rex, just because I hear it is LOUD LOUD LOUD and may be a bit much for 2 adults. But I've never been there so that's just my take on it. Our first evening will also be at DTD and we always go to Wolfgang Puck Cafe. We've also never been to Raglan Road, but I hear the food is excellent. Is that the place where it gets a little rowdy with Irish pub songs? Guess it depends on whether you are looking for a quiet first evening or something more festive

I think the idea for proposing at the Wishes Dessert Party sounds pretty awesome!

Hope that helps

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 03:14

Jessi5989

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I can't give you any advice as far as the resorts go...

but I can give advice as a picky eater! I am a super picky eater and I've eaten at the California Grill and LOVED it! The food is amazing and if she doesn't find something on the menu (at any of the restaurants) she will eat, they will make something for her. They are really accommodating.

I've never eaten at Paradiso 37 but if she can find something to eat there, she'll have no problem at any of the other restaurants. And it seems like a really fun place to eat. Rainforest Cafe & T-Rex are alright, but kinda childish, which is fine, but not if that's not the kind of thing you're looking for.

As far as the proposal...CONGRATS! so exciting!!! The Wishes dessert party sounds like a good idea but here are some others I found on the Disney Parks Blog for you to think about: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/12/top-10-proposal-ideas-at-disney/ (also, if you decide on the dessert party, you'll need to go ahead and book soon, as it fills quickly!)

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:52

MrHub

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Welcome drj898 & congrats! As for the restauraunts, best suggestion I can give you is check out all the menus and go from there. All most all the menu's are on line.

We've stayed at both the Boardwalk & Beach Club. The coolest pool is at the Yacht & Beach Club. Like Jeff said, your room could be a hike from the lobby & snacks. Cape may Cafe is a great restaurant to eat at though, buffet style.

If you want to be close to the night life, stay at the Boardwalk. I dont think there are any quick service restaurants at either of those resorts though, so getting something to eat or drink at other times was a pain.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:15

Kristen K.

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I've got to agree about what Jessi said regarding the California Grill. If it's not on the menu, they will happily make you something that you'll eat. I was there last week and it was just do delicious it blew me away. They made custom sushi for me because I don't eat fish, they didn't even blink an eye when I asked. If you can get a reservation at sunset or during the fireworks the view is spectacular.

I think that the dessert party would work just fine for an after Wishes proposal, you'll have to work the "room" a bit though to make sure that where you watch from is a good spot.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 22:13

drj898

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Thanks so much! You know...I just looked at California Grill's dinner menu again, and the food looks a lot more likely that my girlfriend would eat it than last time. Dunno..weird. But hey...thats good news for me, I'll probably wind up making an ADR there or at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 00:34

RichieB

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Welcome dj, an idea would be a celebration cruise on 7 seas lagoon, to watch the fireworks over MK, you can rent one of the pontoon boats that come with a guide/driver. He could also take a picture of the big moment. It is a little pricey, about $325. But WOW what a memory it would make.

AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 01:00

ChipnDaleFan

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Welcome and congrats! The Disney dessert party is great if you called early enough and got one of the front table. Otherwise, the tables are pretty much crammed together and close. If you go stand (about 15 mins before fireworks) against the rail at the dessert party you can get a clear view and do it during the fireworks and it would be a bit more private.

I always thought it would be cool up in Mary Poppins Hot Air Balloon in DTD so you can see all of WDW!

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Fri, 03/02/2012 - 12:16

MrHub

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Thats a good idea ChipnDaleFan! Thats the "Characters In Flight" helium balloon.

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 13:07

drj898

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ChipnDaleFan wrote:

I always thought it would be cool up in Mary Poppins Hot Air Balloon in DTD so you can see all of WDW!

Well as someone (looks like you did) who proposed at WDW lol umm...I trust your advice!

It's so funny you said that...the balloon said "proposal idea" alllllll over it! It'll be our first night and...welll....I DID say that I wanted to propose early in the trip......maybe! But won't it be fishy to be like..hey, let's go up in the big balloon! lol...she might get the hint?

I was gonna just pick a nice dinner I have planned and when the moment's right, pop the question. OR!! Wishes dessert party. OR.. just in the middle of main street (predictable right?) I just don't want it to be too too crazy. She gets embarrassed kinda easy lol.

Thanks again

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 15:23

MrHub

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You could make that your first Photopass picture, when the photographer says "stand there", you could say "how about this" and get down on one knee, right in the middle of Main Street! With the Castle as a backdrop. I don't think she would be paying any attention to anyone else but you.

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 16:53

JeffC

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OOoo, mrhub that's a GREAT idea!

I love that or the hot air balloon - both would be truly amazing and unforgettable

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 02:34

drj898

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JeffC wrote:

OOoo, mrhub that's a GREAT idea!

I love that or the hot air balloon - both would be truly amazing and unforgettable

Seriously! I was just thinking the same thing. I got some great accomodations and dining help from the Unofficial Guide I just bought today...pretty good stuff. Thanks so much!!

PS: Which should I do more? Boma or Jiko, after our day in AK?

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 15:30

Lizzy_B

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Hi and Welcome!

Congratulations! It sounds like you have a fantastic trip in store that will be the talk of a life time!

Back to the restaurant idea...I want to throw my hat into the ring for California Grill. It's fantastic. And speaking of rings...have you considered proposing there, if you can get an ADR during fireworks? It would be pretty fantastic.

Having said that, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the ideas that folks have floated here!

Also, at Downtown Disney, Raglan Road is fantastic, and they only have live music/Irish dancing on the weekends, I believe. Have you considered Wolfgang Pucks (the restaurant, not the counter service) or House of Blues? Wolfgang's, especially upstairs, is pretty fantastic.

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 13:31

Mase

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drj898 wrote:

JeffC wrote:
OOoo, mrhub that's a GREAT idea!

I love that or the hot air balloon - both would be truly amazing and unforgettable

Seriously! I was just thinking the same thing. I got some great accomodations and dining help from the Unofficial Guide I just bought today...pretty good stuff. Thanks so much!!

PS: Which should I do more? Boma or Jiko, after our day in AK?

Boma! The first time I went there... wasn't impressed. But the last trip I opened up a lot more thanks to peeps here, and enjoyed it much more. So I say Boma.

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 15:36

drj898

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Mase wrote:

Boma! The first time I went there... wasn't impressed. But the last trip I opened up a lot more thanks to peeps here, and enjoyed it much more. So I say Boma.

My girlfriend and I..although she's a semi-picky eater, eat Indian food when we're out sometimes, and she loves it. So all the spiced meats and stuff I think she'd be game for. She's just not into seafood and stuff. But I think having a buffet like that is a great idea. I already made an ADR for it. I think it'd be a lot cheaper than Jiko too. Even though Jiko has such a fantastic reputation as one of -- if not the best, signature restaurants on WDW property next to Cali Grill and stuff.

UPDATES THOUGH!

1) I re-did my itinerary after getting the Unofficial Guide, and looking at touringplans.com...as well as getting input from many other Disney veterans! I went from going Sunday-DHS, Monday-Epcot, Tues-DHS?, Wed-MK, and Thurs-AK to:

Saturday: Arrive & DTD for shopping, dinner, & drinks.
Sunday: Epcot.
Monday: (Her actual birthday) Magic Kingdom. (with in-room breakfast )
Tuesday: DHS
Wednesday: Epcot or DHS again.
Thursday: Animal Kingdom still (no change).
Friday: I figured we'd just hit whichever park we liked the most again...up to her.

Some questions though:
1) I moved my ADR for Paradiso 37 on our DTD night, to Raglan Road. Good decision? Seems to get GREAT reviews.
2) The night in Epcot...I need some TS dinner ideas. What's best at Epcot? We'll be staying at Boardwalk sooo...anything in that area still works. Doesn't NEED to be within the gates of Epcot. I just know the World Showcase has a lot of great restaurants.
3) Her birthday I want to be upfront and personal with Wishes. It's the first time she'll see it since she was "too young to remember". So any dinner plans will just be early enough to make it back to Main St. by 9:30ish for fireworks. I'm looking for a TS place that has really delicious food, with a lot of options, she's a semi-picky eater. And romantic and as quiet as possible. Any ideas??

Thank you SO SO much!!

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 15:38

Mase

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drj898 wrote:

Mase wrote:
Boma! The first time I went there... wasn't impressed. But the last trip I opened up a lot more thanks to peeps here, and enjoyed it much more. So I say Boma.

My girlfriend and I..although she's a semi-picky eater, eat Indian food when we're out sometimes, and she loves it. So all the spiced meats and stuff I think she'd be game for. She's just not into seafood and stuff. But I think having a buffet like that is a great idea. I already made an ADR for it. I think it'd be a lot cheaper than Jiko too. Even though Jiko has such a fantastic reputation as one of -- if not the best, signature restaurants on WDW property next to Cali Grill and stuff.

UPDATES THOUGH!

1) I re-did my itinerary after getting the Unofficial Guide, and looking at touringplans.com...as well as getting input from many other Disney veterans! I went from going Sunday-DHS, Monday-Epcot, Tues-DHS?, Wed-MK, and Thurs-AK to:

Saturday: Arrive & DTD for shopping, dinner, & drinks.
Sunday: Epcot.
Monday: (Her actual birthday) Magic Kingdom. (with in-room breakfast )
Tuesday: DHS
Wednesday: Epcot or DHS again.
Thursday: Animal Kingdom still (no change).
Friday: I figured we'd just hit whichever park we liked the most again...up to her.

Some questions though:
1) I moved my ADR for Paradiso 37 on our DTD night, to Raglan Road. Good decision? Seems to get GREAT reviews.
2) The night in Epcot...I need some TS dinner ideas. What's best at Epcot? We'll be staying at Boardwalk sooo...anything in that area still works. Doesn't NEED to be within the gates of Epcot. I just know the World Showcase has a lot of great restaurants.
3) Her birthday I want to be upfront and personal with Wishes. It's the first time she'll see it since she was "too young to remember". So any dinner plans will just be early enough to make it back to Main St. by 9:30ish for fireworks. I'm looking for a TS place that has really delicious food, with a lot of options, she's a semi-picky eater. And romantic and as quiet as possible. Any ideas??

Thank you SO SO much!!

My family loves Tepan Edo in Japan

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 15:49

drj898

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lol, I was just looking at that. I've been to a hibachi place twice in my life. And to be honest...it's really fun. So maybe we'll do that. I don't know if she's been to one...I don't think so. Thanks.

How's the food at Rose & Crown? I know it has fantastic views of Illuminations if I can get an ADR at an ideal time!

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 16:01

scrappy

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Tepan Edo is a fun place to eat and the food is good. If you are looking for romance though odds are you will not find it there. Odds are also pretty good that with you being a party of two booking your reservation they will seat you with a family. The tables seat at least 8 and you will be seated with someone else.
The Rose & Crown also has really good food. There you can get a table for two.

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 16:03

JoAnn C

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I like Via Napoli and Chefs de France.

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Mon, 03/12/2012 - 16:43

drj898

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scrappy wrote:

Tepan Edo is a fun place to eat and the food is good. If you are looking for romance though odds are you will not find it there. Odds are also pretty good that with you being a party of two booking your reservation they will seat you with a family. The tables seat at least 8 and you will be seated with someone else.
The Rose & Crown also has really good food. There you can get a table for two.

I knowwww lol. I've done hibachi twice before, but she hasn't. But I figured it'd be fun. The quiet and romantic aspect isn't really necessary for our dinner at/around Epcot that Sunday night. It's cool if we have a fun dinner. And maybe...MAYBE..sitting with a few other people might be fun.

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 19:34

marlebl

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I love the Main Street idea. She won't be suspecting and you will get some professional pictures. I also like the idea of proposing during Wishes. My son just got engaged on New Years Eve that way. Even with lots of people around, they will all be looking at the sky! You can talk about what you both "wish" for while watching "Wishes", then tell her that your biggest wish is to spend the rest of your life with her....drop to one knee...and you are the Prince!

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 20:55

Disney Dreams

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Welcome and oooh, exciting, proposal!

Here's a few thoughts: Based on your itinerary you posted, how about YOU opening the door for room service and putting the ring under one of the plate covers. Cast member brings the food in, sets it up, and boom! there it is! Private, no risk of her being embarrassed, etc.... Plus, that's on her birthday -- what a great way to start a birthday!

Okay, second idea: Do the two of you have a special place in the world that you have been? If so, take her to the corresponding place in EPCOT. (Ex: My husband proposed to me at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, so the three times we have been to WDW since then, that section of EPCOT is special to us.

Third: During dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. That would be really sweet and romantic, but it is NOT private at ALL. Very busy, lots of people, etc....

Last idea: We recently saw someone get engaged at DL, Main Street, photopass, etc.... It was pretty cool. And of course, Photopass got pictures of it all --- if that's something that you want for the future.

Hope that helps,
Dreams

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 21:47

drj898

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Disney Dreams wrote:

Welcome and oooh, exciting, proposal!

Here's a few thoughts: Based on your itinerary you posted, how about YOU opening the door for room service and putting the ring under one of the plate covers. Cast member brings the food in, sets it up, and boom! there it is! Private, no risk of her being embarrassed, etc.... Plus, that's on her birthday -- what a great way to start a birthday!

Okay, second idea: Do the two of you have a special place in the world that you have been? If so, take her to the corresponding place in EPCOT. (Ex: My husband proposed to me at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, so the three times we have been to WDW since then, that section of EPCOT is special to us.

Third: During dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. That would be really sweet and romantic, but it is NOT private at ALL. Very busy, lots of people, etc....

Last idea: We recently saw someone get engaged at DL, Main Street, photopass, etc.... It was pretty cool. And of course, Photopass got pictures of it all --- if that's something that you want for the future.

Hope that helps,
Dreams

That first idea is the best idea so far. Thank you so much. It's really perfect. I'll give like a 90% chance I'll do that one. One of my main concerns is how I'm going to hide the ring (and box) alllllllll day long in my cargo shorts lol. That plan involves me not leaving the room with the ring. Can't beat it. Plus it's on her birthday, AND it's private.

Huge point I need to make: Last time she's been to WDW she was "too young to remember", and I haven't been there since 2004. So we don't really have a "favorite place". YET

Thanks!!!

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 22:42

Disney Dreams

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drj898 wrote:

Disney Dreams wrote:
Welcome and oooh, exciting, proposal!

Here's a few thoughts: Based on your itinerary you posted, how about YOU opening the door for room service and putting the ring under one of the plate covers. Cast member brings the food in, sets it up, and boom! there it is! Private, no risk of her being embarrassed, etc.... Plus, that's on her birthday -- what a great way to start a birthday! ....

That first idea is the best idea so far. Thank you so much. It's really perfect. I'll give like a 90% chance I'll do that one. One of my main concerns is how I'm going to hide the ring (and box) alllllllll day long in my cargo shorts lol. That plan involves me not leaving the room with the ring. Can't beat it. Plus it's on her birthday, AND it's private.

Huge point I need to make: Last time she's been to WDW she was "too young to remember", and I haven't been there since 2004. So we don't really have a "favorite place". YET

Thanks!!!

YAY! Glad you like it! Also, from a "girl perspective," it's early in your trip, so the entire trip she gets to walk around staring at her ring, posing in photos with her hand showing (hehe, yeah, we do that!), etc....

And my husband would completely support you on the concern about hiding the ring allllll day long. That part darn near gave him a heart-attack when he asked me.

Here's an extra thought I just had! I know at DL, they have "Just Engaged," buttons. I would imagine they have them at WDW too. You could both get them shortly after you ask her and she can wear it all trip if she wants to.

- Dreams

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 22:52

drj898

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Disney Dreams wrote:

drj898 wrote:
Disney Dreams wrote:
Welcome and oooh, exciting, proposal!

Here's a few thoughts: Based on your itinerary you posted, how about YOU opening the door for room service and putting the ring under one of the plate covers. Cast member brings the food in, sets it up, and boom! there it is! Private, no risk of her being embarrassed, etc.... Plus, that's on her birthday -- what a great way to start a birthday! ....

That first idea is the best idea so far. Thank you so much. It's really perfect. I'll give like a 90% chance I'll do that one. One of my main concerns is how I'm going to hide the ring (and box) alllllllll day long in my cargo shorts lol. That plan involves me not leaving the room with the ring. Can't beat it. Plus it's on her birthday, AND it's private.

Huge point I need to make: Last time she's been to WDW she was "too young to remember", and I haven't been there since 2004. So we don't really have a "favorite place". YET

Thanks!!!

YAY! Glad you like it! Also, from a "girl perspective," it's early in your trip, so the entire trip she gets to walk around staring at her ring, posing in photos with her hand showing (hehe, yeah, we do that!), etc....

And my husband would completely support you on the concern about hiding the ring allllll day long. That part darn near gave him a heart-attack when he asked me.

Here's an extra thought I just had! I know at DL, they have "Just Engaged," buttons. I would imagine they have them at WDW too. You could both get them shortly after you ask her and she can wear it all trip if she wants to.

- Dreams

lol.....I hope she embraces the ring. And the "just engaged" buttons. You bet they have em at WDW! (or so I hear..) I'll make her wear the birthday button the whole trip too

I definitely want to propose early in our trip so she can show off the ring ANDDDD....I don't have to worry about it throughout the trip and I can just enjoy myself without worrying when and how I'll do it!

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 20:15

Jessi5989

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They definately have the Just Engaged buttons at WDW. They also have ears that are themed as a bride & groom. if you guys wear those, you'll get extra attention!

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 20:22

drj898

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Jessi5989 wrote:

They definately have the Just Engaged buttons at WDW. They also have ears that are themed as a bride & groom. if you guys wear those, you'll get extra attention!

lol, my girlfriend doesn't even want a wedding wedding. She doesn't really want to have any attention at a wedding. Go figure. A girl....a future bridezilla, doesn't want a wedding, and most certainly doesn't want to wear a wedding gown. Long story short, she won't wear the bride&groom ears. The button? It's a button...I'll make her lol.

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