Sara and Amanda's Adventureland Themed Disney Wedding

When Sara and Amanda told me their wedding theme, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Not only was their wedding Adventure Land Themed, but they had their welcome dinner and wedding prep in the Adventure Suite of the Disneyland Hotel, and ended the night by treating their guests to a viewing of The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Park. Sara and Amanda really wanted their wedding to feature everything that they loved about Disneyland. They wanted their friends and family to make great memories together and to experience the magic and level of service that they’ve grown to love at Disneyland. They included so many entertaining elements for their guests, it really was a treat to be able to photograph their guests as they experienced all of that Disney magic.

One of the things I learned about Sara and Amanda, was how incredibly thoughtful they are with their friends and family. So many of their wedding decisions revolved around making sure their loved ones had a wonderful time. They really felt that since their family and friends were flying to Disneyland for their wedding, they wanted to make sure they had a great trip.

When they first started dating, Amanda worked at the Starbucks in the same building as Sara. Sara is a trainer and was prepping for a body building show at the time, and frequented Amanda’s Starbucks. When Amanda asked Sara on their first date, Sara was hesitant at first because she told Amanda that she wasn’t any fun because she was on a strict vegan diet for her body building competition, she had to go to sleep early and wake up early, and wouldn’t be able to stay out late. Amanda thought that was a small price to pay to be able to spend time with Sara, and their first date consisted of Sara cooking them both a healthy meal and watching Harry Potter together, and it was perfect.

The morning of their wedding began in the Adventure Suite, a signature suite at the Disneyland Hotel. The Adventure Suite is one of my favorites, the theming is so much fun and there are a lot of little surprises to find around the room. Andrew and I had a great time utilizing the room to take photos of her details. We usually carry a styling board and kit with us for the wedding details, but we never have to worry with the Adventure Suite, there are so many great areas for photos.

They had their rehearsal dinner in the Adventure Suite the night before, and it was a really fun way for their guests to kick off the wedding festivities.

When I asked Sara about her theming, she explained that they started out by having the wedding be themed as “Disneyland”, but as she got further along in the process, they began to realize that they kept gravitating more towards “Adventureland”. They eventually decided to only focus on Adventureland and have that be the theme of their wedding day. Sara and Amanda designed and made the invitations, maps, and guest books, and I thought they turned out so cool.

Sara proposed to Amanda during the Pride Parade in Seattle. She knew that one of them was going to ask soon, and she wanted it to be a surprise for Amanda so she felt she had to ask quick. Sara arranged to have the announcer ask them to walk into the middle of the street, and handed her a microphone. Sara asked Amanda and couldn’t have found a more supportive crowd to cheer them on.

I loved taking Sara’s bridal portraits, she looked like a dream and the lighting was so beautiful in that room.

And they had the sweetest first look, right in the Adventure Suite.

Fun fact, while we were taking these photos with cigars, Amanda said, “wait, we don’t even like cigars…why are we doing this?”

When they were first beginning the planning process, they couldn’t decide on a location. Amanda wanted to have a fun party and was looking forward to the reception, and Sara wanted the wedding to be meaningful to them. They happened to walk by a ceremony at the Brisa Courtyard during a trip to Disneyland, and the wheels started turning. They decided having a wedding at Disneyland was a great way for them to have both of their needs met. They could have a great reception, but also have a wedding that incorporated their love of Disney and was meaningful to them both as a couple.

The Brisa Courtyard is always so beautiful, and I loved how they had a hand wrapping ceremony.

After the ceremony, we took portraits around the Grand Californian Hotel. I love how Andrew timed this photo just right. To tell you the truth, Andrew spent a whole day last summer timing when the monorail would come so we could use it for photos, and his hard work more than paid off. It’s a weird job, sometimes folks. 😉

I love how Amanda’s wedding was full of bodybuilders.

And then we took photos with just Amanda and Sara:

We were starting to get nervous because it looked like it might rain, but the clouds made for beautiful photos.

After portraits, we went to the Trillium Room, where Sara and Amanda were having their reception. I loved their expression as they walked into the room. The room was themed and looked so amazing, and they were so happy.

All of the tables were Adventureland themed, and the decor was really incredible.

All of the food at their wedding was vegan, even the cake! It was all delicious! The Disney chefs did an incredible job!

To find seats, guests were given a special map with a clue!

Their reception was a lot of fun, and they even had a surprise visitor make an appearance.

After the reception, the wedding party was escorted through Downtown Disney and into the park after the park had closed. It really was the coolest moment. As Sara and Amanda walked through Downtown Disney, all of the guests clapped and cheered for them, and it may or may not have brought a tear to my eye.

Our final destination was the Tiki Room, where everyone was treated to a special Tiki Room performance. They wanted their guests to be able to experience the magic of the park, with an attraction experience that was inclusive for all of their guests. Everyone was able to enjoy the Tiki Room, from their nieces and nephews to their 83 year old Great Aunt. They had a wonderful time, clapping and cheering and singing along with the Tiki birds. And yes, at the end of the night, it rained!

It was the most incredible way to end the night. After the night was over, we walked back to the hotel said our goodbyes, and I have to admit I was a little sad it was all over. What an incredible day we all had. Thanks so much for having me be a part of your wedding day, Amanda and Sara! I’m so happy for you both. Cheers to all of the Adventures yet to come.