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Disney magic is undeniable, but when you add a love story like Lori and Jim’s with Disney Cruise Line, it becomes something truly unforgettable. Their wedding aboard Disney Fantasy was a celebration of love, family, and the kind of joy that makes you believe in fairytales.
From the moment I met them, it was clear how deeply they cherished each other. But in addition to the love between them, the love surrounding them through the people attending the wedding was paramount for their special day and wedding cruise. More than 50 guests – family and friends – gathered to celebrate the bride and groom over several incredible days.
Exciting wedding events were held each day of the four-day cruise on Disney’s art nouveau-inspired ship, Fantasy. The wedding date was significant; February 14th—not just Valentine’s Day—was the day Jim’s parents, Emily and James, married 55 years prior. They were surely smiling and looking on from heaven during all the festivities.
Lori and Jim’s wedding day started in the most luxurious way possible—getting ready in the Walt Disney Suite, which proved to be an essential “home base” for the duration of the cruise. More than simply Lori and Jim’s stateroom, it was the venue for their Bon Voyage sailaway party, Lori’s bachelorette party/spa day the day before the wedding, and the bride and groom’s first look after Lori did her final preparations there. Lastly, it was the place where we all toasted to the newlyweds during a “Bubbles party” to enjoy champagne and hot tub time as a group!
The Disney Fantasy atrium, with its grand staircase, peacock-feather carpet and chandelier, and golden glow, provided the perfect backdrop for photos of the bride, groom, and wedding party. The space’s elegance matched the couple’s grace and joy. Seeing Jim and Lori look at one another with absolute admiration was a reminder of what weddings are all about: finding someone who makes your world brighter. (And Lori’s blue eyes certainly sparkled extra brightly the entire cruise!)
It’s not just the setting that made Lori and Jim’s wedding so magical—it was the people. Watching Lori’s children, Lydia, Claire, Sam, and Cole, celebrate their mother’s happiness, seeing Lori’s parents, Clarence and Marion, proudly smile, and witnessing how Lori and Jim leaned into every moment together made this wedding truly extraordinary.
La Piazza was a dream setting for some of their Disney Fantasy wedding photos. The illuminated carousel lent a romantic ambiance as their best friends and family surrounded them with love and laughter. It was evident how much love filled this day.
Lori and Jim had many best friends in attendance whom they have known for decades. Their close friendships were inspiring, and I felt my heartstrings pull with each glance at The Bennies, in particular, Lori’s close group of girlfriends from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
Their welcoming conversation, giggles, and warmth captivated me from the moment we met. In my pre-wedding discussions with the couple, Lori mentioned several times how important it was to document these moments. As I stood there witnessing their interactions over the days of the cruise, it was easy to see why it was so meaningful to her. (Shoutout to The Bennies! Lori, Amy, Jenny, Angie, and Claire: your bond is a treasure.)
Jim and Lori’s love story is one of deep connection, support, and happiness, and I couldn’t be more honored to have captured these moments for them. This is a sneak peek of a day filled with many beautiful memories, and I can’t wait to share more soon!
