A Celebration of Love By Cinderella Castle
BY MELISSA RICHESON
For Crystal Jacobs-Berry and Mark Berry , Walt Disney World has always been more than a vacation . It ’ s the place where this Suffolk , Virginia , family experiences extra joy , excitement , adventure … and love .
Over the years , the love that Crystal and Mark felt at Disney grew stronger as the couple made multiple trips with their children Elijah and Nyima . Eventually , it became clear : Walt Disney World would be the perfect place to officially express their love to one another through marriage . With the help of a Disney wedding planner , they arranged a ceremony at the renowned Wedding Pavillion for December of 2020 .
On the morning of the wedding , Crystal woke up at 2:30 AM to prepare for the big day . She and Mark wanted to see each other for the first time in front of Cinderella Castle , where they would share a private photo shoot before the park opened to guests .
Crystal recalled , “ It was an amazing feeling to wake up on my wedding day at the Most Magical Place on Earth , preparing to get married to my best friend of 11 years .”
In true princess fashion ,
Crystal was driven directly up to the twinkling castle to meet her prince . Blindfolded , Mark was led out to meet his bride before the sunrise . There , in that idyllic , illuminated setting , the couple shared their initial moments as bride and groom . Pure Disney magic !
“ The calmness and emptiness of the park felt dreamlike , and the beauty of Cinderella Castle was just breathtaking ,” Crystal said . “ To have Magic Kingdom all to ourselves on our wedding day felt like something straight out of a fairy tale .”
After the photo shoot , Crystal , Mark , their children , and other loved ones came together for the wedding ceremony . Thanks to the help of two onsite wedding coordinators , the experience exceeded their expectations . The planners even helped navigate some of the unexpected 2020-related hiccups with ease . From the flowers to the wedding cake to the music , every detail came together perfectly .
In addition to their magical wedding , the couple was able to check two other things off of their Disney bucket list . Since Crystal had always dreamed of staying at the Grand Floridian , the family spent five days in a luxurious Lake View Villa before the ceremony . And because Mark had always wanted to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge , they booked another four days in a Kidani Village Savannah View Villa after the wedding . A true union of their dreams .
Crystal recounted , “ This trip was very special to us in so many aspects : our wedding ceremony , our Magic Kingdom photo shoot , the resort selections , and bringing along those who mean the most to us . Our hearts were so full of joy . I would love to do it all over again in 10 years for a vow renewal !”
The Jacobs-Berry Magical Wedding Music Playlist
“ Star Wars March ” ( Groom enters .)
“ Married Life ” ( from UP ) ( Children enter .)
“ A Whole New World ” ( Bride enters .)
“ Happily Ever After ” ( Exit as husband and wife !)
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY CRYSTAL JACOBS-BERRY