This 'Serial Bride' Has Had Five Disney-Themed Weddings And Is Already Planning Her Next One
"I thought that would be the end of it. But no, I got hooked!"
Shellie calls herself a “Serial Bride,” and honestly, that nickname fits a little too well. In nine years, she and her husband have gone all-in on Disney weddings so many times it barely counts as a trend, more like a full-time lifestyle.
It started in 2015 at Disneyland, when the high school sweethearts tied the knot. Shellie thought that would be the end of it, then she got hooked, and now the couple has racked up five Disney-themed weddings, vow renewals included, with new characters, new food, new venues, and even new dress names each time.
And the wild part is, she already has her next one on the horizon.
With a passion for Disney weddings, it was easy for Shellie to decide on the theme for her wedding.
Jenna Henderson from White Rabbit Photo BoutiqueThe high school sweethearts tied the knot in 2015 at Disneyland.
Jenna Henderson from White Rabbit Photo Boutique"I thought that would be the end of it. But no, I got hooked," she continued. "I realized this was so much fun."
Jenna Henderson from White Rabbit Photo Boutique
After that first Disneyland wedding in 2015, Shellie’s “this will be the end” plan immediately fell apart in the best possible way.
Embracing Themed Weddings
The rise of themed weddings, especially Disney-themed ones, highlights a growing trend in personal expression and creativity during nuptials.
The moment she realized “It’s never the same,” she started treating every celebration like a brand-new Disney episode, right down to the guest list.
Planning multiple themed weddings can also present challenges, particularly regarding finances and emotional energy.
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Since then, the self-proclaimed 'Serial Bride' and her husband have had multiple Disney-themed vow renewals to celebrate their love.
Jenna Henderson from White Rabbit Photo Boutique
The couple has had five weddings in nine years.
"It's never the same," Shellie said. "We have different characters, different food, different venues, and different guests. It's all about spicing things up and having fun with each new celebration."
Jenna Henderson from White Rabbit Photo Boutique
For each of her weddings, Shellie has purchased a new dress and given each one a name.
But with five weddings in nine years, the financial math and emotional energy part of “serial” starts to get real fast for Shellie.
Still, as she names each new dress and keeps the magic going, the only thing left to wonder is how many times she can make it work before she calls a stop.
While Shellie adores planning her Disney weddings, she says there may come a time when the tradition becomes too much. "I am not afraid to say, 'Hey, we may only have five more weddings, and I didn't get to 26 wedding dresses,'" she said.
"I could see myself doing this forever, but if I can no longer do it financially or if it no longer brings me joy, I'll stop," Shellie explained. "But right now, it makes me very happy. So I'm going to continue and stay open to new ideas."
The phenomenon of themed weddings, particularly those centered around cherished franchises like Disney, serves as a vibrant canvas for couples to express their love and individuality. Shellie's journey through five Disney-themed weddings illustrates how deeply these themes can resonate, not just for the couple but for their guests as well. Her elaborate celebrations reflect an authenticity that invites everyone to share in the magic of their union.
However, it is important to recognize the practical side of such extravagant plans. The allure of a fairy tale wedding can lead to financial pitfalls if not approached with caution. Couples must navigate the delicate balance between creativity and budgeting to ensure that their dream weddings do not jeopardize their financial stability. Shellie's experiences highlight the importance of thoughtful planning in creating memorable celebrations that are also sustainable in the long run.
Shellie’s next Disney wedding is either going to be the best one yet, or the one that finally forces her to pick between magic and money.
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