Daily Newsie

Good news: Whatever ulcers were beginning to nibble at my stomach lining have receded upon the news that our wedding date is now July 4, a date that has been at the center of much wedding-related consternation for nearly a year. See, several family members couldn’t make a July 4 wedding, so we decided to move it to Labor Day weekend to give everyone enough time to get to Kentucky and get home. Even though that made it easier for all involved, we weren’t convinced we wanted August 31 to be our anniversary; rather, we had our hearts set on Independence Day for several reasons. First, it’s an automatic day off. Second, it’s celebrated with sparkly things in the sky and the best march of all time, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Third, it’s always been my favorite holiday.

While we were in my hometown last weekend, The Fiance’ and I brought up the subject with my father and stepmother, as well as with my brothers, all of whom are traveling about 12 hours to get here in August. We wanted to make sure no one was angry about making a lengthy and expensive trip for a “fake” wedding, you know? It was my father who came up with a fabulous idea: The Fiance’ and I will elope on July 4 (is it an elopement if everyone knows about it?), then use Labor Day weekend as an excuse to have a big celebration, introduce the families, and show everyone around southcentral Kentucky. Win/win.

This is awesome, because I never really got into wedding planning like I thought I would. I read stories from brides-to-be on my LiveJournal 2008 Weddings group, and I just can’t fathom handling that many details. I have the greatest respect for people who can … but it’s not my thing to go taste-testing for wedding cake or debate the merits of fingertip veil versus fascinator. I just want to be married already, and I’m happy our families are OK with the idea of having a celebration rather than a full-blown wedding. I still have to look at buffet menus and order cupcakes, but I can do so fully relaxed and knowing that we will already be married, and that’s the most important thing.

I and my ulcers thank you, family and family-to-be.