Coast to Coast & Wedding Woes

Well I'm back from vacation and finally getting caught up on things, so I suppose it's time for a little update on how things have been going since we went back East. Honestly it has been quite a whirlwind since getting engaged three weeks ago. It almost feels like there wasn't enough time to actually let the engagement sink in, since we traveled 3,000 miles and then got bombarded with lots of congratulations and questions. Number one on the list right now; "When's the date!?!". This question alone brings on a slight feeling of nausea and sends a shudder through my entire body. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing visiting with my best friends and family, and so wonderful to see how well everyone is doing, it was just a lot to take in all at once. So it feels quite good to back to real life and the normal routine.
Now that we have been home for just about a week, the reality of getting married is finally starting to sink in, and it is one of the most overwhelming feelings I have ever experienced. The idea of marrying my man is the least of it, as I feel I could do it today without any qualms or anxiety whatsoever. It's the planning of the whole "affair" that has me running for the hills and daydreaming of elopement. I mean seriously, it seems to me like the whole wedding industry is a complete ripoff. Talking to couples that have been recently married, the general consensus is that the average wedding costs about $25,000. Are you kidding me? Personally, I can think of a million better ways to spend that amount of money than to throw a party for myself.
As I research weddings further, and start to really explore what I want and what matters to me, I wonder if a wedding is even my cup of tea. Between food and flowers and music and venues, it feels like the emotion,commitment and dedication that a couple has for each other can really get lost in the shuffle. This is the last thing I want to happen to Us. And speaking of Us, that's who it's truly about anyway. I wish more couples could realize this early on and save themselves a whole lot of stress and heartache.
So where does that leave my wedding? I honestly don't know. Everyone who knows me knows I love a good party, and I do expect to throw a celebration at some point, I just don't know how or when. One thing I do know for sure is that I can't wait to become a Mrs., and it may happen sooner than anyone thinks. So stay tuned, we just might surprise you.

Going to the Chapel...

Well if you haven't heard the news, it's official, We're engaged!!!!
Realistically I doubt my wedding will actually be in a chapel or church, but I haven't been able to get that catchy old tune out of my head since my fiance first popped the question. Right now even saying the word fiance sounds kind of funny, especially after being with "my boyfriend" for five years, but over time I think I will be able to get used to it. This is such an exciting time and I have so many thoughts and ideas constantly streaming through my mind at a very fast pace, that it's hard to wrap my head around an actual wedding. The best thing about it is, I don't have to yet. I think the first step will be to set a date, which we will probably do in the next week or so. From there, I am just going to try to keep it calm and simple, and enjoy every step of the process of planning the happiest day of my life. I'm marrying my best friend!
So be prepared Pdxers, over the next year you are going to be hearing a lot about weddings and the planning process. For those of you who live in Portland, I would appreciate and welcome any and all suggestions or helpful hints you can offer. In exchange, I promise to do my absolute best not to become a Bridezilla...let the games begin!