weddings.

weddings are special things, this i know. having worked in a bridal salon, i know all too well (somewhere in between first hand and second hand ...and third and fourth and ninth hand...) the stresses that accompany tying the knot. i've seen brides flip out. i've listened to (non bridal salon) co-workers complain about dress fittings. i've listened to friends discuss the woes of finding good venues and not having enough money. i've seen the disappointment in brides who realize not everyone they'd hoped would be able to attend their wedding actually will. i've heard horror stories from a friend of mine who is a (wedding) photographer. we all want that special day to be perfect, and lets face it, what are the chances? and in thinking about this all very recently (having received two wedding invites in the past few weeks-- one which we cannot attend, and another we can), i have only reinforced what i have known all along: i will elope. someday. when the time comes, i will be a bride at city hall. i will have a nice big reception party, with fabulous decorations and lights and music and dancing and food. but i will have none of that bridal business-- no bridesmaids, no fuss. i will make my own dress. having worked in a bridal salon dressing brides on a daily basis, i realized i don't want "the big dress", i'm just not that kind of girl. but i will plan everything myself. and it will probably end up being in my aunt's back yard with a big tent and lots of lights and candles and flowers! but seriously. i want the celebration, and none of the rest. not celebration, as in: oh good, a reason to party. but celebration, as in: i love this person, and we are already married, now lets enjoy that. whoever can attend is welcome. everyone else can send a card. every bride i've ever known, with the exception of one or two, has been completely stressed out about getting married.

and the good news is i don't have to really think about it right now at all. c'est la vie....