Going to the Chapel...

I have written in the past about my wedding and my feelings about the event. For me, our ceremony is marred with bad memories. I was not comfortable with my new amputee status and was self-conscious. In retrospect, the reason for our destination wedding stemmed more from my desire to escape the spotlight than the beauty of the Caribbean. I was an unhappy, overweight and insecure bride.

To further sour my thoughts about the day, we discovered that our wedding license is not as "universally accepted" as the Internet promised. Apparently a handwritten half-sheet of paper, which refers to me as the "Spinster Margaret" is not legally binding in the state of Virginia. I have not been able to officially change the name on my driver's license or my passport. Incidentally, our bank and insurance companies have never asked for proof of marriage so I can use my married name for these institutions.

We have always intended to renew our vows and to have our wedding officially recognized outside of the Caribbean, but we never seem to get around to it. Despite our intentions, life always seems to intervene and a wedding is put on the back burner. I'm tired of having to fly using my maiden name and of explaining to salesclerks why my license has a different name than my bank card.

After years of talking about it, I am so excited to inform everybody that our wedding re-do is finally going to happen. Ossur, the prosthetic company that I represent at trade shows etc., contacted me and invited the three of us to Las Vegas. I will be working at the AOPA conference, but on the day before the conference begins, Scott and I will be married (legally) again. They are even throwing a reception for us after our ceremony to celebrate the day. After seven years, our marriage will finally be official!

In addition to back-to-school chores, and preparing Robby for the "k" word, I have been busy planning our little ceremony. I have an adorably appropriate wedding dress (but I won't describe it because I want Scott to be surprised) and have found a little suit that is perfect for Robby (although I conceded and promised him that he could still wear his boots). Unfortunately, Scott's suit no longer fits, so his outfit is a work in process.

After everybody goes to bed I've been playing on the Internet, planning everything from our cake and our chapel. I never planned my original ceremony- I never realized how much fun I was missing. I can't believe that, after all these years, I'm actually planning my wedding!