Rumely

Marriage ceremonies don't have to be elaborate or expensive. Most of my friends got married during or shortly after college, when they had no money and few immediate prospects. If you can't afford to get married, can you afford to be married? I am fully sympathetic, having gotten married when I was young and poor. I also have suffered the consequences.

I'm always a little suspicious when couples want to circumvent the standard ceremonial and/or legal practices of their particular culture regarding marriage. Maybe that's just because I'm old and crotchety and my knee aches sometimes. I do hope you two are getting premarital counseling from a mature, trusted spiritual advisor whose own marriage validates his counsel.

I feel like I'm being heavy handed here, but I want you to know I wish nothing but the greatest blessing and joy for the both of you.