decisions, decisions

ok, so LAST night my sister, my mom, and i stayed up talking about the possibility of me getting hitched early next year. Bob and i talk about it all the time, i just haven't started really making preperations because it's not "official." you know.... no rings, no official date, blah blah....

anyway, my mother has always wanted me to get married in a church. not just any church -- the church she goes to. the church i grew up in. the church my grandfather built. this has always been very important to her. as previously mentioned, she is strictly ANTI-alcohol. this means, redhead would have to have a ceremony, and a cake and punch reception... maybe escape to another venue later with devil music and booze. anyway, a big hassle. all of my family lives here, as well - so the guest list would be roughly 350. last night, my mother shocked the crap outta me, and said "red, just do what will make you happy. the rest of us will adjust." this is big. strike that. this is HUGE. this means we can elope to some wonderful paradise alone without having to hear nagging from her. AND my parents will just throw money at us, rather than spend it on a wedding. if we elope, they will have a wedding shower at the church for those people. (shower=presents!) and i could have a reception here for friends, open minded family members, and co-workers to attend.

i'm leaning toward the eloping thing-- anyone have suggestions? do you think i would regret it later on?