Todd & I pretty much gave up the thought that we were going to be approved. His case manager & counselor both told him not to get his hopes up that it wasn't going to happen.

Last weekend, Todd & I set our wedding date for after his release from Fed custody. We decided on June 21st, 2003.

When I returned home, I told my parents our decision & that monday mom was already busy booking the church & hunting down a reception location.

Saturday, while I was trying on my wedding gown with Mom & the girls, Todd called my cell phone.

Not only was his halfway house approved for October but so was our wedding request. I could've died right then and there.

I really have mixed feelings about it. I definetly can't wait to become his wife but I don't want to share this date being herded through the ceremony like a cattle call. There will be 6 other couples being married also.

So, now on July 13th at 10 am Todd & I will be married.

I'm not allowed to bring in flowers & wedding dresses aren't permitted either. Anyone who is already on his approved visiting list can attend. We decided that my 10 yr old will be there with us.

The fee is $200.00. That covers the minister's fee, confidential marriage certificate, notarization of confidential certificate, travel fees, phone calls, postage, filing of certificate with the registrar's office and secretarial fees for the completion of the certificate. I have to pay an additional $13.00 for a copy.

So, shorty, when you're celebrating your birthday, toast Todd & I as well.

We are going full steam ahead with the June 2003 wedding. After all, the wedding dress mom & I picked out will knock Todd on his ass! LOL

The wedding dress (front & back pics) are the next 2 posts.

MY DRESS:

The keyhole back is the reason I chose it. The halter top is the second reason...I've got serious cleavage going on in this dress! LOL

Carla

Oh my gosh girl, your dress is breath taking! My dark brn eyes just turned emerald. LOL
Best wishes

WOW! Beautiful dress! Lots of luck with the wedding and the future. That's less than 2 weeks away! Keep us posted!

My husband and I were married in a civil ceremony at the courthouse and at the moment when we looked into each other's eyes, said our vows, and became husband and wife, the ceremony didn't really matter. We were just as married as people who go all out and have a ten thousand dollar ceremony. It was just him and me and the county clerk and we were herded in and out like cattle and have no pictures from the ceremony - but in my mind the memory is priceless. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

By the way - my parents 37th anniversary is on the 12th of July and they made it despite the odds - they were 15 and 17 when they married and 4 years later had 3 kids.

Good luck and keep us posted!

That's wonderful Carla. The dress is beautiful. I'm so happy for the two of you. I hope that you have a long and happy life together.

WOW.. Now that is a wedding dress.

beautiful dress!!!!!!! Congrats and God Bless!

congratulations.....what a gorgeous dress!

congratulations on your upcoming nuptuals!!! so glad everything has worked out for you all! can't wait to see the pictures! *hugs*

Carla,
Your dress is breathtaking. Congratulations on your wedding(s). Best wishes to you and Todd.

Now that's a dress!! Beautiful!
Congratulations on all your good news!!
Hoping for more pictures!!

Thanks all! When I tried the dress on my mom just grinned knowing that was the one.

The only bad thing is that Todd is my best friend in the whole world and I tell him EVERYTHING! This is the only thing I can't share. He knows that I have the dressed picked out but I just won't describe it...plus he wants it to be a surprise.

I picked up our wedding bands today. They are platnium & I had our names & wedding date enscribed on the outside to give them a unique look. Wait! That's something else I didn't tell him.

Well, there goes my "tell him everything" story. haha

That dress is gorgeous girl! Lucky you! So you're doing the ceremony at the prison with other couples and then the real wedding in July of next year?

the dress is beautiful and the rings sound wonderful! congratulations!!

Yes, Leonda. It was a promise we made to our parents. Kinda a trade, if they gave us their blessing to marry while he's inside, we'll do the huge black tie church & reception when he's out.

I've been sending Todd magazines with party favors & he's been picking out things to use as guest favors. It's about as close to him being actively involved in the real thing til his CCC release in October.

That's cool that's what I wanted to do too.

well in 3 days I will drink a glass of champagne for you.. I love that you are getting married on my birthday what a special gift.. Even though you did not plan it..LOL Congrats..

Beautiful Dress...

Thank you shortie! Enjoy the champagne since Todd & I don't drink. I just wish I could have flowers but it's against the rules.

I'm actually have getting butterflies the past couple of days.

Just 2 days to go! I'm excited for you!

hope the day goes off without a hitch, carla! i'll be thinking of you both!!! congratulations!

Congratulations to both of you!

OMG! I am soooooooo nervous now! Only 22 hrs left!

It's not a bad (cold feet nervous - I don't think) more like a "I can't believe it's finally happening!

I'm just hoping the ceremony is a bit personal, considering 5 other couples are getting married.

1 couple have to wait til Oct because the bride to be smuggled sunglasses into her fiance. He in turn tried taking them back to the dorm. Needless to say, he got busted, got sent to the hole for 2 weeks, lost visitation for 3 mos & now can't get married until the next quarter. I guess it's a fine example of stupid people doing stupid things.

Anyhow, I will be thinking of you all too. Considering the fact I won't be able to log on from work & I'm driving up tonight.

I'll post the events on Sunday night.

CARLA- ONCE YOU LOOK INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES , EVERYONE ELSE WILL DISAPPEAR AND IT WILL BE VERY PERSONAL, NO MATTER HOW MANY OTHER COUPLES ARE THERE--

COMGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!

can't wait to hear all the details, carla!!! we're all thinking of you and todd! :)

Congartulations! Remember, the circumstances cannot interfere with your love. Enjoy the celebration of your marriage.
Michelle

Congradulations girl.
I am so glad that you are getting married.. Remember love is the best gift...

How wonderful for you! Good luck and I can't wait to hear how it went!!!

The day has finally arrived - congratulations!

*wondering how things are going for carla and todd and whether they have said "i-do's" yet*

I be a married woman now!!! woohoo!

Will post all the details in "FCI Lompoc"!

Thanks for all the warm wishes!

GREAT NEWS CARLA!

THAT IS SO GREAT.. CONGRATS..

Your dress is gorgeous I am sure he will love it