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.
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!
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Monica Danielle
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On September 22, 2003, my better half came home after 657 days in an Alabama prison!!!
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
the dress is beautiful and the rings sound wonderful! congratulations!!
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*SHERRI*
never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has