"we do." and we will...!

SO...  Many friends and family have been asking (amongst other standard questions): WHY is this wedding so soon?!  Well, from an outsider's perspective, I can definitely see how the brevity of our relationship might be some cause for concern... it today's society, it's much more acceptable to date for at LEAST a year, if not more... and then to have a long engagement.  I'm sure many of you can cite a variety of reasons why there doesn't seem to be a "rush to the altar" in mainstream society, and in contrast, I'm sure many people have their opinions regarding the "Utah/Mormon dating -- engagement -- marriage" time frame (which, on average, is less than a year).  Leaving opinions/speculations out of this, I will say one thing:  when you know, you know.  I was always one to jokingly criticize couples who were engaged within a few months of dating, stating that I would have to date a potential husband for AT LEAST a year before discussing marriage.  And, well, here is proof that karma really does come back around.... hahaha :)  But in all honesty and seriousness, I could never have imagined the amount of joy and happiness and peace I feel with Geoff, and I really can't explain how or why.... it just is.  As I was explaining to one of my closest friends (or, as I have felt at times, defending) my reasons for getting engaged, and on top of it, getting MARRIED after such a short amount of time, she offered me this small piece of reassurance: When you say yes to a proposal and put on that ring, it doesn't matter if you're engaged for 2 months or 2 years -- you are, in essence, saying to him that you know.... you know that you are meant for each other, and that you are accepting him for all that he is (and isn't)... and that you are making a promise that you WILL be married.  And I couldn't agree more ;)  As for the actual date of the wedding -- well, we had initially decided on November 11 (11-11-11), but then some family news changed our plans....  my one-and-only brother (and the BEST brother of all time, I might add) decided that it was time for him to submit his papers to serve a MISSION!!  Words cannot adequately describe how happy/excited/proud I am of him and this decision he has made.... I know that he has felt strong impressions from the spirit that this is his path, and I am so glad that he has accepted this calling in his life, and I cannot wait to see where it takes him (literally as well as figuratively).  He is going to be an amazing missionary, and I know that the  people in the community where he will serve will be truly blessed to have him.  I will undoubtedly miss him.... my only sibling, leaving for 2 long years.  But I know he will bring joy and happiness to a great deal of people, so I think it's only fair to share him with them :)  SO... with that news, and his decision to leave at the end of September, we decided to move the date up (WAY up) so that he could be a part of this special time in my life.  And since that decision, I must say, we have been truly fortunate (the Lord must be watching over us....).  I was slightly concerned with the availability of venues/vendors, as there are an incredibly high number of weddings in Utah (especially in the months of June-September), but with our network of friends (and a few answered prayers), we seem to be moving forward relatively quickly in this planning process.  I haven't had much chance to stop and sit back and really process the entirety of the situation and planning a wedding in 2.5 months, so I'm sure I'll be able to better comment after the madness has died down :)

Another question that we have had to address is a bit more personal, but I feel that it is important to share it here.  As Geoff and I are both LDS, the assumption/expectation from many friends and family is that we are going to be married in the temple.  While we both want to have this experience and make that commitment to each other and to the Lord, we do not feel that we are ready.  The temple itself is a very sacred and holy place, and it is reserved for those who are worthy and prepared to pass through those doors -- unfortunately, there are many couples out there who would rather spare the sense of disappointment and grief they could potentially suffer from family/friends, and they choose to have a temple marriage... regardless of whether they are ready, worthy, or even want that for themselves.  Geoff and I have talked about this at length, and while we want a temple marriage, we are not ready.  And rather than rush through the preparation process, we want to take the time to appropriately and adequately study and learn so that we may feel that earnest desire to complete our eternal marriage.  Maybe it's because I'm a lifetime student, but I need to take more time... this may be something I have thought about for years, but I want to know and understand more before entering into this covenant.  I respect and honor the temple for what it stands for, and for the internal purity and sacredness it protects, and I will not let potential (and now actual) trial and heartache lead me to dishonor that which it represents.  SO.... with all that said, Geoff and I have decided to have a small traditional ring ceremony with a small reception for close family and friends on Friday, September 9, and on Saturday we will host an "Open House" at a local park for extended family and friends to come join us as we celebrate the beginning of our marriage and the life we are committing to share with each other.  As I have mentioned earlier, we both have the sincere desire to be married/sealed in the temple "for time and all eternity" -- and we have made a promise, to each other and to the Lord, that we will attend the Los Angeles Temple to be sealed a year after our wedding.  We both look forward to that date, and know that it will bring infinite (and eternal) blessings to our lives, the lives of our families, and to the lives of our future children.  What a glorious day that will be, on the grassy lawn overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard........ :)

While I don't know who exactly may be reading this blog (now that my fiance has shared this link with his 2000+ friends on Facebook), but the testimony I have of the spirit and this gospel is strong and I wanted to share a little part of it with you.  I am so grateful for the unconditional love and support of family and friends during this overwhelmingly emotional time in my life, and pray that I can stay level-headed enough to get all these wedding details taken care of!!  Thank goodness I only have to do this once...... :)  Love you all, thanks for taking the time to read!  I'll be back soon with more wedding updates......  exactly 8 weeks left until I'm officially "Mrs. Dyer".....!!