Matt, I did not elope (as you know) and I'm glad. The memories (reinforced by the video and pictures, since no one really remembers the wedding day in all the chaos) are so special to me.
However, my family was VERY easygoing, with no one getting all upset about the details. Additionally, I hadn't been planning my wedding since the age of 5, so I didn't have any set-in-stone expectations that weren't met. So I guess I was lucky.
I always wonder why families get all crazy over the wedding details. The day is about celebrating the love of the two getting married. It's not about flowers or who sits by whom or what color the dresses should be. Of course, when that much money is being thrown around, tension levels do rise.
I for one think a wedding is very meaningful and can be symbolic, depending on where it is held! And most females look forward to this day. While Vegas might work for some, it does not for most of us. I am glad we have great memories and photos, etc.. Aren't you?!?!?
I'm very glad and thankful for our wedding day. Love the pictures and memories, but my point (as you know well) is not that I wished we'd eloped, but rather that we could have lowered the stress level. Vegas doesn't have to be the destination. How about a private island in the carriabean or Italy or even Southern France. All the meaning of what a wedding should be without the hassle of coordinating a nationally televised event.
I'm with Matt - I'm glad I had a wedding, but eloping sounds good sometimes when I think back.
Another thing to consider, why would anyone not just elope for their second marriage? I just attended the second marriage of my mother-in-law this summer - don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful event and her new husband is a great guy. But it was stressful, and I'm amazed that anyone would put them through the same torture twice in a lifetime.
I am hoping that a small beach wedding will work for me!
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