My Fiance and I are planning to get married when he gets back from his deployment in October. We are both from California but live in Washington where he is currently stationed. Since we can't afford a big wedding in California we want to go home and have a civil ceremony with just our parents and then plan a wedding for the following year, maybe a summer wedding or for our 1 year anniversary and make it a vow renewal. I know some people think it's silly to have a vow renewal for 1 year but considering our circumstances I think people would understand. I originally was planning on having a full wedding for summer 2013 after getting married at the courthouse this october. My mother is the one who is making me question it because she doesn't see why we need a wedding once were married. But I want a wedding dress, bridesmaids, beautiful picutres etc. I can't help it! Any ideas?