Hello, I recently got engaged and my wedding date is May 12, 2012. My FI and I really want to get married on the beach and we had considered renting a beach house and I had seen a few online and even talked to some realtors but I'm not sure if we are going be able to afford it...does anyone have any advice on venues in the area or either reception halls that are nice that we can rent out for the reception and just do the ceremony on the beach. Also, if there are any bridal shows in the area I would love to attend, I currently live in IL and will be basically do a lot of planning during the summer and spring and winter break since I'm a doctoral student and my FI is in the Navy so I have to get him into planning when he's available as well. Please help with any ideas on venues, ceremony sites, reception halls that are pocket book friendly LOL