Ok... So my FI and I have been together for nearly 4 years. Engaged for 6 months, planning our wedding for September 2012 (9 months away). He is THE one. The person who makes me happiest in this world -- He knows me better than anyone, makes me laugh, always makes me feel great, amazing love life, etc. We already live together, have 2 pets, and are SO excited to make it "official" -- so here's the thing:
He recently signed up to join the reserves. I'm totally supportive of that, very proud of him, etc. HOWEVER. He will be gone for 2 months at the beginning of 2012 for boot camp and then he will be gone for his A-school (like job training) for however long that takes. They don't pay you very well while you're at boot camp and my FI is the breadwinner in our home. His recruiter told us that if we're already married before he leaves, his checks will be bigger since I'm his dependent and suggested that we get married on paper in a civil ceremony before he leaves.
Now, neither of us are very religious, and we weren't planning to have a church wedding anyway. In fact, we have planned our wedding at a hotel and are still looking for an officiant. My FI and I still want to have our September wedding but are talking about getting married at the Courthouse before because my income and his check from the military will not be enough for me to live on my own for 2+ months in our home. I'm kind of freaking out about the idea of a "secret wedding" though! Any thoughts?
The greatest gifts are friendship and love.
