So it has been my dream to get married on a beautiful beach ever since I saw the ocean for the first time. We live in Florida so there are many options, however all of my family is in Iowa still, including my parents. My father suffered a stroke about 3 years ago and is completely dependent on my mother for care as his left side is completely paralyzed. He sleeps in a special bed at night to help with his breathing.
We got engaged about a month ago and my mother tells me a few days ago that if we have a wedding in Florida they will not be able to come, even if my fiance and I help her with my father and pay for their travel. I have cried every day since she told me this and I am completely destroyed by this news.
My fiance's family is all in Florida so it wouldn't be difficult for them to come. They are also the ones paying for the wedding because my family is scraping by as it is. If his family is the one paying and I have no family at the wedding, it wouldn't feel like OUR day at all, just his. I've thought about having two receptions or ceremonies or something, one in FL and then one back in IA but I don't know how the logistics of that would work.
I have no idea what to do. I am facing a decision between what I've always dreamed of for my wedding and being able to have my parents there.
Any suggestions, ideas, support is welcome. Thank you all.