I escaped an abusive marriage nearly 10 years ago and am recently engaged to marry for the 2nd time.
My first was not a church wedding, it was held in one of the ex's relative's back yard and we were married by a non-denominational pastor. Only a couple of my relatives attended and virtually none of the friends I had then would be attending this one save for my best friend who tells me my first didn't count. I have a couple of questions:
1. My FI wants to register and I'm not sure how I should handle this, should I still request no gifts?
2. Does any one know if I would need to get an annulment in order to be married in the Catholic church? I'm not Catholic, my FI is and is hoping to be married in his church. I don't exactly want to go looking for my abusive ex. I escaped and have never wanted him to know where I live, work, play, etc.
Any advice would be appreciated.