What's Important?

That's the real question.

Love, Happiness, Smiles.

Family, People who stand by you, Good friends.

Creativity, Honesty, Ease.

Commitment, Community, Celebration.

It's not about ruffles or fondant ruffles or melting ice swan sculptures. It's not about excess or proving yourself to people you don't care about. Even the Joneses can't ever keep up with the Joneses.

Screw all the magazines and the must-have lists and the etiquettes.

Frankly, we already messed up what we should have done by having kids before we got married, so why should we bother with all the old standbys?

So here's what I'm looking at.

Me, S, the kids. Parents, siblings, the dearest cousins and uncles. Best friends from the various parts of life. Some good food, drinks for all. Something fun to listen to. Handmade touches. The wide sky. Finally making it legal in front of the people that matter. That's about it. And maybe a flower in my hair.

These are the non negotiables, more or less. I refuse to fuss over the right shade of peach, matching motifs, save the date letterpress cards, a ridiculous budget, getting a fancy name on my dress label.

I'll probably go barefoot at some time in the night.