Ah, marriage.

So we're eloping. 
The thought of many pairs of eyes focused on me as I walk down the aisle is terrifying.  Michael has said that if one person taps their knife against a wine glass he will murder them.  I tried to go into a bridal shop and my feet literally carried me right past it.  I even looked at some of the second hand wedding dresses at the SA and they made me feel both sad and vaguely nauseous.
Initially I didn't want a photographer, but Michael said he wanted some photographic evidence of it (bless his romantic little heart). 
I have been looking for photographers for the last few days and I am increasingly weirded out that no one seems to "get" what we're going for.  I actually emailed one photographer, told them we were ELOPING and they wanted to know where the reception was.
WTF?
Anyways, long (expensive sounding) story short, I can't seem to get a photog for less than a grand for the TWO HOURS that we want them for.  For a grand I can fly my brother down and put him up in a hotel and at least have someone I know taking our pictures incessantly.
So then Michael and I actually got into an argument about it.  Blah blah blah he thinks I want a "real wedding", which I don't, but I was just getting so frustrated with the photographer situation. 
I know: minutiae much?  First world problems?
Ultimately I threw up my hands and said "Fuck it: I don't care".
Then he said "I don't like fighting with you."
And I said "I don't like fighting with you either, this is stupid."
And I'm thinking: this is just a small elopement.  Can you imagine planning a wedding?
Today he emails me the details of photographer in Portland.  I check out her site.  I read her blog.  She's down to earth, normal, upbeat and funny.  I ask if she's available and how much.  $500 for two hours and we get the rights to our photos (which is - strangely - not always the norm).
Done.
Got the dress, the venue, the photographer and the officiant.  Just need to book the hotel.  And continue to explain why we are eloping.  My grandmother asked my mom if it was a "money issue".
No.
Not a money issue.
Anyways, I'm just so pleased with my fiancé (giggle) that he solved this for us.  It means a lot to me.  I do want photos - it's going to be a really fun day - and I'm so glad he looked at it from another angle and found a photographer for a reasonable price who also seems to "get" what we're doing.
In other news, going to see Anne Rice tonight.  I'm already nervous at the prospect of asking her to sign my book.  It was Michael's idea to go.
How cool is my future husband?