A little of this, a little of that ... and a lot of stress?

Why do we have weddings? What's the purpose?

Is it simply to fulfill a life-long dream for the bride? Is it meant to imbibe a higher meaning that can only be achieved by standing vertically in front of hundreds of family members and friends?

Me thinks the answer is "no," or at least I hope so.

In any case, I am happy to announce that, as of July 30, I will be Mr. Sara Wilson ... wait, uh...

Let's try that again -- what I meant to say is that, as of this summer, I will be married to a wonderful woman named Sara Thomas and give her my last name.

And that, to me anyway, is what it's all about.

I believe that marrying another person is nothing more than the soul's recognition of its counterpart in another and, through the process of a wedding, to become one entity; I believe love to be the soul's recognition of (get ready to break out the tissues all of you Jerry Maguire fans out there) being incomplete.

Together, Sara and I will become one entity this summer -- one person, if you will (especially to the IRS).

So, what's the issue? Why on earth do we put ourselves through the stress of exhibiting a ritualistic tradition that consists of literally standing awkwardly in front of others?

Isn't public speaking the number one fear of most Americans?

Well, I don't want to be presumptuous, but I think I've figured out the reason for holding a ceremony: To put our love on display for the joy of our loved ones and, in the process, give ourselves a more meaningful event with which to remember our unification.

Sure, we could jaunt up to the courthouse, sign some papers and be done with it, but that would give only a fraction of the meaning a wedding would bestow.

I've never really cared about having a big wedding. In fact, the smaller ... the better. But I still believe it's important to hold some sort of ceremony for the reasons I've listed above.

Together, with the aid of parents and family members, Sara and I have decided to choose the slightly-less beaten path and become one through a private, outdoor ceremony, bypassing the stress of a large church wedding (well, mostly).

This ceremony, I thoroughly believe, will exceedingly fulfill this higher purpose I am (again, dare I say) very excited for the opportunity to become Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Wilson.

Now, I'm sure many of you married folk think this blog is cute, idealistic or (dare I say) naive.

Who knows, I may be just that.

I'm sure I'll be learning a lot, come July 30, and I can't wait.