BF and I have been chatting about marriage for a while, but don't have a ring or anything yet (I'm designing one, though
). I've been a bit...eager, shall we say...to get going with planning and logistics and such (given that almost all my family/friends will be travelling from the US), but BF wants to do an official gesture/proposal. I was reading about someone else's wedding planning (same timeframe as us, but in Berkshire), and got a bit concerned when she mentioned booking the registrar a year ahead of time. Just to see what the deal was in Derbyshire, I called up the city council to ask about options. It turns out they only had one spot left on August 17 (our tentative date, provided key guests don't have conflicts), so she pencilled us in for that spot.
We were walking to the GP's office later (I've been battling a chest cough for over a month, BF came along for moral/physical support as I've also been lightheaded), and BF said it seemed silly to wait for a ring/proposal to make things "official".
Last night we called his mum, who was in tears, speechless, and so very happy. (BF was a bachelor for 10+ years before we met, so I think she'd given up all hope of him finding someone to be with.) She was really very sweet, and we've given her the "task" (gift, really) of informing the rest of his (very small) family. He said she's usually the last person to find out about things, so this should be extra-special for her to be the one spreading the news. (We told her it was up to her if she wanted to tell people, but she had our blessing to do so, and she said she didn't think she could keep it a secret anyway.
)
We also called my mom and stepdad (no answer as it was rush hour), and my dad. He was happy for us, and asked what support we need. I have a feeling this may turn into drama about finances and whatnot (he already called my mom a few weeks ago wigging out about things, and we hadn't even mentioned anything), but we'll see. Overall, it went well I think.
So, hopefully we can reach my parents tomorrow to give them a head's up, and then we can proceed to the Facebook status updating (the only real way to make things official these days, it seems :p), and e-mail broadcasting.
In the meantime, I'll just keep going "aww" (mentally and/or out loud) whenever I hear BF (DF now!) call me "fiancé". Aww.
