Just like most young ladies, I've always dreamed of my wedding. As I've grown older, those "dreams" have changed. That big cathedral setting been put on the back burner while I picture an outdoor ceremony maybe at a golf course, overlooking a lake. No longer do I want that big princess gown, but instead I wanted a fitted mermaid with a sweetheart neckline and a beaded belt. I couldn't imagine wearing wearing a two-piece suit like ladies did back in the day after Queen Victoria's wedding. Something I'm still not sure on is the idea of writing my own vows. I honestly love the idea of making it more personal and truly expressing your level of love and commitment to my husband. There are a couple of things holding me back though. One is I'm one of the worst writers, so I could never make my vows sound merely any good. The other reason is I would be too nervous to read mine in front of all my family and friends. I'm the type of person who hates giving speeches, so the fact that I have to talk in front of hundreds of people is terrifying. Finally, I know my boyfriend currently is not the type of person to show affection in public, so I doubt he would want to make his own vows. 

One thing that I am absolutely sure of, is me taking my husband's last name. It's funny because when I was probably in say 2nd grade, I was in love with my last name, Smith. I loved that it was simple and for some reason it made me feel cool because I did not have a weird name. So, I decided that my husband had to have the last name of Smith, so I could keep it. I did not know brides could have a choice to hyphenate their name, or keep their last name all together. Nor did I know that this tradition comes from Christianity. Anyways, now that I'm older I definitely want to take my husband's last name. I agree from readings that it symbolizes a new chapter for bride. It's a new beginning! Plus, who wouldn't want to come up with a whole new signature!