A backhanded nod from Bridezilla… Our “Committed” invitations made the “most bizarre” wedding invitations. Cool! We love bizarre.

There were no flowers. There was no band playing. No balloons. No extravagant, hooplah gestures. Just two people, laying in bed and one had something else in mind. He said “hey buddy. I have something for you” She said “what’s that”. He rolled over and handed her a box. A small little red box. Instantly she knew what it was.

There was no bending of the knee and there was no question. It was just known. Officially as of that night in October, I (Mathilda) am engaged with my beau of 8 1/2 years. It was short and to the point and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

People ask me “how did he propose” and at first I think Oh, they’re expecting something full of gumdrops and rainbows…and I hesitate but I say proudly “he said ‘hey buddy’” and the rest is history. I actually had one person (who was a friend of a friend) sarcastically say “oh. that’s romantic”. Well, I let it slide off my back because 1) she doesn’t know me and 2) what’s romance got to do with it. My romance (something that makes me laugh) isn’t someone else’s romance.

So I invite people to share their “engagement” stories and they can be as ROMANTIC (YOUR definition of r.o.m.a.n.c.e.) as you want.

For those of us interested in making secular weddings an option for everyone who doesn’t fit into nice, neat, packaged faiths… The CFI (Center for Inquiry) is free-thinking organization with the mission “to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.” CFI has recently started a program to train and certify secular celebrants. The next training workshop is in Indianapolis, IN on December 5. Be aware–the requirements for celebrants may vary from state to state. More information on the program, the benefits, and requirements for your state can be found through the CFI website: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/education/secular_celebrants/