Last man standing...

[bill]

Do what I did, hold the ceremony on the other side of the planet. Let that natural selection cull out those who are not worthy.

[grnidone]

What about telling "the cousins" and extra people an announcement that says something like you want to keep the ceremony small and you'll see them next year for a barbeque or whatever on teh one year anniversary or in the summer?

That way, you'll be able to introduce her around, AND keep the small ceremony.

[grnidone]

OK...It just came to me that this is very simple.

You tell the "non-invitees" that SINCE your fiance's family is coming over from Europe AND since not many of them can make the journey, you felt it was better to have a small ceremony with only close family so that your HUGE Italian family doesn't seem overwhelming.

That makes total sense, as, if you invited all of your family, one side of the wedding would be crowded and the other side (hers) would have maybe 5 people.

I think, though, inviting them to your house for a barbeque/ celebration at a later date would be appropriate and nobody would have hurt feelings.

Love the ring choice, btw.

[littleman]

Just leave off the friends bit, even though you are inviting them.  There isn't much difference between close friends and close family anyway.

[dogboy]

LM, I am right there with you.

Grnidone, that will be the informal version of the story, complete with BBQ:)

Bill, that was as far as I could go and still be in the country:)

[bill]

Bill, that was as far as I could go and still be in the country:)

You're forgetting the many territories and protectorates of the US...

[dogboy]

Here is the condensed version:
https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=387353394714195

[littleman]

Congrats DB!  Looks like the video is down?

[bill]

Congrats DB! Looks like you had an idyllic backdrop for the ceremony.

[Rumbas]

Congrats buddy!

[Brad]

Congrats!

[Drastic]

Mazel tov!

[Mackin USA]

Why is she wearing WHITE? 

[dogboy]

  thanks folks...

>video is down?
you have to be logged in to Facebook?  I was hoping to bypass any permissions, but if you aren't even logged in maybe it wont show you anything(?)

>Why is she wearing WHITE?
For the same reason I wore black, you old bastard;) ...and that's her hand, BTW; I'm not that bald yet - but I'm getting close lol!!

>idyllic backdrop
That's Hemingway's gutter in the top left of whoever's instagram that was...it was a nice day, a little on the hot side, but pleasant. Food was good, the company better:) I'll get one with the house in the background.  

...talk to you all later;)

[nffc]

Congrats!

Looks like she got one hell of a catch and to be frank you too!

Enjoy life.