We're Legal!

Mary and I went first thing this morning down to City Hall to apply for our marriage license.  It was a little surprising to see so many people there.  The office of Vital Records is only open on Saturdays for marriage licenses and ceremonies.  Although it wasn't a long line for marriage licenses, there were several couples in front of us when we arrived.  I wasn't totally sure what to expect.  I knew the basic requirements, but I didn't expect to be asked for my parents' names and places of birth, my occupation, or if I liked green eggs and ham.  Ok, so they didn't ask that.

Anyway, the entire process only took about 10 minutes after waiting in line for about 15-20 minutes.  Not bad.  So, like I said, we're legally allowed to get married!  It was also interesting to see several couples and their families dressed up in formal wedding attire to have civil ceremonies as well as a military couple in which the groom was dressed in full uniform.  Additionally, there was a freelance photographer standing outside City Hall for the recently married couples that may not have booked one.  That's smart business!

What's in a Name

Ever since I was old enough to think about boys and getting married, I knew that at some point, I would no longer sign my name Mary Sobczak, but instead would sign it with my husband's last name.  At the time, it was just that simple.

Now that our wedding is just about 3 months away, my brain begins to wander to the smaller details and what will happen when we join our lives together as husband and wife.  I am still going to change my name, but it's interesting to me how I think about it now all these years later.  I realize that I have really become attached to my last name.  I am sure that most brides go through this when thinking about changing their name, but I never thought it would be this tough for me. 

For me, my last name signifies my family, our history and the relationship I have with my parents.  My name was a part of me for 27 years and in some ways, my name represents the person I am today.  It means something to me.  People I meet through work recognize my name because they know my dad and they have great respect for him.  It creates a connection between me and them before they even know me.  That means something.  And in some ways, my last name makes me feel a part of my family. 

Now that the time is coming for me to change it, I see the significance in this.  In taking a new name, it is the realization that although I am still a part of my family, Jack and I will now be our own family.  It isn't just a new name that you sign on a receipt - a new name represents a new start.  I understand that I will always be a Sobczak, but it is a little tough to think of myself as a Minster.  (nothing against the Minsters of course!) 

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet." ~Juliet (Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2))

This was the first quote that came to mind when I was thinking about this blog.  When I looked it up, it said that Juliet was saying that a name is somewhat meaningless and that no matter what it is called, a rose is still a rose.  Although I disagree that names are meaningless, this is a nice reminder that I am still me, no matter which name comes after Mary.

Quiz

We put up our standard "how well do you know the couple" quiz.  It only takes a few minutes, so see if you can get the high score!

We're also hoping to get the engagement story up in the next few days to answer the questions about the gumball machine.