I confess as to being with your mother on the "what is the big deal about weddings?" point. I have never understood them. I mean, yah, sure, any excuse for a party is a good one, but I don't see that legally binding oneself to someone and agreeing to be liable for their debt, too, is all that big of a deal. However, no two of us react to the same thing the same way, so if it excites you, wonderful!

Of course it is more important to make you happy. You are the only person you can Make happy. The rest of the world is responsible for its own emotions. It is wonderful when our parents are happy with us, but we have VERY little control ourselves if they are or not. Some parents think their children are perfect, no matter how much evidence the get to the contrary, and others are disappointed, no matter how much evidence their children provide that they are wonderful. You just be the person you want to be and if they like it too, great, bonus, but if not, you still win!