[SuperblySigma]

If you're serious with someone who is deployed, it does make sense to get married, for all the reasons you mentioned. Particularly since y'all are already engaged. Another way to invite people to the "big" white-dress-and-reception wedding would be to tell them that you are having your marriage "blessed" since you had to move it up because of the military. After all, it's not that uncommon for churches and the law to have different opinions on what the word "marriage" means.