Congrats, Aaron! Okay, first off, it doesn't take months and months of planning, 2 will probably be enough, but you want to get your venue booked well in advance. When you and I had lunch that day in July, I had no idea that I would be married in a matter of six weeks, and only with 5 days of planning, so I know it can be done. As far as your budget, YOURS is low. She wins. It's going to cost more than you think if you plan on inviting people to it. We talked about having a destination wedding too, and then we could invite everyone we wanted and if they show up, great and if not, well, we invited them so they couldn't complain. There are a ton of little things that may seem stupid to you, but for some reason women like them, so keep your comments to yourself. Vent about them here, with menly men, and we'll agree with you and have little beer smiley faces and we might make fun, but don't tell her.
Anyway, good for you taking the plunge! I hope she keeps you in line! Having be a surprise was a good way to do it.

Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.