Native American Wedding (assistance Needed)

I write because I need a friend who is more knowledgable of this subject than myself.

A little background: I know that I have roots tying me to Sioux and Blackfoot, however my information is limited due to lack of knowledge on my family`s behalf. I have always felt a kindred connection to the outdoors, nature, and particularly, animals. Everyone comments on how well I communicate with animals and how they seem "drawn" to me. When I was a youth, I spent many long hours each day in the woods riding my horse...it was where I felt most at home. Storms intrigue me and I am not frightened to sit outside and watch them close up and personal. I do not know if these things have a baring on my person, but they feel so much a part of me.

Recently, I have become engaged. It is my deepest wish to share my Native American background with my husband to be and his family. We believe the owl to be our spiritual guide, as it was he who drew us together (will be happy to tell the story later). We wish to celebrate using the wedding blanket ceremony, a fire circle, and smudging. I also want the wedding to represent us both, however, my fear is that I may insult my ancestors by tying the two traditions together :( It is very important for me to know that I am not degrading them in anyway. So far, I have planned our wedding outdoors with a woods, water, fire, and earth theme with the owl tied in. I have even made arrangements for a live owl to be present at the arbor (altar) while we perform our ceremonies, as a gift to all who attend. I`m so fearful that people will have such a lack of understanding of the MEANING behind our wedding that I have made arrangements to have a program available to my guests that explains each ceremony in detail. *sigh*

I want to use traditional materials for my dress, but design it in a more modern design. (This is one of my worries!!!) Would this be considered a defilement of any kind? Or would it be viewed as a honorable incorporation? I have a very good friend with a Cherokee background who I am thinking of asking to perform the ceremonies. I am a believer that we are all of one nation under the Great Spirit, but again, I want to do this right. I hope I have not ambushed you with too many questions, and I REALLY hope I don`t sound strange or weird. Many people are not very enthusiastic about me including these ceremonies at my wedding because they simply don`t understand or "feel" the importance of it as I do. While my husband to be absolutely adores the idea, it would be so helpful to have another confident friend to tal kto about my plans and be excited for me!!!!

Look forward to any advice or penpal`s I can find. Thank you so much and many blessings to all.

Mary