Another Milestone
Another MilestoneNBC15 Blog Listing
Another Milestone
Topic Author: Leigh Mills
Posted: 8:51 PM Aug 5, 2008
Replies Posted: 15 comments
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With T-minus 40 days and counting until we tie the knot, it seems every other day we hit another wedding related milestone. But this past weekend was a particularly big one... my bridal shower and bachelorette party!

I am so blessed to have numerous friends who came into town for the two events.... some from as far as Washington D.C., Cincinnati and Cleveland. The fact that they made such an effort to be here really meant a lot to me.

We spent the weekend in Wisconsin Dells... catching some rays, talking, eating, and celebrating (with a little karaoke at Showboat!). To any of you who ran into us... remember, what happens in the Dells stays in the Dells!

There was one question that continued to come up this past weekend (perhaps the veil, sash, etc. was a little clue!). That question: will you change your name once you're married?

It reminded me of one of Michelle's blogs on that very subject. To be honest, I have given it some thought, although I have not come to a conclusion on the topic. It seems there are so many decisions to make, especially as the day approaches, that this one has been lingering in the back of my mind.

So... what do you think? It's weird for me to think of being anyone but "Leigh Mills." I've been that person my whole life, and I've been with NBC 15 for almost 5 years (my 5 year anniversary will take place while we're on our honeymoon!). Bottom line: I don't want to confuse anyone! But at the same time, I believe a marriage is a joining of two people... so why not share the same name on and off the air?

Thankfully, Charlie is very understanding and really wants this to be my decision. I'm now starting to give it more thought and wondering what you think I should do. What would you do? Would a new last name throw you off?

Decisions, decisions... stay tuned...

Leigh =)

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  • by Judy Dean Location: Indiana on Jul 16, 2009 at 07:35 PM
    My Husband and I celebrated our second anniversary last July 27th then three weeks later he passed away suddenly. I never added his name now I feel I need to do that. My grown children can't understand why I want to do it now.We were together for twenty two years all together. Should I go through this now? Is it too late? I would welcome any thoughts on this.
  • by Dagny Location: Plattsburgh, NY on Oct 1, 2008 at 08:52 PM
    I read this blog while preparing to write an essay on why I believe women should keep their own last names after marriage. To you I will say, even though you believe marriage is the joining of two lives, the marriage will be healthier if you maintain your individuality even while in the marriage. My clue that you should keep your own last name is that you even write that you can't imagine not being Leigh Mills. Please keep your name...but I think my post is a little late.
  • by Kristen Location: SW WI on Aug 14, 2008 at 04:52 PM
    Leigh- because I used to work in broadcasting, I understand, and I also just got married in April too. Change your name, to his, it made me feel proud. I was incrediblly sad to loose my 'identity' but everyone still knows my face! As for on air, keep it the "Mills", ya dont want viewers knowing your new name, and stalking you. lookin you up,- you get it. But for marriage sake, change it. Being a new bride, its fun to say, "I'm Mrs...." :)
  • by Gina Location: Dane Co. on Aug 13, 2008 at 12:45 PM
    I can't believe how rude some people are when commenting on other's personal blogs. If they bore you, then don't read them and by all means, KEEP THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF! Please have some manners...these people are giving us a chance to see them as real human beings, not just a face on the TV. Maybe you never saw "BAMBI"....if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. (I apologize for the negativity of my post.) Leigh--I agree with the others....keep your given name professionally. I remember the weather guy that Filbert referred to and I saw him on the Iowa station as Joe Winters and it just never seemed to fit.
  • by Filbert Location: Anytown, USA on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:05 AM
    Leigh, you are the brand -for your media career, keep it at Leigh Mills. I recall a weather guy here many years ago on a competition station, he used his name 'Joe Mlodzik', when he moved to an Iowa station he became 'Joe Winters'. Names are key, especially when going to that next level - say anchor in the Twin Cities, etc.
  • by Alice Location: Hyatt on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:21 AM
    ZZZZZZZZ!!! Next topic Leigh (Run of the ) Mills
  • by Mike Location: Madison on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:28 AM
    Leigh- do what you feel is right for you. all of us who know you know you as Leigh, and you will always be Leigh. If you are Leigh Mills or Leigh somebody else, it won't matter to those who know, respect, and admire you- and you'll always be welcome in our living rooms so long as you don't go Brett Favre on us!
  • by samatha on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:02 PM
    leigh go with whatever makes you and your new hubby happy! i see michelle is still using her madien name on air that might be a good idea you can be leigh ***** (whoever) off work.
  • by A Location: Madison on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:58 PM
    I am a big fan of adding the husband's last name WITHOUT a hyphen. That way, you can legally go by either last name. My mom did that so she could still have her kids last name from her first marriage but also her new husband's name. Then you could be Leigh Mills on TV but Leigh Husband'sname in your daily life, and either would be appropriate or okay to go by. Plus, if you just take your husband's last name, chances are if someone recognizes you they might call you Leigh Mills and then it wouldn't be a big deal and you wouldn't feel like you needed to correct them.
  • by Kevin Location: Madison on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:49 PM
    What's you take on the latest discovery of water on Mars? Will humans reach the Red Planet by the set date of 2037? Should we even be thinking about the colonization of other planets when our own is in such trouble? Oh yes, and just pick a last name. In the grand cosmic scheme of things, we're all just space dust anyway.
  • by Sara Location: Madison on Aug 6, 2008 at 01:14 PM
    I think you should do what your heart tells you to. It took me 3 months after we got married to decide what to do, and I'm glad I took the time to think it out. I ended up attaching my husband's last name to my last name so it reads like I have two middle namesand a last name. This way it's not confusing for all my school stuff, but I still have his name too. I know- this is sort of weird, but it works! Hope that helps a little!
  • by John Location: Deere on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:15 AM
    Ugh!!! We just spent the last 1000 days reading Michelle's wedding minutia....can you please spare us? I beg you!!! Christine Bellport promised us she would never put us through this. Let's talk about something else.
  • by D Location: Arlington on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:40 AM
    Your face has become well established in this community. Changing your last name will not effect people knowing who you are on TV. I think though, you should keep your last name "Mills" only because you might have a more peaceful perssonal life with your husband.
  • by Ted Location: Janesville on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:10 AM
    And seriously, would the name throw mw off? You could come out tomorrow as Brett Mills or Santa Clause and we would know that you are still who you are and probably of higher moral quality. By the way, Charlie? Shortino? Joking!
  • by Ted Location: Janesvillw on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:02 AM
    Well here I go adding my two cents worth! i believe in the sanctity of marriage and wonder how far we will go to completely forget all the reasons we got married? Proudly bond with your husband and be one family. Easier for the kids in the future as well. He respects you enough to go with tradition, you should feel honored to have a partner who wants you forever. You could keep your maiden name for broadcast purpose but do go with a one name family. Security wise it might be better that way. If I see one more hyphenated last name (Rodham-Clinton for example)I will see a wanna be feminist that is to insecure to stick to tradition. Am I nuts, a male chauvinist? No, just tired of all the good old ways disappearing.Would this even be a topic in the late 60's? Oh thats right you wouldn't go back that far!
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