Recently engaged, need guidance

I just got engaged on Halloween, and I have no clue where to start. I'm getting told different things, and so i thought i would ask people who have gone through this more recently. at this point, i am thinking either a fall 2013 wedding (like September/October) or spring/early summer 2014. or i would even be open to a fall 2014 wedding, though my soon to be MIL keeps saying that that is too long of a wait. I just really don't want to feel rushed. I want to enjoy this whole process.

My fiance and i have been dating since January 15, 2010 (after a short month long break in December 2009. we had first started dating October 24, 2009). We have been best friends for about 5 years, though. We are young (i'm 20, he's 22), casual people. we don't go out much, and quite honestly neither of us have very many friends (we have both been used by "friends" too many times, and have lost trust in most of them). We own our home (well, i should say it is in his name, so technically his, though it is both of our home) and have 7 "kids"-all animals. 3 dogs, 4 cats. the dogs i would like to incorporate in the wedding somehow. They are my life (as they are my best friends) and especially my oldest, 6 yo Lab Maya, has been there through some very hard times in life. if i could, i would make her my MOH. this may sound silly to most, but that is who i am.

Other things we have talked about before we got engaged include: no church. no religion-as we are not religious people. would like it to be outdoor. low key, not very many guests. I would like to make it low budget (i haven't talked to my parents yet, but i am assuming they will be paying for most. his parents have no issues spending money on it either). it seems foolish to me to spend so much money on one day. I cannot imagine spending $1,000 on a dress...I'll only wear it once! I just don't know what else to think about at this stage...please help!! Thanks :)