Concerning Joseph And Mary's Marriage

[The Bus Station]

I don't know if this is covered in scripture, but how did it come to be that Joseph became engaged to Mary? I would think he knew they would both remain virgins -- otherwise he would be in for quite a surprise on the wedding night! What was the nature of their engagement? What was the nature of the marriage itself? What was its purpose, if other than for Joseph to support Mary and Jesus?

I'd appreciate any insight, thanks.

[StColette]

I would try reading [url="http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm"]The Proto Evangelium of James[/url]

This text is often pointed to by Church Fathers (and Popes) when speaking of the way in which Mary and Joseph became betrothed.