With an income quite sufficient to their wants thus secured to them, they had nothing to wait for after Edward was in possession of the living, but the readiness of the house, to which Colonel Brandon, with an eager desire for the accommodation of Elinor, was making considerable improvements; and after waiting some time for their completion, after experiencing, as usual, a thousand disappointments and delays from the unaccountable dilatoriness of the workmen, Elinor, as usual, broke through the first positive resolution of not marrying till every thing was ready, and the ceremony took place in Barton church early in the autumn.The first month after their marriage was spent with their friend at the Mansion-house; from whence they could superintend the progress of the Parsonage, and direct every thing as they liked on the spot;– could choose papers, project shrubberies, and invent a sweep. – Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 50
One of the secrets to Jane Austen’s continued popularity is revealed in this matter of fact passage at the end of Sense and Sensibility about the delays in renovation of Edmund’s and Elinor’s cottage. Who among us has not felt a similar frustration with workmen who did not meet promised deadlines? Instead of waiting until work on the cottage was completed, E & E decided to go ahead with their plans to marry. They had to spend the first month of wedded bliss with friends, whereas my husband and I spent those frustrating months with our in-laws. There are many other “ah hah” moments when reading Jane’s works, which I will share with you as I come across them.
Jane Austen's World 
What I find interesting about that passage is that they stayed at Col. Brandon’s house. How many squires would invite his rector and his wife to live with him while their home was being improved? It’s not like Brandon is yet related to Elinor or even at that point could flatter himself that such would happen. He is a good guy. :-)