First smoke over labor day weekend

What a Great gift!! Yes,it takes quite a while to get it up to that temperatur.As you said,though, there isn't much you need to do as far as tending to it. Just plan ahead so it is ready to eat at the right time!
congratulations on your marriage. Kathy

bill,
1st off you had one great groomsman!!!!
like kathy says it will take awhile to cook the butt.
butts are kinda funny but they are forgiving.
for pulling i have had some that were ready at 185 and others that had to hit 191.
a good trick to try is this
go to target and get a taylor remote thermo. the cost about 16 bucks. while you are there buy a school composition book. they cost about 2 bucks.
everytime you cook write everything in your book. list things like meat type and temp settings and heck even the weather (i list ambient air temp but what the heck). after a few times cooking you can look at the notes and predict fairly closly what it will take as far as time goes in your unit. it sounds like a hassal but it can be fun to look back at 2 year old notes.
the main thing is have fun and get your new bride involved.
my new bride(well we did get married 34 years ago but she is still new to me) at our 1st comp took over chicken because i maxxed out. she got hooked and we have something we love to do together!!!
jest remember the family that bbq's together stays together and congrats to you!!!!!
jack

Bill -- Put your butt in a tad earlier. What the heck are you doing up at 2:30 AM? Throw the butt in around 8-9 "PM" and you shoud be ready for lunch the next day. You can always keep it warm in a cooler if that's too early. Just a suggestion...