Court marriage

Q: My question is regarding my marriage. When I met my husband I wasnt paying much attention to religion so we married in court as civil marriage. My father and mother left me alone in another country so I didn't have any wali present on the day we got married. Now since I learned more about Islam and I am concerned, I would like to know if our marriage is valid?

Keeping a duck as a pet

Q: I want to know if it is ok to keep a duck as a pet inside the house, because somebody told me that according to Islam the sound of a duck is not ok in the house. Please let me know if it is correct to have a duck as a pet in the house.

Attending an engagement party

Q: My husband and I always disagree on the topic of going to someone's engagement. I believe it is wrong because an engagement has no basis in Islam, it is not a Nikaah or anything, but my husband says it doesn't matter if it is an engagement, it is an invitation so we have to go even if it is wrong. Is it okay to go? Where does it ever say that an engagement is ok to have and to go to?