I guess that's it...?

I asked about the length of time & if an engagement ring mattered...all of you answered so nicely - thank you. I have a wonderful relationship with this man, but I guess that it's other's validation of this relationship that is bothering me. I am very stressed with his friends & family still seeing this relationship as a "she's the girlfriend & therefor not that important". We have been together an extremely intense 9 months and it was after two months that he asked & I said yes - it shocked both of us that we felt that way, but decided since we were happy - OK. The other day during a walk past a photo shop - I mentioned getting a family pic taken & he said "are we a family" - I said "aren't we - you asked me to marry you & I said yes" - he said well there's no ring on your finger - I paused & he chimed in with well we are engaged anyways. & I didn't know what to say after that - I guess I just kind of let it go. Did I do the right thing or how do I bring it up again?