I think you definitely have to live your life but I think you will find that some of the things that were so great before aren't worth it any longer - they just don't taste as good.
I am new to the beach - at least this time - trying to lose rest of weight from baby #3 (actually that is gone already but it is really leftovers from baby #1 and baby #2 that I am working on
) but lost a lot of weight on it between pregnancies #2 and #3.
I did what you are saying the last time with a few modifications - had birthday cake and ice cream, for example, but very small portions - the 3 bite rule worked great for me! Also, made adaptations where I could - red wine instead of margaritas, etc. When we went to the beach, I "splurged" one night on fried shrimp, but had them on top of a salad - skipped the fries, hushpuppies, etc.
I made the mistake a couple of times of going way way off for a meal and found it very difficult to get back on - you may not have this problem because of your husband's support, but it was very hard for me.
I really had to reevaluate, personally, the idea of food as celebration or to "celebrate" in a different way - fabulous filet and veggies at really nice restaurant, for example. That is a problem for me and I am still working on this idea . . .
P.S. UNBELIEVABLE WEIGHT LOSS!!! Congrats!