Before Getting marrying to my first cousin

Hello..

As i had find so many articles and forums regarding first cousin marriage issues..I ve seen there are many people who are having normal babies from the first cousin.
Coming to my point.As I am in love with my 1st cousin as well but my dad isnt agreeing due to 1st cousin issue while the whole family are with us.
After realizing these birth defect issues I wanna know if there is really cause in the birth affects, before getting relation/marrying with my cousin, should i get my blood test to see i wanna know that there will be no problems in my future life? or is there any other test that we should go for it? Cause i am already hurt with these family issues and I wanted to make it clear ASAP..