I have a 440 and I love it to pieces! When I first got it though, I was overwhelmed as well. I didn't have a chance to take the classes for her and then the shop went out of business but I just read the manual and looked things up online. I am in the Bernina_Aurora Yahoo group and I have found a tremendous amount of information and help with my machine in the group.
Take things slow, enjoy your classes and before you know it you'll be so in love with your new machine. By the way, what a great husband you've got there!