Wedding Song: Here, There and Everywhere by the Beatles

When I first heard of this song back when I was in college, the first thing I thought was how I want it to be my wedding song. I'm not the most romantic guy (as I'm sure Des would attest) but I had this Ted Mosby-ish idea back then to find "the one" to whom I will devote myself until forever. Now I am 27 and I'm not searching anymore. But if there's anything that did not change it is that I still want this to be part of my wedding songs. Even McCartney lists it as one of his favorites.

I Like to Wed at Ibarra's!

It's been two weeks since Des and I got engaged and we're already feeling the pressure of preparing for our wedding. Tentatively, we want our wedding to be held on December 13, 2014. We're not superstitious people but having wedding invites with 12-13-14 looks really cool!

The clock is ticking and if we really want this wedding to happen on that date we need to double up on effort. For starters, we haven't done anything yet, and we don't even know where to start. Haha! All we are sure right now is we want our wedding to be simple and intimate with around 150 family and friends. We're inclined to do it outside the Metro, preferably in Tagaytay. We've had our vacation there for a few times and we find the place serene and very romantic - perfect for Des' dream wedding.

I started browsing for locations the other day and one place really stood out for me - Villa Ibarra Tagaytay. The place is conveniently located along Gen E. Aguinaldo Highway and boasts of an overlooking view of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. It can accommodate up to 180 guests and have built an outstanding reputation for hosting wedding events.

Overlooking. Taal lake and Taal volcano

I browsed through some of the wedding photos and I can only drool in excitement for my bride! The long beautiful staircases and the classic look of the balcony - I'm pretty sure Des would love it. It makes me want to ask the World to skip a year so I can see her in her gown and walk on that stairway stunning me with her beauty.

Marriage to Last a Lifetime

America's longest married couple, John and Ann Betar

Have you seen the story of America's longest married couple? They'll be celebrating their 81st wedding anniversary today, Nov 25! It's a really inspiring story of love and loyalty, something every couple can learn from. Asked for some marriage advice, John has this to say: " The key is to always agree with your wife." He adds, "Get along. Compromise. Live within your means and be content. And let your wife be the boss."

Wedding Song: Say It Again by Marie Digby

Found another wedding song! We were dining in Ambers with a couple of friends when this song played on the background music. I couldn't hear it clearly that time but when I searched for it I really like the melody and the sweet voice of Marie Digby. Also, I haven't heard it played on anyone's wedding yet so that's a major factor for me.

Wedding Song: Ever After by Bonnie Bailey

I want our wedding to be memorable and perfect that's why I am listing down all the good songs we can use on our wedding. I'm happy I stumbled on this Bonnie Bailey song a few days ago in the radio. The kind of beat in this music is not normally used on weddings, but the lyrics of the song just nailed it. I don't really know anything about final fantasy but somehow I associate the song with the characters there.

Something to Make Up For

Dear Des,

I know I screwed my chance with that half-planned, poorly executed wedding proposal. It wasn't supposed to be like that. I thought I had the perfect surprise to sweep you off your feet as I declare my love and pledge a life of forever with you. I already pictured your supposed reaction and utter surprise once I appear out of nowhere, when I was supposed to be 1,500 miles away.

I would have asked you to walk with me in the enchanting street of Singapore. Yes, it was supposed to happen in your Singapore trip. I would have talked about Steve Jobs (I was reading his bio that time) and his preference of walking specially when trying to negotiate or before making crucial decisions. I'm about to ask you to make a big decision so I taught it was a good prelude. I'd also talk about "Before Sunrise" and how you totally sold the film to me telling me how you really liked it and how I ended up liking it as well.