Wedding Song: Treasure by Bruno Mars

Des was actually the one who suggested this. Picture our wedding entourage dancing to this song as they are introduced during the reception. Looks like a cool idea!

Treasure
by Bruno Mars

Things You Should Know About Me Before We Get Married

You've known me for more than three years now and you've been the closest person to me outside of my own family. If there's anyone that could best describe me and get along with me I know that would be you.

But I have my mood swings. I have a tendency to change my opinion and change my behavior in a snap. You probably know these things by now but it bears repeating just in case your love for me has totally blinded you of all the character flaws I have. These are the things you should know and should really reflect on before you say I do.

1. I'm really a wannabe writer. I had my first blog in 2008. We didn't even have internet that time. Every weekend I lock myself in my room doodling with a pen and constructing sentences in my head. Our trash can would largely include torn pages from my notebooks. Yes, notebooks. I think I used to have three back then. I used to write poetry. I used to write how I feel. I used to make up stories and pretend I'm a famous writer of movies. Once I finished writing something I'd type in our PC, save it in my usb, go to an internet shop and upload it in my blog. Sometimes I just upload it in friendster.

Wedding Song: Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute

There was once a time  in our relationship when we really got into this song. I first heard kiss me slowly sometime in 2012 back when our relationship looked more like a charade. We fought over the small stuff, mostly stemming from my lack of consideration to tell her what seemed to me are little things, but to her was a great big of a deal. Why am I not texting? What am I doing right now? Why am I not checking up on her? I constantly heard these questions and I felt like I was Chuck getting interrogated by the CIA and NSA. I was either sleeping, watching TV or glued at my PC so I didn't really know what the big fuss was.

Wedding Song: Sundo by Imago

Back in college, I had a friend who persistently courted our classmate for more than three years just to be her girlfriend. I really admire him for being patient and he really proved his worth to gain the trust of the girl's family. Not long after, I remember having a videoke session with them and the girl sang Imago's Sundo. That was when they announced they were officially a couple. I have since associated the song to them.

7 Marriage Myths Couples Must Never Fall Into

screengrab from Blue Valentine

There is a certain level of maturity required when getting married. At the very least, the couples should have an understanding of the lifelong commitment they will undertake.The marriage advice coming from their own parents and other married friends may have a big impact on what values they will set in their family life, but it does not mean it should be followed rigorously. Your parent's marriage is not perfect, they also have they're own flaws no matter how happy they always look. Or if you came from  a broken family,you should never ignore the lessons from their failed relationship. Do not fall into the trap of believing in the marriage myths sets by our predecessors. Here are seven of them:

1. Never go to bed angry at your spouse. We can be too tired or stressed to deal with the situation right away. Sometimes it is best to settle our emotions first before dealing with the issues the next morning. I know some relationships which regretfully ended just because the argument heated up and both the couple's emotions got out of control. What started as a petty disagreement ended in a shouting match.

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.