But first, a word from our groom

to say that marlon and i were quaking in our boots at the start of the wedding preparations was an understatement. and so i post here one of marlon's first -- and to me, most hilarious and unforgettable -- statements as a groom-to-be.

it was early in the year, maybe around february, and we had just plunked down a sizeable amount of g's in non-refundable down payments for the church and reception venue, most of it from marlon's stash-o-cash. i tallied the total amount and reported to him over the phone just how much money we would never see again.

a hiccup of shocked silence as we both considered that our commitment was now taking (rather daunting and considerable) monetary form. then:

"kung break-an mo ako this year, papatayin talaga kita." (if you break up with me this year, i am so going to kill you.)

that's my boy!