I’m Married

(Babble On column for the Sunstar Davao, December 19, 2008)

I’m married. Yes, somehow it happened. Somehow, a woman loved me enough to say “Yes” to my proposal and then say “I do” at a wedding.

Most people didn’t think I would get married. I think it even came as a surprise to some of my old Davao friends that I was tying the knot, and that I was doing so with someone whose family originally came from Davao as well.

Although it must be mentioned that my wife (I love saying that, it is a new and very unique feeling to use those words) grew up in Manila.

Just so you know, it took roughly a year to prepare for this wedding. To handle the logistics of wedding preparation is difficult, and I can understand why wedding coordinators sometimes charge so much.

As a result, I am very grateful to my wife, who handled much of the preparations while I was reviewing for the Bar. It is because of her that our wedding turned out perfectly.

On the wedding day itself, the ceremony was a blur. While the people around me were talking about either how beautiful the church was, or that Pacquiao had won the match (yes our wedding was on the same day as the Pacquiao-De La Hoya match), I was just shuffling along, trying to figure out what was happening.

At one point, I vaguely remember asking my mother “Am I getting married today?” Mom gave me a funny look before chalking it up to nervousness and jitters.

Either that or she was thinking “how did I ever get such a stupid son?” I hope not.

As I walked down the aisle of the church, which was filled with friends and family, I heard clapping, and it took me a moment to realize that the sounds of applause, of hands coming together in joy, was for me.

It was a touching gesture on the part of the audience, and a reminder perhaps, that somehow I was fortunate to be marrying the wonderful woman who would be my wife.

During the wedding march of the bride, people watched my face to see if I would cry. I didn’t, although I admit my eyes did water a bit, especially when I said my vows.

My bride was also a bit teary eyed during the ceremony, but even with her tears, she was beautiful that day. A lovely sight to behold.

So what else can I say about my wife?

That she likes to travel and write.

That she is a businesswoman who knows how to get the best deal possible.

That she enjoys surprises and long conversations.

That she loves beaches, good food, new experiences, and me.

She is someone who loves me unconditionally and has put up with my many eccentricities and faults.

She is someone who has pledged to love me for the rest of her life and mine, even before we even promised to do so in our vows.

She is my faithful partner, my constant companion, and my one true love.

To me, she is perfect. And I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

And as I watched her approach the altar, resplendent in her flowing white dress, I couldn’t help but think about how beautiful she looked. About how God has graced me with such a wonderful gift. And about how I was going to marry her.

Yes, I’m in love. Gloriously, madly and deeply in love with my wife. I love saying that. I love these words in particular: my wife.

To my wife, I love you.