If the Mayans are wrong and the apocalypse spares us all, today still marks an end for Chris Graboski.

He’s getting married today.

But Chris and his fiancée, Maureen Benetz, knew this day would come; for they had begun planning a 12/21/12 wedding three years ago.

“We knew what day we were getting married three hours after we got engaged,” said Benetz.

Benetz and Graboski, both 25, both from Cinnaminson, didn’t have a normal engagement. Why should their wedding be run-of-the-mill?

Try, try again

Chris asked Maureen’s parents for permission to marry their daughter Dec. 22, 2009. Instead, her sister stole the limelight, getting engaged that Christmas Day.

Chris regathered himself, plotting a New Year's Eve proposal during the Ocean City fireworks. That didn’t come together, either.

“I was throwing a hissy fit about going because it was supposed to snow,” Maureen admitted.

At the last minute, Maureen said, Chris made reservations at the Melting Pot, her favorite Philadelphia restaurant.

Finally, over fondue, she was affianced.

“That night, we went over to the neighbors’ house to tell them,” Maureen said, “and they said we should get married on the end of the world."

Challenge accepted

Only a few weeks later, the couple booked The Merion in Cinnaminson for their Day of Reckoning.

“For sure, I thought other brides would be doing the same thing,” Maureen said. “I think I’m the only crazy who is doing this.”

The couple has embraced fully the thematic atmosphere of their doomsday date. Some of their engagement shots show a darkening sky, and a certain "end of the world" song is set to play tonight at their reception.

For as much as she's paid for it, Maureen hopes she will at least get to walk down the aisle in the dress.

“I hope I get to wear my dress for at least five minutes," she said. "And if you think about it—if the world is going to end, why not be in a room filled with the people you love?”