Author Archives: Alan Ilagan

The weather for this past weekend in Boston was predicted as rainy, but as Saturday dawned the sun was still out – so much so that the temperatures reached up toward the 80’s – the first glorious weather we’ve had in quite some time. Andy and I took our traditional jaunt to Shreve, Crump and Low for the washing of the wedding rings, and then made our way to the Boston Public Garden, where we met our group. 

It was similarly fine weather to the atmosphere we had on our actual wedding day. On subsequent anniversaries, we’ve had rain and cool weather, but we’ve always managed to make our way to the Public Garden at least once around this time of the year. 

Time marches us all onward, whether we like it or not, but here in the Garden it seems to slow and still for a moment, pausing to honor and remember what we’ve lost over the years, what we’ve found, and what we’ve managed to keep. 

Suzie was always one to strike a pose. 

(Beauty’s where you find it.)

Spring was still a little behind here too – the leaves were just coming out, and there were no wedding cake flowers in bloom yet (Viburnum) but the tulips were at their peak, and the green that was on display was that glorious chartreuse shade that signals the earliest spring days – when all is hope and possibility and summer right around the corner. 

Fifteen years ago we stood in this same space, taking our vows in front of the people we loved most. All this time later we’ve somehow managed to keep those vows going, by remembering to be kind, remembering to be patient and forgiving with each other, and remembering the love. 

Elaine took us to lunch across the street at Bistro du Midi, the same way we lunched at the Four Seasons right after our original wedding ceremony. After that, we had the afternoon to lazily enjoy the city, and a nap, before we met again in our hotel before dinner. This had already become a quick little tradition, and was one of those jewels of time with our favorite people that somehow meant more than we anticipated. I already understood how much I was going to miss it. 

For our final dinner, courtesy of Mom, we chose Mistral. It was the only restaurant from the original slate fifteen years ago that was still in operation – and deservedly so. We’ve gone back several times over the years, for anniversaries and birthdays and other special dates, and it remains one of the best dining experiences in Boston. (And entirely worthy of this coat.)

While it had finally rained during our ride over to Mistral, by the time dinner was done the rain had stopped, the moon was a crescent nestled in a few clouds, and it was still warm enough to walk back to our hotel. 

All these years later, Andy still likes being silly when I’m trying to take a picture, and I still laugh when he does. 

Happy 15th Anniversary to my husband – and many thanks to all our family and friends who joined in our celebration this year.

Fifteen years ago today, Andy and I were married in the Boston Public Garden, and this past weekend we made our way back there with some special guests from that original wedding weekend. Mom arrived first, as she and Suzie were preparing the arrival reception at the condo. We arrived shortly afterward, dropping our bags at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, then making our way along the Southwest Corridor Park, where just about everything was in bloom. The weather would prove fortuitously lovely for almost the entire weekend, something that hadn’t always been in the predicate cards, so we welcomed every sunny moment as it came. 

Suzie and Elaine arrived next, with Chris shortly thereafter, and the arrival reception began with a charcuterie spread that rivaled the beauty of the gardens outside. 

We decompressed and relaxed into the weekend, beginning a run of amazing food and indulgent dining. 

The Fairmont Copley Plaza texted when our room was ready, so we headed back and checked into the Public Library Suite, which was my gift to Andy for our 15th. 

The Fairmont was sweet enough to send up some chocolate-covered strawberries to a Mr. and Mrs. Ilagan, which gave everyone a chuckle. 

Our group reconvened in the suite to have some quiet quality time before dinner. 

Now, a word on the fashion. I’ve been embracing a more casual and relaxed silhouette these days, which actually echoes our actual wedding ceremony outfits (we wore jeans and polo shirts). Still, my past outfits were very much colorful and outrageous, so to bridge that with where I am today, there was one outfit that was designed to be frilly and fanciful and over-the-top. To that end, this winter I found myself sewing a multitude of silk flowers onto a pink linen jacket I’d picked up on last year’s Broadway trip to New York. It was inspired by cherry blossoms and peonies – both of which have meant a lot to Andy and I over the years. 

Dinner at Mooo was a delicious experience, decadent and divine, and so filling that Suzie and Chris and I decided to walk back while Andy and the Moms hopped into a car – an homage to our last night as bachelors fifteen years ago. 

A walk on a beautiful Boston night brings back the history – our own and the city’s. 

We meandered through the Boston Public Garden – a sneak preview of the next morning’s anniversary stroll.

These two took good care of me, seeing me back to the hotel in safety and style. 

We reached the Fairmont, and found the peonies – a mainstay of most of our anniversaries.

And just in case we didn’t find them, they were on my jacket. 

And here’s a look back at the original weekend:

Part 1: The Arrival & Accommodations

Part 2: The Rehearsal Dinner

Part 3: The Last Call of a Bachelor

Part 4: The Dawn of the Wedding Day

Part 5: The Ceremony

Part 6: The Perfect Day in the Park

Part 7: The Wedding Lunch

Part 8: The Wedding Dinner

Bonus Post: The Residual Glow of Marriage