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.
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.
