The other night DD surprised me after work by taking me to the Central Park Conservatory garden, where we were married 3 years ago. We sat in the very same spot and admired the flowers and the pond with water lilies. A group of people were conversing by the pond with an older gentleman in a suit. I said to DD, I wonder if they’re thinking about getting married here! DD, being the shy guy that he is, implored me not to go talk to them. But I just had to. “So are you guys thinking of getting married here?” A young British woman said, “We’re getting married here tomorrow! But it’s supposed to thundershower.” I assured her the wedding would be rain-free, and told her the story of how on my wedding day it rained and rained until the moment when I stepped out of the limo when it miraculasly stopped. The next day, sure enough, new york city saw no rain.

The Central Park Conservatory garden is one of those almost “secret” spots in central park that noone seems to know about. At Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, it is far enough uptown to discourage all but the most bold tourists. It is a lovely garden laid out in three sections with an Italian, French, and English garden. Truly a quiet retreat for when you’re in a romantic or contemplative mood.