New York, New York Day #3 “The Wedding”

Today was the big day.   Gary’s son, Kevin, was to be married to Jenya.  To the best of my recollection I’ve never met Kevin and I know for sure this is the first time meeting Jenya.  Gary is a good friend and after all who needs an excuse to go to New York.

Prior the the wedding we planned to get an early start and head downtown to the One World Observatory. At about 11:30 we finally got our act together.  The attraction was not cheap ($37 for adults $35 for seniors) but the long line to get in played to our advantage.  It gave Patrice time to get tickets on Tripadvisor and save us $5 each.  Not a huge savings but if we had done this in advance we would have not needed to wait on the long line.

Although overpriced the Observatory was definitely enjoyable.  There were a variety of videos and visual effects leading up to the big moment at the viewing deck.  At the top you get a 360 degree view of New York City (you can see also New Jersey).

Next it was off to the wedding.  The ceremony was in a park located very close to the United Nations.  It was a lovely venue.  They had a cellist and violinist playing.  The brother and sister of the groom officiated at the wedding and friends read a tribute and poetry.  Then the bride and groom read their vows to each other.  Like I said I hardly know the two but I was teary eyed.

In addition to the guests the wedding was also observed by the park’s pigeons.  Unfortunately these were not the type of pigeons who hang out on the park grounds looking for food scraps.  No these were the type of pigeons that hang out in the trees and deposit their feces below.  They managed to hit at least 6 of the  wedding guests including Patrice (her phone and dress) and me (major attack on my right arm).

We then were bussed to the reception at a nearby restaurant.  Upon arrival we received our table assignments.  Patrice and I had separate cards because the groom had written personal notes to each of us on the cards.  I saw his father read his card and it brought the relatively stoic Gary to tears.  This is one special kid.  We had a great time at their wedding and wish them many happy years to come.  I had planned to write some sarcastic wedding and marriage comments today but this wedding was much too special for me to do that.