I decided to read this book simply because of 2 unrelated reasons. First, I need to find smth to do to stay sane in office during this super-duper boring off-peak period. Second, Nicholas Spark is one of my favorite novelists. As I read the first few paragraphs, I alr knew that I will end up declaring this as one of my favorite novels. I seriously think that whether or not you like the novel you are reading has smth to do with timing. It could be that the character in the book undergoes similar situation/ problem that you are facing. It could also be that the author shares the same viewpoint with you, or he provides an answer to the question which has been bothering your mind for long. To me, this novel has them all. Oh! And plus the fact that reading this novel saves me from acute boredom while I'm in office. I can only say that it is the best timing for me to read "The Wedding" As usual, Nicholas Spark never fails to move me. Certain parts of "The Wedding" brought me to tears. But most of it makes me feel like saying "Yes! That's what I'm feeling, too!" Although I'm not currently in the phase of being married for 30 years like Jane [the female lead] does, I do experience similar feeling. You know the typical situation of being attached for few years and feeling like you alr know everything abt ur partner and both of you alr done everything possible together. It's like there is *definitely* love and care, but no new chemistry, not much surprises *and I do love surprises every now and then* This book tries to show that even after 30 years of marriage, it's still not too late to rekindle the romance. Just that, you have to try harder. "The Wedding" continues few years after the end of "The Notebook"  [another Nicholas Spark' piece which I love]. The plot now revolves around Jane [eldest daughter of Noah] and her husband, Wilson. Unlike Noah and Allie, who was known as the most lovey-dovey old couple by their family and peers, Jane and Wilson do not express their love explicitly. Romanticism had been out of their marriage life for as long as Jane could remember. Being brought up in everyday-is-a-loving-day environment by Noah and Allie, Jane found herself struggling to stay happily married to Wilson who had been taking her love for granted. The final blow came when Wilson completely forgot their 29th wedding anniversary. Nicholas Spark tells the story from Wilson's point of view. It helps me to understand why many guys find it hard to be romantic up to their female partner's standard. He also laid down the common fact: Women hate it the most when their men forget "certain dates". You see, Wilson made an honest mistake of forgetting his 29th wedding anniversary. He still failed to realize it was his anniversary night even after Jane, his wife, welcomed him back from work with his favorite dishes on the dining table. He then dug his grave deeper by saying "How was your day?" when Jane asked him after dinner whether there was anything he wanted to say that day. It only struck him hard when Jane cried silently on the bed later that night, whispering "happy anniversary..." It was really an honest mistake. After getting deeper into the story, you will realize that Wilson was not really a bad husband. He's just an unromantic one. He could still recall every single detail on the day he first met Jane. He could also recall many little events that bought the 2 of them closer during the courtship days. The only thing that he didn't do was to show or tell Jane how much he had always loved her. Women basically just need re-assurance. I, myself, was really surprised and touched when my bf remembers little details about our first few days being officially attached. And I have to admit that remembering the anniversary date itself somehow appears to be more important to me. But after reading "The Wedding", I felt that somehow my point abt remembering the anniversary date and expecting some romantic surprises on that day is justified. Like what Wilson finally realized, romance can fade with time although the love is still firmly intact. And he let it to happen. He then understood the importance of making smth special to Jane on their 30th anniversary. And he did not only create smth special. He created smth that people around him did not expect him to, even in 100 years to come. It was magnificent! Beyond the term 'romantic'… And it was part of the twist at the end of the novel. I didn't know whether I was too engrossed in the whole story or something, but the twist was a good one to me. I did not really expect it to come that way. And it was a really good surprise. Or should I say a fantastic one? So what was the special thing about anniversary? I could say that it is actually just an excuse. A perfect excuse to rekindle the romance with your partner. When each of you is so caught up in your daily routine/ work, you might not have the time to meet with each other so often. Even when you do meet up, you might not have the energy to do anything. If you let this to happen over and over again, maybe you will get used to it. And then a little new excitement may only come shortly before and shortly after you get married. After that, it will be back to the no-excitement life again. You will be even busier with work, which makes anniversary tend to be forgotten. Although you can now meet your partner everyday when you come home from work, there is nothing special. Few quick conversations will be passed on the dining table. Perhaps a little discussion about the children. And that's all. Romance will slip away just like that. Do you really want to fall into this pithole? I don't. That's why I have been trying to make each anniversary a special one. It's not just for a memory keeping sake. It's the only chance to really 'date' your partner once again. To really feel the romance and excitement once again. So why not put your heart into it and make the day special? It's just once a year! Is it really too much to ask for, guys?  I suppose your partner doesn't ask for a diamond ring for each anniversary. Even just giving a stalk of her favorite flower or arrange a simple romantic dinner on the anniversary day will be enough to make her feel really special and loved. You can celebrate your birthday with your other friends or your family. You also have the right to celebrate xmas or Easter with anybody you want. But there is only one perfect day to be celebrated with your partner. It's your anniversary. After all, making anniversary a special event may not be only women's thing. After successfully presenting the big surprise to Jane on their 30th anniversary, Wilson told Jane that he didn't do it just for her. He did it for himself, too. He wanted to win her heart back. He wanted himself to be sure that Jane doesn't regret marrying him.  So guys… planning something for your next anniversary yet? =p