Having The Perfect Anniversary in NYC as a Gay Couple

So there we were: another anniversary just around the corner. Our 10th! TEN mind-blowing years, darling. You know how it is though, once you hit double figures, you’ve been through all of your cliché presents. No more dinner dates or flowers that wilt faster than my enthusiasm to go to the gym. This year had to be iconic. It had to be memorable with some unique activities for couples as fabulous as we are. I wanted something that screamed ‘WE ARE MAKING MEMORIES!’

I kept my plans as a surprise and acted super cool when inside I was jumping up and down like a queen at a shoe sale.Now, here are some of the AMAZING things we did that day:

New Yorker Helicopter Tour

I’ll be 100% honest: I’m not exactly what you call a thrill seeker. If I had to choose between a bungee jump and a cozy night in, I’d pick the second quicker than Taylor Swift’s tickets sell out. (I know, crazy). But… if love doesn’t make you crazy you ain’t doing it right, eh? My husband LIVES for the adrenaline. So that’s how I ended up here.

We got inside and buckled up for takeoff, and when I say my heart was in my throat I mean it was READY to jump out of my chest. You can ask my husband; I was literally squeezing his hand so tight I could see him turn white. But oh boy, once we were high up above the city… All fears vanished into thin air and every bit of anxiety melted away!

We soared right over the Statue of Liberty. New York looked like one vast canvas from above The Empire State Building loomed large as far below us cars kept darting about in all directions. Central Park glistened under the bright sun… it looked so green even from way above. Approaching again downtown where Lady Liberty stood tall; she barely seemed bigger than a toy by then. The view left us gasping with awe at its sheer beauty!

…and man did we get some great photos too!

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience

This transition was a bit drastic, but oh well. We went out for an adventure, right? So that is what we got. I have to tell you. This is genuinely a masterpiece that has a home in the clouds. From the second we stepped inside, I felt like we had entered another world. Where art and architecture were married and gave the most beautiful view.

We started walking through the interactive installations, and honestly, everything I saw was even more captivating than the last; light, sound and texture are all three things that I didn’t realize could actually play with our senses and imagination the way they did there. It was such a thrilling experience that I can’t even begin to describe and do justice. 

And finally, the absolute showstopper. The observation deck with a glass bottom. I feel like I could hear everyone’s hearts pounding as we stood that high above the city and looked down at what looked like small ants walking around.

It was a rush like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

BYOB Tagliatelle al Pesto by an Italian Master Chef Cooking Class

Our next stop was quite a pivot. But it was just as fabulous. We went to an Italian cooking class where we learned to make Tagliatelle al Pesto from absolute scratch! So there we are sipping on some wine as if we own the place — who knew drinking while cooking could be so chic?

But this wasn’t just about getting drunk and attempting to follow along with someone speaking another language (although that WAS part of it).Our dear chef made sure everyone felt like they were doing everything perfectly — he had such a warmness and engagement as though personally invested in each flick of your wrist or stir in your sauce as if saying don’t worry child, you’re almost home.

My favorite part began once all our tagliatelle (made fresh, mind you) entered that big beautiful pot covered in fragrant steam. We gathered around two large tables filled with enthusiastic cooks and enjoyed our creations family style.

NYC Romantic Dinner Cruise for 2

And the perfect end to this ever-so-perfect day was something straight out of a romcom. Yes, I am that cheesy. Of course I booked us a romantic dinner cruise.

The food was delicious, and our view of the city from the water made for the BEST Instagram backdrop. But when they played that one slow song…We had to get on that dance floor! So there we were… swaying back and forth as if no one else existed in New York City. The whole day, we felt so welcomed and… almost affirmed. We needed this, as individuals AND as a couple.

As the day ended, we did a final toast.

To love. To laughter. And to a lifetime of us being us.

I feel like this wasn’t just a gift for us. It was a statement. It was a memory that is now a part of our beautiful journey as a gay couple. While we were driving home, we were already thinking of what our next gifting adventure will be… So honey, if you’re stuck in a rut trying to find the perfect gift for your man, or just want to celebrate “just because,” remember: experience > materials.

Plan A Day to Remember: Your Anniversary in NYC

I couldn’t possibly leave you to plan a fabulously memorable anniversary day all on your own. Not when you’re about celebrate the year of love right here in the heart of the Big Apple! So…Here’s my quick 1-minute cheat sheet to plan a day that feels as fabulous as you:

• Start Off with a Bang!

Kick off your day with something that screams EXTRA. (Hint hint: like a helicopter tour over Manhattan). This is like a quick little booster shot at the start of your day to make sure you’re REALLY ready to get up and celebrate your love.

PRO TIP: Book early. Rise early. And hype each other up for all of the amazing things you’re about to do today!

• Get Hands-On

Balance is everything. You don’t want to tire yourselves out before you get to the BEST part, right? So you need to sprinkle a few of those down-to-earth (… literally) moments. And well, in my opinion… there’s nothing that says “I love you” than making pasta together. Bonus points if you make an evening session so that you can fill up on carbs and love before hitting the night.

• Be an Early Bird and Get That Worm!

No but seriously, learning this was a life-saver (AND a money-saver). Those discounts are insane). Do what you can to get your plans started as early as you can so you lock down the BEST deals. Trust me, you’re not the only one trying to have a romantic ass day with the love of your life.

• Free the cliche cheeseball inside you!

Do whatever feels right for you two little lovebirds and sprinkle a little bit of ‘you’ throughout your adventure:Bring along a bottle of their favorite wine. Slip in some words from what will soon be their new favorite poem into the dinner menu. Just…make every detail shout your love from the rooftops.

• End on a High Note

Put an end to your oh-so-lovely day with something that will stick in your memory as if it’s that stubborn ass piece of confetti in your hair.I know what you’re thinking… “What can that be?”

Well, that’s something you’ll have to decide based on the two of you. For us, that was a lovely romantic dance on a cruise. For you, it can be a toast as you cuddle together in the bathtub. The point is, it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you both end the night on a HIGH note.

So, that was all from me!

Whatever you take away from this, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing anniversary. Something that I feel like we forget in all the excitement and nervousness, is that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go “perfectly.” Perfection is overrated anyway. What matters the MOST is that at the end of it all, you have those my-stomach-hurts-from-laughing moments!

So go ahead and make the day yours because it’s YOUR love story written by you two for you two.