The perfect proposal in New York

Thick diamonds, white dresses, bouquets, envy-inducing blue honeymoon beaches. I don't know about you, but brides hand-in-hand with men sporting brand new gold rings on their fingers are flying around me. From Facebook to Instagram to Snapchat. And not just in my online world, my inbox has also been bombarded with all that wedding madness. The wedding season has officially begun and I've just neatly scribbled everything in my agenda. It starts this summer with Stockholm, then on to the Netherlands and a few days later to Marrakech. All for radiant brides and tear-wiping mothers-in-law. Wonderful. I find weddings and that one big day the most fun (aside from the what-should-I-wear stress) party to trip around. Lovely emo, hopefully nice and cheesy, and above all: daydreaming about my (oh no: ‘our’) big day.

I'm certainly not hiding it, because it's simple: I'm all about weddings. It started in elementary school with drawing princes and princesses in white dresses with veils, an abundance of red hearts, and carriages with disproportionately large horses. And it has ended in hysterically collecting Pinterest pictures of the dress, the flowers, the location, the ‘everything‘ for the visual translation of my, uh yes I mean ’our', dream day.

So as long as I can remember, I've been waiting for that one day and I must say that almost all the ingredients (the man, the age, the script) are in the pocket. Only that one starting shot needs to be fired: the proposal. And okay, some of you might have a bit more emancipated X chromosomes swirling through your bloodstream, but I am really of the old school. I need an official proposal, with a kneeling man and a ring chosen by him (sweetheart if you're reading this: everything is beautiful, but please no droplet a.u.b.). And where could that be better than in New York?

So, to give all the men a little push in the back, or for those of you who are just as wedding-crazy and want to daydream; a few perfect spots in the perfect city for the perfect proposal.

CENTRAL PARK FOUNTAIN

Chuck Bass, Serena Van der Woodsen, and of course Blair Waldorf. I think everyone knows them and if loyal XOXO viewer you know where Blair and Chuck narrowly tie the knot for eternity: there, at the colonnade in front of the fountain in Central Park. This place is magical. Just make sure you get there very very very very early. Because otherwise it's; man, woman, ring, and a dozen or a hundred tourists.

But, at the right time, this really remains the perfect place for a perfect proposal. Because just: Focus on the picture and imagine walking up to it. Add a street musician with a saxophone. You walk down the stairs and with every step you see that man appear at the end of the arches. Your love, waiting for you, a bit nervous with that one box in his back pocket... The music (your favorite song, duh) slowly fades and it feels like you're floating towards him... and then he goes down on one knee... OMG! I'm going to stop this Danielle Steel-like fantasy talk. But my message is clear, I think? What a swoon-worthy location. Men. Do it here!

ST. LUKAS GARDEN

As part of the church of the same name, St. Luke's Garden in West Village takes up an entire block. But even with this size, it is one of Manhattan's best-kept secret spots. It's like a fairy tale and as quiet as you can get almost nowhere on our island full of noise. In the summer, the garden is mainly inhabited by almost tropical butterflies, and in autumn everything turns deep red. Another mega magical spot for those big moments like a proposal. Just make sure to discuss your plans with the church beforehand, but after that, you can simply ask your girl the question of her life with symphonic orchestras and camera crews.

EMPIRE STATE

The Empire is the Eiffel of New York. So a proposal here is definitely amazing. A bit cheesy, but hey, that's almost every man-on-knee moment, right? I've done some research and there are indeed all sorts of tips & tricks to be found about the perfect proposal at the Empire. Like: always check the weather first. Because yes, nice to have a view over all of NY, but if there's fog; you won't see a thing. Also, wind speeds above 1 are discouraged. But that seems logical, no one wants to see their stone swing over the railing. Another good one: make sure you're on the 80th floor 45 minutes before sunset. Then you have all the views: day, sunset, and flickering lights of the city when it's dark. How romantic is that?

620 LOFT

Uh, hello dream rooftop in the heart of Manhattan on 5th Avenue! I want this! Anyone got some dollars to spare? It costs a fortune, but just look at what a location this is. You can rent it for all sorts of hip parties and events, but a proposal here with torches, a thousand candles floating in the pool, a violin, champagne, and a stunning ring, is just like in the movies? Wow. Wow. Wow.

BRYANT PARK

Yaaaaa, this is my favorite! I often hang out here, for the loyal amazing Amayzine readers already known, often in the morning with a cup of coffee. Just waking up while the birds are chirping. The idyllic park is located next to a beautiful library and both are perfect for a romantic moment for two. It's simply like being in a fairy tale here. The fountain, the birds, the French chairs, and right in the middle of Manhattan.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE

On the other side of the water, you have the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. You can find this in almost all rankings that have anything to do with uber romantic things. View of the Manhattan skyline, water, cozy benches... what more could a person want?

I could list countless more places, but that might get boring. I hope you men find this helpful, and women, just keep dreaming big until the day that will come. It must, will, and shall happen for us wedding-dreamerzilla's.