It’s that time of year where everybody on your Instagram feed is getting engaged or having babies.
Exciting! *said in a sarcastic tone*
When it’s finally your turn to pop the question, how are you going to stand out amidst the sea of cheesy kissing pictures and “forever mine” captions?
Back by popular demand is dating expert, Lindsey Metselaar of We Met At Acme, to help you plan the most picture-perfect engagement.
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Below are Lindsey’s recommendations for the best engagement spots in NYC that will make your friends wish they thought of it first.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
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The 1 Hotel may be the most instagrammable spot in all of New York. Popping the question in front of Brooklyn’s most famous landmark is a guaranteed tear-jerker. This sustainable, nature-inspired hotel photographs absolutely beautifully. But don’t worry, it won’t take the attention away from your gorgeous soon-to-be bride. We recommend hiring a photographer that can capture the jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city from the rooftop.
The Mark Sailboat
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The Mark Hotel’s ultra-luxury sailboat experience lends itself to special moments. And what better way to celebrate THE moment than with a private chartered boat and elevated bites compliments of Chef Jean-Georges? The vessel sets sail from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a two-hour journey into the iconic New York Harbor.
Pro Tip: Give your overly-rehearsed speech at the beginning of the ride, so your fiancee’s fresh blowout doesn’t get ruined by the wind! She’ll kill you if her hair looks bad in the photos, just saying.
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If your soulmate loves macaroons and high tea—literally describing every basic girl in America—then you should propose to her at LADURÉE in SoHo. This Parisian-inspired restaurant will immediately transport you to the romance capital of the world. Be the Chuck to her Blair, and say those four words, thirteen letters, that will make your dream-woman yours. See what I did there?
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I give you permission to roll your eyes at us for suggesting “saying yes” in Central Park, but trust us on this one. Having your big moment at the BoatHouse is every girl’s lifelong dream, and it’s not as cliche as you think. Professing your love at the only lakeside venue in Manhattan? It’s straight out of a movie. If you want to prolong the big event (AKA you’re going to vomit everywhere), you and your love should rent a rowboat or take an old-fashioned horse and buggy to the magical destination. Ok, maybe skip the boat if you’re feeling nauseous.
Restoration Hardware Rooftop
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Restoration Hardware was literally designed for engagements. Not actually, but you get the sentiment here. The glamorous aesthetic of the rooftop features stunning crystal chandeliers, luscious greenery, and breathtaking skyline views. The only thing chicer than the rooftop is your girl’s “just in case” vintage Dior gown. Shh—let’s pretend she wasn’t snooping through your phone. Watch out, your wife-to-be may sneak downstairs to get some inspo for her imaginary Upper East Side brownstone.
Your First Date Spot
Glitz and glamour are great, but something sentimental will always take the cake. The four-tiered rose buttercream cake, that is. There’s nothing more thoughtful than proposing at the place where your journey first began. Unless your inadvertent “first date” was at Murray Hill’s Gem Saloon. Immediately abort mission if that’s the case—no girl wants to be reminded of that terrible Vodka Redbull pitcher.
Honestly, wherever you get engaged will be great, because you're officially done with cringy Hinge dates. Cheers to that!
Photography by: Taylor Brandon
