By early September we knew we were going to be celebrating New Year’s six hours before our friends and family. Erik and I arranged for an intercontinental flight and then counted down the days until our grand adventure would begin. We were running on pure adrenaline that first day, among two flights, lost luggage, and missed trains. We made it to our Paris apartment in the early night and took in the enchanting Eiffel Tower view. The next couple days we squeezed in braving the cold to go up into the Eiffel Tower, wandering street markets arm in arm, snacking on delicious crepes and macaroons, as well as traveling to a magnificent medieval monastery. Just as New Year’s Eve arrived, so did our missing luggage. We wasted half the day reclaiming it at the Charles De Gaulle airport, and then met up with our friends within the Louvre. The museum was extremely grand in nature, to be expected from a former palace. Since it was a holiday, they were closing early, which only allowed time for us to visit a single wing. Of course, when you come to the Louvre, the most important art piece to lay eyes on is the Mona Lisa herself, housed in the Denon wing. So we explored the Denon wing until closing time came. Once outside, Erik and I stood in front of the glass pyramid for a touristy photo opportunity. Before I know it, he was down on one knee proposing. “This time last year, I told you I loved you for the very first time…” It was only appropriate that we had plans to visit a champagne cellar following this big moment. We sipped and toasted the evening away. To further mark the occasion, we bought a bottle of our favorite champagne especially for our wedding day. We continued to celebrate our engagement and the holiday with a delicious dinner at Le Petit Cluny (escargot included). The night ended with fireworks covering the Paris sky.