Martin and I were finally able to celebrate our first anniversary last week with a trip to my favorite city in the world, Paris! Our anniversary is actually January 16th, but due to work obligations, we spent the day apart. Instances like this are a huge reason we moved, as we’ve missed so many big days together over the years due to travel and work. Relocating to the continent Martin will have most of his work in makes a big difference in how much we’ll see each other!

Though we had to spend our anniversary apart, Martin made up for it by planning a 4-day trip to Paris for when we finally moved overseas, and the trip was everything I could have imagined! Paris is a special city for us; it’s where Martin proposed in December of 2013 in a garden underneath the Eiffel Tower.

The only specifics I gave him were that I wanted to eat – and eat well – when we were in Paris, and I wanted to visit the place where he proposed. It was our first trip back to the city since I said, “yes,” and I wanted to revisit that place and those memories.

I have a weakness for macarons and pretty French pastries, so of course, the first place we stopped after checking into the hotel was Laduree, a French luxury baker and tea house. There are several locations dotted around Paris (and London and New York, FYI) and they make the freshest, most delicious macarons I’ve had in my entire life. And believe me, I’ve tried macarons everywhere.

We may have stopped by a Laduree three times during our four day trip (don’t judge) – once for lunch, once for sweets and coffee, and again to pick up macarons to take home. They didn’t make it past the airport. Whoops!

We also had two beautiful evening meals – one at Spring, a restaurant owned by renowned chef Daniel Rose, and one at 58 Eiffel, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Twelve courses, 8 glasses of wine, and 2 evenings later, my taste buds were satiated. If you’re a foodie, go to Spring. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go there with an open mind and a hollow stomach. I can only say, this meal was one of the best I’ve had in my entire life and was paired perfectly with regional wine for each course. I left enthused, educated, and thoroughly stuffed. (58 Eiffel deserves its own post, so stay tuned!)

My desire to experience delicious food meant that for the rest of our trip, we walked. Martin and I are both the kind of traveler who loves to take in the beauty in something different than our norm. We spent quite a bit of time just taking in the unmatched Parisian architecture. I’m fascinated by the ornate buildings and the windows in the roofs. Armed with a coffee and a croissant, we were content walking and window shopping and experiencing the energy of a new place.

We left well-fed, energized, and ready to start a new work week. I began a new job this past Monday (which is going well, post to come) and Martin spent the first two days of the week testing and coaching for this upcoming racing season. This trip was exactly what we needed. The stress of moving had definitely gotten to both of us, and to put down our phones and escape from the chaos of the rest of our lives was invigorating.

I’ve always loved Paris, ever since my first visit many years ago. But I’ve discovered my new favorite part about the city…it’s proximity to our new home. One of the many benefits of moving to England? Paris is four hours by train and an hour and 15 minutes by plane. I have a feeling I’ll be getting my fair share of Laduree during our time here!

Happy first anniversary, my love! You are the biggest blessing in my life and the best decision I’ve ever made. Every day we share is somehow both adventurous and comforting. Xoxo – Nicole

Looks from Paris:

Coat: Oasis. Purse: Kate Spade.

White blouse: Ted Baker. Blue blazer: J.Crew. Jeans: Vineyard Vines. Tan Loafers: Coach.

Navy pin tuck dress: DESIGNER. Tan pumps: Christian Louboutin.

Plaid oxford shirt: C. Wonder. Black trousers: DESIGNER. Black shoes: Mix No. 6