Chris and Marissa didn’t hesitate when asked about the most romantic part of their honeymoon. Their dinner at La Part des Anges is one of the best memories for them. Chris says, “Up until that point there was a lot of walking and looking at stuff. While the food being great was one reason that we stayed there so long, I think another is that we were so happy to finally be sitting down and enjoying each other’s company. Best food ever. And the dog sitting out front? I mean… jeez, you can’t draw it up any better!”

Marissa adds, “I had foie gras, and we both had poulet au vinaigre that was served in cast-iron dutch ovens for dinner, and crème brûlée for dessert. The menu was written on chalkboard hanging above us. We entered at the same time as one other couple, and by the time we left, the ten or so tables in the place were packed.”

You know a meal is good when you walk by the restaurant the next morning, just wishing you could immediately go back in. Both Chris and Marissa agree that the two-person team (just a waitress and a cook) and the appropriately slow, relaxing service was perfect. There were lots of smiles on both sides despite the language barrier.

But the good vibes didn’t end with dinner. “I’d say it continued on after we left the restaurant, and walked down through Montmartre, to check out the Moulin Rouge and Pigalle area at night,” says Marissa.

An earlier night in London rivals their Parisian dinner though. They have fond memories of a pub called The Swan, just across from Hyde Park. Nothing fancy, a typical English bar, but perfect for the newlyweds. Marissa says, “It was the first time since the rehearsal dinner that we were sitting down actually facing each other, relaxing, having a beer, and talking to each other like normal human beings again. And calling each other ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ a lot.”

I’ve heard the same from so many other couples. The relief of having the wedding behind you — whether it was a disaster or a smashing success — and coming down off the whirlwind high of a reception/wedding night/next day brunch/yadda yadda make that first relaxing cocktail together something magical. So clink glasses, sit back, and drink up.