Out of all the couples on Modern Family, it’s hard to pick a favorite because they’re all awesome. Each pairing can be seen as perfect when you realize how well they balance each other out. For example, Claire and Mitch’s level-headedness grounds Phil and Cam in reality when their quirks become too much. In return, Phil and Cam help the Pritchett siblings unwind when they become too uptight.
Even Gloria has managed to bring out the softer and more romantic side to Jay. But out of all the show’s couples, who would the fans say is the more romantic couple? Keep reading to discover the show’s 10 biggest (& best) romantic gestures.
Jay’s homemade gift
Fans of the show already know that Jay isn’t the most affectionate person you would ever meet. However, the homemade anniversary gift he made for Gloria had to be one of the sweetest things he ever did. This all occurred in the episode “Do Not Push” when Jay reveals he had taken a pottery class and decided to make Gloria a figurine of a bunny.
When Manny asks what the story is behind it, Jay tells him that it used to be his nickname for her. The gesture is even sweeter when Jay recalls their first date and how Gloria had a cold that would make her nose all scrunch up. Manny ends up giving it his seal of approval, which shows that it is worthy to be on the list.
Dylan takes Haley to prom
There may be mixed opinions on Haley and Dylan’s relationship but no one can deny that he has treated her with only love and respect. When it comes to Haley, Dylan can be one of the most selfless people on the planet and would do anything to make her happy. He proved this again in “Baby on Board” when he took Haley to her prom.
In this episode, Haley plans on moving in with Dylan after she graduates from high school. She also plans on working at The Gap and taking a few community classes. However, Dylan soon finds out that Luke had hidden her admission letter and tells her that she did get in. He decides to let Haley go once more so she can get the full college experience.
Claire’s anniversary gift
Like father, like daughter – Claire is another character that struggles to show her appreciation for her loved ones. However, in the episode “A Fair To Remember,” Claire manages to upstage Phil’s anniversary gift when she acquires a group of Chinese acrobats to perform for him.
After failing to give Phil a great gift over the years, Claire managed to surprise her husband with a present that actually involved his interest. Phil would no doubt appreciate the thought and effort she put into it – especially as her last gift saw her give him coupons and invite the bass player from Phil’s supposedly “favorite band.”
Mitch asks Cam to prom
In the episode “Promposal,” Mitchell is recruited by Luke to help him ask his crush to prom. Cam is seen to express his jealousy over Luke confiding in Mitch and tries to jump on Manny’s proposal plans. It is soon revealed that his desperation to be involved derives from Cam not getting to experience his own prom.
As a result, Mitch ends up making his own promposal to Cam, with the students laying down in the shape of the word. Even though they would only be going as chaperones, Cam is delighted that he will finally get his dream night and calls it the “sweetest thing Mitchell has ever done.”
Haley lets Andy go
One of the biggest supporting romances on the show had to be Haley and Andy’s. If anyone was perfect for Haley, it was Andy, the manny-turned-real estate agent who managed to bring out the best in her. However, their relationship came to an end when Haley decided to take a leaf out of Dylan’s book and broke up with him.
Haley discovered that Andy had been offered his dream job in Utah but turned it down because he wanted to be with her. She then breaks up with him, saying that if they were meant to be together, they would find a way back to one another. It’s a sweet gesture considering Haley says he is the “first guy she had ever loved.”
Jay’s surprise Valentine’s Day meal
Again, Jay proved he could be as spontaneous and romantic as Phil when he organized a surprise dinner for him and Gloria. This all occurred in the episode “Bixby’s Back” when Jay tried to surprise Gloria with a private orchestra and chef.
He had a plan arranged - pretending to make dinner reservations at a restaurant. However, it all backfires when Gloria manages to get them into the place after they take Cam and Mitch’s reservations. No matter what Jay did, Gloria could not be convinced to go back to the house. It turns out that Gloria was aware the whole time of his plans but still, got to give Jay credit where it was due.
Haley & Dylan’s wedding
Many fans were disappointed when Andy and Haley split up. However, if there was one other person fans wanted Haley to end up, it would have been Dylan. It’s was only right since the nurse had been part of their lives from the very beginning.
After 10 years, Haley proposes to Dylan, with the couple intending to elope with only Alex in attendance. However, Haley soon changes her mind about what type of wedding she would have liked. In the end, both Haley and Dylan decide to get married at midnight in the Dunphy household. It may not have been extravagant but it was perfect all the same.
Cam & Mitch’s wedding
Cam and Mitch’s wedding had to be one of the most eventful days you would ever see. Sal went into labor, they were forced to change venues three times because of a wildfire and another wedding, and Cam’s parents spend the day feuding.
Cam and Mitch were about to cancel the whole proceedings until Jay suggested that they move the venue to his country club. The day was even more memorable when Jay and Merle put their pride aside and walk Mitch down the aisle. It ended up being a really beautiful ceremony that was worth the wait.
Phil & Claire’s Hawaiian Wedding
Another beautiful gesture was the vow renewal of Claire and Phil. During several episodes, Claire and Phil have mentioned that they eloped whilst she was pregnant with Haley, meaning they never got a chance to have their big day. That was until “Hawaii” when Phil decided to surprise Claire with a vow renewal.
This all came about after Phil suggested to Claire that they turned their vacation into a honeymoon. However, Claire believed this wouldn’t be possible, particularly as their kids seem to get into trouble when they are not supervised – which is proven correct. In the end, Phil says that they could never have a honeymoon because they never had a proper wedding, leading to the Dunphys renewing their vows.
Cam & Mitch’s proposal
The biggest and most romantic grand gesture on Modern Family had to be the proposal between Cam and Mitchell. In the episode “Suddenly, Last Summer” both Mitch and Cam are preparing to propose to each other, recruiting their family and friends to help in the process.
While Mitch and Cam end up planning the perfect proposals for each other, they both end up sabotaging their night. However, Mitchell and Cam still manage to execute their proposals perfectly when they end up reminiscing about their life whilst fixing their flat tire. It may have been simplistic, but it suited them both well. At least Cam got his starry night in the end.
