Most artists do accept paypal, aye. It's the easiest way to send someone you don't really know money. :)

How to start all depends on whom you're looking at...some artists don't have a lot of attention (yet), are new, or aren't the Van Goghs of furry and thus may be easier to get commissions from. :) Unless they specifically state otherwise, you might just be able to note them about it.

Most artists, you have to watch closely. Read their journals, look at their page. They will "open" commission slots, and you may have days or mere minutes, depending on their popularity, to communicate your interest via a journal comment or a note before those slots get full. Once you're in their queue, it's just a matter of communicating with them about what you want, what they're able to do, and what the price will be.

Many artists make much of that information clear in pricing journals or submissions of "price guides" to FA, or on their user profile page, so keep an eye out for that. :)

Most importantly, be polite, be practical about what you would like, and be patient. :) Every artist is different because they're different people. ;3 Hope that helps, any questions feel free to ask. :>

To give an example, the artist  jameless has a "TOS (terms of service)" linked on their user page about comissions. They have a visual pricing guide posted in their gallery here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6590059/

When they have time for more commissions, they'll post a journal like this one http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3090813/ .

They filled up their slots that day, as you can see. Possibly within hour(s) of posting the journal. :) But not every artist does all those things just like that, it's just a good example.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

My anniversary is coming up and I wanted to get something special.

Like a reference chart for the both of our characters and then find someone who's willing to take 3 slots from a single person.

Do you have anyone that you'd like to recommend?

Just off the top of my head, for wonderful average-priced priced commissions  yokaneko is really nice, as is  wingedwolf . If you want to go all out and price isn't much issue,  severusblackpaw does great ref. sheets.  brittanytucker has a cute chibi-style and is the opposite, not very expensive usually. :) I also like  mirzers for feral stuff but I think they might be permanently busy right now, I forget.

The best thing is to really look around y'self though! Each artist has their own style and some will amaze you with how expensive they are for mediocre art, and others will make masterpieces for virtually no money at all. Also it's not compulsory by any means, but some artists really appreciate small tips too if you're really happy with the work. :) Sometimes if you watch closely you can get 'great deals' from artists too - they may run into financial trouble with a sudden bill for example, and spontaneously open a bunch of cheap slots.