Residents across Northamptonshire have reached out to us to share some special messages for their partner in celebration of Valentine's Day today (February 14).
Where did Valentine's Day come from?
There are many theories about where Valentine's Day originated from. One of them is that Saint Valentine was a Roman priest, who performed secret weddings against the wishes of Emperor Claudius II. The emperor had outlawed marriage for young men because he believed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.
The priest, after being caught, was imprisoned in the home of a noble. He healed his captor's blind daughter, prompting the whole household to convert to Christianity and sealing his fate. Before he was tortured and executed on February 14, he sent the woman he healed a love letter signed 'Your Valentine' - an expression we use today.
Love is in the air in Northamptonshire
To mark Valentine's Day, we asked our readers to send in pictures of themselves with their partner and tell us why they love them so much.
Here are 12 special Valentine's messages:
5.
Rachel and Ben Tysoe met in 2010 after speaking on a dating website. Ben lived in Ringstead and Rachel lived in Desborough. Rachel said: "It was almost love at first sight, we moved in together after a couple of months, we just knew it was right." Ben proposed to Rachel in February 2012 at Great Yarmouth beach and they got married in August that year. They celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary this August. Rachel continued: "We’ve had an amazing marriage so far, had so many wonderful times together and have three amazing children. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him." Photo: Rachel Tysoe
6.
Rachel and Aaron have been together for nearly 14 years and have three sons. Rachel said: "He works hard to provide for us and we appreciate him tonnes." Photo: Rachel Natasha Burke
7.
Angela and Emily have been together for four years and are getting married this September at Gretna Green. Angela said: "I literally fell in love with my best friend, Emily. We met at work and were work friends before anything else. We went out for a drink, and the rest is history!" Angela continued: "I have two children from my previous marriage and they absolutely adore her too. She is my absolute rock and makes my life complete." Photo: Angela Goodall
8.
Hayley and Frazer have been together for just over three years. Hayley said: "He takes on my two older children and given me two more beautiful children. He works hard and never complains; he is absolutely amazing." Photo: Hayley Tite