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:
9.
Lucy and Matt have been together for eight months. Lucy said: "My best friend, we have so much in common and he is just so caring and thoughtful. Love him so much." Photo: Lucy Proctor
10.
Natasha and Alex began talking when they were younger on MSN. Eleven years later, Alex moved from Essex to be with Natasha in Northampton. They are now engaged with five children between them. Natasha said: "I’m the happiest I’ve ever been." Photo: Natasha Jayne
11.
Rebecca and Robert have been together for two years. Rebecca said: "He's not just my boyfriend, he's my best friend too. I love you, Robert." Photo: Rebecca Allen
12.
Emma and Liam have been together for almost seven years. Emma said: "He was my rock when my dad died and is so thoughtful and caring, can’t wait to bring our little bundle of joy into this world this year, love him so much and we’ve got so much to look forward to." Photo: Emma Roberts