Best Valentine's Day ever contest

Valentine's Day is a few days away. You have probably already made your reservations, ordered flowers, reserved hotel suites, and decided what to wear. If this is your first Valentine's Day together as a couple, you should be excited about the lasting memories you will create.

Although you may see many online postings lamenting the commercialization of this day, and forlorn postings of those who find themselves alone, Valentine's Day is about expressing love. It does not mean that you should not express love everyday. It is just a designated day to have the spotlight shown on your love and to get a gift. Who doesn't like gifts?

Valentine's Day can be a signature day in the lives of many couples. There are quite a few who become engaged, exchange vows, and celebrate wedding anniversaries on Valentine's Day. Love is a beautiful thing, no matter how or when you celebrate it.

What has been your most memorable Valentine's Day? Do you keep mementos of Valentine's past? Are you ready to make new memories with your favorite Valentine?

For all of you love birds, a local photographer wants to help you capture your love in a memorable Spring photo shoot. The rules are simple:

What you will win

A one hour photo session with G Will Photography, a photographer specializing in on location shots using natural lighting and natural backgrounds. More details will be discussed with the photographer when you schedule the shoot.

What you have to do

• Reside in or around Charlotte
• Like this columnist's fan page http://www.facebook.com/CMWriterFanPage
• Upload a photo of yourself and your Valentine to the fan page with the story of the best Valentine's Day you've had together. Or email the story and attach the photo to info@cmwriter.com.
• Encourage your friends and family to vote by "LIKE-ing" the photo. Voting lasts until February 28th.