Ink

Happy Valentine's Day. If you care.

I kinda go back and forth. There are some ultra romantic things about it, like the free weddings going on at the City Market on Valentine's Day. On the other hand, if you're single, it can be kind of annoying and a little too in your face. But I told you my feelings on the holiday last year.

So this year, I'll tell you what I heard from other people when I asked about what they love and hate about V-Day. They went back and forth too. The most common answer was that people, single and coupled, don't like being forced to celebrate love on one day. They don't like the pressure Valentine's Day puts on men to spend lots of money on flowers, candy and jewelry. Some women were mad at themselves that they got caught up in the Valentine's Day hype.

My two favorite answers:

"Feb 14th has no significance other than the fact that its NBA All Star weekend."

"I get annoyed by all the people who complain about how much they don't like Valentine's Day. If you have someone special to share the day with, great. If not, well, call your mom and tell her you love her. Spare the rest of us your bitterness."

Dang. I was totally among the people spreading my  bitterness a couple of years ago. Then I just decided to stop hating. I really shouldn't begrudge anyone happiness.

There are people who are going to cherish Feb. 14 for the rest of their lives.

People such as Jack and Ingrid McGlone, both 35, of Belton, who got married  Feb. 14, 2009 in a free wedding at the City Market. The weddings were something else I wrote about last year, something I wanted to follow up on.

The McGlones were among about 20 couples who got married or renewed vows that day in the City Market. This year will mark the second year for the ceremonies, and the market is adding free mini-cakes for each couple from market vendor Scrape the Plate catering and photos from Sparrow Photography, another City Market vendor.


Jack McGlone said the couple wanted to get married and had planned to wed at a courthouse until Ingrid heard about the City Market weddings. They decided it was the right choice for them, got the paperwork in order and had about 30 friends and family members come to see them tie the knot.

Jack said he was nervous that day.

There were lots of couples -- plus all those couples' friends and family -- at the City Market that day for weddings. It was nerve-wracking, he said to have a bunch of strangers staring at him on the biggest day of his life.

But then Ingrid's mom walked her down the rep-carpeted aisle. He focused on her and everyone else disappeared.

"I was a little surprised that it was as quick as it was," he said

He said he felt like the entire ceremony was two or three minutes.

"If you come with a big speech, you probably won't get that in," he said.

But the feeling of everyone being gathered at the market on Valentine's Day for love and to make a commitment was very nice, he said.

After the wedding, they got a gift bag of goodies that included a bottle of wine and a pineapple, "which was kind of strange, but pretty cool," he said.

The free weddings with all the perks are booked up for this year, said the Rev. Barry Clements of Wedlox Weddings, who is officiating for the second year. But, if you're willing to part with $25, he'll be doing weddings 8-11 a.m. on Feb. 14 at the market as well.

Event organizers are looking forward to helping more people celebrate love and relationships -- in an economy-friendly way -- again this year.

Stephanie Spatz-Ornburn, a City Market spokeswoman, said the market enjoyed the unique stories last year's couples had.

"It was really fun and very touching for all of us," she said.

*Pamela read "Love is not dead" on a bathroom wall at a KC bar. It's true. And that's coming from the former bitterness queen.

It's a good time of year to be a dating blogger. Pamela Spencer is getting Kiss & Tell e-mails every day. But they're mostly from people advertising weird Valentine's Day gift ideas. Send her dating and relationship questions instead. Email inkkcdating@gmail.com. Kiss & Tell changes names to protect your innocence.