DETROIT – A place in downtown Detroit has become a hot spot for singles and couples this Valentine’s Day.
Parker’s Alley is decorated in shades of red, pink, and white for the season. There are displays wrapped with large roses. Flowers are streaming above ground.
Bright banners and streamers suggest it’s a destination for anyone interested in taking selfies in the name of love.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then some of the moments people capture in Parker’s Alley speak volumes this Valentine’s Day.
“She brightens every day for me,” one man said as he and his wife posed for selfies.
That couple said they’ve been together for eight years.
“The biggest part is feeling safe with the person,” the woman said when asked what love means to her. “Feeling like you can authentically be yourself. And genuinely not feeling like you have to try, Like you feel safe. You feel comfortable. You can trust them.”
Love can be a collection of things, from the simple gesture of holding hands to taking the afternoon off just because.
“For me, love is about showing people that you care about them,” another woman said. “So, love is an action. It’s not just a word.”
There’s a lot more to love. Some said it’s about inspiration and lessons learned over time.
One couple, Carol and Mark Deschaine, traveled from Canada to check out Parker’s Alley.
“It’s the ups and the downs of life,” said Mark Deschaine. “One of my favorite mottos is, you’re on that side of the road, I’m on this side of the road. Let’s meet in the middle and dodge cars together.”
Love can be personal.
Newlywed Paul Isaacs said he’s found ways to keep the spirit of love burning. He said positive affirmations to his spouse help.
Isaacs said, “Always telling them, you know, you love them. Have a good day. I’m proud of you. And just uplifting things like that.”
Some say love is about joy. It’s a celebration. Even if you’re single, love can guide your heart and purpose.
“Sharing the love of Detroit with the world is what I love to do,” Kristin Fehrman said.
Others said love can be how someone looks at you—even after 18 years of marriage.
“It means somebody that makes you better,” a woman named Rachel said while smiling at her husband Doug. Somebody that makes you feel good about yourself.”
Love is also about sharing laughter and light-hearted moments, according to May and Matthew.
They went to Parker’s Alley to leave a love lock for memories.
“He loves me,” May said. “It’s in his eyes. It’s in his heart. His actions. It’s the day-to-day.”