"Unforgettable Sparks: Keeping the Romance Alive and Spicy After 9 Years”
My husband and I have always cherished the art of keeping our romance alive, whether it’s dressing up for a night out or creating unforgettable moments at home. We love slipping into something special and heading to a favorite spot like the Log House Restaurant in Wytheville, VA, or discovering a new gem together. He’ll ask me out as if it’s our very first date, bringing me flowers and opening the door with the grace of a perfect gentleman. I truly feel blessed to be married to such a hopeless romantic.
One evening, he transformed our backyard into a magical retreat—blowing up an air mattress, surrounding it with candles and twinkling lights, and setting the stage for us to lie under the stars. We’ve stayed in some of the most romantic places and always find time to enjoy the warmth of nearby hot springs, like Mineral Hot Springs in NC, soaking in the tranquility and each other’s company. Cooking together is another joy we share, grilling kabobs, sipping wine or a cocktail, and savoring the laughter and conversation that flows so easily between us.
One of my most treasured memories is the time he dressed up as a knight in a homemade outfit to “rescue” his queen—me. I captured that moment on video, and it’s no surprise that we married not long after. We've been together for nine years now, but it feels like no time at all because we’ve always made each other a priority. We embrace one another for who we truly are, and that’s the heart of our enduring love.
My husband being adorable. This was leading up to the proposal.
After our adventures, we often wind down with a romantic movie—The Choice by Nicholas Sparks is a favorite—or sometimes a scary one, just so I have an excuse to cuddle up in his lap. We’ve explored breathtaking waterfalls, stayed in charming hideaways, and kayaked together, always finding ways to make each experience as romantic as possible. Whether we’re walking along the parkway, enjoying a beach day, or having a picnic where we exchanged our vows by Little Glade Mill Pond, we turn every moment into a celebration of our love. We've even enjoyed wine tastings together, finding new ways to savor life and each other.
Ideas to Keep Things Spicy:
Surprise Date Nights: Take turns planning surprise date nights. It could be as simple as a candlelit dinner at home or as adventurous as a night out dancing.
Recreate Your First Date: Go back to the place where it all began and recreate your first date. Relive those early moments and talk about how far you’ve come.
Write Love Letters: Take some time to write each other love letters. Leave them in unexpected places for your partner to find throughout the week.
Try a New Activity Together: Whether it's a cooking class, a dance lesson, or even something daring like zip-lining, experiencing something new together can ignite that spark.
Plan a Staycation: Turn your home into a romantic getaway. Decorate a room like a luxurious hotel suite, complete with room service (aka your favorite takeout) and a bubble bath.
Spontaneous Weekend Getaways: Pack a bag and hit the road with no particular destination in mind. The spontaneity adds excitement, and you can discover new places together.
Romantic Challenges: Set little romantic challenges for each other, like seeing who can plan the most creative date, or who can make the most memorable homemade gift.
Dress Up Just for Fun: Even if you’re just staying home, get dressed up as if you’re going out. Sometimes the simple act of dressing up can change the atmosphere.
DIY Spa Night: Pamper each other with a DIY spa night. Give each other massages, use homemade face masks, and relax together.
Set Up a Surprise: Plan a surprise for your partner that plays to their interests—whether it’s a favorite meal, an activity they love, or a simple but thoughtful gesture
