Valentine’s Day might be on a Wednesday this year but that doesn’t mean your significant other is expecting anything less of a romantic night (or day) that will leave them grateful to have you in their life. Frankly speaking, we aren’t expecting anything less either.
Whether you’re taking your spouse out for drinks downtown, or you’re meeting your Tinder match to begin a potential love story, here’s a quick guide on what to wear and where to go on Valentine’s Day, as well as insight from real couples in Denver.
Coffee Date
We’re warning you right now, everywhere on Valentine’s Day is busy, and the later it gets in the day, the busier it gets. But for those who prefer to get an early start and a minimal outing, stop in for coffee at Denver Central Market. And to walk in with style, pick up pieces for her at Midnight Rambler and accessories at Intrigue Boutique. For him, keep it simple but handsome with his favorite flannel and a pair of fitted jeans.
About the couple
303: How did you meet?
Sam Khan: I was on Facebook and saw this incredible model and decided to say hello and worked up the courage to start a conversation. Then we talked every single night until 5 a.m., and we went on our first date to Jax Denver and she never left.
Hosnah Safi Khan: Technically we couldn’t be seen in public because our cultures are very conservative. I’m from Afghanistan and Sam is from Bangladesh, and dating isn’t a regular thing. After four months of dating, we had a ceremony where Sam met my entire family and swore to marry me, so we could be seen in public together within the community. In our culture, that meant we were engaged but we didn’t tell our friends that because it’d only been four months, and then a little after a year he proposed. It was love at first sight, our first date was three days long. We’ve been married six months.
Bedroom Eyes
Are you the couple that hates going out? Does the idea of crowded restaurants and long lines give you a sense of claustrophobia? Then staying in might be your best bet. Blankets, wine, home cooking, and comfortable clothing can seem like paradise next to the one you love. Comfort can look stylish too. For her, a baseball tee from Midnight Rambler’s new vintage tee rack and a warm cardigan make for a cozy night. For him, comfortable joggers are a good complement, and the shirt is optional.
About the couple
303: How did you meet?
Romain Washington-Duke: We met a fashion show in which we were both walking the runway. She was this quiet, beautiful girl inside rehearsals. I thought she was completely out of my league so I didn’t approach her. Come showtime, I was hyping everybody up, she walked past me in a lovely white dress, and I said something like “You got the juice!” and she asked “What’s the juice?” to which I said “I don’t know but you got it.” A few weeks later, we befriended each other on Facebook.
Mars Woche: The first time we hung out, we went to a pool party at my friend’s house. Our first formal date was about a month later, we went to a signing party at Epernay Lounge. We’ve been together a year.
Date Night
If staying in feels like a waste of romantic night, then by all means, have a date night. Valentine’s Day just doesn’t seem the same if you can’t paint the town red. Chocolates, flowers, heart-shaped balloons are all scheduled into your plans. Union Station has options for sitting down to eat, or have drinks at the Terminal Bar, sit down and gaze into each other’s eyes on the couches in the common area. Also, Union Station makes for a great location to walk under the stars after your meal. Dressing up is part of the game here but that doesn’t mean blazers and ties, Ratio Clothing has custom button-ups for something that will be form-fitting, and accessories like hats from Spruce make for a clean finish.
About the couple
303: How did you meet?
Gerardo Pacheco & Sam Gomez: We met while I [Gerado] was in Albuquerque for a work conference in February 2012. We’d added each other on Facebook a while back and chatted a few times. I messaged Sam and he offered to take me and my coworker out. Sam and I clicked fast, I came to Denver and we just haven’t stopped talking since then. We did a year and a half long distance relationship, traveling once or twice a month to see each other, driving our cars, riding a bus, or flying on a plane to see each other. There are always differences that pop up along the way and you have to deal with them the best way you can. These past six years, we always remember we are here to be companions and support each other’s dreams and goals, as Sam works at the Children’s Hospital And I’m a statewide PREP specialist. Both our families are very supportive of our relationship and have seen us grow as individuals and as a couple.
All photos by Noah Berg and Walnut Street Photography
Wardrobe Stylist: Aaron Rodriguez of Blank Canvas Fashion