GEORGE TOWN: Love was in the air as couples gathered at the Penang Chinese Town Hall in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to register their marriages on Valentine’s Day while others expressed their affection to their loved ones with flowers and gifts.

       A total of 23 couples were at the hall to tie the knot on this auspicious date.

       Among them was sales executive Javier Yeap, 32, who married Tan Wei Qing, 28, after four years of courtship.

       “We met through mutual friends and everything just clicked, from our lifestyles to ideologies.

       “After the pandemic eased at the end of last year, we decided it was time to move up the relationship.

       “We’re looking to spend the next phase of our lives as a family with children,” said Yeap yesterday.

       Under strict standard operating procedure guidelines, the couples took turns entering the hall to sign their marriage papers.

       There were no mass ceremonies to avoid crowds at the venue.

       Meanwhile, sales of flowers and gifts picked up over the past week, according to Eden Floral & Gift Centre owner Lau Yok Wan.

       “Bookings started early this year, but we received many last-minute orders and walk-in purchases about a week ago, as well as from our regular customers.

       “While most purchases were for couples, there were some from children for their parents.

       “Sales have picked up to almost the same as pre-Covid times and red roses and lilies were still the popular items,” said Lau, adding that a bouquet they sold was priced between RM150 and RM700.