For the 28th year in Atlanta, married couples who want to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day in a joyous atmosphere with other couples are invited to attend the World Marriage Day Ball. Held at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, the event on Saturday, Feb. 16, is planned by the Atlanta Area Worldwide Marriage Encounter leadership.

The celebration includes a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing to DJ music until midnight. A silent auction will also be held. Dress is semi-formal with optional black tie. The cost is $100 before Jan. 16 and $115 after Jan. 16.

This evening has been hosted each year since 1986 by the Marriage Encounter leadership in Atlanta. Every year since married couples have joined together for a wonderful evening of dinner, dancing and fellowship. At the Marriage Day Ball couples are affirmed and uplifted. Special recognition is always given to the couple who has been married the longest, as well as the newlywed couple who have been married the shortest amount of time. Typical attendees include newlyweds, couples with young children, middle-aged couples with older children, empty nesters and grandparents.

Georgia is one of 43 states to celebrate World Marriage Day on the second Sunday of February. The first celebration nationally took place in 1981 when some couples from Baton Rouge, La., wanted to celebrate their married love in a more meaningful way. They encouraged their mayor, bishop, and governor to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.”

The day honors couples as the head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of a couple’s fidelity, sacrifice, and joy in married life.

Couples who are looking for a great way to celebrate their love should come and enjoy good music, food, and fellowship. The beautiful memories of a Marriage Day Ball will last longer than any expensive bouquet of roses. For a truly unique Valentine’s gift this year, consider attending the 28th annual Marriage Day Ball.