Celebrating marriage

From left, Steve and Caroline Lyngdal talk on the dance floor with Linda and Dan Schluender during the Church of St. Paul Annual Valentine’s Dinner and Dance at Brookhall Event Center in Blaine Feb. 11. The event is organized every year by members of Couples in Christ at St. Paul in Ham Lake, which offers this celebration of marriage for parishioners and other guests. It is designed to coincide both with Valentine’s Day and National Marriage Week. After a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19, participation increased this year to 80 couples. That may be the highest number ever for the event, which goes back at least 25 years, according to Valerie Amundsen, one of the organizers. “People look forward to it,” Amundsen said. “It’s a special date night for couples.”