SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) — Love is definitely in the air this morning! With Valentine's Day upon us, Savannah has its fair share of activities to bring a little extra love to your doorstep.
There is plenty of ways to celebrate your love today. One way is flower deliveries. This year Americans are expected to spend a whopping 2.5 billion dollars on flowers this Valentine's Day.
One local flower shop, the John Davis Florist, has been preparing for the holiday rush since December.
The local business helps everyone, from the Savannah Bananas to local faces walking through the door that you may recognize.
"I think she really does appreciate it. I like to get an orchid or something that will last a long time and get it for her… and we can care for it from year to year," said Eddie DeLoach, the former Mayor of Savannah. DeLoach has been a customer of John Davis Florist for years, explaining how he purposely came into the shop earlier than last to get his wife an orchid - a flower that was sold out by the time he came in last Valentine's Day.
"It just reminds us of what this is all about… and how long it's been. 40 something years of putting up with me? I want to be able to buy her a flower," said DeLoach.
As old as tradition, red roses are the most popular flower this year making up 69% of all flowers sold during the holiday.
"And then … I would say our second most popular is a mixed of cut flowers, and then another popular was yellow roses," shared Connie Ross, the Manager of the John Davis Florist shop.
After John Davis passed away in 2021, Ross stepped up to help manage the flower shop, which is still owned by the family. When asked about how she became involved in the business, Ross smiled and said it all began over a bouquet of flowers.
“I came in to get my daughter’s wedding flowers in 2001, and in 2002 I retired, and Mr. Davis said, ‘why don’t you come help?’ and he trained me to where I am today,” Ross said while reflecting.
John Davis florist shop has been open for nearly 37 years. This year - they've ordered more than 2,000 roses to prepare for the holiday.
Valentine's day is the busiest day of the year for flower delivery services. With many shops reporting an increase in sales and orders leading up to the big day. WSAV followed along with flower deliveries that ranged from celebrating a fresh anniversary, to celebrating a 50th birthday, and bouquets expressing "I love you" for the holiday.
But flower deliveries aren't the only thing happening around town today. Across Savannah, there's a whole lot more happening to celebrate love.
At Enmarket Arena there will be an Andrea Bocelli concert with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus taking place tonight. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and will be the 30th anniversary of performing for world-renowned Bocelli, who will celebrate Valentine's Day in Savannah.
Another way to express your love today is by joining the 18th Annual Valentine`s Day Weddings in the Davenport House Museum Garden. For a $100 donation, couples can reserve the Davenport House`s intimate garden space for a brief ceremony. Ceremonies will happen every 15 minutes and the to-be-married couples are welcome to bring up to eight guests.
A different location to get married today is the Chatham County Courthouse. Today Chatham County Judges are going to dedicate their Valentine`s Day schedule to performing weddings beginning at 9 a.m. this morning.
Whether it's a concert, candlelit dinner, or a spontaneous wedding… there are plenty of ways to spread the love today.