I’m a sucker for love in an embarrassing, dramatic way. Though I like to think of myself as a practical lady, I must say that romantic overtures often play through my mind like a Nicolas Sparks movie (damn you, The Notebook, daaamn you!). Fine, I may be a tad dramatic, but it is no less true that witnessing true love in all its epic glory remains something that keeps me optimistic in an otherwise grim world. One such example is that of CJ and Katherine, the blogging couple behind OurMode, who were brought to my attention by the hubs. A His and Her blog from fashion lovers like myself? This tidbit quickly sent me on my own investigating Style Stalker hunt.

What was there to discover? Beautiful People? Check! Style personified? Double-check! Up for a last minute V-Day collabo? You bet that’s corr-check!

With Valentine’s Day week coming to a close, I knew this was a golden opportunity to be had! So, on yesterday’s cold Saturday, while many slept warmly in their cozy little beds, the hubs and I headed downtown to the market to meet Ottawa’s best kept secret. As I entered Planet Coffee (CJ and Katherine’s favourite Java spot) and turned the corner, there they were, in their every day best, smiles wide and hands outstretched. Oh yes, I sensed, this was going to be GOOD! After spending the first hour in “getting acquainted” mode, we set out to brave Ottawa’s frigid temps for what would become a few hours of interesting discoveries. First off, CJ and Katherine are the poster children of playfulness: there wasn’t a moment that went by without them glancing and smiling at each other. If I wasn’t crushing hard enough on these two already, the full on “stalkaratti” in me kicked in as they took turns to gush about the other in private. These simple, yet sincere admissions, was what I had hoped for above all else, and CJ and Katherine are that couple whose love musings are not rehearsed, but rather, rooted in deep admiration and awe of one another. Heck, anyone within an earshot would either feel inspired by these two to amp up the flirtation meter with their partner or curse their significant other for their shortcomings!? But my guess rests on the former…

If my “ooh-ing” and “aaw-ing” throughout the day was any indication, CJ and Katherine’s display of affection really sent waves through my ever-hopeful little heart, prompting me to realize that I’m perfectly at peace with l’amour: it sure is a wonderful Nicholas-Sparks state of mine to be in…

VALENTINE’S DAY COUPLE EDITION ‘HIS’ AND ‘HER’ TAKE

FROM KATHERINE

Name: Katherine Tran

Nickname: Kathy

Significant other: CJ Hamilton

Together for: 1.5 years

The most romantic gift is…Over the Christmas holidays, he drove me to Ottawa from Toronto and took me to an outdoor spa. I had no idea what he was up to!

The most cliche gift is…Favour coupons, such as “redeem this for a breakfast in bed!”

The love song that says it all: “I Think I Love” by Jamie Cullum

I go gaga when my sweetie…smiles at me. It gets me every time how gorgeous she is…

The three things I love most about my partner are…he is so incredibly supportive of everything I do; makes me laugh until my stomach hurts at least once a day; and of course, how he took in my two pets (my babies!) as if they were his (all this from a previous anti-animal person too!)

My crush celebrity couple: David and Victoria Beckham

I knew he was The One when…it was actually from our first date. We went out to dinner, came home and cuddled. Then he looked right into my eyes and my heart skipped a beat!

FROM CJ

Name: Charles Hamilton

Nickname: CJ

Significant other: Katherine

Together for: 1.5 years

The most romantic gift is…coming home to a surprise meal

The most cliche gift is…flowers and chocolate (lol)

The love song that says it all: “I Think I Love” by Jamie Cullum

I go gaga when my sweetie…smiles at me. It gets me every time how gorgeous she is…

The three things I love most about my partner are…her laugh, her passion and her drive for her goals, and just how selfless she is. She has an incredibly big heart.

My crush celebrity couple: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith

I knew she was The One when…a bit of context here: we met in the summer of 2011 and at the time, she going back to Hamilton for school in September and I was heading back to Ottawa. A long distance relationship was the last thing I wanted, but I knew that I could not let her go. Nothing would keep me from her. That’s when I knew she was The One.

Avec amour,

- C

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