Mr Struber, of Nowra, decided to surprise his wife on Sunday morning by announcing he was taking her and the children back to the place they got married six years ago.

They had not been back since and may not again for some time as a family because he is in the Navy and about to go on deployment. He will be somewhere surrounded by a sea of blue next Valentine’s Day.

“Daniel thought this would be a nice thing to do today,” Mrs Struber said.

“The Illawarra Mercury also showed up to take a photo on our wedding day.”

Mr Struber said six years ago they had their reception at City Beach Function Centre and their ceremony in the rose garden because it such a beautiful location.

“I just said to Daniel it was a bit emotional this morning coming back here,” Mrs Struber said.

Children Tyson, 4, and Chloe, 1, knew what the name of the day was but did not quite understand what it was all about.

Tyson asked why he didn’t get a card when his mum and dad gave each other one. So they quickly made sure he knew just how much they loved him and his sister.

“My dad gave me one..it is Valensigns Day,” Tyson said.

Mrs Struber said the Wollongong Botanic Garden has changed so much in the last six years and could see just how work was being done in the area.

The whole family enjoyed lunch in the cool shade of a large tree on a glorious blue sky day.

And they enjoyed the way the garden has been themed for Valentine’s Day. Displays were designed to share the love with all visitors. There were heart-shaped garden beds and a large heart shape mown into the fig lawn.

Curator Paul Tracey said there were flowering heart displays of red impatiens and begonias, along with chalk art displays, helped create a romantic atmosphere.

“We know one of the really popular ways to mark Valentine’s Day is a picnic, and so we’ve taken an extra step to create a romantic space. Who knows, it may even inspire a marriage proposal,’’ Mr Tracey said.

“The flower displays in the Garden and the chalk art by Nicci Bedson will set the scene for couples during the day. Perhaps they may even wish to celebrate into the evening at the IMB Bank Sunset Cinema.’’

The day ended with the outdoor screening of Sisters starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.

Couples visiting the gardens during the day and in the evening were also encouraged to take selfies with the heart-shaped displays and tag Wollongong Botanic Garden on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LoveWBG.

“We’re encouraging everyone to spread the love this weekend and take some time out with their loved ones in the gardens,’’ Mr Tracey said.