Most of the e-mails came from men nominating their girlfriends or wives. However, a surprising number of women weighed in, nominating boyfriends, mothers, sisters and friends.

Whittling the scores of worthy entrants to three winners wasn't easy, but we had to do it.

Let's introduce the three makeover winners, who will receive hair cuts, makeup applications and style consulting from Aveda Salon and Spa, Chop and J Salon, and fashion stylist Blaine Ashley Hite.

See Thursday's Island Life section for the "after" photos and stories about these Valentine's Day makeover adventures.

CHRIS PAKALANI

Age: 34

Neighborhood: La'ie

Occupation: Construction worker

Valentine's date: Dinner at Turtle Bay Resort with his wife, Leialoha — without their five kids (Christopher Jr., 6, Kuulei, 8, Marie and Meleane, 11, and Vaunelle, 12)

Nominated by: His wife, Leialoha Pakalani.

Why? "Since we married in 1996, he has written over 3,000 love notes, letters and cards — and I've kept them all. He makes special days exquisitely memorable but every day is a holiday.

"Every Friday he takes me on a date night because he believes sincerely that the best thing we can do for our children is to nourish our marriage. ... He makes me feel so valued, so important and cherished. I am so honored to be his wife."

Fun fact: Leialoha said that Chris was "dumfounded for three hours — shocked into oblivion" when she told him he was selected for an Advertiser makeover.

He still seemed a little dazed when he arrived for his photo on Saturday. With a sheepish grin he said, "Anything for her," and reached for Lei's hand.

APRIL PEAVEY

Age: 28

Neighborhood: Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base Hawai'i

Occupation: Mother of two (Kaitlyn, 5, and Devin, 6) and part-time childcare provider.

Valentine's date: Since her husband, Michael Peavey, a Marine staff sergeant, is in Iraq, she will go to dinner with her friend Veronica Lopez, whose husband has also been deployed.

Nominated by: Friend Davinity Jones

Why? "Not only is she a good friend and listener, but she is selfless in her acts. ... I can call her at the drop of a hat and she will free herself to help me. She does this not only for me but all her friends and anyone who asks. She loves helping anyone and everyone. She is the mother of two and they are in Girl Scouts and sports and other extracurricular activities, and she is always on the go. She leaves no time for herself."

Fun fact: April and her friends love to watch TV makeover shows together.

They all want to do something different to surprise their husbands when they come home from their deployments: lose weight, color their hair or tweak their personal style.

DAWN TOYOMURA

Age: 45

Neighborhood: Kailua

Occupation: Preschool teacher and mother of three (Grace, 16, Michael, 19, and Robbie, 21).

Valentine's date: Dinner at Hau Tree Lanai with her husband, Robert.

Nominated by: Her husband, Robert Toyomura

Why? "Dawn always has had natural beauty and she rarely needed to put on any makeup to make her look good. ... Last May, after a number of months of tests, Dawn was diagnosed with a partial brain tumor at the back base of her head that caused a number of discomforts for her. In August she successfully went through her surgery to remove a part of her skull and the tumor. ... I still believe she is very beautiful but I know she has noticed the effect the stress has had on her appearance."

Fun fact: Affectionately called Ms. Toy by her students at Trinity Christian School, for the past few years Dawn has donated her previously knee-length hair to Locks of Love.