Lydia and Robbie got engaged in a very public way—on stage at a concert!
Robbie, a radio personality for KNTY 101.9 The Wolf, knew country group Thompson Square was coming to town. The band’s song, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” had brought Robbie back to Lydia after a brief breakup. (He and Lydia had been dating for six years after having already been friends for eight years.)
Robbie contacted the band who liked the idea of Robbie’s proposal during their performance. He also asked Lydia’s parents’ permission to marry their daughter, and invited them to attend the concert, too.
Lydia was surprised by the proposal. “Luckily, in front of over 3,000 people, she said yes,” says Robbie.
The couple, who met through a mutual friend, married a year and a half later in front of 185 guests, including 125 out-of-towners, including guests from all over California, Illinois, Colorado, New Jersey, Nevada and Arizona.
It was a cold, clear day and the bride loved the “breathtaking” views of the valley. She was enthusiastic to marry Robbie: “I was happy that this day was here and he was standing there excited to see me,” she says.
Robbie felt “overwhelming emotion” when he saw his bride walking down the aisle. “Tears fell down my face as I realized how lucky I was that this amazing and beautiful woman actually wanted to spend the rest of her life with a guy like me,” he says.
The couple wanted a “Rat Pack 1950s glam” feel, so they chose a black, white, silver and navy theme. Pulling their love of music into their wedding theme, the couple and their friends made personalized vinyl record chargers for each of their guests’ place settings.
The groom loved a special touch too from his bride: “I was a huge fan of Lydia using a Yankees garter,” he says. “She knows the way to my heart!”
Wedding planning had its challenges but the couple didn’t stress. “Robbie and I just took things in stride,” says Lydia. “Not everything went perfect but we didn’t let it phase us.”
Guests enjoyed a tasty buffet including prime rib and a mashed potato bar, followed by late night finger food snacks.
“Our primary goal at the reception was that everyone had a great time, and I think we succeeded,” says Robbie.
— Kristen Castillo
