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Robbins Brothers hosts red carpet proposal

February 02, 2010
With the help of Robbins Brothers, U.S. Navy Seal Chad Williams staged a surprise proposal. His now-fiance, Aubrey O'Boyle, said yes on the red carpet of the When in Rome premiere.

Los Angeles--In tough times, industry experts recommend that retail jewelers strengthen their customer service. One Southern California retailer has been doing just that, recently going above and beyond to facilitate a dream proposal.

When 25-year-old U.S. Navy Seal Chad Williams returned to his hometown in California after a tour in Iraq, he said he knew it was the right time to propose to his girlfriend, Aubrey O'Boyle, 23.

Williams headed to the Mission Viejo, Calif., branch of Robbins Brothers, the retail chain known as the "Engagement Ring Store," where the staff helped him to not only zero in on the type of ring he was looking for, but offered to help Williams set up a one-of-a-kind surprise proposal.

The retailer had recently partnered with Disney and Touchstone Pictures for a two-part promotion. Part one, a Romantic Wishes--When in Rome sweepstakes, is running now until Valentine's Day. In this sweepstakes, Robbins is asking couples to share their "ultimate romantic wish" on RobbinsBrothers.com, for the chance to win prizes such as a trip for two to Rome, an Amsale designer wedding dress or a private screening of the When in Rome film.

For the second part of the promotion, the jeweler asked all of its stores and staff members to keep their eyes open for couples with a great love story. Through the partnership with Disney and Touchstone, the retailer had an opportunity to invite one couple to the When in Rome Hollywood premiere.

Williams and O'Boyle, who first met at Disney--in line at Space Mountain-seemed to be the perfect fit. The couple had built a lasting relationship despite Williams' various deployments around the globe, and the idea of proposing at the premiere was something that Williams jumped upon.

On Jan. 27, the couple arrived at the premiere, with the premise that they had won tickets in a sweepstakes.

Just a few steps down the red carpet, Williams bent down, feigning that he was tying his shoe, and rose proffering the ring he had bought at Robbins Brothers--a one-carat, round brilliant-cut diamond set in a Scott Kay shank.

 O'Boyle said "yes," which viewers can see for themselves in a video that Robbins Brothers taped from the evening and posted on YouTube. In a step of savvy marketing, the retailer caught not only the proposal itself, but Williams' thoughts on choosing a ring at Robbins Brothers.

While the proposal video might inspire other couples to visit the retailer, Williams and O'Boyle might soon be heading back themselves to look for wedding bands. Robbins Brothers is giving the couple a gift certificate towards wedding bands. The pair also enjoyed a complimentary dinner from Fleming's Prime Steakhouse in Los Angeles.

"This was an incredible, one-of-a-kind marriage proposal for a real-life American hero," Larry Gomperts, executive vice president of marketing for Robbins Brothers, said in a media release. "We were delighted to give Chad and Aubrey this unforgettable romantic experience, and would like to thank our friends at Disney who helped us make this happen."
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