Happily ever after with Good Morning America

When I first met Bobbie and Alonzo, it was in the Good Morning America studios in New York. They had just walked off the set after being told they’d won a national contest to have their paradise wedding at Royalton Punta Cana Resort and Casino in the Dominican Republic. The pair was accompanied by their infant son, Lucas, who sat happily on his father’s knee as the couple took a moment in the green room at the TV station to let their contest win sink in.

Alonzo, as his best friend described him in the video that had just aired in the studio, was indeed “chill”. Bobbie, on the other and, was visibly surprised and excited. She confessed that when the pair had travelled to the studio from their native Texas, they thought that they were just finalists in the contest, so she could hardly believe what had just happened to them. When she learned that the venue for their ceremony was at a beachfront resort, she was thrilled, adding that there were no beaches where they live in Texas and she’s not had a beach vacation in years.

When Bobbie talks about Alonzo, she often mentions that he’s the silent type. So, it’s not surprising that he was economical with words when he popped the question.

Bobbie told us that they were sitting on the couch eating Taco Bell and he slid over a sauce packet that said, “Will you marry me?’ She giggled telling me, “I wasn’t sure if it was a serious question or if he was simply passing me sauce, but then he said, ‘What do you think?’ Of course, I said, ‘Yes!’ To me, it was the cutest thing.”

At the time of their engagement, their army life was not conducive to a big fairytale wedding and honeymoon. In 2016, the pair wed in jeans at a park with just two witnesses and went back to work the next day with no plans for a honeymoon. The following year, their son Lucas was born three months early and was diagnosed with a rare genetic growth disorder, Silver Russel syndrome, and spent the first period of his life in the hospital. At the same time, the pair of them juggled demanding military schedules at their respective army bases — often leaving the house at 5 a.m. and not returning before 7 p.m.

The next time I meet with Bobbie and Alonzo, they’re walking into the airy rooftop lounge of the lobby at Royalton Punta Cana Resort and Casino. Their son, Lucas, is once again in his father’s arms and smiles as he’s greeted by the resort’s signature characters – Max and Ruby™ – as they check in. There’s also a unique surprise for Mom and dad when they reach their ocean-facing suite with a swim-out pool located in the resort’s Diamond Club section. A trail of pink rose petals leads the way as they enter to reveal a heart-shaped arrangement of flower petals on the bed that is laden with goodies for them to enjoy during their stay – from water bottles to ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ flip flops and his-and-hers beach bags (although Bobbie Jokes that both bags are for her!)

There’s time to relax before they enjoy dinner with their friends (including maid of honour Ryiesesa and best man Bryan, who were also with them at the studio in New York) at one of the resort’s specialty restaurants.

Her backless-gown, with embellished lace detailing on the bodice and flowing chiffon skirt, looks stunning against the Bohemian beach chic altar framed by the azure waves of the ocean crashing behind it.

Then to the sounds of the crashing waves behind them, they exchanged vows. Both had written their own – and the guests were visibly moved by the strong sentiments that each expressed. This was truly a union of a couple deeply in love. Alonzo told Bobbie that the greatest gift he wished he could give her was the ability to truly see herself through his eyes; describing her as his friend, his soulmate and the true rock of his family. Bobbie thanked Alonzo for letting her truly be herself, saying that since she’d met him, her soul was at peace. She also said that their love was bigger than any of the little differences they might encounter and that she would never stop fighting for it.

After the ceremony, they enjoyed a celebratory champagne toast with all their guests before heading on to their very own private beach reception where they were serenaded by a trio of musicians. Their guests were served both champagne and their signature cocktail of ‘Love on the Beach’.