I Do, I Do: Jessica Seabrook and Robert Hawk

"Our horse Bopolene was an 18 to 1 shot, " said Robert Hawk who along with fiancée Jessica Seabrook—and thousands of fans— had been watching the track intently. It was late afternoon, June 5, 2010 at Colonial Downs, a day when horse #4 would change Robert and Jessica’s lives.

"We had been engaged for about a year before the Race to the Altar contest," said Jessica, a petite dark-haired beauty. "One Sunday I was reading Celebrations, my favorite section, and I said to Robert, ‘This contest is interesting—let me give it a shot.’ "

"We’ll never win that!" Robert recalled saying.

The son of Robert Hawk and Patricia Adams, Robert grew up in New Jersey and Florida. About three years ago, he was in Richmond on a special project for Trans Pak when he sat down at his computer and typed in a popular dating site.

Richmond-area resident Jessica Seabrook, daughter of Deborah Flaherty and Mitchell Scott, was also at the keyboard. "Robert and I chatted for a couple of months," recalled Jessica, a graduate of Hermitage High School and an employee of the Bank of America.

Leaving the cyber-world behind, a dinner date at Red Lobster, followed by a visit to King’s Dominion, sparked their real-life romance.

"Robert is a huge horse race fan," wrote Jessica in her essay for the Race to the Altar contest.

"I had a horse growing up named ‘Farah’," he explained.

"For our one-year dating anniversary, we went to Colonial Downs off Broad Street," continued Jessica. "I’m not that big on the race scene, but I absolutely adore horses."

Her essay carried the couple into the pool of ten semi-finalists gathered trackside at Colonial Downs. The contest’s enthusiastic sponsors, Richmond top-tier wedding professionals, cheered along with the crowd.

"It was the 10th race," said Robert, "and by that time there were four couples who had not been eliminated."

Bopolene came around the turn and streaked on home at warp speed. A roar went up and Jessica started to cry. They had won all-expenses paid wedding in the Turf Club on July 10.

Wedding planning took off immediately. Pearl Thomas, Ruby Thomas, and Dominique Hubbard of Pearls and Rubies LLC gathered around the winning couple—with only five weeks to plan there was no time to waste.

"It was intense," laughed Pearl. "But fortunately, the sponsors were all so professional and supportive, it was a pleasure."

On Saturday morning, July 10, the day of the wedding in the Winner’s Circle, the skies let loose with a torrential onslaught of rain.

"By 12:30 the rain eased up and we decided to go ahead with the outdoor ceremony," said Robyn Dail, Director of Group Sales at Colonial Downs.

Nearly 100 guests were gathered to celebrate. As the couple said their vows, four little special faces were present who made it all the sweeter: Robert and Jessica’s sons— Devon, 6; Vincent, 4; Noah, 3; and Gage, 7 months old.

Congratulations!

Jessica and Robert’s Shout-Out Section
“We will never forget the generosity of Colonial Downs and all the wonderful sponsors who made our day special. Thank You!”

Bella Bridesmaid of California, Gorgeous bridesmaid dress. Bellabridesmaid.com
Confections Couture, An amazing wedding cake! Kendra Thomas at (804) 282-4104
Envy Salon, Fabulous beauty stylists. Envysalonrva.com and shopstonypoint.com
Flowers by Mona Ray, Beautiful way beyond expectations! Flowersbymonaray.com
James Limousine, Pure bliss! A Perfect Ride! Jameslimousine.com
Julep’s New Southern Cuisine, Memorable engagement party. Juleps.net
ME Photos, Inc., Extraordinary! The Best! MEPhotos.net
Paper on the Avenue, Beautiful, personalized invitations. Paperontheavenue.com
Rigby’s Jig Dance Studio, The place for brides and grooms! Rigbysjig.com
Rubies and Pearls LLC…Occasions to Remember, The Best! RubiesandPearlsLLC.com
Stevens Jewelers, Magnificent wedding bands. Stevens-jewelers.com
Unique Bride, Exquisite gowns! Auniquebride.com
Heavenly Haven Tuxedos, Fantastic formalwear for the groomsmen. Heavenlyhaven productions.com
Colonial Downs Race Track, A HUGE Shout-Out to Darrell Wood, Director of Marketing and Robyn Dail, Director of Group Sales. Amazing reception!! Colonialdowns.com
Celebrations, You made it happen for us! Thank You!