OCCASIONS

THE COUPLE: Jill E. Sieber, daughter of Neva Thomas and Steven Sieber, and Robert A. Martini, son of Amy Martini and Marco Martini

BACKGROUND: Jill graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a degree in interior design and a minor in photography. She works part-time at Cha Cha Coconuts, on St. Armands Circle, but has plans to start her own business this year. Robert tried college, but ultimately decided it wasn’t for him. He became a lifeguard at age 18 and has since worked for three different beach patrols in Florida — Manatee County Marine Rescue, Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue and Sarasota County Beach Patrol. 

INTERESTS: Jill loves exercising, traveling, crafting, restoring old furniture and surfing. Robert loves anything to do with the water. He competes in lifeguard competitions, triathlons, surfing and prone paddleboard competitions.

THE PROPOSAL: Robert met Jill about three years ago, at Cha Cha Coconuts. When he saw Jill for the first time, he thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. The following day, he put on a monkey suit, and with flowers and chocolates in his arms, skateboarded from Bird Key to Cha Cha Coconuts. In front of about 300 people, he banged on his chest and made monkey noises. Jill’s face turned red, but she agreed to a first date. Following a trip to Key West, Robert got down on one knee and asked Jill to marry him. Robert says: “She asked, ‘Whose ring is this?’ And I said, ‘It’s yours if you want it!’ We both laughed, and she said yes!”

THE WEDDING: The wedding will be held May 12, in the butterfly garden at the Sarasota Garden Club. The couple will honeymoon in Nicaragua.