BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Miami fashion photographer Rubem Robierb describes his engagement to Good Morning America’s Sam Champion: “I proposed to Sam. He said yes. It was really, really formal. I got the rings. It was kind of a surprise,” said Robierb, who moved from Brazil four years ago.
The couple met in Miami and will wed late December in New York and celebrate with a reception on New Year’s in Florida. Robierb, 34, and weather anchor Champion, 51, already are splitting their time between Miami and New York.
Ben Affleck said Monday on GMA he is “inspired” by their love story. Champion’s colleague, Robin Roberts, still recovering from her bone marrow transplant, tweeted she hoped she’d be well enough to attend the wedding.
As of 5 p.m. Monday, more than 30,000 GMA Facebook fans had "liked" the Robierb-Champion engagement announcement.
Robierb says he and Champion are excited to suddenly become inspirations for gay youths. “The times change and we think we can help other people. We’re happy to be a good example. You need to be who you are. If you are a good person, you’re a role model for the next generation. We want people to live their lives the way they want to live. No need to hide.”
Nice post, but Rubem is much more than a fashion photographer! His work has been exhibited widely in Europe and Brazil and is in important collections. He's extremely talented and Miami is lucky to have him in its artistic community!
Posted by: Rob Montague | October 08, 2012 at 05:52 PM
They can't keep their sexual preference to themselves. They need to announce it to the world on national tv. Sick.
Posted by: Newman | October 08, 2012 at 07:40 PM
May God Bless both Sam & Ruben with many happy years!
Posted by: Cliff Brickner | October 08, 2012 at 09:18 PM
Sam is 17 yrs. older than this dude.
Seems like everything is wrong, old and twisted.
Posted by: francis | October 08, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Nice incident of engagement......
Posted by: Party Rental Miami | October 12, 2012 at 07:19 AM
Nice one. That's pretty bold, doing it on live TV. Sounds romantic as well. But talking about fashion, it doesn't get any better than this does it? I've always admired his work in photography and always will.
Posted by: footed pyjamas | October 16, 2012 at 05:31 AM
I would like to extend my congradulations to both samand Rubem on the upcoming nuptuals. I wish people who don't agree with this union would keep their opinions to themselves, its really none of their business....
Posted by: Rosa Ochoa | November 08, 2012 at 08:54 AM
I am so shocked had no idea aabout Sam Champion. Will still watch him in am on news; however, in a new light. And would have prefered they stay closeted.
Posted by: Tina T | January 04, 2013 at 02:29 PM
They look adorable together.
Posted by: Lisa | January 29, 2013 at 10:57 AM