“We don’t argue – we’re more like politicians,” says Robbie. “We will debate if we disagree and we always settle everything.”
The pair are due to hold their civil partnership in September in front of 120 guests at Liverpool Town Hall.
After starting their relationship in 2008 they were engaged only four months later.
“We met over a bar,” says Stephen. “I ordered a gin and tonic from Robbie and he made it perfectly – that’s the first thing that attracted me to him!”
The pair flirted for months until August 2008 when they went for a drink. “It was a total accident,” Stephen reminisces. “I had missed my last train home from Liverpool City Centre, and though I may as well go for a nightcap seeing as I would be getting a taxi anyway.
“I walked into The Curzon, and sat at the end of the bar. I looked over and Robbie was sitting at the other end.
“We’d seen each other a lot in social circles, but never talked properly.”
The two soon began to chat, and ended up dancing the night away. “The rest is history,” adds Robbie. “We had a fantastic night and talked about soft things like 80’s cartoons – and we both laughed all night.”
It was December when Robbie proposed to Stephen in Debenhams in Liverpool 1 where he works.
“I said that morning that I was going to work but I went to pick up the engagement ring,” Robbie says. “I bought a dozen red roses and marched straight into the department store at 2.15pm.”
“It was such a shock because although I knew we may get engaged, I just though this was a normal morning.” Adds Stephen. “It was so funny, because I was told I was needed at a certain part of the shop and thought I was being called to giftwrap something for a customer.
“I didn’t see Robbie at first – I just saw a big bunch of roses – then when I noticed I just said ‘what are you doing?!’
“He didn’t get down on one knee – but he proposed and it was romantic and perfect.”
And what was Stephen’s immediate answer? “Yes yes a thousand times yes!
“It sounds really cheesy – but I am a hopeless romantic at heart, and Robbie knows that. It was perfect.”
The couple plan a chic wedding ceremony, with black calla lilies and white carnations.
They are having a best woman and man each, keeping to a colour scheme of black, gold and silver.
Robbie tells Seen: “The ceremony itself will be quite traditional, while we are contrasting that with a fun reception at The Lisbon, with an Elton John tribute act and DJ – and of course a pan of Scouse on the buffet.”
The two have infused their own taste and style
within the day, and promise a few surprises.
“We’re keeping what we have in store very close to our chests.”
Although they are enjoying the process, the pair are taking the commitment very seriously. “We have done a lot of research, and we talked about it for a long while before we decided that one day we should get a civil partnership.” They say.
“We would advise anybody to look at the decision carefully if they are thinking about it. It’s not just about tkaing a relationship further - it’s about sharing everything you both have in your life, and giving lifelong support
“We’ve heard of people who decided to do it then they are divorced just a few months later - these are the people that make a mockery of the right we have been given. It’s taken a long time for gay people to be granted this opportunity, so let’s make it a success.”
Stephen says: “It’s going to be spectacular. This is our day, but it’s also our wish to use it to give our friends and family a thank you. They have been so supportive – we just can’t put into words how greatful we are to everyone around us.”
Some specific people Robbie and Stephen would like to thank;
Eileen Lea of The Lisbon
Martin Cleary of Dusk Till Dawn
Their Elton John Tribue,Steve
and John from Gaynor Printers