Born on Christmas Day in 1975, Rob Mariano is known to millions as "Boston Rob," a breakout star on Survivor: Marquesas, Survivor: All-Stars and the seventh season of The Amazing Race.

During All-Stars, he developed a romantic relationship with fellow contestant Amber Brkich. In the season finale several months later, the couple revealed they were still dating long after the show had ended, and Mariano proposedto her on live TV. Brkich accepted and moments later she was revealed as the million-dollar All-Stars winner.

Subsequently, as a couple, Mariano and Brkich participated in the seventh season of The Amazing Race. On April 16, 2005, Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich were married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas. CBS aired a two-hour special about the wedding on May 24, 2005.