Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s engagement story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected moments hold the most genuine feelings. Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, known for his thrilling stunts on the slopes, revealed the intricate plan he orchestrated to pop the question to his now-fiancée, actress Nina Dobrev.
White’s initial attempts to propose were met with unforeseen obstacles. His first plan, during their summer vacation, was scrapped after Dobrev suffered a knee injury in a dirt-biking accident. He then considered proposing during their trip to Cape Town for The Earthshot Prize Ceremony in early November. However, he sensed that Dobrev had a hunch about his intentions, with friends constantly inquiring about the possibility of a proposal.
Understanding Dobrev’s meticulous nature and her aversion to surprises, White knew he had to find a way to completely surprise her. He decided to propose during an otherwise ordinary week in late October, meticulously planning every detail: the date, location (the romantic Golden Swan restaurant in New York City), flowers, and even a photographer to capture the momentous occasion. To keep the ring – a stunning five-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond – out of sight, White embarked on a hilarious hiding spree. He first placed it in their safe, then transferred it to his sock drawer, and finally, in a move that speaks to his playful spirit, tucked it away in the back of their tool shed.
Just days before the planned proposal, Dobrev fell ill. She wanted to rest before their trip to Africa and declined any outings, much to White’s dismay. Determined to go through with his proposal, he devised a bold plan. He enlisted his publicist to send Dobrev a fake invitation for an intimate CFDA/Vogue dinner with Anna Wintour at the Golden Swan. Dobrev, completely unaware of the ruse, accepted the invitation, believing it to be a legitimate Vogue event.
On the night of the proposal, after a styling session with Kate Young (which, unbeknownst to Dobrev, had been orchestrated by White), Dobrev arrived at the Golden Swan in head-to-toe Chanel. The quiet atmosphere heightened her anxiety, as Vogue events are known for their punctuality, and she was running slightly late. As she entered the private dining room, she was met with an extraordinary sight: White, adorned in Ralph Lauren, standing beneath an arch of white roses, with only a photographer present. Overwhelmed by the surprise, Dobrev initially expressed her disbelief, exclaiming, “No!” and then, “No, no, no!”
After a moment of shock, Dobrev joined White amidst the roses, her nervous energy manifesting as playful jokes. White shared heartfelt words, and Dobrev, in a moment of blissful disbelief, said yes. The couple celebrated with champagne, caviar, and close friends, extending the celebration until late into the night. The news remained a secret within their inner circle, with Dobrev removing her engagement ring whenever they left the house. However, she couldn’t resist the allure of her sparkling new accessory, confessing, “I don’t want to take it off anymore!”
With this heartwarming tale of a romantic proposal, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White embark on a new chapter in their lives, one filled with love, laughter, and a ring that symbolizes a love story as unique and captivating as they are.
