Shaun White made a few different plans to propose to Nina Dobrevbut they kept being thwarted.
The first, during their summer vacation, was scrapped after Nina injured her knee in a dirt-biking accident.
Then, he thought about early November, when they were in Cape Town for The Earthshot Prize Ceremony.
Photo: Andrew Arthur
He had to surprise her.
So White decided to propose on an otherwise mundane week in late October.
Nina exclaims when Shaun tells me his hiding spot.
Photo: Andrew Arthur
He shrugs: I was like,Shes not coming out here.)
A few days before he was set to pop the question, Nina told him she wasnt feeling well.
She wanted to rest up before Africa, and didnt want to go outat alluntil they left.
Photo: Andrew Arthur
But this time, he refused to reschedule.
Instead, he decided to do something drastic.
He made the invite look so legitimate, Nina says, laughing.
Photo: Andrew Arthur
I was in a panic that Annas waiting for me, she says.
I went into shock.
I just froze and stared at him, she says.
Then, she went, No.
And then: No, no, no!
(I knew she was nervous because when shes nervous shell make jokes.
Shes like, So, wait, Annas not here?
Shaun says, laughing.)
Nina doesnt remember exactly what happened next, professing she blacked out.
But she does remember this: He said all the right things.
After she said yes, friends came and joined them for caviar and champagne.
They celebrated until one in the morning.
Eventually we realizedother than the caviarwe hadn’t eaten anything.
So we ordered Shake Shack and dumplings to the Golden Swan, she says.
But, as she tells me, I dont want to take it off anymore!
it’s possible for you to feel her smile over the phone.
So heresVoguebreaking the news.
Nina, go forth and flash that diamond everywhere.
