From Proposal Preparations to The Ring: Everything You Need To Know About Shiva Safai and Niels Houweling’s Engagement
The happy couple told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia they “cannot wait” to start their life together as man and wife
Exciting times for Shiva Safai, as she announced her engagement last weekend to boyfriend Niels Houweling.
The television-personality-turned-entrepreneur was completely surprised and swept off her feet as Niels pulled out all the stops to stage a romantic proposal on a canal boat in Amsterdam this past weekend, where the couple were holidaying.
Shiva shared a sweet video of the entire proposal here, which left her in tears of happiness.
She recently expressed an emotional account of being separated from Niels due to COVID-related circumstances. She revealed how the separation made them realize they never wanted to be away from one another ever again.
“In life, I have always wanted a relationship where we both share the same goals, dreams, and values. With Niels I truly have found my other half,” said Shiva. “We may not have spent decades together, but with what we’ve been through the last year only proved that we can face anything in life because we are a team and nothing can stop us.”
“Shiva was my missing piece. Life is a process with loads of ups and downs but with her by my side I know I can overcome anything. All beautiful things take time, I am very happy I have been so patient,” Niels said.
How exactly did Niels manage to keep the proposal under wraps?
“Niels absolutely loves surprising me. This was the biggest one yet. I usually get a sense when he is up to something, but with me not having seen him for so long, I was just happy to be with him again,” Shiva said to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
“He had planned it all out – from little surprises throughout the day, to a couples’ massages, to an amazing lunch and unexpected mani-pedi, all leading up to the big moment. It started with a simple walk through Amsterdam to the most romantic setting on the cutest boat with a giant bouquet of roses.”
Niels disclosed he had had a bit of help from a good friend at The Conservatorium, the hotel where the couple were staying, who he had been secretly communicating with to set one surprise after the other to put the entire plan into motion.
The groom-to-be proposed to Shiva with a three-carat emerald cut ring from GASSAN Diamonds. Based in Amsterdam and founded in 1945, the company is renowned for its authentic craftmanship and exquisite precious.
Shiva revealed that early on in their relationship, she added an image of her “ultimate dream ring” to their joint mood board, unknowingly providing inspiration to her would-be fiancé. “It’s the ring of her dreams,” Niels said to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
Sources have confirmed the ring is worth just over $100,000 USD.
Naturally, the two love-birds are excited to start the next chapter in their lives as life partners. The couple first shared the news that they were dating back in December 2019, when Shiva posted a sweet photo of the two of them on Instagram.
“We both are so extremely moved by all the love we have received throughout the last few months,” the couple said. “We appreciate everyone’s sweet and heartwarming messages, and we cannot wait to start our lives together and continue to share it with all of you.”
Images courtesy of Mick de Jong.