Crystal Hefner, the 39-year-old model, announced her engagement to James Ward, which took place at her Hawaii home after a year of dating. James orchestrated an elaborate and surprising proposal, transforming a location of sentimental value into a permanent romantic setting by constructing a deck overlooking a cliffside. The proposal involved a hidden staircase, flowers, handwritten notes, and a meticulously planned surprise that left Crystal overwhelmed. Despite being on a vacation in Africa, James managed to coordinate the proposal seamlessly, fulfilling Crystal's expressed wish of being genuinely surprised. Previously married to Hugh Hefner, Crystal shared her experiences and personal story in her memoir released last year.

Crystal Hefner became engaged to James Ward in a romantic setting at her Hawaii home, marking a milestone after a year of dating.

The proposal was intricately planned by James, who created a hidden staircase and a handcrafted deck on a cliffside, symbolizing the couple's cherished picnic spot from a year prior.

James further personalized the moment with flowers and heartfelt handwritten notes that lined the path, leading Crystal to a poignant final card on the deck.

Crystal was taken by surprise, as she initially thought the series of events were for an early birthday celebration, only to realize the grand gesture of the proposal.

The proposal was secretly orchestrated while the couple was on vacation in Africa, showcasing James's dedication to creating a memorable experience for Crystal.

Crystal, who was previously married to Hugh Hefner until his death in 2017, has shared her personal narrative in a memoir released last year.

The couple's engagement is a testament to their deep connection and James's commitment to making Crystal's experience unique and unforgettable.

Crystal Hefner is engaged!

The 39-year-old model got engaged to James Ward in her Hawaii home last week, after the two had been dating for a year.

Crystal gave details about James‘ elaborate proposal in a recent interview.

“It truly feels like a full-circle moment. James completely surprised me. He had a hidden staircase and a winding trail cleared to reveal a handcrafted deck perched above a dramatic cliffside overlooking the ocean. It was the exact spot where we’d had a quiet picnic together a year ago — a place that became ‘ours,’” she told Us Weekly.

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“I had no idea he was secretly turning it into something permanent and symbolic. I thought we were just going for a walk, but when I saw the flowers, the handwritten notes, and the sea stretching endlessly in front of us, I knew something extraordinary was about to happen,” she added.

She continued, “As we started down the path, I was puzzled to see a brand-new staircase, and then I began to notice the notes — one after another, each one handwritten and deeply heartfelt. I was already tearing up when I reached the final card, which was waiting for me on the deck, overlooking the waves. At first, I thought it was an early birthday surprise. But the words in the notes gently hinted at something more. And when I realized he had built an entire deck just to create a space for this moment, I was overwhelmed. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”

Crystal also said that the way James popped the question came completely unexpected.

“The whole time we were [on a vacation] in Africa, I thought we were having a peaceful, unplugged adventure — but behind the scenes, he was coordinating this incredibly elaborate and meaningful proposal back home. I’m still amazed he pulled it off so seamlessly. I had told him I had never really been surprised before, so I think he felt like the challenge was accepted,” she said.

If you didn’t know, Crystal was married to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017. She told her story in her memoir, which was released last year.