NEED TO KNOW
Gina Kirschenheiter is sharing more details from her recent engagement.
PEOPLE exclusively revealed that The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 41, got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Travis Mullen, 40, during a family ski vacation in Big Bear, California, on New Year’s Eve. Under the impression that they were scoping out the perfect spot for family photos, Kirschenheiter “was in complete shock” when Mullen suddenly popped the question on the back porch.
Now, Kirschenheiter is sharing a video of the special moment, which was filmed by Mullen’s daughter Presley, 14, who was secretly recording while hiding in the woods. Mullen also has children Bennett, 12, and Joey, 9, from a previous relationship, while Kirschenheiter shares children Nick, 13, Sienna, 11, and Luca, 10, with ex-husband Matt.
“After 8 years on television, what I loved most about this moment was that there were no cameras around except for my stepdaughter hiding in the woods 😂,” Kirschenheiter wrote alongside the proposal video on Instagram on Saturday, Jan. 10.
She added, “I will cherish this unexpected, simple, beautiful moment forever. Thank you Travis, I love you. ❤️.”
Thea Limon Photography
In the clip, the Bravo star covers her face with her hands in surprise when Mullen unexpectedly drops down on one knee and pops the question. She detailed her whirlwind of emotions in onscreen text throughout the video, writing, “Wait for one of the best moments of my life. Omg is he going to propose to me??! Noooo he’s not going to propose to me. Holy s–t he’s proposing to me!!! Total shock!!!! YES! Of course! ❤️”
After Kirschenheiter said “Yes!” she bent down to kiss Mullen, noting in onscreen text, “Best kiss of my life.”
She continued, “Trying not to pass out. Still processing… Look at this stunner! 😂💎.”
Mullen proposed with a sparkling 6-carat, oval-cut diamond ring he designed in partnership with Wove. Bernie Dufrene, CEO of WoveMade.com, told PEOPLE that the engagement ring was “about far more than carat weight or aesthetics — it was about meaning.” He explained that the center stone represents the couple as one while the three smaller round diamonds on each side symbolize the couple’s blended six children.
“Do the children know this is happening?!?” Kirschenheiter continued in the text over her proposal video. “Yes, they are inside waiting to celebrate and Presley is out in the woods capturing this moment!! 🤯🤯🤯❤️❤️❤️ … Best moment ever ❤️.”
Thea Limon Photography
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After getting engaged, the couple of six and a half years told PEOPLE they “celebrated all night” with their children. Kirschenheiter added that the proposal made their New Year’s Eve ball drop viewing feel “much more special, intentional and united.” The next morning, Kirschenheiter and Mullen had an impromptu photo shoot to commemorate their engagement.
