After leaving the Rockies with a rock of her own, Vanessa Bauer traveled to Canada to film her magical engagement to James Rowe.
When professional skater and Dancing On Ice darling Vanessa Bauer jetted off to Canada for a six-week stint of filming and training, she was prepared for the icy weather but not for the enchanting moment that would see her return to the UK with a sparkling diamond ring adorning her finger.
That’s precisely what unfolded when Vanessa’s football agent beau James Rowe proposed amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies on 2 December. The overjoyed couple shared their delightful news exclusively with OK! just before the festive season, revealing how James romantically got down on one knee at Vermilion Lakes in Banff.
Vanessa, 29, gushes, “It was such a dream.” It was the ideal location to get engaged because I’ve always wanted to skate on the frozen lakes.
The proposal was particularly heartwarming because the two experienced an unforgettable, vibrant orange sunset on ice. Vanessa explains that the snowstorm that we encountered while driving there made it crazy.
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The skies simply opened up to provide the only sunset of the entire six-week trip, according to the spokesperson.
Having lost her dear father Marco in 2021 after a seven-year fight with cancer, Vanessa felt his spirit during that special moment. “It was like a blessing from nature, and there must have been something behind it. It made it even more precious.”
She said, “I felt he was so far away when he was on his knees,” despite the fact that she had already accepted James’ proposal. I said, “Yes, of course I’m going to marry you, but I just wanted to hug him.” Now, give me a hug by coming up here! ‘”.
Former professional football player James, 34, admitted that he felt the same way about the situation. He revealed that “I had tears in my eyes.”
“I wouldn’t claim that I was relieved when she said yes because I didn’t believe she would have chosen a different response.” But I was genuinely content. I was a little nervous in the beginning, and I probably oversing in the car on the way there, which might have helped.
In fact, James worked tirelessly to keep the proposal a secret for months. He revealed that he knew when we visited Lapland that he wanted to marry Vanessa.
On the return flight, I began planning it. After that, I had to delete engagement-related information from my phone frequently. I had to keep my tracks tidy for a long time.
An old mine diamond cushion set in a gold band was the ring he chose for his future wife. Vanessa gushed, “I don’t know how he knew that was what I would want,” but she was so impressed. It fits perfectly and I’m extremely happy with it.
Another surprise occurred as the couple celebrated their engagement at Lake Louise’s opulent Fairmont Chateau. Vanessa reveals that she “had no idea.”
“But to have just one night at the most beautiful lake in the world was another dream. We also did a night skate there, which was just incredible.”
James finally had the opportunity to demonstrate his new abilities after learning to skate so he could accompany her on the ice. He acknowledges that “she has been the best teacher, and I love it as well.”
The pair called their closest and dearest to break the exciting news once the engagement had truly begun. Everyone elicited James’s happiness, James claims. No one was so taken aback when they all realized how passionate I was for Vanessa.
When James reached out via social media in September 2024, the two initially connected. She chuckles, “He DMed me on Instagram – the classic.”
The pair became utterly committed to one another after making an instant connection on their first date in London. We never ever leave one another’s side, Vanessa asserts. “We never had to be sure whether we would see each other again,” he said. I adored James’ emotional stability and intelligence, as well as his constant humor.
The couple intends to exchange vows in about a year while living together in Hertfordshire. Our engagement is not going to last very long, Vanessa asserts. However, it’s about trying to strike a balance between the planning and the possibilities at this point in our careers.
In the chilly weather, Vanessa has other ideas, besides the traditional skate-themed wedding ceremony. She agrees, “I’d prefer to marry in a tropical nation.”
“I want to wear a dress where my skin is visible and the temperature won’t be freezing.” Although half of my family is from Indonesia, Bali would be amazing, I’m not sure if that would work because we want to see as many friends and loved ones as possible there. However, I believe it would be lovely to honor those roots and marry in a loving nation.
Vanessa has already begun looking for wedding inspiration on social media, saying, “I know I want a classical, elegant dress, and less is definitely more for me.”
As for the guest list, Vanessa hopes to see many of her Dancing On Ice mates there, including judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. “I’m still in touch with lots of them, and every single day someone’s writing in the group chat.”
The tragic passing of her father four years ago will undoubtedly leave a significant gap in the wedding proceedings, and Vanessa admits she hasn’t yet thought about who might escort her down the aisle.
“Maybe I’ll do it myself.” Or perhaps it’s my younger brother, she predicts. She is certain that Marco would have been thrilled to see her settle down, though.
She recalls that “he would have been so happy and gotten along with James so well.” He would have loved going on those adventures with me on the lakes before my dad passed away, and he would have loved it.
She continues, “Since losing him, I’ve been determined to keep living life to its fullest, to get out there and explore the outdoors and do crazy things,” adding that his memory is still inspiring her every day. since it is obvious that he is no longer able to do that.
Vanessa and James are both working toward a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol, making it a rare experience for them to have a perfect evening together.
We’d work out, return home, cook, and film, James says, “It probably sounds crazy, but we’d hit the gym.” And there would be 90% vegetables on our plates.
Although Vanessa states, “We’re not putting any pressure on ourselves for that,” they’re hoping to welcome young people in the near future. It’s a matter of time, though, but we do want children to be together.
Both are thrilled that this might be the year their union will tie the knot before that crucial date. James says, “It will mean a lot to me to marry the love of my life.” Vanessa is a remarkable person, and she inspires me to be very proud. She only makes me better when I’m with her every day.
Source: Mirror
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