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AnnaLynne McCord just said “yes” to forever. The 90210 alum, 38, is engaged to Danny Cipriani, a 38-year-old former rugby player. The surprise proposal happened on Christmas Day at her Los Angeles home, complete with rose petals and a stunning 15-carat diamond ring that will have you swooning.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Proposal Date: Christmas Day at McCord’s Los Angeles residence
- Ring Details: 15-carat emerald-cut diamond with seven round accent diamonds in yellow gold
- Relationship Timeline: Met 10 years ago on Raya, reconnected in February 2024
- Cipriani’s Background: Retired from professional rugby in January 2024
A Rose Petal Surprise She Didn’t See Coming
When McCord came downstairs from getting ready, she found an elaborate romantic setup waiting for her. Rose petals covered the floor, and Cipriani was down on one knee with the stunning ring. “I cried for 10 minutes straight,” she recalls to PEOPLE. “At some point, I realized I had to answer. I said, ‘Yes, but I can’t even speak,’ and he replied, ‘That’s okay, it’s actually a good sign that you are quiet for once.’ Then, we’re all laughing.” Her sister Angel organized for McCord’s closest friends to witness the moment via Zoom as well.
What made the proposal even more special was that McCord and Cipriani had actually discussed marriage separately. Over Thanksgiving in Arizona, they each bought each other promise rings without knowing the other had done the same. McCord even considered proposing herself but decided against it after discussing the idea with her sisters and seeing Cipriani’s reaction when she mentioned it.
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A Decade-Long Journey to Forever
The couple’s romance has quite the backstory. They first met 10 years ago on the dating app Raya and dated on and off for about four years while maintaining an open relationship due to various life circumstances. Cipriani was playing rugby overseas while McCord was filming in Los Angeles. They separated in 2020 but found their way back to each other in February 2024. “We met 10 years ago but were on and off for a good four years,” McCord explains. “We separated in 2020 and then found each other again in February of 2024.”
When they reconnected, it was supposed to be just a friendship. “We reconnected and decided to be just friends,” she said, laughing. “All of my friends were like, ‘Yeah right, you guys.’ But their friendship period lasted only about 48 hours before romance took over.
The Ring That Sparkles as Much as Their Future
| Ring Detail | Specification |
| Carat Weight | 15 carats |
| Diamond Cut | Emerald-cut |
| Accent Diamonds | Seven round diamonds on each side |
| Metal | Yellow gold |
The 15-carat diamond is absolutely breathtaking, but what makes it even more meaningful is that the couple looked at engagement rings together in London last year. Cipriani remembered exactly what she loved and surprised her with this emerald-cut masterpiece that perfectly reflects her style. The seven round accent diamonds on each side of the band add an extra touch of elegance and sparkle.
“When I look at Danny, he’s home to me. I think he is a home that I never knew I needed and that I didn’t feel I deserved. I get to love him, and it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do.”
— AnnaLynne McCord, speaking to PEOPLE
A Soulmate Connection That Defied All Odds
McCord has always been convinced about their connection. “I called this 10 years ago,” she tells PEOPLE with confidence. “I knew we were soulmates, I knew we were meant to be together. I was so sure, and I was not wrong.” She describes herself as having both a romantic Cancer side and an ambitious Type A personality that refuses to settle. Cipriani loves both sides of her. “She’s my crazy girl,” he tells PEOPLE with a smile.
After the proposal, the celebration continued during their romantic getaway to Cambodia and India, which they describe as their favorite places in the world. During the trip, McCord also visited centers for survivors of human trafficking with her organization The Love Storm, balancing celebration with her passionate humanitarian work.
What’s Next for This Hollywood Power Couple?
While McCord has mentioned that she’ll walk down the aisle to the song “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle, no wedding date has been announced yet. The couple is clearly savoring this engagement moment and planning their next chapter together. With a love story that spans a full decade, survived separation, and rekindled in the most magical way possible, these two have earned their happily ever after. Fans of McCord from her 90210 and Nip/Tuck days are thrilled to see her radiant and in love. What could be more romantic than a former rugby star proving that true love does come back around?
Sources
- PEOPLE – Exclusive engagement announcement with full quotes from AnnaLynne McCord and Danny Cipriani
- Yahoo News Australia – Coverage of the engagement and ring details
- The Sun – Report on the proposal and timeline of the couple’s relationship
