‘The Bachelor’ Alum and Pop Star Are Engaged After 6-Year Love Story

Love has officially won as former “The Bachelor” contestant Becca Tilley and singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko announce their engagement in a stunning oceanside proposal that’s melting hearts across social media.

The couple shared the news on Instagram on Thursday, July 10, with scenic photos captured by photographer Yik Keat during what appears to be a romantic tropical getaway. “My dream girl said yes to forever…” Kiyoko captioned the post, alongside images showing the moment she got down on one knee as the sun set over crystal-blue waters.

The proposal photos reveal Tilley’s genuine shock and overwhelming joy as she covers her face with both hands, clearly moved by the surprise moment. Additional shots show the newly engaged couple embracing in an ocean setting, with Tilley proudly displaying her stunning engagement ring designed in collaboration with Ring Concierge.

The sparkler features a natural, elongated cushion-cut diamond set in the brand’s signature two-tone, cathedral, whisper-thin setting, complete with a hidden halo. Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, explained the personal significance of creating the ring: “Designing Becca’s dream ring with Hayley was such a full circle moment. I’ve known Becca for years, so when Hayley came to us, it felt especially meaningful to help her design the perfect ring, one that truly captured their love story,” according to a press release per People.

From Private Romance to Public Love Story

The engagement is the latest milestone in a relationship that began six years ago but remained private for several years. Tilley and Kiyoko first met at the release party for Kiyoko’s debut album “Expectations” in April 2018. Their immediate connection was evident even from their very first meeting, as Kiyoko later revealed in an Instagram post reflecting on that night.

Kiyoko shared a photo from their first encounter, writing, “This photo is from the first night we met at my Expectations album release party, we took this picture after 5 minutes. Her shirt said ‘no time for romance’…..it’s been 4 years. I guess she had some time 🤷‍♀️.”

Initially, Tilley chose to keep the relationship private, having learned from her previous public romance. “My last relationship was pretty public and out there and I’ve kind of got to the point where I’m like, ‘Am I able to keep anything to myself?'” she told People in August 2018. “So in this process of dating and going through that again I’ve been trying to keep it more low-key…it’s been tricky, it’s a tough world out there the dating world.”

The couple finally revealed their relationship to the world in May 2022. During the release party for Kiyoko’s single “For The Girls,” the singer surprised fans by pulling Tilley on stage, where they shared a hug and kiss. The revelation was particularly meaningful as it coincided with Kiyoko’s music video for the same song, which featured Bachelor-inspired themes.

Building a Foundation for Forever

Kiyoko opened up about what she treasures most about their bond, telling People: “I love that we continue to grow with one another and she is such a supportive partner, and we get to laugh through life together.”

She elaborated on their dynamic, explaining, “We have so much fun together. We could be doing anything and having the best time, even if things aren’t going great or we’re going through highs or lows and the whirls, we’re able to just be there with one another.”

The musician showed her gratitude for their relationship through her words: “I’m so grateful for her love and she’s my soulmate. It’s been really great to get to share our love with everyone. She’s the best.”

The engagement announcement has drawn enthusiastic congratulations from celebrity friends and Bachelor Nation alumni. Taylor Lautner expressed his excitement, commenting, “Ahhhhhhh congrats!!!!! ❤️” while Ashley Iaconetti wrote “AAAAAWWHHHHHHHHHHYH congratulations! I knew this was the next wedding! Love you both.”

This engagement comes just months after the couple discussed their future together in a March interview with US Weekly, where they revealed they had talked about marriage but preferred to take things “at our own pace.” For Tilley, who first gained fame as runner-up on Chris Soules’ season of “The Bachelor” in 2015, this engagement represents finding lasting love after her reality TV journey.