Dragons' Den investor and Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett has publicly shared intimate details and photos from the moment he proposed to his long-term partner, wellness expert Melanie Lopes. The 33-year-old entrepreneur, who first connected with Lopes on Instagram in 2016, popped the question in a surprise Christmas Day setup in Morocco last year.
The Surprise Christmas Proposal
In a gushing social media post to his 4.7 million followers, Bartlett recounted the meticulously planned proposal. He revealed he had told Lopes he was in Europe, while secretly travelling to Morocco where she was holidaying with her family. After seeking permission from her parents, Bartlett constructed an outdoor hut as a last-minute contingency against a forecast thunderstorm.
"I stepped out and surprised her when she thought she was meeting her fam for dinner," Bartlett wrote, admitting to intense nerves. "I could feel my heart racing in my chest... Thankfully she said yes." The uploaded images show the pivotal moment: Bartlett on one knee, ring in hand, with Lopes standing before him, hands clasped to her face in shock.
A Decade-Long Journey to 'Yes'
The couple's relationship has endured a significant journey. They initially dated after meeting on Instagram in 2016 but later split, only to rekindle their romance in 2022. Bartlett reflected on his changed perspective, stating, "10 years ago, I didn’t really understand the concept of marriage... I was definitely an 'avoidant' - but when you meet the right person, a lot of things start to make a lot of sense."
Further photos shared by the podcast host show the joyful aftermath: the couple kneeling together affectionately, Melanie beaming while celebrating with family members, and a close-up of the substantial engagement ring on her finger. The group later enjoyed a celebratory meal together.
Planning the Perfect Ring and a Future Together
Bartlett had previously hinted at his proposal plans, disclosing how he secretly noted Lopes's ring preferences for three to four years. "I was looking at her Pinterest, and saving the ones she said she really liked," he explained. The final ring was crafted by a trusted New York jeweller recommended by friends.
Despite his immense business success and an estimated net worth of £320 million, Bartlett has spoken candidly about his fear of growing old alone. He credits Lopes with helping him "anchor" and expressed excitement about building a family. "I'm very excited about depending on other people and having other people depend on me," he stated.
The engagement announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations online. Followers flooded the comments with messages like, "This is so beautiful" and "Massive congratulations," with the post quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of likes. The couple are now planning their future as husband and wife.
