Professional skater and Dancing on Ice favourite Vanessa Bauer has announced her engagement to football agent James Rowe following a breathtaking proposal on a frozen lake in Canada.
A Sunset Proposal on the Ice
The magical moment occurred on 2 December at Vermilion Lakes in Banff, amidst the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Bauer, 29, had flown out for a six-week filming and training stint, completely unaware her boyfriend of over a year was planning the ultimate surprise.
"It was such a dream," Bauer exclusively shared. "I've wanted to skate on the frozen lakes my whole life, so it was just the perfect place to get engaged." The couple were treated to a spectacular, vibrant orange sunset during the proposal, which Bauer described as a blessing from nature.
Despite driving through a snowstorm to reach the location, the skies cleared to offer what she called "the only sunset of the entire six-week trip." The moment held extra significance for Vanessa, who felt the spirit of her father, Marco, who passed away from cancer in 2021. "It made it even more precious," she said.
Months of Secret Planning
James Rowe, 34, a former professional footballer, confessed to months of meticulous planning to keep the proposal a secret. He knew he wanted to marry Vanessa after a trip to Lapland a year prior and began plotting on the flight home.
"I had to keep deleting things about the engagement from my phone," James revealed. "I had to keep my tracks clean for a long time." His nerves were apparent on the drive to the lake, where he admitted to "over-singing" in the car, potentially giving a slight hint away.
Vanessa's immediate reaction was to say yes and demand a hug. "I felt he was so far away when he was on his knees," she laughed. "I was like, 'Yes, of course I'm going to marry you. Now come up here and give me a hug!'"
Future Plans and Wedding Dreams
The ring James chose was an old mine diamond cushion cut set in a gold band, which Vanessa adored for its perfect fit and style. Following the proposal, the couple celebrated with a night at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, complete with a romantic night skate.
Now living together in Hertfordshire, the pair plan to marry within the next twelve months. Contrary to a potential ice-skating theme, Vanessa dreams of a tropical wedding. "I'd prefer us to marry in a tropical country," she shared, mentioning Bali as a potential location to honour her Indonesian family roots.
Vanessa hopes to see many of her Dancing on Ice colleagues at the wedding, including judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. While she hasn't decided who will walk her down the aisle following her father's passing, she is certain Marco would have approved of James.
The couple, who share a healthy lifestyle focused on fitness and nutrition, also hope to have children in the future. "We definitely do want children together," said Vanessa, "but it's just a matter of when will be a sensible time to do it."
For now, both are basking in the joy of their engagement. "It's going to mean so much to me to marry the love of my life," James said. "Vanessa is an incredible person and she makes me so proud. Every day I'm with her, she just makes me a better person."
