Gina Kirschenheiter is sharing more details from her recent engagement.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 41, got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Travis Mullen, 40, during a family ski vacation in Big Bear, California, on New Year’s Eve. Under the impression that they were scoping out the perfect spot for family photos, Kirschenheiter “was in complete shock” when Mullen suddenly popped the question on the back porch.
Now, Kirschenheiter is sharing a video of the special moment, which was filmed by Mullen’s daughter Presley, 14, who was secretly recording while hiding in the woods. Mullen also has children Bennett, 12, and Joey, 9, from a previous relationship, while Kirschenheiter shares children Nick, 13, Sienna, 11, and Luca, 10, with ex-husband Matt.
“After 8 years on television, what I loved most about this moment was that there were no cameras around except for my stepdaughter hiding in the woods 😂,” Kirschenheiter wrote alongside the proposal video on Instagram on Saturday, Jan. 10.
She added, “I will cherish this unexpected, simple, beautiful moment forever. Thank you Travis, I love you. ❤️.”
In the clip, the Bravo star covers her face with her hands in surprise when Mullen unexpectedly drops down on one knee and pops the question. She detailed her whirlwind of emotions in onscreen text throughout the video, writing, “Wait for one of the best moments of my life. Omg is he going to propose to me??! Noooo he’s not going to propose to me. Holy s–t he’s proposing to me!!! Total shock!!!! YES! Of course! ❤️”
After Kirschenheiter said “Yes!” she bent down to kiss Mullen, noting in onscreen text, “Best kiss of my life.”
She continued, “Trying not to pass out. Still processing… Look at this stunner! 😂💎.”
Mullen proposed with a sparkling 6-carat, oval-cut diamond ring he designed in partnership with Wove. Bernie Dufrene, CEO of WoveMade.com, told News Of Losangeles that the engagement ring was “about far more than carat weight or aesthetics – it was about meaning.” He explained that the center stone represents the couple as one while the three smaller round diamonds on each side symbolize the couple’s blended six children.
“Do the children know this is happening?!?” Kirschenheiter continued in the text over her proposal video. “Yes, they are inside waiting to celebrate and Presley is out in the woods capturing this moment!! 🤯🤯🤯❤️❤️❤️ … Best moment ever ❤️.”
After getting engaged, the couple of six and a half years told News Of Losangeles they “celebrated all night” with their children. Kirschenheiter added that the proposal made their New Year’s Eve ball drop viewing feel “much more special, intentional and united.” The next morning, Kirschenheiter and Mullen had an impromptu photo shoot to commemorate their engagement.
Kirschenheiter has been a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County since season 14, which premiered in 2019. The proposal comes after years of viewers watching her navigate relationships and motherhood on the reality series. The couple’s engagement marks a new chapter for their blended family, which includes all six children who were present for the special moment.
The intimate nature of the proposal, with only Mullen’s daughter Presley secretly filming from the woods, stood in contrast to Kirschenheiter’s typically televised life. The couple chose to keep this moment private, away from Bravo cameras that have documented much of Kirschenheiter’s life over the past eight years.
The engagement ring’s design holds special significance for the couple, with the center stone representing their unity as a couple and the six smaller diamonds representing their six children together. This thoughtful design choice reflects the importance of their blended family in their relationship.
Following the proposal, the couple celebrated with their children throughout the night, making the New Year’s Eve celebration even more meaningful. The next day’s impromptu photo shoot allowed them to capture memories of their engagement in a more formal setting, though the candid moments captured by Presley in the woods remain some of the most treasured footage from the day.
