Paul Wesley Pops the Question Amid Tuscan Romance
A hush of moonlit vows surrounds this unexpected promise of love, a modest spark in the endless tapestry of celebrity romance.
By Maya Rivers
Paul Wesley is celebrating a new chapter after his recent romantic getaway in Italy culminated in an intimate engagement to girlfriend Natalie Kuckenburg. The Vampire Diaries alum, 42, and his partner of nearly three years exchanged “yes” vows under the Tuscan sky, capturing hearts with a single black-and-white shot of the couple’s hands clasped together and the stunning oval-shaped ring taking center stage.
On July 19, Natalie posted the key image to Instagram alongside a simple but telling caption: “Always and forever.” Fans quickly noted the dazzling engagement band hugging her left ring finger. Almost simultaneously, Paul shared his own celebration via Instagram Stories, featuring his new fiancée holding up her hand to flaunt that shimmering gem, punctuated with nothing more than a red heart emoji.
This milestone comes on the heels of several scenic snapshots from the duo’s European travels. Just days before the proposal, Wesley, known for his role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, treated followers to sunlit scenes from Tuscany. In one photo, Natalie lounged gracefully on a deck chair, to which she simply responded, “The best time!!”
Their love story first ignited during a PDA-packed trip to Nerano, Italy, nearly three years ago. Paul—previously married to Torrey DeVitto (2011 to 2013) and Ines De Ramon (2019 to 2022)—has kept his romance with model Natalie warm and low-key, with only occasional public glimpses into their affectionate bond.
Earlier this year, Natalie offered a heartfelt Valentine’s Day tribute that read like a private poem: “My best friend, my soulmate, my everything. Every day is Valentine’s Day with you. Love you. Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world.” Those words hinted at the deep connection that would ultimately lead to this summer’s engagement.
Paul has also credited laughter as the secret ingredient to their lasting bond. In an interview with People Magazine last March, he joked that the two funniest entities in his life are his dog and his girlfriend. He added that their shared sense of humor “is probably one of the most important things in a relationship.”
This announcement joins a swell of high-profile engagements in 2023. Love Island UK’s Uma Jammeh and Wil Anderson surprised fans with news of their own commitment, while Disney star Coco Jones accepted a poolside proposal from NBA player Donovan Mitchell. Other celebrity couples, from Nicola Peltz Beckham and Kenya Kinski-Jones to Hayley Kiyoko and Becca Tilley, have likewise been writing their own chapters of romance this summer.
Amid rolling Tuscan hills and shared laughter, Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg have sealed their promise with a ring that reflects more than light—it heralds the start of a lifelong duet.
And thus, the ring reflects not just light but a story just beginning to unfold.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, People Magazine, Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
