Stephen Colletti Told Fiancée Alex Weaver They'd Take a ‘Christmas Card Photo’ on Day He Proposed (Exclusive)

"Stephen suggested we take our ‘Christmas card photo’ as his sneaky way of getting me to dress nice," the couple exclusively told PEOPLE following their Nov. 15 engagement in Rome

Stephen Colletti and Alex Weaver’s engagement was picture-perfect.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE following their Italian engagement earlier this month, the couple revealed how Weaver was thrown off the scent of the proposal, which took place exactly two years from their very first date.

“We, of course, had discussed future plans many times but Stephen wanting to still keep the element of surprise previously hinted at an engagement more likely in 2024,” Weaver told PEOPLE, noting that the One Tree Hill alum, 37, was “extremely calm” on the morning of the proposal.

“He gave no tells that that day was the big day,” the NASCAR host continued. “In secret conversations with my mom, he was told to make sure I was dressed appropriately with my hair done and makeup on so Stephen suggested we take our ‘Christmas card photo’ as his sneaky way of getting me to dress nice.”

And the secretive planning paid off, as Weaver admitted she was “completely unaware of what was about to happen” when her now-fiancé got down on one knee in Rome’s Giardino degli Aranci park overlooking the capital.

Related: 'Laguna Beach' Alum Stephen Colletti Goes Instagram-Official with Girlfriend Alex Weaver: 'Magical'

“We arrived at the park and I started taking photos of Rome's skyline,” Weaver told PEOPLE. “Stephen, very cleverly, communicated with a local photographer he had hired to snap photos of the proposal using hand signals they had discussed over email. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a black ring box. I then caught on and was overwhelmed with emotions. He got down on one knee and opened the box with the most beautiful ring that he helped design with Ring Concierge.”

She continued, “He began by reminding me that the day, November 15, was exactly two years since our first date. The most important question was, ‘Will you marry me?’ The answer was, ‘Of course.’ ”

And while Colletti told PEOPLE that the proposal all went to plan, he also revealed that popping the question in Rome was actually “plan b.”

Related: All the Celebrity Engagements of 2023

“After an unfortunate sickness the week before canceled plans to be in Charleston with Alex and her mom, I made the call to move the proposal to Rome,” the Laguna Beach star told PEOPLE.

“Not a bad alternative. The day of the proposal went off without a hitch and having it fall exactly two years to the day of our first date made it kismet," he added.

The couple went on to toast their engagement with a tour of the nearby Colosseum that Colletti had pre-planned, followed by a romantic dinner in a local restaurant.

“The day was capped off with one of the best pasta dishes we had ever had in a lovely mom-and-pop Italian restaurant, Da Enzo, followed by a shared tiramisu for dessert,” continued Weaver.

“As if it couldn't get more perfect, we walked out of our restaurant through the streets of the Trastevere neighborhood to an Italian musician singing “Stand By Me” in a plaza with people dancing, naturally we joined them.”

As for wedding planning, the duo revealed to PEOPLE that they have started “early conversations about plans.” “Dates are being discussed but we are excited to be entering this engagement season of our relationship and looking forward to future special memories with family and friends,” added Weaver.

The duo announced their happy news on social media with a sweet joint Instagram post earlier this month. “Yes! Forever,” they captioned the post, which featured two photos.

In the first snap, the pair could be seen sharing a kiss as they sat on a ledge overlooking the city, while the second saw Weaver proudly showing off her custom engagement ring, which features a gold band and oval-shaped diamond.

Following their announcement, Colletti and Weaver were quick to be showered with congratulatory messages from their nearest and dearest and Colletti’s former costars. 

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James Lafferty, who played Nathan Scott in One Tree Hill and created and costars with Colletti on Everybody Is Doing Great, wrote, "Yesssss congratulations!!!!" Meanwhile, Jana Kramer, who played Colletti’s on-screen love interest Alex Dupre, added, AHHHHH !!!! Congrats!!!!!!!! So happy for you both."

Laguna Beach star Jason Wahler also added in the comments section, “Congrats man!”

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