Derek Hough & Hayley Erbert’s Romantic Engagement: Exclusive Details of Their Candlelit Home Proposal

After seven enchanting years of dating, acclaimed dancer and choreographer Derek Hough, 37, and the talented Hayley Erbert, 27, have officially announced their engagement, a joyous milestone that captivated fans worldwide. The heartwarming news, though made public on June 2, sprung from a deeply intimate and meticulously planned proposal that unfolded in the sanctuary of their own home. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to delve into the behind-the-scenes magic with the mastermind behind this fairytale moment, Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events, who shared every exquisite detail of how Derek orchestrated the ultimate surprise for Hayley. “I am very proud of how it turned out, and I adore them and love them very much. This happened in their living room, which made it incredibly personal and special,” Troy gushed, emphasizing the unique charm of a proposal held in such a meaningful space. His dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences shone through in every aspect of the planning.

The journey to “forever” for Derek and Hayley began on a quiet day, May 23, when Derek gracefully knelt, asking Hayley to be his wife. This date, kept under wraps for a short while before their public announcement, adds an extra layer of intimacy to their story. Troy Williams, the esteemed engagement planner, revealed that the chosen venue for this monumental occasion was none other than the couple’s own living room – a decision that imbued the event with profound personal significance. Derek’s vision was clear: he wanted an abundance of candles to create an unparalleled romantic ambiance. The final count exceeded all expectations, with a breathtaking 250 candles meticulously placed throughout the space. This incredible spectacle, paired with lush floral arrangements provided by Los Angeles-based floral experts In Blume, transformed their everyday living area into a wonderland of light and beauty. “To be able to do that and surprise her, in their own living room, was really touching,” Troy noted, reflecting on the emotional impact of the setting. The flickering glow of hundreds of candles, complemented by fragrant flowers, set the stage for a moment neither of them would ever forget, perfectly capturing the warmth and depth of their love.

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Executing such an elaborate surprise required meticulous planning and absolute discretion. To ensure their living room was impeccably decorated and prepared for the big moment, Derek and Hayley were out of their house for a strategic eight hours. This extended period allowed Troy Williams and his team to transform the space into a romantic haven, perfectly aligning with Derek’s vision. Upon their return, almost immediately after stepping through the door, Derek seized the moment, getting down on one knee to propose. The surprise was absolute and overwhelming, a truly magical experience that Troy himself was privileged to witness. The entire heartwarming scene, a testament to enduring love and careful planning, was beautifully captured by the talented New York City-based photographer, Anée Atelier. These photographs not only preserved the intimacy of the proposal but also conveyed the palpable joy and emotion of the couple as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together.

However, pulling off this grand surprise for Hayley was anything but easy; it was, as Troy aptly described, “literally mission impossible.” Hayley’s keen awareness and sharp instincts meant that every detail had to be carefully managed to prevent her from discovering the plot. Troy recounted the intricate measures taken to maintain secrecy, highlighting the extreme lengths Derek went to. “It is very hard to pull one over on Hayley,” Troy admitted, underscoring her perceptive nature. To outwit her, Troy, along with one of Derek’s closest friends, meticulously coordinated behind the scenes. They had to navigate around the couple’s home security cameras, ensuring no trace of the elaborate setup was revealed. Furthermore, Derek even went as far as deleting certain applications off Hayley’s phone that might have provided clues or revealed the surprise, showcasing his unwavering commitment to making this moment truly unexpected. “We knew all of the tricks,” Troy recalled, detailing the covert operations involved. The dedication and secrecy involved in this “mission impossible” only amplified the surprise and made the eventual reveal even more breathtaking for Hayley, truly a testament to the depth of Derek’s love and his desire to create an unforgettable memory.

Troy Williams’s involvement in Derek and Hayley’s engagement was deeply personal, stemming from his long-standing and cherished relationship with the Hough family. He has been a close confidante and event planner for many years, notably knowing Derek’s equally talented sister, Julianne Hough, since she was just 18 years old. Their professional collaboration and personal bond grew even stronger when Troy expertly planned Julianne’s wedding to her former husbandBrooks Laich. Therefore, the opportunity to contribute to one of Derek and Hayley’s most significant life events was not just a job, but a heartfelt privilege for Troy. Speaking with genuine affection about the newly engaged pair, Troy expressed his admiration for their dynamic and enduring bond. “They are such an adventurous couple. They have such a special love story,” he shared, capturing the essence of their journey together. He further explained that “Derek wanted to make it really special for her and their home is their sanctuary,” highlighting the intentionality behind the intimate home proposal. This thoughtful choice allowed them to bask in the glow of their engagement in a familiar, comforting space before they embarked on a romantic trip to France, making the memory even more precious.

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Following their secret engagement, Derek and Hayley wasted no time in embarking on an extraordinary post-proposal celebration. They immediately jetted off to France at the end of May, immersing themselves in the excitement of the popular Monaco Grand Prix, Formula One’s annual prestigious race at Circuit de Monaco. This glamorous trip, enjoyed as a newly engaged couple though the public was still unaware, was a perfect embodiment of their adventurous spirit. Derek later shared a captivating video of their travels on his Instagram page on June 1, giving fans a glimpse into their opulent getaway (as seen above). The video showcased a series of luxurious experiences, from clips of their private jet ride across the Atlantic to France, to thrilling footage of their time at the high-energy racetrack, absorbing the exhilarating atmosphere of the F1 event. The celebrations continued with an evening spent on an uber-luxurious yacht, drifting through the serene waters, a moment of pure bliss and intimacy for the couple. This trip, filled with grandeur and excitement, served as a truly memorable way for Derek and Hayley to quietly celebrate their newly minted engagement, savoring every moment before sharing their happy news with the world.

The sparkling symbol of their commitment is an exquisite oval diamond ring, masterfully crafted by the renowned Canadian jeweler, Paris Jewellers. This stunning piece perfectly encapsulates the elegance and enduring nature of their love story. On June 2, the couple finally shared their joyous news with the world, simultaneously posting a beautiful photograph on each of their Instagram pages. The image depicted Hayley tenderly wrapped around Derek, radiating happiness and deep affection. Accompanying this heartfelt photo, they both shared an identical, poignant caption that resonated with their followers: “It’s only the beginning…the beginning of forever.” This powerful statement not only announced their engagement but also served as a profound declaration of their commitment and anticipation for their future together. The announcement quickly garnered an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and celebrity friends alike, all celebrating the beautiful union of this beloved dancing duo.

Derek and Hayley’s engagement story is a beautiful blend of grand romantic gestures and deeply personal touches. From the meticulous planning of Troy Williams to the breathtaking atmosphere created by 250 candles in their own living room, every element was designed to surprise and delight Hayley. The “mission impossible” efforts to keep the proposal a secret underscore Derek’s dedication to creating a truly unforgettable moment for his beloved. Their post-engagement celebration in France, privately enjoying their new status amidst the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix, further illustrates their adventurous spirit and shared joy. As they move forward, hand in hand, with a dazzling oval diamond symbolizing their promise, their fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapters of their special love story, truly believing that this is “only the beginning” of their forever.