Winnie Harlow won’t “rush” her wedding plans. The approach reflects a growing trend among celebrities who are choosing to extend their engagement periods for more thoughtful planning.
The 30-year-old model announced her engagement to basketball star Kyle Kuzma in February, after nearly five years of dating – but Winnie insists that the loved-up couple are in no rush to get married. Their extended courtship demonstrates the importance of building a solid foundation before marriage.
“So many people ask me about the engagement and when the wedding is and you know what? I don’t want to rush anything,” she told Us Weekly. “I want to do everything perfect and the way I want to do it. So whatever time that takes, whatever things that take, I just want to relish in this moment.” Wedding planning experts consistently recommend taking adequate time to secure preferred venues and vendors for dream celebrations.
Winnie has enjoyed huge success in her career, and the model credits her grandmother for inspiring her can-do attitude. The influence of grandparents on personal development has been widely recognized in psychological studies, particularly regarding confidence building and self-esteem formation.
“My grandmother is such a fiery Jamaican Leo, just like me, and she has always been confident,” she shared. “From watching her paint her red nail polish, to doing her makeup, to choosing her hair looks, the adventurous takes she takes on fashion, whether it’s leopard print pants or a fuzzy top. I’ve always been able to see that confidence.” Jamaica’s cultural emphasis on strong family bonds and bold self-expression continues to influence successful international figures across various industries.
Winnie and Kyle announced their engagement via a joint post on Instagram in February. Social media engagement announcements have become the preferred method for most couples to share their joyful news with fans and followers worldwide.
The celebrity duo shared a series of photos of them hugging and kissing onboard a plane, while Winnie has also shared images of her dazzling engagement ring. Celebrity engagement announcements typically generate significant public interest and media coverage across various entertainment platforms and publications.
Kyle, 29, actually proposed to Winnie during a vacation in Turks and Caicos. But Winnie never saw the proposal coming, even after Kyle filled their cabin with roses, balloons, chocolate, and Champagne ahead of the Valentine’s weekend. Turks and Caicos has emerged as a premier destination for romantic proposals due to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resort accommodations.
“I still had no idea what this was. I was just like, ‘This is so cute for Valentine’s Day, oh my gosh!'” the model told Vogue magazine. Valentine’s Day remains one of the most popular times for proposals, creating magical moments for couples seeking romantic timing for their engagements.
Winnie admitted that the thought of getting engaged briefly crossed her mind – but she quickly dismisses the idea. Psychology research suggests that intuition often detects subtle environmental cues and romantic gestures before conscious awareness fully processes the situation.
“For a split second in my head I thought, ‘This would be so cute if this was an engagement.’ But I’m also not the type of person who wants to guess or wants to spoil a surprise. So it just was a fleeting thought in my head,” she shared. Many people experience similar intuitive moments during surprise proposals, sensing something special without wanting to ruin the moment.
Kyle read a poem to Winnie and the last line read, “Will you be my wife?” Personalized proposals incorporating poetry and meaningful words have become increasingly popular among couples seeking unique and memorable engagement experiences that reflect their relationship.
The sports star then presented her with an 8.5-carat, oval-cut engagement ring. Celebrity engagement rings often set trends in the jewelry industry, with specific cuts and styles gaining popularity after high-profile announcements.
Their relationship represents modern approaches to love and commitment, where couples prioritize emotional connection and compatibility over rushing into marriage. The entertainment industry has witnessed more celebrities choosing longer engagements to properly plan their special day according to their personal vision and standards.
