“The Real Housewives of Orange County” star, Gina Kirschenheiter, is celebrating 2026 with exciting news. On January 7, she announced via People that she and longtime boyfriend, Travis Mullen, are engaged.
According to the publication, Mullen proposed on New Year’s Eve on a trip to Big Bear, California, with a giant six-carat diamond ring in an oval cut.
“I was in complete shock! My nervous system was trying to catch up to what just happened in this magical moment, and I was also trying to process the iceberg that was being presented to me as well! I, of course, said ‘yes,’ and melted into what was the sweetest kiss I’ve ever felt!” Kirschenheiter said.
The surprise proposal took place outside, with Mullen tricking Kirschenheiter into thinking they were going to take photos. Kirschenheiter’s teen son, Presley, hid in the background to video the special moment.
The “RHOC” star gushed, “The three of us hugged all teary-eyed and happy, and then walked back into the house where all the other kids were waiting and began to sound off their New Year’s Eve horns and launch off confetti poppers!”
“It was perfect! It meant so much to be there as a family celebrating all together. We were all so happy. Truly a pinnacle moment,” she continued.
The engagement ring was carefully thought out, with Mullen setting the diamond in a gold band that included six smaller diamonds representing their children.
Kirschenheiter Previously Revealed Her Engagement Ring Style
In the past, Kirschenheiter had expressed being unsure about marrying Mullen, particularly given his allegedly tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife.
However, she told Bravo in August 2025 that she wouldn’t say no if he proposed, especially if he presented her with a ring.
“I didn’t feel like I knew whether I wanted to commit, overall, to this situation … what comes with Travis. And now that I feel so deeply committed to that and more stable, and I think like we’re finally in a place where we could even possibly entertain something like that,” she stated.
As for what type of ring she’d like, Kirschenheiter said, “I honestly would just like a nice big round stone, like, nothing busy.”
She added, “I feel like [in] my first marriage, my ring was very busy. And I just feel like I’m a different person now, so I just would want something very simple, classic, timeless, but not small. I mean, yeah, come on.”
Fans Are Excited For Kirschenheiter & Mullen’s New Chapter
After Kirschenheiter shared the big news on Instagram, fans — and fellow “Real Housewives” stars expressed their excitement.
Her “RHOC” castmate, Tamra Judge, wrote, “Congratulations! So happy for you.” Angie Katsenevas of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” offered, “Congratulations sis.”
Heather Dubrow chimed in: “So happy for you and the whole family !!!! Very exciting!” Dolores Catania replied, “Congratulations so so happy for you”
A fan shared, “NEW YEAR, NEW FIANCÈS!!!! So so happy for you, Gina!!!” Another gushed, “Yay! Congratulations! So very happy and excited for you both! You both deserve your happy ending together.”
