Victoria’s Secret model Romee Strijd revealed the joyful news of her engagement to her long-term partner via Instagram.
The 26-year-old model shared pictures of the magnificent Swiss proposal, titling the set with “I agreed to marry!”
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The images exhibit Laurens van Leeuwen on one knee in front of a surprised Strijd, who sported a white snow outfit during their vacation in the stunning Swiss mountains.
Strijd also shared snapshots of their twelve-year anniversary festivities, unaware that Leeuwen had planned something even more remarkable to mark the occasion.
The pair had secured a marriage permit in the United States in August 2020, hopeful for a proper wedding in the immediate future.
Romee Strijd: From Amsterdam To New York City
Originally from Zoetermeer, South Holland, Romee Strijd had no intention of pursuing a career in modeling.
A modeling recruiter first approached her at the age of 13 while she was shopping with her mother in Amsterdam. Wanting to experience life as a regular teenager, Strijd declined the offer.
Two years later, she had a change of heart, thinking:
“I was more knowledgeable about the industry and thought, why not?”
She left her studies to pursue a modeling career, signing with DNA Model Agency in 2011. However, Strijd was once again apprehensive about her career and returned to her studies in the Netherlands at the age of 17.
Stepping away from the industry turned out to be the motivation Strijd needed, and after graduating, she relocated to New York City – and has never regretted it.
During her initial two-year tenure as a model, the 15-year-old Strijd participated in modeling assignments in Milan, Paris, and NYC for luxury brands such as Louis Vitton, Prada, and Burberry.
Since rejoining the industry, she has appeared in six editorials for Vogue, including the British, German, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese, and Dutch editions of the prestigious magazine.
She has graced the cover of several globally renowned magazines and inspired the Vogue motherhood issue after posing for the cover while 26 weeks pregnant.
In 2014, she was given one of the most significant opportunities for any emerging model by appearing in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She officially became one of the brand’s angels the following year.
Strijd has developed a particularly close bond with fellow angels Taylor Hill and Jasmine Tookes, who were all announced as Angels simultaneously.
“It’s enjoyable because you witness the relief from everybody after so much hard work. I adore hanging out with [Victoria’s Secret Angels] Taylor Hill and Jasmine Tookes. We were all announced as Angels at the same time, so we’ve become close,” Strijd commented about her time with the brand.
Romee Strijd and Laurens van Leeuwen
Strijd commenced dating Laurens van Leeuwen, the son of Dutch television presenter Bert van Leeuwen, in 2010.
Over the years, van Leeuwen has played a significant role in the model’s personal and professional life, frequently accompanying her to events and making regular appearances on her Youtube channel.
In May 2020, Strijd announced that she was expecting her first child after a prolonged struggle with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
The model shared the news on Instagram, expressing her surprise following her diagnosis:
“I was so scared that I would never be able to because I got told it was harder to conceive naturally… I started to research PCOS and concluded that mine was not the typical pcos… My situation was due to my body being in fight or flight mode… which implies my body was under constant stress.”
Their daughter, Mint van Leeuwen, was born in December 2020.
About Her Engagement
The proposal took place over a month after the couple celebrated their daughter’s first birthday, and van Leeuwen ensured to give his future wife something else to commemorate in the new year.
He proposed with a personalized Ring Concierge ring featuring a round-cut diamond surrounded by three stones on each side.
The founder of Ring Concierge, Nicole Wegman, also commented on the proposal, stating:
“The couple had a trip planned to Switzerland to celebrate their 12th anniversary, so Laurens decided that was the perfect opportunity to surprise Romee with her dream ring.”
Van Leeuwen chose a round-cut gem “because they are as timeless as it gets and are cut to maximize sparkle.”
The accents were meant to add “a touch of sparkle without diverting attention from the center stone.”
Although the two are legally wed, being engaged has ushered in a new chapter in their shared lives.
Wow, I am so excited to hear that Romee Strijd is going to walk down the most fabulous aisle! She is such a stunning and talented model, and I can only imagine how breathtaking she will look on her wedding day. I can’t wait to see all the details and the dress she chooses. It’s going to be a truly magical and glamorous event. Congratulations to Romee and her partner on their upcoming wedding!