Actress Naturi Naughton is “floating” on cloud nine after receiving the cutest wedding proposal from her prince and “best teammate."
During the week of Christmas, the Power actress revealed to Essence that her unnamed beau surprised her with a heartwarming proposal when she thought she would be attending a holiday family photo session. The mystery fiance, who Naughton is keeping private until further notice, proposed to both the singer and her 4-year-old daughter, promising to commit himself to them for life.
The 36-year-old said her future husband disguised an entire photoshoot, incorporating a glam team and stylist, around the proposal. Naughton and her daughter Zuri were even adorned in matching princess dresses.
"He promised to take care of me and my daughter, then he asked would I 'do life with him forever' and I said, 'YES!' The most beautiful part of the proposal is that he gave Zuri a ring too, with her birthstone (Ruby) in it. My fiancé said that his commitment to me is also a lifetime commitment to her,” she said.
Zuri was born in the summer of 2017, but Naughton split with her partner shortly after the pregnancy. She told People magazine that being a mom is both empowering and humbling because she can do no wrong in her daughter’s eyes.
"Zuri admired her ring, then said, 'Oh For me?' She was so happy," Naughton told Essence. "It makes me happy that they have a great bond as well. Any man that I would choose would have to know that Zuri and I are a package deal!"
Naughton also went into detail with Essence about the origins of her romantic relationship and how it grew into a strong bond of love.
"I never imagined that one random night in [New York] would change my life so much. I had no idea I was about to meet the best teammate ever,” she said. “I know it sounds cheesy, but I truly feel like a princess who has finally found her prince.”
Ironically, her Power co-star Omari Hardwick introduced her to the man she eventually would fall in love with.
"Omari Hardwick and I were recording a song together and Omari was like, 'oh you gotta meet my people'. On that night, I met this kind, handsome, southern gentleman who would love me like I've never been loved. From that point on, we talked every day, quietly dated, and fell in love. Thank you, TV hubby, for introducing me to my future hubby!" she said.
In August 2019, Naughton, a former member of the once-popular girl band 3LW, penned an open letter, in Essence, announcing that while she may not have achieved her storybook ending, she isn’t giving up on love or happiness.
"Being a single mother doesn't have to mean you're unhappy: I bought my first home a few years ago, I star on 'Power' and I'm dating again," she wrote. "I didn't get married, and I don't have a fairy-tale love story (yet), but I'm stronger than ever and having fun too."
