Overview

• James Ward proposed to Crystal Hefner on April 25, 2025, at her Hawaii home, surprising her with a handcrafted seaside deck he built for the occasion.
• The proposal featured a hidden staircase, handwritten notes, and a six-carat vintage mine-cut diamond ring, creating a deeply personal and symbolic moment.
• Hefner, 39, and Ward, 41, were introduced by mutual friends in 2024 and have since built a close, healing relationship rooted in shared adventures and emotional connection.
• The couple is considering a 2026 wedding in a tropical location such as Hawaii or the Cook Islands, reflecting their shared love of nature and simplicity.
• Hefner has described this chapter as emotionally grounded and authentic, contrasting it with her previous high-profile marriage to Hugh Hefner, who passed away in 2017.