Actress and daytime talk show host, Sherri Shepherd is the latest in the long line of celebrities that have revealed their engagements this past holiday season.
It seems her boyfriend, television writer Lamar Sally, enlisted the help of his friend while the couple was vacationing in San Diego, so that upon arrival at home, the surprise scene was already set.
The un-named friend, had decorated the home with holiday lights, put a beard and Santa hat on Shepherd’s dog, and left out a bowl of M&Ms; her favorite candy but an odd choice for a diabetic like Shepherd. It seems Sally had other plans for the candy though, as hidden inside was the engagement ring.
Sally, who has been with the Emmy winning host of The View for a little over a year, even thought to request permission from Shepherd’s 5 year old son, from her first marriage. The two are planning to hold the ceremony in Shepherd’s home town of Chicago in August, but more details are sure to unfold on The View in the months to come.
But the television couple is not the only pair to share some big news with the world, legendary guitarist Carlos Santana exchanged wedding rings with his drummer, Cindy Blackman. Although the December 19th wedding was kept pretty private, the proposal was as public as possible.
On July 9th, four songs into their concert, Santana proposed, right after Blackwell finished her drum solo. The crowd went wild, and they were engaged.
The couple tied the knot at the Ritz Carlton in Maui, and even though it rained on their parade, they didn’t let it get them down. No matter what happened, the sun was shining, Santana told People magazine, who was on hand to witness the big day.
“Rain represents mercy,” Blackman, told the magazine. “It couldn’t have been more beautiful.”
The couple even used the rain water to wash their hands after the ceremony, symbolizing the cleansing of their past, a suggestion from the musician’s son from his first marriage, Salvador.
There were 180 friends and family member on hand to witness the ceremony, including comedian George Lopez and musician pals Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, who performed at the reception.
The guitarist is already back to work, headlining at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but couldn’t be happier to settle down with Blackwell, sharing with People magazine what a perfect match he found in his new wife.
“Everything tastes better when you share it with your soul mate,” he told the publication.