With all kinds of animals scuttling in the background and a rainforest setting straight out of a Queensland postcard, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot for a proposal.
And that’s where Bindi Irwin’s boyfriend of almost six years, Chandler Powell, pulled off the engagement of the year, with sources telling Woman’s Day he chose the Wildlife Warrior’s milestone 21st birthday to get down on one knee in the middle of Bindi’s Island – an animal habitat she designed in the heart of Australia Zoo.
But after accepting her sparkler – a custom-made oval-stone ring flanked by a diamond-encrusted band – Bindi soon learned it wasn’t just her, her future husband and a chorus of wildlife witnessing the big moment.
Soon after saying “yes”, her little brother – and budding photographer! – Robert Irwin, 15, burst out from a nearby bush, playfully boasting about how he’d captured the proposal photo of the century.
Chandler popped the question with a custom-made oval-stone ring flanked by a diamond-encrusted band.
(Image: @bindisueirwin/ Instagram)
“Chandler and Robert worked together to capture the moment I said YES,” proud Bindi posted on Instagram. “I never even knew Robert was there… and I’ll always be grateful.”
Soon after the highly anticipated proposal, all eyes were on the stunning ring that Chandler, 22, had given to his bride-to-be. And Bindi was only too happy to provide the answers about the impressive design, which, in typical environmentalist fashion, was made using laboratory-created diamonds rather than mined ones.
“For those wondering about my ring, I’m so happy to share,” she wrote. “My ring features a lab-grown diamond and is made with rose gold recycled metal. Chandler was incredibly thoughtful when he chose it. The ring captures the essence of who I am (with its vintage flare) and our life together, with the twisted band and scattered diamonds.”
WATCH: The moment Bindi Irwin knew Chandler Powell was The One. Story continues after video…
Soon after the engagement news spread, the well wishes began flooding in. Bindi’s Dancing With The Stars partner Derek Hough, who she won the US series with in 2015, posted, “So happy for the 2 of u. Loving congratulations.”
And Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown – a close friend of Robert’s – wrote, “Awww. Congratulations and happy birthday, Bindi!”
But the most touching words of all came from Bindi’s mum Terri Irwin, who used the moment to give a nod to her late husband, Bindi’s dad Steve.
“Best day ever!” she tweeted. “Chandler asked and beautiful @bindirwin said yes. I am so very happy, and I know Steve would be too. Congratulations!”
Well wishes from Bindi and Chandler’s friends came flooding in after they announced their engagement on Instagram.
(Image: @bindisueirwin/ Instagram)Found her soulmate
A source close to the Irwin family adds, “Steve would have loved Chandler. All he ever wanted was for someone to love his daughter as much as he did, and the fact that Bindi found her soulmate at such a young age would have absolutely tickled him.”
But even though he’s not there in person, there’s no doubt Bindi’s thinking about her dad during this special time in her life, particularly since she likens her love story with Chandler to her parents’.
“My mum and dad always described their marriage as feeling like a special pair of old shoes – knowing you can always depend on someone,” Bindi said recently, while opening up about how much she still misses Steve. “I know it’s the same with Chandler.”
Terrie said Bindi’s late father Steve would be so proud.
(Image: Instagram)The smitten young couple met in 2013, when the champion wakeboarder from central Florida turned up for a tour of Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland – which was guided personally by a then-15-year-old Bindi.
The pair fell in love at first sight, and after a long-distance relationship, Chandler moved in with the Irwins at Australia Zoo.
Now, all the attention is turning to the couple’s wedding – which is bound to be a spectacular affair, and not too far in the future.
“Bindi and Chandler’s attitude is, ‘Why wait, when it’s forever?’ says an insider. “They want to travel and then start a family, so planning is in full swing.”
The wedding details
The venue
Rumour has it actor – and Steve’s old mate – Russell Crowe has already offered up his rural property Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour in NSW. “He has a chapel there, and he would be so proud for it to be the place Bindi marries Chandler,” says a source. “He loves Bindi like a daughter.”
The ringbearer
It wouldn’t be an Irwin wedding without some animals involved and close friends predict there will be a special ringbearer – the family’s prized pooch Stella the pug!
Her bridesmaid
While her brother Robert no doubt will play a part in the ceremony, attention has now turned to who Bindi will choose in her bridal party. Her best friend Jesse Wilkinson is tipped as the frontrunner.
The dress
Ever since Bindi was a little girl, she’s pored over her parents’ wedding pictures. And an insider predicts, “She’ll definitely want to wear her mum’s gown in some way, even if she just incorporates the lace detail and makes it her own. Either way, Terri will surely walk her down the aisle.”
Rumour has it actor – and Steve’s old mate – Russell Crowe (pictured left with Terri Irwin) has offered his rural property Nana Glen, as wedding venue.
(Image: Getty)