Paige Banks is taking her next big step — down the aisle.
The Married at First Sight alumshared exclusively with PEOPLE that she and her boyfriend, Justin Williams, are engaged after he popped the question during a romantic date on their one-year anniversary on April 13, 2024.
Banks reveals that he had taken her to a Ferris wheel to “take pictures” of the place “where we first met,” when he surprised her with a proposal.
“He just was reflecting on the year we had together and how much he loved me and wanted to continue doing life with me,” she recalls. “[He] said he got me a necklace for our one year, and once I opened it I saw the ring and was pleasantly surprised.”
“It was a nice 360 moment,” she adds.
Banks shares that she and Williams had been “talking about marriage for quite some time” and his proposal at “just solidified our relationship even more.”
“4.13.24 marks the beginning of forever,” Banks tells PEOPLE. “Excited to embark on this journey of love and partnership with my best friend. From our first date at the Ferris wheel to a year later with my forever mate. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, adventures, and endless love.”
The proposal news comes after the pair announced they welcomed their first child, Nova Rae Banks-Williams, on Feb. 26. Banks shared photos of their family of three, dressed in pink. In one photo, Banks could be seen carrying her little girl in her arms as she stared lovingly down at her.
“Nova, what a blessing you are! The past 10 months have been a journey watching and feeling you grow in my tummy and we are so grateful you are finally here!,” Banks shared in her announcement.
“Nova enjoys snuggles with Mom and Dad, listening to oldies music and long naps during the day to keep Mom and Dad up at night,” she continued. “She was named Nova, which means Bright Star, because she brings so much light to our lives and Rae because she makes our world go round just like a ray of sunshine.”
Banks, who appeared on season 12 of the Married at First Sight, shared that she was expecting her first baby with Williams in September. She told PEOPLE at the time, “This is the start of a new chapter for me.”
“I saw the two lines come across the test and I was shocked, happy and anxious all at the same time,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a mother and embrace all of the beautiful possibilities that come with raising and nurturing a child of my own, and finally I felt like God had answered the desires of my heart and gave me something that I had been yearning for.”
“I’m super grateful that I can share this journey with my person, my safe space, my confidante and most importantly, my best friend,” Banks added. “Life isn’t always easy, but doing it with you makes things so worthwhile and I can’t wait to see you in action with our little love.”