British pop star Rita Ora has shared the heartwarming and humorous story of how she turned tradition on its head by proposing to her husband, filmmaker Taika Waititi, in a romantic setting that fulfilled her own vision of the perfect engagement.
Appearing on the Begin Again podcast, the Body on Me singer opened up about the unforgettable moment she popped the question, describing it as the kind of dream proposal she had always envisioned but decided to create for herself.
“We were in LA. I rented out a hotel room in Palm Springs. A really nice fancy one — filled it up with balloons and cake,” Rita recalled with a smile, setting the scene for her big surprise.
As the story unfolded, she shared Taika’s comical reaction upon walking into the elaborately decorated room. “I’m holding the cake, like — holding a bloody cake — and the balloons are all around us. He walks into the room and he’s like, ‘What the hell, is it Valentine’s Day?’ I’m like, ‘Nooooo!’ So anyway, I get down on one knee…”
She went on to explain that her husband was initially caught off guard and confused, asking, “What is happening?” in response to the unexpected moment. Despite her nerves, Rita said she had prepared herself for any outcome. “Maybe he doesn’t want it,” she admitted.
“Maybe he’s OK to just be in a relationship, which was fine with me, too. But I just wanted to lock him down. And I did!” she added with a laugh. Fortunately, the answer was yes.
The couple, who had kept their romance relatively low-key until that point, went on to tie the knot just a few weeks later in August 2022. The wedding was a private and intimate affair attended by close friends and family.
Ora’s decision to propose to herself challenges traditional gender expectations and has resonated with fans as a bold and modern love story. Her openness about the experience highlights the couple’s playful and unconventional dynamic, something many have come to admire in the duo’s public appearances and social media posts.
Since their marriage, Rita and Taika have continued to balance their high-profile careers with a partnership grounded in humor, respect, and shared creative passion.