Nina Dobrev Recalls Shaun White Proposal Detail That "Shocked" Her The Most
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!
There are some celebrity couples that feel like a match made in Heaven. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and more recently, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev. Not only are they both gorgeous, talented, and incredibly driven people, but they're also one of the funniest celeb couples to follow along with on social media.
Here's everything you need to know about their relationship!
A Timeline Of Nina Dobrev And Shaun White's Relationship
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Dior Men
End Of 2019 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Are Introduced
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White officially met when they both spoke at a Tony Robbins workshop in Florida. Even though Shaun didn't know about anything about Nina at the time, he told People he realized she was a big deal when a bunch of people asked for pictures with her!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
February 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend Time In South Africa
In 2020, when Nina Dobrev was filming Redeeming Love, fans started noticing that her Instagram photos and Shaun White's were taken in the same locations, even though they were making separate posts. Turns out, Nina had gotten Shaun to come visit her!
Image via Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Fresh Vine Wine
April 18, 2020 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Make Their Relationship Instagram Official
In true 21st century dating fashion, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took their relationship to the next level when they made it Instagram official. It's a pretty big step for any couple, but especially celebrities. If it's nerve-wracking telling your friends and acquaintances, imagine telling millions of fans! Instead of a regular photo, Nina posted a video that features a glimpse of Shaun's tattoo.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
May 29, 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Quarantine Together
Like so many of us, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White had to take haircuts into their own hands during quarantine. "Adding to resume: hairdresser ✂️," Nina captioned an Instagram post of her giving Shaun an at-home haircut.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
September 3, 2020 — Shaun White Turns 34
To celebrate Shaun White's 34th birthday, Nina Dobrev made a hilarious Instagram tribute to honor the snowboarder. "To the most untalented, humorless, least athletic, least coordinated, least gifted and my least favorite person.... happy birthday @shaunwhite," she says in the caption. "Hang in there. one day you will accomplish something. #dontgiveup"
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's age difference is two years — Shaun was born in 1986 and Nina was born in 1989!
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
Late 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate The Holidays For The First Time As A Couple
The holidays looked different for Nina Dobrev and Shaun White at the end of 2020, but they didn't let that stop them from celebrating. "I’m so thankful to be surrounded by so much love!!" Shaun says in his Thanksgiving Instagram post. "Getting older and watching my family continue to grow has been incredible. Hope everyone out there had an amazing thanksgiving!" The couple also celebrated Christmas together, with plenty of Santa hats and gifts to go around!
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
January 9, 2021 — Nina Dobrev Turns 32
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White chose wacky '80s getup to celebrate the actress' 32nd birthday. "Too bad we never have any fun together," Shaun says in his birthday Instagram post. "Happy birthday baby!"
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
February 8, 2021 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Hang Out With Her Vampire Diaries Costar
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took to the slopes alongside Paul Wesley (who starred opposite Nina in The Vampire Diaries) and his wife Ines de Ramon. "Sometimes you gotta double up to double down," Nina captioned her post of the quartet at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
February 14, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Share Their First Valentine's Day
Both Nina Dobrev and Shaun White made tributes to each other on the 'gram in honor of their first V-Day as a couple. "My favorite snow cone flavor is White," Nina says in her Instagram post. "Happy we got “stuck together” last year and stuck it out ;) happy valentine’s day to my quarantini in crime..."
"Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️," Shaun says in his caption. "I never knew I was so lickable till we met 😂... Thank you for keeping a smile on my face and being the beautiful person you are!"
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
October 31, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Wear An Iconic Couple's Halloween Costume
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White knocked Halloween out of the park with a hilarious, gender-swapped couple's costume inspired by The Queen's Gambit. Nina dressed as Thomas Brodie Sangster's Benny and Shaun went with Anya Taylor Joy's Beth. "Your move @anyataylorjoy ♟👑," Shaun says on Instagram.
Image via Clive Rose/Getty Images
February 2022 — Shaun White Competes In The Bejing Winter Olympics
In October of 2021, ahead of his involvement in the Beijing Olympics, Shaun White told People just how supportive Nina Dobrev had been for him. "Nina's incredible," he says in the interview. "What an influence on my life. Not only does she run her own show, her own world, companies she's involved in, things she's producing, all this stuff going on. She holds me to this same high standard which is so wonderful to have in a partner."
“We’ll be anxiously watching [Shaun compete] from home and cheering him on,” Nina Dobrev tells Us Weekly in early 2022. “I’m very, very excited for him. I can’t wait.”
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
March 5, 2022 — Nina Dobrev Throws Shaun White An On-Brand Retirement Party
Shaun White might have cut off his iconic red hair, but that didn't stop Nina Dobrev from using it as inspo for his retirement party! The get together was complete with red wigs, family reunions, and lots of selfies. "Celebrating the 🐐 and bringing back the 👩🦰 one last time…#RetirementPartyAt35," Nina captioned her Instagram post. Then they followed the party up with a tropical getaway!
Image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
May 19, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Make Their Red Carpet Debut
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White attended the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in the summer of 2022. It marked their first red carpet appearance since becoming a couple *and* gave them the chance to support their friend Miles Teller!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
June 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Take A Vacation
Nina and Shaun went on another vacation in the summer of 2022, complete with lots of beach time and plenty of beverages. Some of Nina's Instagram captions include "When it’s so blue outside it’s impossible to feel blue on the inside" and "Coconut or cocktail? There are two types of people in the world" and the photos are so cute I could cry.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
October 1, 2022 — Shaun White Makes An SNL Appearance
During Miles Teller's run as SNL host, Shaun White joined his friend onstage. "Live from New York it’s Saturday Night!
Congrats to my buddy #MilesTeller on hosting @nbcsnl," Shaun wrote on Instagram. "Not surprised that you killed it. But I was very surprised when I arrived to support you…and they pulled me on stage to be part of a sketch 😂 Stoked to be a part of your big moment!!
"I loved being an emotional support animal 🐆 @nbcsnl," Nina captioned her post.
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
October 31, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Dress Up As Stranger Things 4 Characters For Halloween
In another iconic Halloween couple's costume, Nina and Shaun dressed up as Max and Vecna from the acclaimed fourth episode of Stranger Things 4 — with Nina as Vecna and Shaun as Max, of course. "Stranger things have happened," Nina said in her post, while Shaun admitted in his post, "not gonna lie I’ve miss the long hair."
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
January 9, 2020 — Nina Dobrev Turns 34
"What planet are you from and will you take me with you?!" Shaun asks in his birthday photo featuring Nina Dobrev in a pink wig. "Thanks for making life incredible! Happy birthday my love."
Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
June 26, 2023 — Shaun White Joins Nina Dobrev At The Out-Laws Premiere
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
December 31, 2023 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend New Year's Eve In St. Barth's
If you ask me, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White have one of the most iconic friend groups ever. Miles and Keleigh Teller, as well as Chace Crawford, joined the couple in St. Barth's for New Year's. Can I come next time?!
Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram
January 9, 2024 — Shaun White Surprises Nina Dobrev With A Trip To Disneyland
I love a good surprise, especially when the surprise goes off without a hitch. For Nina's 35th birthday, Shaun (as well as a bunch of their friends like Julianne Hough) surprised Nina with a Disney trip and judging by Nina's reaction, it was just about the best present she could have asked for. The day consisted of a custom Mickey jacket, taking a party bus, roller coasters, and more!
"Happiest surprise on the happiest day at the happiest place on earth," Nina says in her Instagram post. "I have to say I am HARD to SURPRISE. I always know what’s up. But they got me good. I’m still in shock to be honest. Feeling incredibly lucky, celebrated, loved, grateful and appreciative of all the wonderful souls I am fortunate to surround myself with."
Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok
February 1, 2024 — Shaun White Calls Nina Dobrev His "Perfect Score"
At the beginning of February, Shaun White posted a TikTok of him and Nina Dobrev snowboarding together. Rather than snowboarding side by side, they're almost on top of one another as Shaun literally lifts Nina off the ground to spin them around. It's literally the cutest moment, and it makes *me* want to go snowboarding — if I have someone to snowboard with ;).
Screenshot via Nina Dobrev/Instagram Stories
February 11, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Attend The Super Bowl
Shaun and Nina shared a few flicks from their adventures before, during, and after Super Bowl LVIII on Instagram. The couple watched the game, flew over Las Vegas, together, and even sipped some Don Julio tequila to celebrate after the fact.
My favorite moments that the duo documented on social were definitely Nina chowing down on a hot dog in the stands (that's so me), Shaun dancing along to Usher's halftime show, and them sharing a kiss after the big Chiefs win!
The two just look *so* happy together, and that makes me happy.
"Can you propose to this women yet? Beautiful couple!!!😍🔥," one commenter wrote on Instagram... and I'm wondering the exact same thing!
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
March 10, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Do Date Night At Oscars Afterparty
The stars always show out for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, and Shaun and Nina were no exception to that rule! Our fave fiery couple looked amazing on the red carpet, but their best look? These two were smitten and all smiles on Nina's Instagram! Major heart eyes moment to say the least!
Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok
April 3, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Go Snowboarding (Again)
Snowboarding might not be a new thing for this "it" couple, but they still find a way to make it more fun every time they go. "Nina dropped her snowboard, so we had to go rescue it," Shaun says in a recent TikTok. In the video, he's carrying Nina while they snowboard and I am more than impressed! "Not all heroes wear capes," the caption reads.
Image via Shaun White/Instagram
April 6, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate Spring
Shaun White recently posted a recap of the sweetest spring date with Nina Dobrev and it's got me dreaming of warm afternoons and sunshine! "Lil’ bit of life lately 🍑," he says on Instagram. In addition to a video of the couple singing along to the radio, my favorite photo is Shaun and Nina in their bright orange jackets with the city in the background. I cannot wait for spring!
July 2024 — Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Head To The Olympics
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev are currently in Paris, France for the 2024 Olympics...along with Zac Efron apparently. The couple partied it up, but when they got back to their hotel and realized the elevator was out, Shaun climbed more than three flights of stairs with Nina on his back!
The Vampire Diaries actress is still recovering from a dirt bike accident in May, and has recently moved from crutches to a cane. We're wishing Nina a speedy recovery!
August 28, 2024 — Shaun White & Nina Dobrev Attend A Gossip Girl Star's Wedding, And Look Good Doing It
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev turned up in style to Jessica Szohr's (who you'll recognize as Vanessa from GG) wedding to Brad Richardson. Nina served as Jessica's Maid of Honor, and their Instagram posts have me emotional!!
"Almost two decades of friendship, there’s almost nothing we haven’t been through together," Nina says in her caption. "It makes me so happy to see you glowing with such a huge smile on your face. It’s an indescribable feeling to see your best friend marry the man of her dreams and create a beautiful (arguably the most beautiful) family together. It’s just the beginning, your life starts now. Congratulations you two lovebirds 🤍🤍🤍 i love you both so much!!!"
"You have been there with me through thick and thin for almost 2 decades… so thank you… thank you Nina for all you’ve done throughout our friendship- but especially for all the wedding events;)," Jessica's post says. "You outdid yourself … going through a surgery, had a movie coming out, redoing a house, and being such an amazing friend through everything. For real- love you more than you will ever know!"
October 30, 2024 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Announce Their Engagement
Nina and Shaun announced that they're engaged at the end of October, and in Julianne Hough's words, "made all our dreams come true!" The couple posted separate Instagram posts celebrating the news, and Nina's definitely made me laugh: "RIP boyfriend, hello fiancé."
Shaun popped the question in front of a beautiful arch decorated in white roses (with a 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, no biggie), and literally swept Nina off her feet. "I went into shock. I just froze and stared at him,” Nina tells Vogue. And even though she says she blacked out and doesn't remember the actual proposal, she does know "he said all the right things.” I could cry!
The proposal came after Shaun had had to reschedule a few times (once after her dirt bike accident and once after she suspected it on their Cape Town vacation) — and to make sure Nina wasn't suspicious, he sent her a fake invitation to a dinner with Anna Wintour! "He made the invite look so legitimate,” Nina says.
Their upcoming nuptials will be quite the event, and one source tells People their wedding will be a "blowout party." I'm not even the slightest bit surprised. “They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”
@nina GRWM for a Vogue Dinner hosted by Anna Wintour… or so I thought 🤭💍 @Shaunwhite ♬ original sound - Nina Dobrev
And in a Get Ready With Me video on November 14, Nina Dobrev revealed the one part of the proposal that left her "shocked": Shaun's ability to keep it a secret for so long!
"I don't think I've ever been more shocked or surprised or happier in my entire life," she says in the video. You can just hear the excitement in her voice! "I'm the planner in our relationship so I was shocked that Shaun pulled this off without me knowing. Every detail was absolute perfection." Cheers to the happy couple!
Check back here for the latest update on Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, and read up on Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper’s Full Relationship Timeline.
This post has been updated.
- Nina Dobrev’s Birthday Party Theme Is One You’ll Definitely Want to Steal ›
- Nina Dobrev Helped Create Your Favorite Elena Gilbert Outfits On "The Vampire Diaries" ›
- ‘Vampire Diaries’ Stars Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley Had a ‘Magical’ Reunion ›
- Nina Dobrev And Jessica Szohr's Friendship Timeline - Brit + Co ›
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!