Credit: Instagram
Captain Sandy Yawn popped the question to her long-time girlfriend Leah Shafer — five years after the Below Deck Mediterranean star began her relationship with the gospel singer in 2018.
In the past, the couple shared that their mutual faith and passion for music helped bond them together.
Speaking to E! News, Captain Sandy revealed she’s now engaged to her partner of five years.
“I have been thinking about marrying Leah for years,” said the 58-year-old, via Page Six. “I knew from the minute I met her, but the timing had to be right. I wanted to make sure we could truly do life together first.”
Sandy shared that Leah wanted to have a “fairytale” proposal.
“To me, Leah represents elegance,” said the star. “I planned a boat ride to a beautiful cove. I had it decorated with flowers with a path to a small table accompanied by three violinists where we could sit and have a small date.”
Sandy also described the moment when it was time to pop the question after getting on one knee.
“The look on her face was priceless and my heart exploded!” said the captain. “It was filled beyond capacity of anything I could ever imagine … Somehow I feel closer than I did before, and I can’t explain it. There is an energy that I have never experienced in my life. I love her beyond; as Leah says Yawn beyond.”
On her Instagram, Sandy shared photos from the engagement, writing in the caption, “It[’s] official! I asked Leah to marry me, and she said YESSSSS. We are engaged! stay tuned for wedding 💍.”
In a past interview with Cheat Sheet, Sandy explained she and Leah started dating after the gospel singer slid into her DMs via Facebook.
“She sent me a nice message that said, ‘I came across your show, congratulations, many blessings,’” said Sandy at the time. “It was like a spiritual connection in the beginning … She has a passion for inspiring through music and the youth.”
Below Deck Mediterranean season eight premieres Monday, September 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
![Gia Giudice on Not Being “Like[d]” by Some Fans of Next Gen NYC](https://realityblurb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Next-Gen-NYCs-Gia-Giudice-e1761757435803.jpg "Gia Giudice on Not Being “Like[d]” by Some Fans of Next Gen NYC")
