From childhood dance competitions to growing up in the public eye, Paige Hyland has had quite a few chapters unfold since her days on Dance Moms. Now, the former reality TV star is stepping into a new one: she's engaged!
Hyland, 26, said yes to longtime boyfriend Jayvon Thrift on November 7, 2026, after more than seven years together. The proposal took place at Washington's Landing in Pittsburgh, with golden autumn leaves setting the scene and the couple's almost five-year-old dog, Wesley, making a rather adorable appearance.
For couples newly inspired by engagement season, the proposal is also a reminder that the next chapter often comes with plenty of exciting decisions. Wonderland Concierge connects couples with trusted wedding professionals to help turn those early ideas into a celebration worth looking forward to.
Hyland and Thrift's relationship began during their senior year of high school in February 2019. Since then, the couple have navigated college, periods of long-distance dating and the many changes that come with building an adult life together.
Looking back on their relationship, Hyland said that they had grown up and experienced several different chapters side by side. She also shared that she was excited to build a life together and see what the future had in store for them.
Thrift was equally sentimental about the milestone, describing Hyland as his best friend of seven years. He told the publication that he felt incredibly lucky to have found someone with whom he wanted to share every part of his life, adding that making their future official was one of the best moments of his life.
Of course, we have to talk about the ring.
Thrift worked closely with the showroom team at Brilliant Earth to create a custom engagement ring designed with Hyland's personal style in mind. The platinum design features a 3.82-carat lab-grown oval diamond centre stone, set on a pavé diamond band.
The result is a classic oval solitaire-inspired look with an extra dose of sparkle. Its elongated shape gives the centre stone plenty of presence, while the pavé band adds detail without taking attention away from the diamond.
It is also a thoughtful choice for a proposal that celebrates a relationship built over several years. Rather than simply picking a ring off the shelf, Thrift was involved in creating a piece specifically for the person he was asking to spend forever with.
There was one more very important guest at the engagement: Wesley, the couple's beloved dog, who was almost five at the time of the proposal.
Thrift popped the question at the bottom of a stone staircase on Washington's Landing, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of golden yellow, burnt orange, deep red and green. Hyland appeared visibly surprised as he got down on one knee, and the two embraced after she accepted.
Wesley was right there to share the excitement, making the moment feel even more personal. The couple's engagement photos captured the proposal, their celebrations and a closer look at Hyland's new ring, with their four-legged companion included in the festivities.
Interestingly, the proposal comes after Hyland previously opened up about not feeling pressured to get engaged, despite being with Thrift for seven years.
During an appearance on the Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice podcast in February 2026, Hyland spoke about the outside expectations surrounding their relationship. She explained that while she knew she wanted to marry Thrift eventually, she was happy with where they were and did not feel the need to rush into the next step.
Having started dating in high school, gone through college and experienced long-distance dating, the couple had already shared plenty of life changes together. Hyland said she wanted to enjoy her twenties and let their relationship progress at its own pace.
And now, the timing feels right. The couple will celebrate eight years together in February 2027, with an engagement marking the beginning of another chapter.
For Hyland and Thrift, this engagement is the continuation of a relationship that has grown alongside them. Seven years after becoming high school sweethearts, they are now looking ahead to building a life together, with Wesley already firmly established as part of the family.
As for the wedding, no details have been announced just yet. But if the proposal is anything to go by, we will certainly be keeping an eye out for what the couple has planned next.
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