As wedding speculation continues to mount amid rumours that Karl Stefanovic has proposed to Jasmine Yarbrough, it’s been claimed that the pair threw an exclusive engagement party for close friends and family last week.
Well-wishers and partygoers were heard cheering, applauding and offering congratulations during the nine-hour party on January 20, which was held at brother Peter Stefanovic’s luxurious mansion in the ritzy Sydney suburb of Double Bay.
Karl and Jasmine – who controversially started dating just a few months after his 21-year marriage to ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn ended – had just returned from a five-star holiday at Fiji’s private Kokomo Island less than 24 hours before the celebration.
Sources confirm to New Idea that Karl got down on bended knee on January 14, asking Jasmine to marry him in a romantic island proposal, before returning to Australia on January 19.
And adding weight to the rumours that the secret bash was a surprise engagement party, come claims that Jasmine went to extreme lengths to hide a ring on her left hand before the celebration.
‘When Karl and Jasmine arrived at the party and saw photographers had gathered, she awkwardly positioned a ring on her thumb while hiding behind a wheelie bin,’ says an onlooker.
‘It is unclear if the ring was turned around on the thumb to hide a large diamond, or if the pair have chosen a humble ring with diamonds encrusted around the band.
‘And when Jasmine left the engagement party, she was heard saying “thanks” when offered congratulations. Karl also said: “Thanks guys.” Then Karl’s friend Steve Marshall was seen running out to give Karl and Jasmine their engagement gift as they jumped into an Uber. It appeared they almost left without the Swarovski bag.’
The wedding speculation comes after respected Sydney Morning Herald gossip columnist Andrew Hornery revealed that Karl and Jasmine’s engagement was a done deal.
Just days earlier, the Today host had denied another engagement report – however, Andrew claims that just two days after the rebuttal, the couple’s wide circle of friends were left ‘scratching their heads’ when they ‘started receiving text messages featuring a shot of the couple kissing and, for all intents and purposes, announcing their engagement’.
And with Karl’s sister Elisa Stefanovic flying in from the Gold Coast with her daughter for the bash, Jasmine’s sisters, Karl’s best friend and former
A Current Affair colleague Steve Marshall, and Jasmine’s business partner Tamie Ingham all in attendance, engagement rumours have hit fever pitch.
While some have speculated that the party could’ve been an early birthday party for Jasmine, who turns 34 on January 29, others are convinced that an engagement celebration is likely.
Indeed Karl, 43, made no secret of his deep love for Jasmine, who recently moved back from LA to live with her TV star beau in Australia.
‘There is a lot of love in my life,’ he told The Daily Telegraph. ‘She’s a very strong and passionate person.’
But one person who’s not happy about the rumoured nuptials is Karl’s estranged father Alex, who’s been open about their strained relationship.
Speaking of Karl’s inflated ego since meeting Jasmine, Alex revealed: ‘Borrowing from Eminem’s immortal lines: “Snap back to reality, whoops there goes gravity.”’
He continued: ‘I just hope someone is there to pick up the pieces when the day of reckoning comes.’
Alex goes on to say that he’s not expecting an invitation to Karl and Jasmine’s wedding.
‘It saves me having to graciously decline,’ he admitted. ‘Well maybe not so graciously…’
For the full story and exclusive pics see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now!
