Captain Sandy Yawn of ‘Below Deck Med’ Proposes to Girlfriend

A romantic voyage that began in 2018 has reached a momentous milestone. Captain Sandy Yawn, the esteemed super yacht captain showcased in Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, has confirmed her engagement to gospel singer Leah Shafer, marking a significant step in their love story.

In an exclusive chat with E! News, Yawn, 58, revealed, “I have been thinking about marrying Leah for years.” She described the recent proposal as a fairytale brought to life in a secluded cove, adorned with a rich array of flowers and accompanied by the soothing harmonies of a trio of violinists, embodying the grace Shafer represents to her.

"Leah wanted the fairytale, and to me, Leah represents elegance. 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," Yawn said.

Yawn has become a household name for her dynamic and nurturing leadership on the reality show since its second season. “The look on her face was priceless, and my heart exploded! It was filled beyond capacity of anything I could ever imagine,” she said of the moment she popped the question to Shafer. "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."

Recalling the genesis of their relationship, Yawn remembered the heartfelt message sent by Shafer on Facebook, a gesture that set the stage for a deep and spiritually connected relationship. They found harmony in their shared faith and mutual admiration for music, forming a bond that quickly grew into a passionate attraction. Shafer echoed these sentiments, underscoring the initial connection that transformed into a romantic love rooted in mutual understanding, according to E! News.

“She has a passion for inspiring through music and the youth. And broken people, and so do I, coming from the gospel industry,” Shafer, 49, told Cheat Sheet about Yawn. She added that falling in love with “a beautiful soul” led her to envisage a future with Yawn, a feeling when never had before.

Shafer is a mother to her teenage daughter, Lauren, from a previous marriage.

Check out more pics of the happy couple below.