Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan Engaged to James Karnik 5 Months After Welcoming Baby

Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan and basketball player James Karnik got engaged Dec. 21, five months after they welcomed daughter Kaia Autumn Skye.

By Jamie Blynn Dec 25, 2024 9:45 PMTags
Watch: 2024 Celebrity Weddings: All the Stars Who Have Tied the Knot!

Vanessa Morgan will ring in the new year with, well, a new ring.

Five months after welcoming daughter Kaia Autumn Skye, the Riverdale alum and James Karnick got engaged Dec. 21 while in Canada. As she shared on Instagram, “Merry Christmas Eve from me and my fiancée."

The basketball player got down on one knee and presented his bride-to-be with a 4.64-carat, oval-cut lab grown diamond from Brilliant Earth which features a 14K rose gold twisted band plus white and blue marquise-cut diamonds in the shape of butterflies.

"James knows how much I love Christmas, especially all the festive lights, so he took me to the Langley Glow Light Festival," the actress, also mom to 3-year-old son River with ex Michael Kopech, told People. “We were walking around, and I honestly thought he was going to propose on Christmas morning, so it came as a complete shock when it happened."

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2024 Celebrity Engagements

"James had just injured his foot—we weren't sure if it was a break or a sprain at the time, but he was on crutches,” she continued. “I asked him if he was sure he wanted to walk around on crutches, and he said, 'For you, I’ll do it. I know how much you love this.' It seemed a little suspicious, but I didn’t think much of it."

Instagram / James Karnik

Then, when he got down on one knee to adjust his shoe, as he told her, the 32-year-old knew something was up: “He dropped his crutches, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."

It’s been a whirlwind year for the duo, who welcomed their first baby together on July 27. “Been enjoying all the baby snuggles these past 3 weeks with our angel,” Vanessa shared on Instagram Aug. 21. “Beyond Grateful.”

And perhaps River is even more grateful to now be a big brother. Ahead of giving birth, “River literally asks everyday is baby sister coming today!?” she admitted. "He’s so excited to be your big brother. Me, Riv & your Daddy can’t wait to meet you!”

To see how all your favorite stars are celebrating the holiday season, read on...

The model was going for gold in her Christmas decor and coordinating wrapping paper.

The model and her husband lit the candles on their menorah for Hanukkah 2024 with sons Levi, 3, and Elijah, 17 months.

Kylie Jenner

The makeup mogul showered her son Aire Webster with Despicable Me minion plushies under the tree.

The model gave a glimpse into her first Christmas with her and Justin Bieber's son Jack Bieber, sharing a snap of her pajama "cozies" and their breakfast of soft-boiled eggs and caviar. 

Chrissy Teigen & John Legend

"Christmas morning in London! Merry Christmas, guys. We love you so much," Chrissy wrote alongside the family pic with kids Luna, Miles, Esti and Wren.

Tori Spelling

"Love Actually," the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum captioned this photo of herself and kids Liam McDermott, Stella McDermott, Hattie McDermott, Finn McDermott and Beau McDermott. "Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. Sending love from our family to yours."

David Beckham & Victoria Beckham

The couple spiced up their Christmas celebrations with kids Brooklyn Beckham, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham and Haper Beckham, as well as daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz.

Britney Spears

The "Toxic" singer and her youngest son Jayden Federline celebrated Christmas with a sweet reunion. 

Heather Rae El Moussa & Tarek El Moussa

The HGTV stars celebrated the holidays with this hilarious snap featuring kids Taylor, Brayden and a tearful Tristan.

Madonna

The pop icon celebrated "X-mas and Hanukkah all at once" with her family, including daughters Lourdes, Mercy, Stella and Estere.

Chanel Iman 

The supermodel, along with daughters Cali and Cassie,  enjoyed at in-house self-care spa day together with Disney Deluxe Day Spa from Jakks Pacific. 

Michael Bolton

"Sending warm wishes for a holiday season filled with peace, love, and joy,” the singer wrote . “May the New Year bring health, happiness, and countless moments to cherish. Here’s to fresh starts and beautiful moments in 2025!"

Gabourey Sidibe

The Precious star rang in her first Christmas as a mom with twins Maya and Cooper.

Tallulah Willus

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter got the greatest gift of all on Christmas Eve: a lifetime with her new fiancé  Justin Acee.

Dua Lipa

The singer's holiday with boyfriend Callum Turner is not an illusion.

Hoda Kotb

The Today cohost got in the holiday spirit with her daughters Hope and Haley as well ex Joel Schiffman.

Billy Joel

"Merry Christmas to All," wrote the Piano Man, "and to All A Good Night!"

Brooke Shields

The supermodel and husband Chris Henchy posed alongside daughters Grier and Rowan.

Reese Witherspoon

"Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!" the actress captioned her snap with kids Ava Phillippe, Deacon Phillippe and Tennessee Toth.

Brittany Mahomes

While husband Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Pittsburgh Steelers Dec. 25, his pregnant wife cheered on from home with kids Sterling and Bronze. 

Christian Siriano

The fashion designer attends David Barton and Susanne Bartsch’s 25th annual toy drive at Gym U in New York City.

Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby & Whitney Rose

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costars escape the Utah snow to party at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s bash in Beverly Hills.

Larsa Pippen & Marysol Patton

The Real Housewives of Miami costars rock Printfresh pajamas for Marysol's Recharge & Reset holiday pajama party. 

Kourtney Kardashian

The Poosh founder gave fans a glimpse at her holiday decor, which included numerous Christmas trees all around her home, with one upside down.

Kris Jenner

The Kardashians star is definitely the most interesting to look at while attending Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party Benefitting Animal Haven and Camp Cocker Rescue in L.A.

Jennifer Aniston

The Friends alum showed off her festive Christmas tree, complete with her coveted olive jar ornament.

Cynthia Bailey & Crystal Kung Minkoff

The Real Housewives stars co-host The Abbey’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in honor of World AIDS Day benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood.

Kathy Hilton & Nicky Hilton

The mother-daughter duo host the hottest holiday party in the 90210.

Tarek El Moussa & Heather Rae El Moussa

The lovebirds attend DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s party benefitting Ronald McDonald House charities.

Heather Dubrow

The Real Housewives of Orange County star swapped Prada for pajamas during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party.

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View More Photos From Holidays 2024: Celebs Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and More

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