Maxx Morando recently opened up about how he orchestrated a secretive engagement to pop star Miley Cyrus during their international trip.
The couple, who have been together for several years, took a long-awaited journey abroad where the drummer pulled off his romantic surprise.
While both had anticipated taking their relationship to the next step, Morando managed to keep the precise timing of his proposal completely unexpected.
The 27-year-old drummer recounted the memorable experience in a recent interview with Wonderland, explaining that neither he nor his partner had ever visited Japan before their getaway.
While conversations about marriage had taken place beforehand, he was determined to keep his specific proposal plans under wraps.
After spending a couple of days exploring Tokyo, the pair traveled onward to Kyoto, where Morando waited until the final moments of their trip to pop the question so he could preserve the element of surprise.
“For some reason, you’ll find this as crazy as I did; she’d never been to Japan before,” he said.
During a walk around their hotel grounds, Morando guided Cyrus toward a secluded outer garden after coaxing her past a posted sign that blocked the path. Once they reached a peaceful, forest-like clearing at the end of the walkway, he waited until Cyrus was distracted recording videos before dropping to one knee and tapping her on the shoulder.
“She was taking videos and was turned away. That’s when I got on one knee and tapped her on the shoulder,” he recalled.
He admitted to feeling overwhelming nerves and a racing heart in those final seconds, fearing he might fumble the ring while executing the classic gesture. News of their engagement was officially confirmed in December, shortly after the singer debuted her diamond ring on a red carpet.
Miley Cyrus Showed Off A Custom Ring On The Red Carpet
Following his secret proposal, the musician formalized the milestone with a custom piece of jewelry that quickly grabbed public attention.
Cyrus first sparked widespread speculation when she attended the “Avatar: Fire and Ash” premiere wearing a prominent new piece of gold jewelry on her left hand, per The Blast.
A representative for California designer Jacquie Aiche later confirmed that the bespoke creation features a cushion-cut diamond mounted horizontally on a thick 14-karat gold band.
Industry professionals have offered varying estimates regarding its overall monetary worth, with some suggesting it could be valued up to $450,000, depending on the specific characteristics and origin of the stone.
The Couple Is Taking A Non-Traditional Approach to Wedding Planning
Following the excitement surrounding her custom engagement ring, attention shifted to how the couple intends to celebrate their union. Friends report that the “Flowers” songstress is in a calm, grounded place and feels no desire to stage a massive, traditional Hollywood event to celebrate the union.
The Blast reported that instead of a conventional ceremony with typical wedding customs, the pair reportedly plans to celebrate in a unique, personal way that feels meaningful to them. Reports indicate they have discussed “eloping” or holding an extremely private exchange of vows with just the two of them present.
Having already experienced a low-key marriage in the past, the singer is said to be focused on prioritizing their emotional connection over public spectacle.
Miley Cyrus Previously Sparked Marriage Rumors
While Cyrus and Morando have expressed a desire for a low-key, non-traditional wedding, a recent public outing fueled speculation that they may have already tied the knot in secret. During her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, a casual remark from her mother unexpectedly stole the spotlight.
As photographers gathered to capture moments of the singer alongside her family, her mother, Tish Cyrus, called out to bring the husband over, prompting the drummer to join them for affectionate group photos.
“We’re gonna bring the husband,” she said, per The Blast. The offhand comment quickly ignited widespread marriage rumors, as neither partner had previously referred to the other with marital titles in public.
Miley Cyrus Is Open to Returning to Acting for the Right Project
Transitioning from her personal milestones and music career, Cyrus has signaled that she is ready to make a long-awaited return to acting under specific creative circumstances. She recently revealed her desire to step back in front of the camera after years focused primarily on her music.
During a conversation with Daryl Hannah, the singer expressed a strong eagerness to collaborate with creative figures she respects, even pitching an idea directly to Hannah during their exchange.
“My dream has always been to work with artists I admire,” she said per The Blast.
When asked about the exact genre and roles that would lure her back to the screen, she emphasized a desire for intense storytelling centered on deep affection, describing her ideal role as a fierce, punk-rock iteration of Juliet in a tragic love story.