Former NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick is engaged to his girlfriend of two-and-a-half years, marketing rep. Karly Skladany.

While on a birthday trip in Italy, Kirkpatrick decided on a whim that he wanted to propose to Skladany. ”We had a hotel room at the Isle of Capri, overlooking the Mediterranean,” he told PEOPLE. “It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. And it hit me: I wanted to propose to Karly. So I ran to a jewelry store, found the perfect ring and bought it.”

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Kirkpatrick said he ran to the jewelry store and picked out the “perfect ring.” (Ah, to be a celebrity…) On the way back, he attempted to call Skaldany’s father to ask for her hand. ”He didn’t answer his phone, so I left him this message like, ‘Um, this is Chris, and I just wanted to talk and ask a few questions.’ I was nervous, which was funny. He called right back and, of course, he gave his blessing.”

Later in the evening, the former boybander decided to pop the question. “We were sitting on the balcony with a bottle of champagne and I put the ring in her glass. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was romantic. As soon as I asked her, she said, ‘It’s about time!’ And we laughed. It was spur of the moment, but it was absolutely perfect.”

Congratulations to the happy couple!

[image: PEOPLE]