**Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam: From Romance to Wedding Planning**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jake-paul-jutta-leerdam-sports-illustrated-beyond-the-pitch-nyc-072126-060ab8224f7249ebb86aef0ae95f8c6c.jpg)
Jake Paul and Jutta Leerdam, the Dutch speed skater, are preparing for their upcoming wedding, which promises to be an exciting celebration of their love. The couple, who officially took their relationship public via Instagram in April 2023, announced their engagement in March 2025, and conversations about their nuptial plans are now in full swing.
During the Sports Illustrated’s Beyond the Pitch event held in New York City on 18th July 2026, Leerdam elaborated on what she deems essential for their wedding day. “Have fun and dance,” she emphasised, indicating that joy and celebration would be at the forefront of their ceremony.
The foundations of their relationship, according to Leerdam, lie in mutual support and spending quality time together. She expressed the significance of engaging in enjoyable activities, highlighting the importance of regular date nights. “Supporting each other in each other’s dreams” has proven vital for the couple, as they navigate their lives amidst busy professional schedules.
In recounting a particularly special moment in their relationship, Leerdam praised Paul for orchestrating their engagement in an unforgettable manner. The proposal took place at Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia, where Paul asked for her hand on bended knee surrounded by a stunning arrangement of white rose petals. On Instagram, he shared the joyous news on 22nd March 2025, stating, “We’re engaged💍🕊️🤍 we can’t wait to spend forever together🥹.”
She expressed her gratitude for the wonderful surprise that was entwined in that moment. “He planned it really well, and it was an amazing, magical experience,” Leerdam reflected, noting how fortunate she feels that Paul has a knack for planning romantic dates.
Paul, a professional boxer, acknowledged the nerves he felt ahead of proposing to Leerdam. He admitted to being “very nervous” about the engagement, even more so than he experiences in the boxing ring. “It was all choked up, and she makes me nervous, I guess,” he confessed during their conversation with PEOPLE shortly after the proposal.
In another twist to this enchanting story, Leerdam shared how the presence of her parents at the proposal was unexpected and made the moment even more special. “I didn’t know my parents were going to be there, so that was the biggest surprise ever. I was in shock, but it was the best day of my life, really,” she recalled with evident joy.
As their wedding plans take shape, Leerdam’s Olympic pursuits remain a priority. The speed skater, who faced challenges during the December 2025 Olympic trials but ultimately secured a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics, stated that her focus would remain on achieving her Olympic goals before diving into the intricacies of wedding preparations. “I first want to work towards the Olympics, get everything out of there, and of course I’m going for that Olympic gold,” she stated, indicating that wedding planning would take place afterwards, likely in the summer months following the Games.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster Leerdam experienced during her trials, she managed to rise above the obstacles and went on to win a gold medal, simultaneously breaking speed skating records at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This remarkable achievement has added an additional layer of excitement to their wedding planning.
As the couple continues to navigate their relationship and professional commitments, many fans are eager to see how their love story unfolds. Paul and Leerdam’s journey serves as a reminder that while love can be a thrilling adventure, it often takes patience, support, and a dash of creativity to make the most of every moment together. The upcoming wedding is anticipated not just as a union of two successful individuals, but as a celebration of a partnership built on love, respect, and shared dreams.