Gabe Saporta is changing his status from “in a relationship” to “engaged”…

The 33-year-old Uruguay-born lead singer of the synthpop band Cobra Starship has gotten engaged to fashion designer Erin Fetherston.

Saporta asked Fetherston to marry him on New Year’s Eve while vacationing in Barbados. “I woke up at dawn to go collect coral and flowers from the beach next to our cottage,” Saporta tells People. “I used them to write out my proposal on our patio and then I woke Erin up in a frenzy to come see a ‘monkey’ that had appeared in our backyard. My sleepy-eyed bride quickly realized the only monkey that morning was me … and of course, she said, ’Yes!’”

Saporta and Fetherson, who started dating in 2010, say they began serious marriage talks this past fall — and she was even involved in designing her engagement ring. But Saporta couldn’t resist pulling a few fake-outs when it came to finally popping the question.

“Since she knew about the ring, surprising her with a proposal was going to prove a challenge,” he says. “My first step was to psych her out. On Christmas Eve, I gave her a nicely wrapped ring-box that did not contain her engagement ring. It contained a sick amethyst cocktail ring instead.”

Fetherston’s engagement ring is sick as well… Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, it’s an emerald-cut stone set in a pavé basket on a pavé band. “The platinum was oxidized to give the ring a vintage feeling,” says Fetherson. “I love it because it’s luminous and romantic, with the right amount of edge.”

While the happy couple are still planning the events surrounding their big day, Fetherston already has ideas for her gown and the ceremony. “I will definitely design my own dress,” she says, “and my fairytale aesthetic will undoubtedly influence the look and feel of the wedding.”

As for Saporta, currently recording a new album with his band, he says, “It’s gonna be a classy shindig.”