Longtime photogenic couple Lance Gross, 27, and Eva Marcille, 24, announced their engagement on Christmas Eve via a interview with Essence magazine. Lance, actor from "Meet The Browns" & "House of Payne", popped the question to his girlfriend Eva (of "Young & Restless"/"ANTM" fame) in front of family and friends. Lance recently told Clutch magazine that Eva's his baby who in turn supports his dreams.

Actor Lance Gross got on bended knee and proposed to girlfriend and costar Eva Marcille in front of their families on Christmas Eve to propose.

“I knew the day I laid eyes on her because I just got that feeling,” says Gross who said he fell in love with Marcille instantly. “She took full control of my heart and is the only woman that has ever made me feel that way—that’s how I knew she was special.”

Surrounded by family and friends, Gross got on bended knee and presented Marcille with a 3.36 1895 Pave Cartier ring.

“I cried. It was totally unexpected. I’m still in shock,” says Marcille. “I could not even sleep because I was afraid that I might wake up from the most beautiful dream ever.”

The two haven’t set a wedding date but are strongly considering a summer wedding in 2010.

“To put it simply, he makes me a better me,” says Marcille.” I am now complete.” [quote: Essence]

Congrats...and here's to these two making it last! (Lance and Eva have been together since 2006.) In the meantime check out this one hot portrait the pair did with photographer Derek Blanks.

Labels: Eva Pigford, Lance Gross, New Couple, Newsstand Snapshots