James Allen News Center

Dexter star Julie Benz is engaged to be married! The actress said yes to marketing executive and boyfriend of four years Rich Orosco. Orosco gave Benz a "customized Kwiat cushion-cut diamond and platinum engagement ring complete with a diamond frame and milgrain edge band" on Sunday in the backyard of their shared Los Angeles home. He even planned a surprise engagement party for his finacee, inviting 60 of their closest friends to celebrate.

"It was absolutely perfect," Benz told PEOPLE. She also sent a tweet out to her fans writing, "Thank you for all your well-wishes. This is a very exciting time for us!"

In an interview with OnTheRedCarpet.com Benz revealed, "The proposal was simple and beautiful, and then I was shocked by the pop-up surprise Mexican fiesta engagement party. What girl doesn’t want to be serenaded by a Mariachi band surrounded by close friends and family?"

Benz also joked that her dog, a Havanese named Bamboo, was extremely jealous when he heard the news. "He thought we were exclusive..." she teased. Benz has had Bamboo for four years, since her divorce with actor John Kassir. According to sources close to the actress , Bamboo was great friend for Benz during the difficult divorce.  Last April, Benz told PEOPLE, "It was very hard for me to go through my divorce, and to have him as my companion helped. He kind of saved me when I needed saving."

Benz, 39, is best known for her role as Rita in thriller series Dexter. She has also appeared on ABC’s Desperate Housewives and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Congratulations Julia and Rich! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!