Carlin Bates And Evan Stewart Are Finally Engaged, And Their Proposal Story Will Have You Bawling!

Congratulations are in order for Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart! The Bringing Up Bates couple just announced that they’re engaged, one week after celebrating their two-year courting anniversary together!

“To say ‘yes’ to the man of my dreams is an opportunity that is a once in a lifetime dream come true!” Carlin, 20, told People on Sept. 24. “I’m overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness that Evan put into this surprise destination engagement. It was a magical place with the one person that completes me in every way! I’m overjoyed to be his fiancé!”

The story truly is “magical.” Evan surprised Carlin by meeting her and her family in Nashville, where she was visiting her brother. He took them all up to Portland, Maine, where he treated her like an absolute princess. From donuts for breakfast, to a romantic bike ride, to a park picnic, it sounded like it couldn’t get better. Then, he picked her up for dinner in a limo, brought her to a lighthouse where a live musician serenaded them, and finally read her a handwritten poem and popped the question. Are we the only ones crying? 

Back in July,  Bringing Up Bates teased an engagement, and fans were shocked to find out that it was Josie Bates‘ boyfriend Kelton Balka that popped the question, rather than Evan. However, fans have theorized that Carlin has been engaged for a while now, and while it didn’t actually happen until this weekend, one fan theory might still prove true: a double wedding.

Recently, Carlin posted a photo of a double date with Josie and Kelton, with the caption, “Coffee date ❤️.” The first photo shows both couples holding hands, which put Josie’s engagement ring on display along with Carlin’s purity ring. “I personally know the Bates’ and I know for a fact they are engaged and the wedding is in October along with Josie,” wrote one user in July. “I live in Knoxville and I went to their church thank you.” It’s unclear if that was a true friend or someone trying to spread gossip, but we would live for a double wedding.

Evan gushed about Carlin before the engagement, writing, “Happy 2 years to the love of my life! I can’t believe it has been two years to the day since I fell in love with you! I wouldn’t trade what we have for anything in the world! You are my best friend, my encourager, and my everything! I cannot wait to be your husband, and I cannot wait to spend forever with you! I love you so much, Carlin Brianne Bates!” We can’t wait to watch thir love story continue to unfold! 

Tune in to the Season 7 Bringing Up Bates finale this Thursday at 9pm ET on UPtv!