Proposal at Gradstock

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Popping the question at BSU graduation 2024

Graduation Day is already a milestone moment in anyone’s life but for Joe Walters, who graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in Sociology this week, it was doubly momentous.

Joe, 23, donned in his Graduation Cap and Gown decided to get down on one knee and pop the question to his long-term girlfriend, Emily Hunt in front of friends and family at Bath Spa University’s ‘after graduation’ party, ‘Gradstock’ at the Bath Recreation ground in the City Centre. 

Emily, also 23, and originally from Uckfield near Brighton, graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in Dance just one year ago. Emily said she had no idea that Joe was going to propose:

“We have been together for almost six years, and he always said he would propose at Graduation, but I presumed he meant mine. So when nothing happened last year, I just put it out of my mind. I had no idea he would pop the question at his own Graduation, but it was such a lovely surprise. We were surrounded by our Uni friends and close family, so it was even more special. Some of them even knew he was going to ask me, and I can’t believe they managed to keep it a secret!”

Joe, originally from Peacehaven near Brighton, added:

“I was really excited about the whole day, I was still dressed in my cap and gown as we had come straight from the Graduation ceremony where I picked up my degree, but as the time started to get closer, I began to feel really nervous as I realised how many people were around. But I was just so happy to finally ask Emily to marry me, it was so special.” 

Joe proposed with his Great Grandma’s ring, which he collected from his mum on a recent holiday with Emily to Spain. Emily says having a family connection to the ring makes it even more sentimental and important:

“We are so close to our families, and everyone is so happy for us. Having Joe’s Great Grandma’s ring is just beautiful.” 

The engagement proposal was filmed by friends and family, and Emily uploaded the moment to TikTok which has already been viewed by over a quarter of a million people, with tens of thousands of people liking and commenting to congratulate the happy couple. 

Emily adds:

“The reaction on social media has been incredible, we have had well wishes from strangers all over the world, I think people like a happy love story, and we are so grateful to share ours with everyone.” 

Joe said:

“We are so shocked by the reaction on social media, but it’s so lovely that everyone is so happy for us.” 

The couple who met at college near Brighton six years ago, chose Bath Spa University because they wanted to stay and study together and BSU had courses they both wanted to apply for. They have now both decided to stay living and working in Bath as they love the City so much. Emily works as a Dance teacher teaching small children, and Joe will be managing a coffee shop. 

Emily says she would love to get married abroad, somewhere warm and sunny, and then have a big party in the UK for all their friends and family. They will spend a few years saving up for their big day, but for now just enjoying their engagement and graduation celebrations. 

Joe added:

“It was my Graduation Day, but I wanted to share that big moment with starting our next chapter together as a couple, so it felt like the perfect moment to propose. I couldn’t have got through University without Emily at my side, so I wanted to make the day a double celebration. 

A huge congratulations to the newly engaged couple, and to the BSU graduates celebrating their own new chapters this week. 

Photos by Niklas Aarre