Photo: @dariankaiaphotography

Katie Batesjust reached a major milestone in her relationship with boyfriendTravis Clark.
TheBringing Up Batesstar, 20,got engaged to Clark on Wednesday after one year of courting. Clark, 20 popped the question at a gazebo at The Reach Key West resort in Florida, PEOPLE has confirmed.
“We are beyond excited to announce we’re engaged!” the couple told PEOPLE in a joint statement to PEOPLE. “A lot of prayer has gone into this decision, along with plenty of anticipation and celebration! We’re so thankful to our family and friends who helped make this day possible! There’s no way to describe the magical ambiance of the setting overlooking the beach at Key West. It was perfect in every way!”
“Travis really pulled a huge surprise when he announced that we would be traveling to Key West, along with both sets of parents. We had a day full of activities on the island, including a sunset cruise, a conch train tour of the island and a sand sculpting class,” she said. “But of course, my favorite details revolve around all that Travis did to make the proposal so special.”
@dariankaiaphotography

She continued, “He hired a professional florist and a professional photographer to make sure it was picture perfect. But the most meaningful and sentimental part was the special song that he wrote for this occasion. He played his guitar and sang it right before he popped the question, and it was an easy question to answer, because I have fallen in love with my best friend!”
Clark, for his part, noted what a “special moment” the proposal was for the pair. “The highlight of it all was that she said yes! I have been waiting for and planning for this day, and now I feel like God has answered my prayer! Now, I’m just looking forward to God directing our futures together,” he added.
Travis Clark and Katie Bates.@dariankaiaphotography

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Us Weeklywas the first to confirm the news of the couple’s engagement.
After meeting through mutual friends in 2019, the pair began courting the following year. Since then, Bates and Clark have made public declarations about their love for each other on multiple occasions.
Katie bates/ instagram

Bates alsocalled Clark her “best friend"during their Colorado getaway in early February.
Whitney Batesalso revealed in January that shewill be having a boy with husband Zach Bates, marking their fourth child together.Josie Bates, meanwhile, announced earlier that same month that she’s expecting her second child with husbandKelton Balkaaftersuffering a miscarriage. The following month, the duorevealed that they are having another girl.
Additionally, PEOPLE revealed thatAlyssa Bates Websterwelcomed her fourth child, daughter Maci Jo, with husbandJohn Websterin February.
Bringing Up Batesreturns to UPtv for season 10 on April 8 at 9 p.m. ET.
Anya Leon
source: people.com