Photo: Arin Smith | Edmond Public Schools
A Kindergarten teacher from Oklahoma stepped away from her classroom to speak to an administrator, when she returned to her classroom, she found her boyfriend of three years on one knee!
On April 1st, it was just any ordinary day for Julie Bargas as a kindergarten teacher at an elementary school located in Edmond, Oklahoma. During that day, her kids had recess inside as it was windy out when suddenly she heard her name called to the administration office.
The conversation lasted about 15 minutes where she asked, "how is everything going," and "how are you feeling?", Bargas admits they never really talked on a personal level but was not anything out of the ordinary. When Julie Bargas returned to her room, she found her students lined up outside the classroom, which usually meant they were not behaving. Instead, each child handed Bargas a fake ring!
Inside of her classroom, she found her boyfriend Josh Payne, holding flowers and on one knee! He planned a special engagement, and the entire staff and students were in on it!
Bargas says, "It was really sweet." She also adds that it was a miracle all of her students were able to keep a straight face throughout the entire reveal!
Photo: Arin Smith | Edmond Public Schools
This unique proposal took six months to create, and Payne, who works in oil and gas sales explains that he was committed to making this experience so special for his fiancé!
The couple have been together for three years and they met through a hair stylist who cut's Payne's mom's hair. Their relationship started as the coupled were coming off of a previous marriage. Another thing they had in common were children, both of them being parents to a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl and Payne having an 8-year-old daughter.
When it came to planning the proposal for Julie, Payne knew it was important to include the staff at school in her engagement as they helped her get through some tough moments in her life. Payne adds, "If you ever need anything done, you get yourself five or six teachers, they will get it done."
For Bargas, saying yes was no hesitation as she was surrounded by all her students and staff she cared so much for! She explains that she was overwhelmed and loved this man more than words could describe. This was the easiest 'yes' she's ever said.
After the proposal, the students were sent 'over the moon' after being gifted ring-shaped lollipops from Payne! The couple had a special engagement photoshoot outside of the school from the school district's photographer and Bargas was given the rest of the day off to soak up all the excitement!
Although the engagement was recent, the couple decided to set the date, and it's less than three months away! For their love story, they hope to spread love and positivity to couples that have experienced divorce and give hope "that there is a happy ending at the end, and they find their person."
Source: People, David Chiu