Bestinau got that-
The Bates family is getting bigger! Tracking Bates is engaged to girlfriend Lydia Romeike† We Weekly confirms only.
The 25-year-old reality star posed the question on March 21 on the roof of the Embassy Suites hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee. The UPtv personality and Lydia, 24, were surrounded by two flower towers and romantic candles when Trace got down on one knee.
“It’s hard to describe the emotions you feel when you’re about to propose to the girl of your dreams,” says the son of Kelly and Gil Bates stated in an exclusive statement to U.S† “I just know that Lydia is my best friend, and she’s the most positive thing in my life. It’s hard to imagine a day that goes by without seeing her or talking to her. I knew I wanted her by my side forever, but planning the where and how and all the details of the engagement was a chore!”
Trace continued: “I wanted the timing and setting to all be a big surprise, so I was grateful for my sister’s help. Josie [Bates] and her boyfriend Chloe. It’s hard to believe we’re finally engaged and planning weddings!”
Josie, 22, and their friend arranged the white bouquets that adorned the roof on the happy couple’s big day. Lydia, for her part, related: U.S that she was “totally shocked” by the proposal.
“I thought Trace was in Nashville helping his brother Lawson renovate his newly purchased house,” recalls the bride-to-be. “He even texted me with pictures of himself working in the house, which I later discovered had been taken before for the occasion. He had our friend Chloe ‘hired’ me to do a rooftop photo shoot, so I basically thought I was going to work.”
The doors to the roof were covered with a black curtain, but Lydia said she “didn’t even notice” the attempt to hide the surprise. “When I opened the door, Trace in his suit was standing in front of this beautifully decorated set and I think I stood there stunned for a few minutes,” she gushed. “Our song played through the hotel speakers and Trace dropped to one knee to propose.”
Lydia told U.S“I don’t think I’ve ever admired him more or been speechless! He went through so many hoops and planned so hard to make this day perfect for me, and I feel so blessed preparing to marry someone who loves me so much. I am overjoyed!”
The newly engaged couple began dating in August 2021 and confirmed their romance in December via Instagram. “So blessed to call you mine ❤️❤️❤️,” Trace wrote at the time.
Weeks before marking their relationship milestone, Lydia shared a series of sweet snaps with her beauty, streaming via Instagram on March 7: “I love you more everyday♥️.” Bates’ official family account replied, “You’re so cute!😍.”
Trace previously dated Chaney Kahleathus confirming the start of their courtship in September 2019. However, the pair stopped in February.
Scroll down for an exclusive look at Trace and Lydia’s engagement: