A university student proposed to his girlfriend in cap and gown - at his graduation ceremony.<br /><br />Joe Walters, 23, popped the question as he graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in Sociology.<br /><br />He got down on one knee to girlfriend of six years, Emily Hunt, 23, on the momentous day (22 July).<br /><br />In front of friends and family at Bath Spa University’s ‘after graduation’ party, ‘Gradstock’ at the Bath Recreation ground Emily said yes.<br /><br />Joe said: "I was just so happy to finally ask Emily to marry me, it was so special.<br /><br />“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. <br /><br />"I couldn’t have got through University without Emily at my side, so I wanted to make the day a double celebration."<br /><br />Emily, originally from Uckfield near Brighton, graduated from Bath Spa University with a degree in Dance one year ago - and said the proposal was a 'lovely surprise'.<br /><br />She said: “We have been together for almost six years, and he always said he would propose at graduation, but I presumed he meant mine. <br /><br />"So when he nothing happened last year, I just put it out of my mind. <br /><br />"I had no idea he would pop the question at his own graduation, but it was such a lovely surprise. <br /><br />"We were surrounded by our Uni friends and close family, so it was even more special. <br /><br />''Some of them even knew he was going to ask me, and I can’t believe they managed to keep it a secret!”<br /><br />Joe, originally from Peacehaven near Brighton, explained how he was 'really excited' about the whole day.<br /><br />Joe, who manages a coffee shop, added: "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."<br /><br />Joe proposed with his great grandma’s ring, which he collected from his mum on a recent holiday with Emily to Spain. <br /><br />Emily says having a family connection to the ring makes it even more sentimental and important, adding: “We are so close to our families, and everyone is so happy for us. Having Joe’s Great Grandma’s ring is just beautiful.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Emily, who works as a Dance teacher teaching small children, said: “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.”<br /><br />Joe said: “We are so shocked by the reaction on social media, but it’s so lovely that everyone is so happy for us.”<br /><br />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
