Rising country artist Dean Alexander had an exciting start to 2016: He got engaged to his longtime girlfriend!

Alexander proposed to his girlfriend, Liz Bock, during the holidays, while they were vacationing in Sonoma, Calif.

"Life is beautiful, and magic is real. We're getting married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Bock writes on Instagram. "@deanalexandermusic, I'm going to be your WIFE!"

Adds Alexander, "She's my #lovesmirrorimage and now my #bridetobe."

According to a press release, the couple met on a ferry ride in Australia five years ago.

Alexander moved to Nashville in the early 2000s and spent time as a landscaper for Barbara Orbison (who has since passed away), wife of the late Roy Orbison; Barbara Orbison was the one who offered the singer-songwriter his first publishing deal. In 2010, Alexander singed with Warner Music Group. He released his first single, "Live a Little," in 2014 and is currently working on an EP, which is planned for release later this year.

The Boot extends our congratulations to Alexander and Bock on their happy news.

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