Actor Dexter Darden is engaged!
On Monday, Dec. 9, the Fight Night actor, 33, announced that he popped the question to his now-fiancé, fitness instructor Briah Nelson.
In a series of posts captured by the couple’s friends and reshared to Darden’s Instagram Stories, the actor can be seen staging a backyard proposal for Nelson, complete with an arch made of red and white roses, a light-up sign reading “Will you marry me?” and a backdrop of sprawling green hills, houses and trees behind them.
Wearing a simple white sweater and red leather pants, Nelson could be seen covering her face with her hands as the Maze Runner franchise alum, sporting a white sweater and black pants, got down on one knee and opened up a wooden ring box to reveal a diamond ring.
Dexter Darden/Instagram
In one video shared to Instagram by actor Iman Crosson, who attended the proposal, Nelson can be seen telling the couple’s friends and family members, “It has been such a ride this past year and a half, in the best way.”
“And I’m so grateful, not only for this man, but for all you,” she continued. “Because if it wasn’t for all of you, I feel like this wouldn’t be possible.”
“No, absolutely not,” Darden chimes in. “Everyone here has played a part in this union, in some way, shape or form, and it’s held us up through every trial and tribulation.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer??, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Lila Seeley/Getty
Both Darden and Nelson are often private about the more personal aspects of their relationship, but they have previously opened up about their love for each other in social media posts.
Nelson shared a post to her Instagram account in September that featured photos of the pair attending the premiere of Fight Night — in which Darden starred as boxing legend Muhammad Ali — and captioned the post: “When the man you prayed for becomes the man you pray with ????.”
“What a time supporting you baby @dexterdarden !!” she added. “Blessed to stand by your side. #fightnightpremiere is everything and more. Be sure to check it out on @peacock ??.”
In July, Nelson also shared a video to Instagram that featured tons of clips of herself and the actor spending time together, and wrote in the caption: “Steady love ??.”
“A man after God’s heart will know how to love yours. I love your love @dexterdarden ???,” she added.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Darden was previously linked to singer JoJo, 33. The pair were engaged in 2021 and broke up shortly after.
