Two Kentucky celebrities get engaged over the holidays

The months between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s day are known in the wedding business as “engagement season,” a series of holidays that are prime time for popping “the question.” And for two Kentucky celebrities, that has made these holidays sweeter.

Both longtime Kentucky star Laura Bell Bundy and the Bluegrass State’s newest star Jordan Smith shared their good news via Instagram.

Bundy, 34, writing all the way from a holiday foray to New Zealand, posted a picture of her ring from Thom Hinkle, saying she was initially taken by his “wit, charm” and him beating her at the video game Dance Dance Revolution. But what really impressed Bundy was Hinkle’s willingness to switch from Scotch to Kentucky Bourbon. True blue love, kids.

Earlier this year, Bundy underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. The Tony Award-nominated actress’ latest project is the forthcoming ABC Family show, Recovery Road.

Smith, fresh off his win on NBC’s The Voice, decided to make 2016 great out of the gate, popping the question to his longtime girlfriend Kristen Denny. Both hail from Harlan County. It appears the proposal took place in Boston – where Smith sang the national anthem at the NHL Winter Classic outdoor matchup between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens – from which Smith, 22, posted, “RINGING in the New Year with my future wife. She said YES.” Smith was back home to sing the anthem at the UK-Ole Miss basketball game, Saturday night.

Following his Voice win, Smith’s collection of Voice performances is available at iTunes, on streaming services, and Walmart on CD, and he is beginning work on his debut album on Republic Records.

Neither provided wedding details yet, but suffice to say, 2016 is off to a sweet start for these famous Kentuckians.

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Two Kentucky celebrities get engaged over the holidays."