InstagramEmily Maynard has a lot to celebrate.
The soon-to-be bride gathered with her pals, including fiancé Tyler Johnson and daughter Ricki, for her 28th birthday on Saturday. A source tells E! News the group celebrated her special day at Nan and Bryon's in Charlotte, N.C. Nan and Bryon's is the newest hot spot in Charlotte and just opened in November. It is the sister restaurant to 5Church, which is often frequented by celebs.
The former Bachelorette shared a photo from the gathering on Instagram and wrote, "Best birthday dinner in a long time :) Thank you @mtylerjohnson @sweetdieseldesigns @clayj5815 @austinj40 @kylejohnson_7 @whoistpoole @nanandbyronsclt."
"Emily had the spaghetti and meatballs and her daughter had the meatloaf, a signature dish at the restaurant. Everyone was really happy and had a great time," the source said. "The group was snuggly and seated in The Study."
Maynard took to her website to talk about her engagement for the first time on Friday, Jan. 31, saying she is going to marry "an amazing man I met through my church, Forest Hill, in Charlotte. I should've known all along that God was going to do things His way!"
Emily continued, "We've been dating for over a year and have known each other for much longer. I used to teach a jewelry making class at a middle school that my church adopted and Tyler was one of the coordinators of the program. Well, every Thursday I could count on him to come help me carry all of my beads out to my car at the end of class. The only problem was he was so good looking that I could barely make eye contact with him, much less have a normal conversation."
Maynard added, "Fast forward a few years (and a few attempts to find love on tv) to our first date and we've been inseparable ever since! I'm so grateful to God for bringing him into our life because he's been the biggest blessing to Ricki and I both."
The blond beauty also shared a very clear view of her new rock, too! "I told him I didn't want a traditional engagement ring and that I just wanted some simple bands. He went above and beyond to say the least and they couldn't be more 'me'. I got a good one :)"
Yeah, you did!
—Reporting by Senta Scarborough