Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s Daughter, 22, Gets Engaged to Footballer in Charming Place: ‘Perfect’ Photos
One of the daughters of Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton has gotten engaged to a dashing footballer. Emma Jean Kelley’s beau popped the question in a charming place and the public is calling the engagement “perfect.” Bursting with excitement, Kelley took to social media to share photos from the magical moment, which her friends celebrated later.
Congratulations to Emma Jean Kelley, daughter of iconic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who recently got engaged to Hudson Clark! On July 1, the 22-year-old shared an array of endearing images from the joyous moment online and her followers are over the moon about her happy news.
Foreshadowing her upcoming nuptials, Kelley was a vision in a mini white lace dress and matching block heels for the special day. Echoing the formality of the occasion, Clark looked dapper in a light blue dress shirt, beige chinos, and suede loafers.
Emma Jean Kelley and Hudson Clark sharing a tender embrace, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
The carousel of photos Kelley posted on her Instagram account shows how elated the couple is to be engaged, with the cover image depicting how pleasantly surprised Kelley was when Clark got down on one knee.
Hudson Clark proposing to Emma Jean Kelley, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
Perfectly suited for his intention to make a lifelong commitment to his beloved, Clark chose a beautiful setting to propose to his future wife-to-be.
Hudson Clark proposing to Emma Jean Kelley, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
Images show the happy duo posing for pictures in the center of a stone platform surrounded by towering, cream-colored columns and trees. One heartfelt picture shows Kelley and Clark sharing a tender kiss as she places her left hand gently on his chest, showing off her stunning diamond ring.
Hudson Clark and Emma Jean Kelley sharing a tender kiss, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
Another shows a beaming Kelley looking at Clark with eyes filled with love and joy as he places the gorgeous piece of jewelry on her ring finger with a huge smile. The fifth snap displays the couple in a warm embrace, with Clark towering over Kelley as he protectively cradles her head.
Hudson Clark and Emma Jean Kelley posing for a picture on their engagement day, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
Other pictures include more expressions of surprise as Clark opens the ring box to ask for Kelley’s hand in marriage. The last image shows the pair sharing another kiss, but this time, Kelley holds out her left hand in front of the camera, giving her followers another glimpse of her rock.
Hudson Clark and Emma Jean Kelley sharing a kiss while Emma shows off her engagement ring, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/emmajeankelley and hudsonclark1
“WE’RE ENGAGED!! Couldn’t be more excited and ready to walk God’s path together!! My partner for life, I love you 💍💍🤍 Let’s do this life together!! 🤞🏼🤞🏼,” captioned Kelley alongside her post.
Another fan gushed, “This is perfect.” A particularly emotional follower on Instagram wrote, “I’m still crying.” Online observers are not the only ones who have been celebrating the happy news, as the young gymnast’s friends have also taken to Instagram to share their own posts congratulating Kelley and Clark.
Hudson Clark and Emma Jean Kelley posing for a picture, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jensenscalzo
A friend of the couple named Jensen Scalzo shared a carousel post on her social media showing ten photos of the celebration held in honor of the newly engaged couple over the weekend.
Emma Jean Kelley celebrating her engagement with her friends, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jensenscalzo
Her photos ranged from group shots where Kelley was seen having fun with her friends at what looked to be an outdoor party. Additional pictures showed Scalzo posing for photos with other attendees.
Jensen Scalzo posing for a picture with friends, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jensenscalzo
A particularly striking picture shows Scalzo in a side-hug with Kelley as she shows off her ring by pointing her hand straight at the camera with a huge smile.
Jensen Scalzo and Emma Jean Kelley posing for a picture, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jensenscalzo
Another shows a heartfelt moment where a bunch of Kelley’s friends surround her as they hold her left hand up to draw further attention to her engagement ring. Accompanying Scalzo’s post is a caption that reads, “10 pics from a 11/10 wknd ✨[…]💍 best friends are getting married —cheers to the future Clark’s 🥂!!!!”
Jensen Scalzo and Emma Jean Kelley posing for a picture with friends, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jensenscalzo
Blayre, another friend of Kelley’s and Clark’s, shared three pictures of the engagement celebration. The first shows her holding Kelley’s left hand as they smile for the camera, and the second shows the same photo Scalzo shared of the entire group posing together.
The last displays Blayre posing with Kelley and Clark. Highlighting the soon-to-be-bride in the frame, Kelley stood in between Clark and Blayre with her left hand held out in front of the camera.
Hudson Clark, Emma Jean Kelley and Blayre posing for a picture, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/b.layre
Like Kelley’s other friends, Blayre also accompanied her heartfelt photos with a short and sweet message. “Emma & Hud 4ever!!!! 💍,” penned Blayre in her post’s caption.
“Spent the weekend celebrating the most deserving people💌Congratulations Em and Hud, I am so excited to watch y’all’s love continue to grow […] Love you forever!” said another of the couple’s loved ones named Morgan LeighAnn Mullet.
Frankie Price, Emma Jean Kelley and Hudson Clark posing for a picture, posted on July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/frankieprice_
Her pictures ranged from group photos to a few friends celebrating at what looked to be a bar and of course, another snap of the woman and man of the hour.
Hudson Clark, Emma Jean Kelley and Zach Zimos posing for a picture, posted July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/zach_zimos
Maddie Jones, another friend, penned an endearing message to Kelley and Clark and noted, “OUR GIRL IS ENGAGED!! Emma and Hud, I couldn’t love y’all more and I can’t wait for your future together!! Cheers to your forever love […]💍🥂 #FUTURECLARKS 🤭🤭.” She captioned this alongside more pictures from the celebration.