Britt Smith and Morgan Brinkley

Morgan Brinkley and Stephen Britt Smith are pleased to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding in July 2026 at Four Fifteen Estates. The ceremony will be officiated by the bride’s grandfather, James Brinkley, and the couple plans to make their home together in Texarkana following the wedding.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Brinkley of Texarkana. Morgan is a 2009 graduate of Foreman High School. She attended the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith for two years before completing cosmetology school in 2012. She is currently employed as a cosmetologist.

The prospective groom is the son of Donnie and Vickie Starnes of Texarkana. Britt is a 1994 graduate of Texas High School and is employed with the United States Postal Service as a city carrier.

The couple’s engagement took place on Morgan’s birthday, August 15, 2025, during a special evening at their favorite date-night restaurant, Benchmark American Brasserie. After secretly carrying the ring for more than a month and first speaking with Morgan’s parents, her children, his daughter, and his own parents, Britt planned an intimate and meaningful proposal perfectly suited to Morgan’s personality.

Although Morgan had once jokingly told him she would be happy with a simple proposal in her kitchen, Britt wanted the moment to feel both romantic and personal. As the couple enjoyed dinner, Morgan had no idea Britt had the ring in his pocket the entire evening. When the waitress delivered a complimentary birthday dessert, Britt suddenly stood up and said, “Okay, I can’t take this any longer.” Startled, Morgan briefly wondered what was wrong before Britt knelt beside her booth and asked, “I can’t take a second longer without asking you to be my wife. Morgan, will you marry me?”

Morgan tearfully and joyfully said yes, laughing as she noticed the restaurant’s waitstaff and kitchen crew gathered nearby watching the heartfelt moment unfold. The restaurant erupted in applause as the couple celebrated together. Britt presented Morgan with a stunning three-carat solitaire ring from Alexander’s Jewelers, and she still says she cannot believe he managed to surprise her so completely.

Following their wedding celebration, the couple plans to honeymoon in Montana, where they hope to relax in a cabin and spend time hiking together.