South Boston teacher's boyfriend has students help him propose

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SOUTH BOSTON (WSLS 10) - A South Boston woman is ready to plan her wedding - after her students helped her boyfriend pop the question.

Justin Coats took a creative approach to his marriage proposal to girlfriend Mandy Toombs, a teacher at South Boston Elementary School. And after documenting the proposal, social media and national media outlets have spread their story across the country.

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Coats told WSLS 10 producers, he enlisted the help of friends to put together a video to show during Toombs' class. As the video ended, Coats appeared in Toombs' classroom with students carrying a sign asking for her hand in marriage.

"The love you two share can be felt across the room... Be happy & say yes... Ready for you to be apart of this family & be Miss Coats... Say yes, say yes."

https://youtu.be/XlKl5vc3y4w

After telling Toombs how much their relationship meant to him -- and promising to never keep a seceret from her again -- Coats got down on one knee and popped the question. And she said yes!

Coats said he spent three months planning the surprise. The couple plans to get married next October.