Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Joy-Anna Duggar's Engagement Meal (Photos)


Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth announced their engagement on March 3rd. The special moment took place while the couple was on a horseback riding date, with younger sisters Johannah Duggar and Jennifer Duggar along as chaperones.

After Austin popped the question and Joy said yes, the two had a romantic dinner outdoors. Props to Austin for all the planning! They feasted on grilled venison from a deer they hunted together, grilled potatoes, and cast-iron skillet green beans. Scroll through the snapshots below. You'll find the recipes on TLCme.












If you enjoy this blog, check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).


Photos courtesy TLC/DCL

244 comments:

  1. Awww that is so sweet. I love hearing about all the Engagements. Austin and Joy seem so natural and down to earth. What a great match.

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    1. God out them on earth for us to live on....that's what people dI'd long ago and many still do.

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    2. would it have been better to have cheeseburgers?

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    3. Dear anonymous 312. How do you know God gave us animals to eat? Maybe he only wanted us to eat plants. You are assuming that animals are to eat.

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    4. @anonymous 2:02, versus eating an animal held in captivity that probably lived a horrible life due to bad farming practices? What point are you trying to make? They ate the meat they hunted, not made a fur coat out of it and discarded the rest. If people went back to minimizing their consumption of meat and only ate what they hunted, or minimized the overburdened livestock industry we have today, we would drastically reduce pollution due to greenhouse emissions from raising livestock and everyone's waistlines would be a lot slimmer.

      I don't agree with everything that comes from the Duggars, but their meal was somewhat impressive and I give them points for that.

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    5. Yes killing them and eating them is survival. Stop not picking an amazing family to make yourself feel some sort of way.

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    6. Yes, cave men and early settlers needed to hunt for food. Modern day people do not need to hunt to eat; we have supermarkets.

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    7. Hunting the deer is something they did together. Unless you are a strictly vegan and wear no leather or fur then you have no room to talk about killing innocent animals. It is sweet that they do things together that they enjoy and then worked it into their engagement. It is called building a relationship and bonding. It is not something that I or my husband would want to do, I prefer to get my meat by way of the grocery store wrapped in plastic, but I can see what Austin was trying to do here and yes it is sweet.

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    8. Venison is delicious!
      Thank You God for giving us good food to eat.

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    9. "Murdwring an animal is when you kill it for no orher purpose then to kill it. Killing animals for food is called survival and is the very purpose that God created certain animals for inlcludung deer. Like it or not. If you are a vegan, good for you and stop reading this post if you don't like it.

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    10. Just to remind you, 3:12, but God didn't put us anywhere near the top of the food chain. I'd make a tasty lunch for my dog or cat, if they hadn't been domesticated. Man vs. wild animal...I know which one I'd place my bet on.

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    11. Lol innocent animals that were created to be eaten?! Have you ever seen what overpopulation does to animals? Why not protect innocent babies being mutilated in womb & their parts being sold on the black market! That would be a worthy cause!

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    12. The Indians hunted for them so what's the difference ?

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    13. I agree, hunting down innocent animals isn't "sweet". It's disturbing how many are so glib on this subject. I simply cannot stand by in right Christian conscience and not respond on the coldness I often see on this subject. Personally, it grieves my spirit. It's not liberal or conservative. And no, I do not eat meat not do I wear leather. I am also a prolife advocate for the unborn.

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    14. I'm guessing you don't live in the country. Don't drive where deer just jump out in the middle of road boom cause accidents. That cause major damage to cars and injury. Hunting these deer helps keep the population down. And they have guidelines...do does. And. No fawns. I think that's right..I myself don't hunt cause I have a problem with my vision. But how do you think we get meat in markets.

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    15. People are created in God's image, animals are not. I don't think animals should be killed out of a heart of malice or unkindness or any other evil motive - that's another issue - but killing an animal for food isn't murder. Murder is the taking of human life. If you look up the definition of murder, it includes "human" or "human being" or "someone" rather than "something". There is a difference. That said, I think her engagement was tailor made to her personality!

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    16. Actually I do live on over 20 acres in a very rural area/forest. We wake up many mornings to the deer families eating berries etc. We also drive slowly as to not harm the deer. I do not believe in factory farming or any of the above, if you will research on factory farming you will see the cruelty involved in that as well as the factory dairy industry. These are God's Creatures and we are to care for them. I do wish the churches would educate the people on this, of course many pastors don't know themselves the ins and outs of this subject. It breaks my heart that it is this way much of the time. Christians should be on the forefront of this subject. (response to the above reply on 3.16)

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  2. Wow! so cool! I love the lights and that view!

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  3. Venison that they caught?

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    1. Yes, they killed an innocent deer so they could have a romantic meal of it on The Rock.

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    2. Nothing wrong with that. Makes me laugh when i hear comments like this. I bet you eat meat, or wear leather, or both. Plus have you ever thought of what would happen if the deer were not hunted? They would over populate and cause lots of problems

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    3. It did not say caught, it said they hunted it together. There is nothing wrong with hunting deer. If you don't they over populate and starve to death. Is that what you would like better?? Honestly people, that is what God made them for.....

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    4. I live in Texas and have known many deer hunters. I have never heard of anyone "catching" a deer.

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    5. I would respect your comments about "innocent deer" if you are a complete vegan but if you buy your meat from the store rather than hunting and butchering it yourself and understanding from where meat comes, then I don't respect your comment at all.

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    6. Hunters keep the deer population in check. Evidently you have not Sen a farm ravished by deer. Hunting also keeps many from dieing from hunger.

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    7. Yes, isn't that great! They didn't add to their foot print by buying it wrapped in styrofoam and plastic from a store. They hunted it and ate it. Love seeing these two enjoying the outdoors.

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    8. Innocent deer???? God gave us animals to eat!!!!

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    9. Um lots of people kill "innocent deer". What's the problem with that?

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    10. I did really like Joy up until this point. She murders one of God's beautiful animals and finds it romantic to have it as her engagement dinner.

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    11. Better shot and ate and used than destroying the whole front end of someone's car when it runs out in the highway and dies anyway but is then useless. That's why we hunt animals and in certain hunting seasons - to keep down the populations

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    12. They would have eaten meat anyways.. better this than support an inhumane factory who mistreats their livestock.

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    13. I do not agree with the hunting.

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    14. Hunting wild game is the most friendliest way to eat animals. That deer got to live a happy life living free, unlike the livestock that lives in a industrial setting, is pumped with antibiotics and hardly sees daylight. Those poor deer comments reflect how unfamiliar people are where their food comes from (sorry for the bad english, not my native language)

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    15. Joy and Austin didn't say caught. It's referenced in the introduction to the thread and obviously they don't Hunt so the choice was just in error. It is disappointing to me and just unkind how reader's are being so critical. Lily I think you are a sweet christian woman doing a nice thing for us.

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    16. Hunting would be great if they gave the deer firearms, too. Equal the score. Now that would be a sport.

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    17. If hunting were so important to keeping the deer population down, what did deer ever do before man came along with bows and arrows and guns? Practice abstinence?

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    18. 3:10, your livestock raising information is very outdated. It's not like that everywhere any more.

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    19. Don't the Duggars raise livestock? Are you saying they treat them inhumanely, since some of you seem to think that's what happens to all livestock?

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    20. Thou shall not kill. I take that to mean ALL livings creatures.

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    21. I am going to assume that all of you who are horrified by hunting and eating a deer are all vegans, as well as use no leather products whatsoever. Animals kill and feed on each other. Nature and fairy tales are not synonymous.

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    22. Anonymous 2:40. All due respect but we do not and should not have to agree with what other people agree with! They have a right to hunt. It is legal and has been going on since the beginning of time. Do you think this is something only religious, fundies do? My husband hunts and I abstain from eating it because I don't care for the taste, but I would never tell him he can't. It is something he enjoys. He grew up doing it and not one person in my family hunted. So different strokes for diff. folks.

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    23. The comments on hunting an animal for consumption are ridiculous. Better to hunt an animal and consume it than buy from the store an animal that was mistreated, butchered and wrapped up in pretty paper and twine so that the consumer can remain ignorant. As long as the animal was hunted in season, it is perfectly acceptable so as to not harm the local population. Other than that, get educated about where your meat comes from that you eat, otherwise don't eat meat if you cant handle someone who has the guts to own up to eating the meat they hunted themselves.

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    24. Thank you Anony. @4:00 and 4:04! Hunters us that population theory. Human beings are over populating our world; so, using their logos we should be hunted as well!!!

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    25. If you gave a deer a firearm, they couldn't use it because they don't have thumbs 😀. Also, please read Genesis because God made people and land animals the same day. There never were any deer before humans were made.

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    26. You folks certainly are not from Arkansas, deer is a delicacy around here, lol.

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    27. Short history and ecology lesson- deer didn't exist before man. Men have always hunted animals since Mesopotamia to provide meat to eat. The deer population needs to be kept in check because any increase in human population equals increased land need (housing, hospitals, schools, stores-all of which Vegan and non-Vegan readers utilize). Increased land need equals decreased habitat space for animals like deer. Any change in the habitat affects everything in the habitat from the primary producer (plant life) up to the primary consumer (top predator). A decrease in the deer's food supply equals starvation. Not enough deer (prey) means either predators starve as well or they're forced to move toward a more available food supply (Cougars encroaching on CA suburban neighborhoods and snatching smaller family pets, bears in your trash cans and bird feeders). In an idealized world, no one would need to kill an animal. Reality Check: Planet Earth is not like that. The posters above are correct- it is necessary to keep the deer population in check. I'm an avid, lifelong deer lover in a family of hunters feeding their families. Even I know it is far more humane for a hunter to quickly kill a deer than for it to suffer excrutiating pain and agony starving to death over the course of weeks. The majority of hunters are conscientious and will faithfully track a deer if they've missed and accidentally wounded it, rather than to have it suffer.

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    28. Easy answer, the natural predators that were in abundance once upon a time before man took over most of their territory.Long long ago there was a balance in nature...not anymore...too bad and so sad...☹

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    29. No cougars, bears, and other predictors ate them. But because we have over populated their hunting grounds they no longer live and hunt alot of central America. Hunting your own meat is not wrong, as long as you eat what you kill. That is what native Americans did long ago. There is a circle of life as God had intended. Because we have grocery stores people are not always happy about hunting. I understand that. But just know your meat doe not magically appear in the grocery store.

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    30. What makes it right to eat animals is that GOD said it's all right. (1 Tim 4:4)

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    31. There were mora large predators around which kept deer populations down before human hunters came along.

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    32. Where have you been? Hunting isn't new. People have been hunting since the beginning of time.

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    33. Just so happens that deer were created in the same day as man/woman so I don't think they were around too long before hand to be an issue... also the world was perfect before the fall when God commanded man to hunt and eat so again no issue. Animals were created for the pleasure of man and ultimately God and as God has commanded us to eat them I don't see an issue!

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    34. to Anon 4:04. Sigh. You must be a city person :)
      Wolves! That's what kept the population in check. And cougars. Etc. People kill the predators so the prey increases unchecked.

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    35. I suggest you google the definition of murder. It applies to human beings, not animals.

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    36. As an major animal lover and rescuer, this is an interesting discussion. I think 11:37 PM and 6:51 AM got it right.

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    37. There are ways to keep the deer population in check other than hunting. And there are also ways to keep deer off of highways other than hunting.

      If you have to hunt for your animal protein, that is different. You live up north, where food access is limited. But most hunters are doing it solely as sport. They could easily go to the store to pick up some groceries.

      Killing ANYTHING for sport is wrong. We are meant to honor life and nature and only take a life for sustenance.

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  4. Aww I'm excited for them 😊

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    1. I am too, he's a Romantic! Flowers are alright but, dinner at sunset? So happy for you Austin & Joy ����

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    2. I totally agree!!! ❤❤❤

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  5. Ugh...give me a rooftop in Manhattan any day!

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    1. Me too! But I'm old school. A table at Tavern on the Green, a lovely red wine, and Frank Sinatra... Oh my...that's a recipe for romance!

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    2. Why can't we enjoy both?

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    3. I know, right? I am so not a country person. I love NYC.

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    4. If someone cooked dead deer and served it on the side of the cliff in winter while trying to woo me... These two can have it.

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    5. That was romantic but that would not have been joyanna just like the horse back riding and outdoor thing would not have been jinger

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    6. Feel sorry for you folks. I love NYC, but also love the great outdoors and enjoying God's creation.

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    7. If this is something Joy appreciated then I'm happy for her.

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    8. You can keep your Manhattan rooftop! I met and married an outdoorsy man. WOW! I didn't know what fun I was missing! Nothing like canoeing down river or ramping it up in an airboat! Camping out! Listening to "oldies" on the radio around the campfire, or just listening to crickets or a train in the distance. Campfire marshmallows and roasted weinies! Or, yes, fresh venison! I still like a quiet dinner out too. Just because its not something you would like, don't knock it. Different strokes for different folks! Respect that others may not like what you like. This is about Joy and Joy being a self admitted tom-boy, this is right up her alley. I think Joy, Austin and that camp were made for each other! Happy, happy, Joy, Joy!

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    9. Yes this is not my cup of tea. I'm sure they enjoyed themselves. To each their own.

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    10. No thanks! New York City doesn't appeal to me at all.... too many people. I am not a country person but give me a view of God's creation any day over a bunch of buildings.

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    11. Anonymous 11:36 I'm with you! Just thinking of Tavern on The Green yesterday!

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  6. If this really happened on March 2 and they "caught" (aka killed) the deer-they would have had to brought it with them in coolers-deer season in Arkansas ended in December (bow season ended at the end of Feb).

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    1. I am sure they didn't kill the deer that day.... that is what freezers are for... freeze the meat until you need it.

      I am so glad that she found a guy who enjoys outdoor activities just like she does.

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    2. As they have been courting for a bit, they probably caught the deer on a previous outing; then he used that for dinner. The article (how I read it anyway) did not say it was caught same day.

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    3. Huh? Did you think they wanted you to think they hunted it that day?

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    4. it doesn't say when they killed the deer only that they did it together. Was probably from Austin's freezer.

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    5. There's no way they did this on march 2nd. The weather looks chilly in those photos and the trees haven't even started blooming yet. In Arkansas the weather was mainly in the 60s that week with maybe that day hitting the high 50s. Regardless, the trees wouldn't have looked so bare if this was on march 2nd.

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    6. We have freezers that are bought for the sole purpose of freezing deer (usually several) That way the meat can be enjoyed all year, till the next deer season. It''s a way of life here, just because it not yours doesn't mean it's wrong.

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    7. Well.it just.shows how each girl miss so differnt in their taste of.their guy. Joyanna loves the outdoors but for jana or.jinger they wouldn't. If you ever travel to Arkansas and go to the Kmart or Walmart there all they have appt.of.is hunting stuff. So they have more country like style there and they have alot.of.deer etc. I just.like peoplr.in California does things other states don't

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  7. Congratulations. God bless you both!

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  8. How romantic! Very well thought out plan Austin. Shows u care.

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  9. Congratulations may God be with you

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  10. I love this. It feels so genuine. Wishing the very best for these two.

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  11. More power to them to eat outside with winter jackets on!! The suiters for Duggar and Bates girls sure have pressure to come up with all these romantic settings. I suppose it is all right, but it sets the bar pretty high. My husband and I have a 54 year plus marriage and he did not have this pressure and I would not put it upon him. They say it is most romantic when a husband will clean the bathroom or vacuum the floors for his wife!! My husband does do that.

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    1. It would be generous indeed for a work-outside-the-home husband to perform cleaning chores "for his wife!" In my household, we both bring home the bacon. When my husband cleans the house, it's not "for" me, it's for both of us, and it's both of our job.

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    2. Amen to that Alice!

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    3. Just for the record, we are a retired couple, but I substitute teach most days of the week. My husband stays at home and I only ask for his help when I need to. He dries the dishes with me every night.

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    4. Our home was shared based as well. We both worked and we both looked after OUR home. My husband never thought of his "role", he pitched in with anything.

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  12. They announced their engagement that day and nowhere in the article did they say they hunted the deer that day they were horseback riding please read the article again

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  13. Congratulations to you both. No so sure about the choice of meat but it's not about that it's about the future the two of you are going to have. I admire your faithfulness - both of you. You make such a wonderful couple. I hope you feed your sisters LOL.

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  14. What sweet pictures! Those cast iron green beans look yummy! I wonder how they prepared theirs. My hubby has a special recipe for cast iron green beans and it's so delish!

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  15. It says the deer they hunted together. He had this already set up. So I'm sure the the meat was on ice long before they made it to this spot. This was all set up when they got there.

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  16. Ive still not seen a ring. Im excited to see it. :)

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    1. Maybe she didn't get a ring. She might just wear a band.

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  17. This is so romantic. Good job Austen!

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    1. Romantic? Canned green beans heated on a campfire and tough game meat? Are those drinking jars I see? Shoot, I'm an engaged woman but I'd like to take Joy out on a better date than this, just so she can have the experience once.

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    2. Up to now, her only "date" was going out on her birthday for a Chocolate Mess with her parents. So this probably felt a lot more romantic, even if it is extremely rustic.

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    3. 12:27 PM -- I don't think you understand romance, with all due respect. It has nothing to do with what you eat or where you're sitting

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    4. Everyone's idea of romantic is different. For outdoor lovers, this was romantic. Your idea of a romantic date probably wouldn't appeal to her. Some people hate fancy dinners and having to get all dressed up. God made each of us unique, so we don't need to criticize each other. It is good that we are different. The world would be completely boring if everyone was just alike and liked the same things. I am sure that Austin proposed in a way that would be special to Joy Anna.

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    5. I agree, I would personally love this. Not that a fancy meal isn't nice, but this would be awesome in my book. I'm not married yet, but when I do my ideal rehearsal dinner for a wedding will take place around a bonfire. :)

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    6. Anonymous #2- If you're deer meat is tough, then someone doesn't know how to fix it! LOL My 76 yr old father fixes an excellent venison roast in the crockpot with brown gravy and a mean venison steak that my city-dwelling husband absolutely loves. Every Fall/Winter, my dad sends deer meat to my husband and gave me the recipe to prepare it. My husband enjoys it as much as his Outback steak and the Texas Roadhouse. It may not be your thing, but many people like it and many people pay top dollar for "Venison" in some high end restaurants. ;)

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    7. 4:06 I'm certain this wasn't she only date she has been on besides her birthday one. I think there have been many but these two were the only ones they chose to share with the public. What is romantic? Wouldn't a girl that loves the out-doors find this romantic? I'm sure she did!

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    8. Maybe that's what she likes! I know I do.

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    9. His name is spelled Austin!

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    10. The proposal is sweet because it's Joy's style but it's the opposite of romantic.

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  18. Congratulations Joy and Austin! God certainly has a plan for these two and has given them a solid foundation in friendship. I love the outdoors and so this setting is so perfect. May God continue to bless them in their marriage.

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  19. congrats be your self joy ann

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    1. yes! everybody says "be your self" until you are then comes the "opinions" !

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  20. My congratulations to both of them. My only problem is that Joy seems so young yet. Maybe because I'm getting to old. lol

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  21. So sweet. Congratulations

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  22. Congrats Austin and Joy agree with other readers not my kind of meat or place setting, did you feed your chaperones or did they have to watch you eat and be hungry

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    1. I'm sure the girls got to eat, Joy wouldn't let her sisters go hungry and I'm sure Austin wouldn't do that either. When Derick took Jill out on a picnic and James went with them as their Chaperone they gave him food too. They didn't ignore him.

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    2. Yes I wondered where the little girls were. Shame there couldn't have been one picture of them with Joy and Austin, but maybe they're not allowed to show them unless parents are there or something.

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  23. Who took the pictures? Johanna or Jennifer?

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    1. Ha - those are TLC pictures and you have to watch the show to see more! Remember, everything in their lives is taped.

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  24. Aww I love these two haters need to hate else where it don't matter where or when they got the deer geez

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  25. He must have been awfully sure she was going to say yes!

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  26. How sweet!!!! I hope my boys are so romantic like this!

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  27. That is SO cool that they ate a deer that they hunted together!! This engagement seems perfect for Joy Anna!

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  28. Ugh. Meat and potatoes. Give a salad and hummus over that any day!

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    1. I love them together. Meat, potatoes, and salad. I am young but must be old fashion! I love a complete meal!

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    2. Different strokes for different folks!

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    3. Unfortunately, given the poor health of so many Americas, it is not different strokes for different folks.

      Meat should be eaten in small amounts and it should not be burnt as we see the deer meat was. Potatoes should also be eaten in small amounts; they are starch. Baked with the skins are OK but any other way of preparing them, not so good.
      It also depends on what you mean by salad. Iceberg salad with croutons and radish and high calorie salad dressing is not healthy eating.
      So, since staying healthy and keeping my weight in a healthy range, means that I am with the original poster. Give me a salad made with kale and spinach and raw veggies and simple salad dressing made of olive oil and freshly made hummus.

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  29. I hope they feel guilty for hunting and eating animals. There is no reason for anybody to eat meat unless they are literally starving to death or have a medical condition that requires it.

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    1. Mmmmm hamburgers.

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    2. There's nothing wrong with eating meat. I for one could not live without meat, I love it!! Just because you have different views on eating meat doesn't make it a sin or just if you're in dying need of a meal. It's perfectly okay to hunt and eat the meat you kill. Humans have been hunting for hundreds of years. It doesn't suddenly become wrong.

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    3. Ive been told this by vegans before but in some families, such as mine, where there are food allergies to soy and nuts, meat is the only way to get a proper source of protein. Alot of people who eat plant based diets seem to overlook these very common but life threatening allergies.

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    4. I wouldn't eat dead deer because it was never inspected by the USDA. You don't know what it's carrying. Deer and elk in the West have been developing their version of Mad Cow Disease slowly but surely over the last few decades. There is no cure, and it is transmittable to humans through the meat.

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    5. 2:00 PM -- That is your opinion. Not cool to wish ill on anyone, though.

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    6. 2:00- You must not use any products made of leather, like shoes, either.

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    7. Oh my. So rediculous! God gave us meat to EAT!

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    8. Bull. I have heard venison is much more healthier because they eat natural foods. Not so much with beef. They feed them all those antibiotics. I do like beef more though. Anyhow, meat can be beneficial to people. It contains a lot of protein, especially chicken. And some people are anemic and a good old juicy steak can help.

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    9. ANIMALS ARE NOT HUMAN AND MANY WERE CREATED FIR HUMAN CONSUMPTION!
      FIGHT FOR THE ABORTED BABIES IF YOU MUST FIGHT FOR SOMETHING, FIGHT FOR HUMAN LIFE!!!

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    10. I'd trust Joy and Austin's butchering over the corrupt USDA any day!

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    11. Meat is a natural part of what we eat, yes some choose not too. Deer meat is very good, it just a different taste then other meats. Just cause you choose to abstine from meat doesn't mean all of us who choose to eat meat are bad. Plus hunting is actual helpful and very well controlled. As long as you are hunting and plan to use the meat and not just for the "fun" of it there is nothing wrong with it.

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    12. I'm sure they very extreamly greatful.. living in Alaska we have subsistence hunting. That means we live off of the land. There is so much more to life then living in a city

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    13. Anonymous #4, I believe you may be referencing Wasting Disease. That's why you want to only eat deer killed by an experienced hunter who knows the signs of a healthy deer vs. unhealthy deer. I wouldn't eat deer unless it was dressed by my own family members, as they have 60+ years of experience butchering their own meat (deer, cattle, pork) and know what it should and should not look like. The majority of people doing their own hunting on their land are very respectful of the animal, particularly if they're doing the butchering themselves. They don't see the hunting to feed their family as a "sport", unlike those who pay big bucks to hunt an animal that is confined with a fenced area with no means of escape...very little, if any, skill. That's trophy hunting and buying "bragging rights".

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    14. Meat is part of a healthy natural diet. Most vegans need unhealthy processed things to get nutrients -- supplement pills, vitamin pills, foods fortified with synthetic B12, etc. No one should feel guilty for choosing a natural way of living, including hunting, butchering your own animals, growing your own garden.

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    15. Amen to that Ivan Wike! Sad how some people have elevated the animal to be more important than human life.

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  30. Maybe I don't understand the true reason for chaperones, but it seems like an inappropriate responsibility for such young kids (Johanna & Jenni).

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    1. Joy thought they were just going horseback riding and thought her little sisters would enjoy it. Johanna and Jenni could have refused, they asks them if they want to join not tell them. Plus the kids say their siblings pay them too so they can make extra money

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    2. I agree. Are Jim Bob and Michelle actually explaining lust to these small children? Are they defining what "crosses the line" to a young child? These little girls are just that--little girls. They should not carry the burden of a chaperone. If they are along just to have fun with their big sister and Austin, please don't call them chaperones.

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    3. 10:28 I agree that they are young to be chaperones. They are becoming preteens, not toddlers, at least Johanna, so they are probably gaining some awareness anyway.

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  31. I saw something that said they have set their wedding for October 28, 2017. Is this true?

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    1. That would be her 20th birthday and that date is a Saturday, so that makes a lot of sense.

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    2. Oh I hope that is not true! This year, I would like to see a May or a June wedding. The cold fall is not that vicariously enjoyable to me!

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    3. Oct 28 would be JoAnna 20th birthday.

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    4. Oh ok makes perfect sense now. Her birthday! Well, he has no excuse to forget their wedding anniversary now:)

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  32. It would not surprise me if they have an outdoor wedding. If this is what they enjoy doing, more power to them. It certainly took a lot of preparation to move the table and everything to the site. Joy is a bit young, but Austin must love her. Congratulations.

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  33. I like this proposal. I'm not knocking Derick, Ben or Jeremy's proposals, but they all seemed over the top and put on for cameras/ratings. I really believe that this proposal was just an average everyday proposal. Which in their situation makes it all the more romantic. I wish Joy and Austin all the love and happiness in the world.

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    1. Totally agree. This was an old-fashioned sweet proposal. The overly staged ones are not interesting to me.

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    2. Yes, this seems more for real vs. for the cameras.

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    3. They were all beautiful in their own way. This one was exceptionally beautiful. But I don't think any of them were excessively over the top. Derick had a musician play a romantic song, Ben did a scavenger hunt, and Jeremy proposed on a rooftop overlooking New York, but they were all pretty simple, with no lavish, extravagant dinner, full orchestra, lavish entertainment, etc. They were all relatively simple, elegant and tasteful and fit the personalities of the individuals. This one certainly fit Joy and Austin's tastes. Lovely.

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    4. I agree. I love the understated approach. Blessings to them. They seem to have very straight heads about what really matters most.

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    5. An "average" and "everyday" proposal?! I would think this is the EXACT time NOT to be everyday! They're only getting engaged once, most likely. So I think it would be over the top special. They can have "average" times later in life.

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  34. Okay, one statement for those who say they no longer respect Joy for eating deer meat: she has been eating beef and chicken and fish and pork for years. What the heck is different about deer? Just because she killed it? Somebody else had to kill the cow; and somebody also killed those vegetables you choose to eat instead of meat.

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  35. I am 78 and think that this plan was perfect for them. It was not mentioned for any one to make fun of or the bad remarks being made. Deer keep people alive every year as people keep deer alive also. Good thing we all don't like the same thing to eat or entertain our self. They made memories this night that will be with them for many many years and I say Congrats Austin U did a great job for your beautiful wife to be. Thoughts and prayers to both of U. (And yes I like some deer.😉)

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  36. I think that just because humans have been doing it for hundreds of years doesn't always make it right.As we evolve, we make conscious changes that are best for all wonderful living creatures on this beautiful planet.I'm trying to consciously respect all living creatures and have adopted a vegetarian diet. Having said that I'm also trying not to judge others as we're all on different paths. What is suitable for one may not be suitable for another.

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    1. Are we evolving? Do you think you are more evolved than those who eat meat? Where did this idea come from?

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  37. Hi lily and Ellie I have no idea if you read/answer comments but I use your site for factual information and I have seen on some social media fan accounts that Joy's wedding is on her birthday in October and that seems very not Duggar-like. And idea if this is true?

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    1. They are not going to disclose the actual date at this point.

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  38. This was not your 'everyday average' proposal if cameras went along.

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  39. Austin is such a cutie! And the fact he is an outdoors guy is truly hot!! I only wish he had an older brother or relative for Jana. She seems to want that type of guy.

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  40. I have loved watching all the guys proposals...so happy for all of them.

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  41. I agree this does seem like an appropriate proposal for them. Joy Anna doesn't strike me as a princess type, she likes the outdoors, flying planes and hanging with the boys. Austin seems like a good match, I hope they are happy.
    As for the killing comments, how about you visit a farmed animal operation and see how animals are treated in that situation? Hunting animals that you are going to eat is the best situation for the animal. How else do you think animals in the wild die? Injury takes days, wild animals can take hours to tear apart deer, starvation even longer. Death is a natural thing, everything dies all animals and humans too! Things kill humans all the time, virus, bacteria and other animals too. I think it's more important to look at treatment of all living things. Do you know how many animals are killed each year to farm vegetarian food? There is no such thing as food without an animals death. I know I used to be vegetarian and tried to grow all my own food! I not only realised I had to squash the bugs or go hungry, but also I was denying my body the protein it needed and getting sick.
    Farm grown soy and wheat and corn, require far more land than a grazing animal and this means poisons are set to kill mice and other "pests" who destroy crops. It also means less available land for wild animals to live off and they therefore get shot or starve to provide you with your "guilt free" vegetarian food, so you can then tell others they are cruel and murderers... guess what so are you! Deal with it.

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  42. I like the picture from the back of the two of them at the table with the sun in the distance. I can imagine them there again in the future.

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  43. Remember someone in the Duggar saying interested to get to know the different babys' personalities and now those personalities are making for an interesting variety of wedding proposals so far!

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  44. If you people don't like the Duggar family stop watching and reading about them. I would have loved to have had a family like them. Josh got messed up but that does not represent the whole family. Back to Josh, he and God will work that our not anyone else!!!

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  45. Im so happy for you two ....CONGRATS!!

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  46. I love seeing these special moments but wonder why such a personal and once in a lifetime experience is being filmed and watched by a production crew. It should just be the 2 of them. I feel the same way about hunger and Jeremy's honeymoon

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    1. I think they've been on camera for so many years that they have lost any sense of the concept of privacy. Yes, who would want a camera crew with on their honeymoon???

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  47. LOVE the fact that they killed their engagement meal! Austin is a true provider! He reminds me of my hubby when he was that age. I also love the fact that Joy hunts with him - this can really grow them closer. Lots of long hours in the woods can equal lots of great conversations. God Bless them both. Oh yea to all the good old Anonymous haters......give it a rest. No matter what this family does these people come to a DUGGAR fan page only to spread meanness - enough already!

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  48. October 28, 2017 wedding date - if there is a wedding registry online already at theknot.com why hasn't this been announced. Now I'm confused - Michelle stated that once engaged, Duggars don't wait long for marriage because its not fair to make the couple wait too long for the physical aspects of their relationships which is why all the girls have gotten married within 3 months so why is Joy-Anna taking 7 months to tie the knot. Houston do we have a problem???

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    1. Isn't that Joy's birthday? Maybe she wants to get married on her birthday! Or maybe she wants to be 20 and not a teenager when she gets married.

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    2. Maybe because she is so young, they want a longer engagement. Or maybe they couldn't get the wedding venue they want for before that date. Or maybe the date holds some special meaning. Lots of possible reasons.

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  49. Just curious why the little sisters were chaperones and not the older brothers seems like that's a big responsibility for little girls. Also I saw somewhere that they caught the deer. However deer aren't caught but are hunted.

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  50. Oh, Joy. Just think of all the young men you could have met and chosen from if you'd been leading a normal life in high school, college, socializing, and after-school jobs.

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    1. Yeah. That sounds scary when you look around the places and see what's out there.

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  51. If Joy-Anna and Austin enjoy hunting together, that's great. I know several happy couples who hunt together. I will say though that I did feel a little sorry for Joy-Anna with having to sit outdoors for this meal though. While sitting on a mountain ridge with a gorgeous view, eating a meal special to both of you as the sun sets sounds very romantic, in actuality mountain ridges are notoriously cold and windy in early spring...and especially in a skirt. :/

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  52. Congratulations to you both. I wish you many happy days, months, years together. You are a beautiful couple and I love the proposal in every way. :-)

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  53. Are there any photos of Joy's engagement ring???

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  54. I don't get why chaperones are still around.... Michelle and JimBob do not trust their children ? Plus there is TLC crew around the couple, so why adding chaperones ? It seems a bit exaggerated ! Anyway congrats to them Both

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  55. I sure hope for Joy Anna's sake that this outdoorsy type of rustic thing is what SHE would have preferred. If it were me, I'd be out of there. In these photos, she doesn't look like she's really enjoying roughing it for this occasion. She just doesn't look very happy about the whole thing. At least,, that's the impression she's giving.

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    1. She just got engaged... I am sure she is absolutely thrilled. The pictures were taken candidly and therefore show a more natural state for both of them, rather than forced smiles and moments of elation (which social media has conditioned us to expect).

      Maybe outdoorsyness is not her thing. Their relationship will evolve to accept that if it is so. For now, it works for them.

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  56. Its rediculous how many people here are so focused on being "right" all the time, and focused on the stupid meat, when you really should be congradulating the happy couple for their engagement and wishing them blessings in their future together! How about that?!

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    1. That's what happens when you live your life publicly and post pictures about it. The scrutiny automatically follows.

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  57. joyann and Austin keep being yourself LOVE YOU BOTH the best duggar kids

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  58. Weird all of a sudden everyone is so offeneded they ate a deer. Better than just killing it for sport and hanging it on the wall! I grew up nowhere near the south but hunting and eating deer is still so common. I think its really neat and less traditional theyve hunted together. Plus venison is delicious!

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  59. Along with the registry, which may be fake, there was also a family friend who let something slip online that lead people to believe the wedding was in late April-ish.

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  60. Oh my! How did this turn into a debate about eating meat? Eat meat if you want, don't eat it if you don't. To each his own, no condemnation, no bickering like children. Congratulations to the new couple!

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  61. This is absolutely adorable! Good job Austin! I love the personal touches that they had hunted the deer together :)

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  62. Other wild animals are hunted for food. Moose meat is popular in Alaska. Bison are also used for human consmption.

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  63. Nobody I know wears fur except my cats, and they're entitled to. And it's easy not to use leather these days. So many good shoes and purses and gloves are man-made materials. So yes, you can "respect" the non-deer-killing responses.

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  64. Is there anyway to confirm if the wedding registry on Amazon is actually Joy and Austin's I would like to send a gift but don't want to spend money if it is a fake account

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  65. Lovely couple.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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