There are few women who wouldn’t envy a proposal as romantic as this one.
In a heartwarming gesture, Daniel Bryant meticulously arranged fabric in the iconic yellow and purple of his and his partner’s college colors on the pristine sands of Myrtle Beach to pose the life-changing question: ‘Lesli, marry me?!’
To ensure that Lesli Lambeth, as she was known then, didn’t miss the grand display, she was taken on a breathtaking helicopter ride one joyful day in 2013. From high above, she could clearly read the proposal that sealed their future together.
In a moment of sheer joy, she accepted the proposal without hesitation.
Following this unforgettable moment, the couple celebrated with an elegant beach wedding. This marked the beginning of their new life as the Bryants, embracing their very own fairy tale—until an unexpected twist unfolded last week.
That was when Lesli, a 37-year-old high school counselor at Orange High School in Orange County, North Carolina, was charged over alleged inappropriate behavior with two male students.
One alleged victim is 17, the other is 18. Lesli is accused of sending both teens nude images of herself and requesting them in return from the younger boy.
The allegations are deeply shocking and threaten the genteel existence that the Bryants have come to enjoy in their hometown of Hillsborough.
Lesli and Daniel Bryant are seen here in a picture with their two sons that they shared to their social media
Daniel proposed to his wife in 2013 by spelling his proposal out on Myrtle Beach, before taking her up in a helicopter to read it
She was questioned in early June, charged on July 1 and handed herself into deputies on July 2.
She has yet to enter a plea to charges of indecent liberties as well as sexual exploitation of a minor and has not commented on them publicly.
Daniel, a vice president at the prestigious Credit Suisse investment bank, paid his wife’s $50,000 bond, court papers said.
Lesli has returned to the gorgeous $650,000 home the couple share with their two young sons.
She, Daniel and the boys once posed on its stunning wraparound veranda, wearing matching plaid pajamas for a heartwarming photoshoot.
Lesli and Daniel, who studied together at East Carolina University, may find the quintessentially southern feature very useful in the coming weeks and months as they contemplate their future.
And new allegations against Lesli uncovered by the Daily Mail will likely heap further pressure on the couple.
Lesli was questioned in early June, charged on July 1 and handed herself into deputies on July 2. She is seen here on her wedding day
She is facing two charges of indecent liberties and another of second degree exploitation of a minor, according to court records
The couple live inside a $650,000 home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, pictured here
Orange County Sheriff’s investigators say they have proof of Lesli’s digital infidelity with three young men, in addition to the two teenage boys she allegedly groomed, a sheriff’s report seen by the Daily Mail claimed.
There is no suggestion that Lesli’s behavior with those three young men broke the law.
Nevertheless, the sheriff’s report seen by the Daily Mail said: ‘The situation created by these events brought to light that Lesli was abusing her position within the school to create inappropriate relationships with both current and former students.’
Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies say the boys and their families are supportive of criminal proceedings against Lesli.
The age of consent in North Carolina is 16, but adults in a position of authority can be charged with inappropriate relationships with youngsters aged 18 and under.
She has yet to enter a plea to charges of indecent liberties as well as sexual exploitation of a minor and has not commented on them publicly
Lesli was seen looking sullen during a recent court appearance, where she was freed on bail after the court was told of how she has no criminal history and was deemed a low flight risk.
She is due back before a judge on July 20.
Daniel Bryant answered the phone to the Daily Mail on Tuesday morning and said that neither he nor his wife wished to comment.
While innocent until proven guilty, the scandal has already derailed Lesli’s career.
She was initially suspended from her job at Orange County High School with pay, but chose to resign on June 12, a few days after handing her phone to the sheriff’s office to be examined.
It is unclear why she chose to quit.
Equally uncertain is whether the Bryants once-happy marriage can also weather the worsening strain.