Jackson Bates is a married man!
The Raising Bates alum, 21, married Emerson Wells at Bramble Tree Estates in Sorrento, Fla., on Saturday afternoon.
The event — which marked the 12th wedding of the Bates family’s children — was held outdoors and was organized by Kim Nafziger, who coordinated all of the groom’s siblings’ weddings.
The couple decided to write their own vows, and the ceremony was officiated by Gil Bates, the groom’s father, and Jono Contestable, the bride’s brother-in-law.
Their wedding included Wells’ sister Kenzie Contestable, who served as matron of honor, as well as Jackson’s brother, Warden Bates, who served as his best man. Jackson and Wells’ other siblings are also prominent within the group.
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Emerson Wells, Jackson Bates.
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Jackson and Wells, 20, announced their engagement via a post they shared on their joint Instagram account in March. “SHE SAID YES!’ Can’t wait to ‘I DO!'” the couple wrote in the caption.
On their special day, Wells’ wedding bouquet was composed of baby’s breath and white roses. It was designed by her brother, Hunter Wells.
Food, meanwhile, was provided by Smoke on the Mountain Caterers, who served up their signature smoked roast beef, red garlic mashed potatoes, Southern-style green beans and fresh-baked yeast rolls.
The couple later decided to have Ritter’s ice cream truck serve dessert to guests in sunny Florida.
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Emerson Wells, Jackson Bates.
Brandon Kari Productions https://brandonkari.com
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“I never thought I could meet someone as perfect as Emerson,” Jackson tells PEOPLE. “I fell in love first and I haven’t stopped thinking she’s the best thing in my life since I first asked her to marry me.”
“I’m definitely getting the best ending for this job! I have to admit I’m one of those sentimental guys and I can’t stop crying just thinking about how blessed I am,” he continues.
Noting that he and his bride are “both very grateful for the family and friends who have come together today to support and encourage us,” Jackson adds, “We would not be where we are without some of the wonderful advice, examples and prayers that have been offered in our Name.”
He concludes: “In short, God has been very good to us and we are grateful. Now we look forward to a new chapter in our lives serving Christ together and loving each other.”
For her part, Wells, who is a dental assistant, tells PEOPLE, “Everyone keeps asking me if I was nervous, but I really wasn’t, because all I can think about is how this is the best day of my life. I don’t care about the little things. details that fall perfectly into place, as much as the fact that I’m living my dream. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now!”
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Source: HIS Education