Wedding in 128 Days

In just over four months, Trace Bates will become the fourth Bates son to wed. He and Lydia Romeike will tie the knot on October 1st, 2022, in Jefferson City, about one hour from the Bates' hometown of Rocky Top, Tennessee. The wedding will take place four days before Josie and Kelton's fourth anniversary, which is fitting because Josie is responsible for setting Trace up with Lydia. You can view the couple's wedding website and registry on The Knot. After this event, Gil and Kelly will be able to say that their 11 oldest children are married.

Prayers for Carlin

Carlin Stewart has been experiencing health issues, and we encourage you to pray for her. Since flying back from Lawson's wedding, she has been in Nashville, where Evan's family has been helping with the kids. Carlin has had numerous episodes of fainting and seizure-like symptoms that have landed her in the emergency room. She has not received a diagnosis yet. 

 

Evan Stewart and Carlin Stewart

Photo courtesy of @carlinbates98

A Big Move for the Paines

Erin and Chad Paine just made a huge announcement. They are moving! And they haven't just found a new home to live in; they have found a new state to live in. Hear them discuss their news in their latest video (link below).

YouTube Announcement: The Paines Are Moving

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com

Balkas in California

Even though Lawson and Tiffany had their wedding on the West Coast, most of the Bates family was able to travel to attend. Only a few, including the Websters, couldn't make it due to logistics. Josie and Kelton Balka turned it into a vacation and spent a few days sightseeing with their girls. 

Kelton had to take time away from his business (Tennessee Standard). Josie, who is the co-owner of Effortless Beauty, actually took work with her. She and her business partner did hair and makeup for Tiffany and her bridesmaids!

 

Kelton Balka, Josie Balka, Tiffany (Espensen) Bates, Lawson Bates

Photo courtesy of @josie_balka

Lawson and Tiffany: Wedding Details

We know you're eager to hear all the details and see photos from Lawson and Tiffany Bates' stunning wedding. It was a classy affair that took place on a yacht in San Diego, California. People Magazine just released the exclusive.

Far, Far Away

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen became Mr. and Mrs. Bates yesterday afternoon in San Diego, California. They celebrated with family and friends on a boat! Wedding photos and details have not yet been released to the public, but we will let you know when they are. Until then, where do you think Lawson and Tiffany are headed on their honeymoon? The trip was planned by Lawson, who surprised Tiffany with the destination about a week before the wedding.

Lawson's Wedding Tomorrow

 

Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen

Today, nine of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children are married, and 10 are unmarried, but tomorrow, their married kids will officially be the majority. Family and friends have been arriving in San Diego, California, all week, in preparation for the wedding of Lawson Bates and Tiffany Espensen. The two will become husband and wife tomorrow (Thursday).

Photo courtesy lawsonbates.com

2 More Bates Babies

In celebration of Mother's Day, not one, but TWO Bates couples announced pregnancies. Nathan and Esther Bates are due with their first child in October, which is the month of their first anniversary. Tori and Bobby Smith are expecting their fourth baby in August. They are having another girl, which will bring their count up to two boys and two girls. The daughters will be 14 months apart.

Bates #3 Turns 31

Happy 31st birthday to Erin Paine! She is the 3rd of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children. Erin and Chad have five children, ages six (almost seven) through three months. 

 

Erin Paine, 2019

Photo courtesy of chadanderin.com