‘Bringing Up Bates’ Star Carlin Bates Marries Evan Stewart in a Romantic Wedding Ceremony

They said, “I do!” Bringing Up Bates star Carlin Bates married her boyfriend of two years, Evan Stewart, in a gorgeous wedding ceremony on Saturday, May 25. Carlin’s big family played very special roles in her big day, along with Counting On star Joy-Anna Duggar.

The 21-year-old’s father, Gil Bates, served as one of the wedding officiants, according to Us Weekly. Then all of Carlin’s 18 siblings made up the majority of the bridal party. Zach, Michaella, Erin, Lawson, Nathan, Alyssa, Tori, Trace, Josie, Katie, Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Addalle, Ellie, Callie, Judson and Jeb all played roles as matrons of honor, bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, ushers and ring bearers. Carlin’s best friend, 21-year-old Joy-Anna, also served as one of her gorgeous bridesmaids.

But Joy wasn’t the only Duggar in attendance. Her brother Josiah Duggar and his pregnant wife, Lauren Duggar (née Swanson), were part of the guest list as well as Joy’s sister, Jana Duggar, and Jana’s best friend, Laura DeMasie.

Joy was quite the doting bridesmaid and she captured some very sweet moments in the lead up to Carlin’s wedding on Saturday. First, she shared a cute video clip of Carlin and Evan practicing the song that they performed for their wedding guests. Then Joy shared a sweet snap with the bride as they both showed off their wedding glam.

Carlin gushed over how she met Evan in her wedding blog leading up to their nuptials. “It all began in the fall of 2016, when my mother was asked to speak at a Ladies’ Conference at the Stewart’s church! Evan just happened to be one of the servers for the conference! I was in the fellowship hall studying for my midterms, and Evan kept passing as he was serving,” Carlin explained. “I noticed he was nervous and eventually said, ‘Well aren’t you going to say, ‘Hi’?’ He blushed and we chatted briefly.”

The next day, the Stewarts invited Carlin and her mom out to lunch, and her sister Erin tagged along and she played matchmaker, and the rest is history. “He is my best friend I can hardly wait to spend forever by his side!” she wrote.