'Bringing Up Bates' star Tori Bates marries Bobby Smith

"Bringing Up Bates" star Tori Bates marries Bobby Smith. Facebook/Tori and Bobby Smith blog

"Bringing Up Bates" star Tori Bates married Bobby Smith on Saturday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The huge ceremony, which was reportedly attended by some 700 people, was officiated by Tori's father, Pastor Gil. Among the guests included the entire Duggar family, except Jinger.

According to People, the church was festively decorated with Christmas trees, sourced directly from the family's farm. The 21-year-old bride's mother, Kelly Jo, was in charge of decorating the trees, which were mounted in concrete and painted in white.

Tori broke traditions by walking down the aisle with Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" playing in the background, a far cry from the family's usually more conservative choices. She wore a wedding gown designed by Renee's Bridal owner, Renee Miller, who also created the nuptial dresses of Jinger and Joy-Anna Duggar, as well as Joseph Duggar's wife Kendra Caldwell.

During the ceremony, Smith started getting teary-eyed, prompting Tori to giggle. She then joked that she was "messing it up," but her father, who was officiating, answered, "This is your day, you're not messing anything up. I'm proud of both of you."

Later on, Tori's 25-year-old brother Lawson performed an original song called "One Plus One," which he wrote himself.

"Today was more than we could ever hope for. It was the wedding of our dreams," the couple told People. "We're so grateful to God for His love and the love and support we received from our family and friends that helped us celebrate this magical day."

Tori and Smith first met through a mutual friend in 2015, and started to officially court in November 2016.

After months of planning, Smith popped the question at the scenic Wiseman's View in North Carolina.

"Bringing Up Bates" returns to the small screen on Jan. 4, Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT on UP TV.

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.