Credit: UPTV
Michaella Bates has had a busy few months. Michaella stars in the UPTV reality series Bringing Up Bates and just shared one of the biggest moments of her life with the world.
We spoke with Michaella Bates about marrying Brandon Keilen, sharing their first kiss in front of 800 guests, and what’s next for the two of them as they begin their lives together.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Michaella Bates below:
First of all, congratulations on your wedding! How excited are you to finally share this with the world?
It seems as though we waited an eternity for our wedding day to arrive, and needless to say, it was the absolute most special and wonderful day of my life. Sharing it with others is a highlight for is, and it helps us re-live the moment! We’ve been counting down the days until the show aired so we could celebrate with friends who were unable to attend.
At around 800 guests, it certainly wasn’t a small get-together. What did it mean for you to share this with so many loved ones and friends?
It is impossible to put into words how deeply my heart was touched seeing how many people came to celebrate with us. I was completely overwhelmed by the love and kindness. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
I just know I would end up being a Bridezilla from the stress. Did everything run smoothly for you?
I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful experience! Mom was amazing helping me plan, and my wedding coordinator was absolutely incredible. So many friends volunteered to help and that made the day stress-free for me. I’m forever grateful to everyone who so graciously pitched in with preparation. They had everything under control and that left only one thing on my mind – Brandon!!!! 😉
Credit: UPTV
It must have been so nerve-wracking sharing your first kiss with your husband in front of the others. Can you talk a little about why it was so important to you to wait?
I remember as a little girl thinking that a first kiss was the most romantic and beautiful thing in all the world. When Brandon and I started talking, we decided that we wanted to share our first kiss at our wedding. I’m going to be completely honest with you, yes, I was a little nervous about sharing something that precious to me with so many people. But during our ceremony, I was completely lost in the moment! It seemed like Brandon and I were the only 2 people there, pledging our love to one another. Waiting was definitely hard, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My dreams all came true that blissful moment. It was more wonderful than I had even imagined.
The episode teases the bittersweet moment of entering marriage and leaving home. How has that been for you?
There were so many emotions that day. I was marrying the man of my dreams, my one and only, my dearest friend, and at the same time saying goodbye to my family and moving away. It was most definitely bittersweet! I’m absolutely loving married life, and thanks to technology I’m able to stay in close contact with my family too. We mail lots of letters and packages back and forth and share frequent phone calls. The little ones often face time or text from an older sibling’s phone, and it completely melts my heart and brightens my day. I’ve been thankful for the handful of visits my family has made to Chicago or that we have made to Tennessee because it has allowed us treasured fellowship time! I really have the best of both worlds – a husband that dotes on me, and a family back home that loves me! God has blessed me more than I ever thought possible.
As this new chapter of your life begins, what are your hopes for the future?
I’m finishing up my last semester of college, while adjusting to the big city and the cold winters. I spend my days doing child care and college work. Brandon works close, so we are able to eat meals together. I have to admit that I’m enjoying every moment and am embracing this thrilling adventure of marriage that God has so graciously given me.
The support for you on social media is so wonderful. What can the viewers expect in the upcoming episodes following your wedding?
Wow! I don’t even know where to begin expressing my gratitude for all of the support on social media. The messages, notes, letters, comments, and especially prayers have been such an encouragement! It is so much fun meeting new people via Internet and getting to message as I have opportunity. We look forward to sharing many more touching family moments this season.
Thank you so much to Michaella Bates for taking the time to answer some questions for us!
Bringing Up Bates airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on UP!
You can follow Bringing Up Bates on Twitter @BringingUpBates.
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