UP Original Series "Bringing Up Bates" stars Michaella Bates (25), the eldest Bates daughter, and her fiancé Brandon Keilen (25), a videographer/graphic designer for a Chicago-based ministry, today happily announced their long-awaited wedding date as Saturday, August 15 in Knoxville, TN at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.

Her bridesmaids, her official colors, registry details and more will be announced via UPtv.com and their personal social media accounts. The supersized now-14 episode, all-new season of the hit UP Original Series "Bringing Up Bates" takes a fresh look at an uncommon, ultra-conservative American family with 19 children and larger-than-life personalities. The series returns for its second season exclusively on UP on Thursday, June 4 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Michaella and Brandon got engaged on Monday, April 13, following an extended formal Courtship. He surprised her with the engagement, leaving clues for her at seven different places and culminating in the long-awaited proposal at Great Falls, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. The couple will relocate to Chicago after the wedding. Viewers will meet Brandon's family from Lansing, Michigan - parents Ron and Jill Keilen, and his sisters Angie, Becky and Christy - on the show this season, at the couple's post-engagement dinner and other family events.

Michaella and Brandon first met in Spring of 2009 during a week-long bible retreat, which began in Chicago. She attended with several of her sisters. Michaella says, "I saw a young man through the window who caught my attention! He was walking an older man to lunch in the freezing snow, and I was instantly impressed at his kindness and patience on this bitter cold day! I didn't have the slightest clue that this would someday be the love of my life!" He also made a favorable impression on her sisters. Over the next few years, Michaella reconnected with Brandon at different events, and her feelings grew with each meeting. On November 2, 2013, Brandon flew to Tennessee to be an usher at Erin Bates' wedding to Chad Paine (as seen on "19 Kids and Counting"). Three weeks later, Brandon asked Michaella's father Gil for permission to formally court his daughter, which was agreed upon and began on December 30, 2013.

Michaella and Brandon said, "As we prepare for our wedding and the start of our new life together, it's impossible to express all of the emotions that flood our hearts but excitement is definitely beginning to escalate! Our hope is that the whole day is a reflection of God's unending and amazing love and we can't wait to share it with our family and dear friends!"

"As parents, we hope and dream and pray that our children will find that special someone in life that will encourage them in their walk with the Lord and that will love them wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Seeing that come to life brings us such fulfillment and joy. We know Brandon and Michaella are a perfect match and we couldn't be more elated about their wedding announcement," said Michaella's parents Gil and Kelly Jo Bates.

Led by devoted father Gil (50) and his loving wife Kelly Jo (48), the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for the family - which means everyone has chores, selects DVDs and classic programming rather than TV, only dresses for girls and more. With a grand total of 19 children ranging in age from 3 to 26, they are the definition of a "big, happy family." But lately - as viewers will see - their simple rural lifestyle in Tennessee is in a flurry of transitions and is continually challenged by the modern world. The hit UP Original Series continues this season to explore new, ever-changing family dynamics. This abundant family continues to have bigger drama, bigger challenges and bigger life events to celebrate in the UP Original Series "Bringing Up Bates."   

UP presents "Bringing Up Bates," an UP Entertainment production in association with Figure 8 Films. Executive Producers are Bill Hayes, Kirk Streb and Matthew Hightower. Supervising Producer is Jen Stocks. Senior Production Manager is Kami Winningham. Series Producer is Mary Wilcher. Post Producer is Tori Holder.

Follow our cast at:

• www.UPtv.com
• The Bates family online atTheBatesFamily.comand on Instagram athttps://instagram.com/thebatesfam

(Photo : Press Release)

(Photo : Courtesy of UP)
(l to r) The families sit down to dinner: Ron Keilen (father), Jill Keilen (mother), Becky Keilen (sister), Michaela Bates & Brandon Keilen, Christy Keilen (sister), Gil and Kelly Jo Bates.

(Photo : Courtesy of UP)

Keep an eye out for the happy event and more big news in the second season of 'Bringing up Bates' premiering on Thursday, june 4, exclusively on UP.

Tune in up every Wednesday at 10 p.m. edt to catch up on season one episodes.