Bringing Up Bates' Jackson Bates Marries Emerson Wells

Jackson Bates is a married man!

The Bringing Up Bates alum, 21, wed Emerson Wells at the Bramble Tree Estates in Sorrento, Florida, on Saturday afternoon.

The event — which marked the 12th wedding among the Bates family's children — was held outdoors and organized by Kim Nafziger, who has coordinated each of the groom’s siblings' weddings.

The couple chose to write their own vows, and the ceremony was officiated by Gil Bates, the father of the groom, and Jono Contestable, the brother-in-law of the bride.

Their wedding party included Wells' sister Kenzie Contestable, who served as the matron of honor, as well as Jackson's brother Warden Bates, who served as his best man. Jackson and Wells' other siblings were also featured prominently within the group.

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Jackson and Wells, 20, announced their engagement through a post shared on their joint Instagram account in March. "SHE SAID 'YES!' I can't wait for 'I DO!'," the pair wrote in their caption.

On their special day, Wells' bridal bouquet was composed of baby’s breath and white roses. It was designed by her brother, Hunter Wells. 

Food, meanwhile, was provided by Smoke on the Mountain Caterers, which served its Smoke on the Mountain signature smoked chuck roast, red skin garlic mashed potatoes, southern-style green beans and fresh baked yeast rolls.

The couple later opted to have a Ritter’s frozen custard truck serve guests dessert in the sunny Florida heat.

“I would have never thought I could meet someone that is as perfect as Emerson," Jackson tells PEOPLE. "I fell in love first, and I haven’t stopped thinking that she’s the best thing in my life since I first asked her to marry me."

"I am definitely getting the best end of this deal! I have to admit, I’m one of those sentimental guys, and I can’t stop tearing up just thinking about how blessed I am," he continues.

Noting how he and his bride "both feel very grateful for the family and friends who have gathered today to support and encourage us," Jackson adds, "We wouldn’t be where we are without some of the wonderful counsel, examples and prayers that have been offered on our behalf."

He concludes: "In summary, God has been so very good to us and we are grateful. Now we look forward to a new chapter in life serving Christ together and loving one another.”

For her part, Wells — who is a dental assistant — tells PEOPLE, "Everyone keeps asking if I’ve been nervous, but I’m really not, because all I can think of is how this is the best day of my life. I don’t really care about the little details falling into place perfectly, as much as the fact that I’m living out my dream. I feel like the luckiest girl alive right now!"

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