On August 17, 2025, under the golden glow of a Tennessee sunset, Bailee Ann DeFord, the 18-year-old daughter of country music sensation Jelly Roll, stunned fans and loved ones alike by tying the knot in a breathtaking surprise beach wedding. With waves crashing gently and seagulls soaring overhead, Bailee said “I do” to her high school sweetheart, Gabe, in a ceremony witnessed only by their closest friends and family. The intimate event, kept secret until the final moment, was a celebration of young love, family bonds, and the kind of heartfelt authenticity that defines the DeFord family. As news of the nuptials spread, fans were left in awe, buzzing with excitement over the fairy-tale moment that felt straight out of a country song.
A Love Story Born in Nashville
Bailee Ann DeFord, born May 22, 2007, has grown up in the spotlight as the daughter of Jelly Roll, the genre-blending artist known for hits like “Son of a Sinner” and “Save Me.” Now 18, Bailee has carved her own path, balancing her budding music career, social media presence, and academic ambitions—she’s a dual-enrollment high school junior with dreams of studying law at Columbia. But it’s her relationship with Gabe, her boyfriend of two years, that captured hearts on that fateful August day.
The couple’s love story began in the hallways of their Nashville high school, where their shared love for music and easygoing chemistry sparked a romance. Gabe, a quiet but charming athlete with a knack for making Bailee laugh, won her over with a “Beauty and the Beast”-themed promposal earlier this year, complete with rose petals and a sign that read, “Bailee, make this prom a tale as old as time?” That moment, shared by Bailee’s stepmom, Bunnie Xo, on TikTok, went viral, with fans swooning over the couple’s undeniable connection.
By August, whispers of an engagement began circulating among close friends, but no one expected the couple to take the plunge so soon. “Bailee and Gabe have this old-soul kind of love,” a family friend shared. “They’re young, but they’re grounded, and they knew they wanted to build a life together.” The decision to marry came after months of planning, with Bailee and Gabe choosing to keep their wedding a closely guarded secret to preserve the intimacy of the moment.
A Beachside Dream Come True
The ceremony took place on a secluded stretch of beach along the Tennessee River, a spot chosen for its serene beauty and personal significance to the couple. The setting was simple yet magical: a driftwood arch draped with white linens and wildflowers, soft sand underfoot, and the warm August light casting a golden hue over the scene. Bailee, radiant in a flowing ivory gown with delicate lace sleeves, walked barefoot down a petal-strewn aisle, her arm linked with her father’s. Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was visibly emotional, his eyes glistening as he gave his daughter away.
Gabe, dapper in a light gray suit with a boutonniere of baby’s breath, couldn’t take his eyes off Bailee. The ceremony, officiated by a close family friend, was short but deeply personal. The couple exchanged handwritten vows, with Bailee promising to “love you through every verse and chorus life throws at us” and Gabe vowing to “be your safe harbor, no matter the storm.” The words, infused with the poetic spirit of the DeFord family, left not a dry eye among the small gathering of guests.
Bunnie Xo, Bailee’s stepmom and a pillar of support in her life, played a key role in pulling off the surprise. Known for her “Dumb Blonde” podcast and her fierce love for her stepchildren, Bunnie orchestrated much of the day’s logistics, from coordinating with a local florist to ensuring the beach was private. She also added a touch of whimsy, arranging for a string quartet to play an acoustic version of Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap,” a nod to the song Jelly Roll sang to Bailee at her prom. “This was Bailee’s day, and we wanted it to feel like her,” Bunnie later shared on Instagram, posting a grainy Polaroid of the couple sharing their first dance as husband and wife.
A Family Affair
The guest list was intentionally small, limited to immediate family and a few lifelong friends. Jelly Roll’s son, Noah Buddy, 9, served as ring bearer, proudly carrying the rings in a small wooden box carved with the couple’s initials. Bailee’s biological mother, Felicia Beckwith, was also present, a poignant moment given their complex history. Bailee has been open about her mother’s struggles with addiction, but recent years have seen them working to rebuild their relationship. Felicia’s attendance, supported by Jelly Roll and Bunnie, was a testament to the family’s commitment to healing and unity.
Jelly Roll, who has often credited Bailee with saving his life during his own battles with addiction, was the emotional heart of the day. He gave a heartfelt speech during the reception, held under a canopy of twinkling lights on the beach. “Bailee, you’ve been my light since the day you were born,” he said, his voice breaking. “Seeing you start this new chapter with Gabe, a man who loves you the way you deserve, is the proudest moment of my life.” He then raised a glass to the couple, joking, “Gabe, you’re family now—just don’t expect me to go easy on you at basketball.”
The reception was a celebration of Southern charm, with a seafood boil featuring shrimp, crab legs, and corn on the cob, paired with sweet tea and a towering red velvet cake—Bailee’s favorite. A bonfire lit up the night as guests danced to a playlist curated by Bailee, blending her dad’s hits with Taylor Swift anthems and classic country tunes. The highlight was a surprise performance by Jelly Roll himself, who took the stage with his guitar to sing “Tears Could Talk,” the song Bailee co-wrote with him at age 10. As father and daughter shared the microphone, their voices intertwining, the moment captured the deep bond that has defined their journey.
A Viral Moment and Fan Frenzy
News of the wedding broke when Bailee posted a single photo on her TikTok account, showing her and Gabe laughing as they cut their cake, with the caption, “Of course, I said YES 💍.” The post, set to the tune of Jelly Roll’s “Save Me,” exploded online, racking up millions of views within hours. Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, with one writing, “Bailee Ann DeFord, you’re a real-life princess! This is the sweetest love story.” Another added, “Jelly Roll walking his baby girl down the aisle? I’m not crying, you’re crying!”
The secrecy of the event only added to its allure. Unlike many celebrity weddings, there were no paparazzi, no red-carpet fanfare—just a young couple and their loved ones savoring a perfect moment. Social media buzzed with speculation about whether Bailee would share more glimpses of the day, with some fans hoping for a music video inspired by the wedding, given her and Jelly Roll’s history of creative collaboration.
A New Chapter for Bailee
At 18, Bailee is no stranger to life’s highs and lows. Her childhood, marked by her father’s incarceration and her mother’s addiction, shaped her into the resilient, compassionate young woman she is today. Raised primarily by Jelly Roll and Bunnie since 2017, Bailee has thrived, excelling in school and building a social media following for her makeup artistry and fashion sense. Her prom earlier this year, where she stunned in a yellow “Beauty and the Beast” gown, hinted at her love for romantic gestures, a trait that carried over to her wedding day.
Gabe, now her husband, is described as her perfect match—steady, kind, and fiercely supportive of her ambitions. The couple plans to settle in Nashville, where Bailee will continue her dual-enrollment studies while pursuing her music and advocacy work. She’s been vocal about her interest in criminal defense law, inspired by her father’s journey and her own experiences with family challenges. “Bailee’s got a fire in her,” Bunnie said in a recent podcast. “She’s going to change the world, and Gabe’s right there cheering her on.”
A Family’s Love Shines Through
The wedding wasn’t just a celebration of Bailee and Gabe—it was a testament to the DeFord family’s strength. Jelly Roll, who once sold CDs from his car to provide for Bailee, has transformed into a Grammy-nominated artist and devoted father. Bunnie, who stepped into the role of stepmom with unwavering love, has been a guiding light for Bailee, helping her navigate fame and personal growth. Together, they’ve built a family that’s as resilient as it is joyful, and Bailee’s wedding was a shining example of their unity.
As the sun set on that August evening, Bailee and Gabe danced under the stars, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. For Jelly Roll, it was a moment of redemption—a chance to see his daughter step into her future with the same courage he’s fought to show her. For fans, it was a reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating. Bailee Ann DeFord, now a bride, has written the first page of her next chapter, and the world can’t wait to see where her story goes.
