Former "19 Kids and Counting" stars Derick and Jill Dillard recently took a break from their missionary work in El Salvador to attend the wedding of "Bringing Up Bates" star Michaella Bates in Rocky Top, Tennessee.
On Thursday, Jill took to Instagram to post a photo of herself, Derick, and their son, Israel David on a plane and captioned it, "Traveling! #lovemyfamily." She later posted a second picture which showed her mother, Michelle, meeting Jill and Israel at the airport. Jill wrote, "Excited to be back with family for the weekend!"
According to People Magazine, the couple made an appearance on Saturday at Michaella's wedding to Brandon Keilen, which will be featured on a special upcoming episode of "Bringing Up Bates."
The Bates family and the Duggars are close friends with each other, as both families hold to conservative values and homeschool their children. The eldest Duggar daughter, Jana, served as a bridesmaid in the wedding, which was also attended by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, Joy-Anna Duggar and Ben and Jessa Seewald.
The Duggars, Dillard, and Seewalds also shared videos on their individual family blogs congratulating Michaella and Brandon following the wedding ceremony.
In the Duggar family video, Michelle tells the camera, "It was the most amazing, precious ceremony. They are such a sweet couple and you can just see the love they have for each other and especially for God. And so we are so excited about their marriage, and just rejoicing with you, Michaella and Brandon! Praise the Lord!"
Jim Bob adds, "It seems like yesterday you and I, Michelle, got married 31 years ago, and you know what, our love is growing closer and closer every year." He added with a slight smile, "My advice to Michaella and Brandon - be fruitful and multiply."
"19 Kids and Counting" was canceled last month in the wake of the molestation scandal involving Josh Duggar. Both Jessa and Jill revealed that they were among their brother's victims.
During her brief time back in the United States, Jill reportedly traveled to New York along with her sister to film a TLC special about child abuse in light of the recent scandal.
TLC worked with the anti-abuse organizations RAINN and Darkness to Light to make the special titled "Breaking the Silence." According to the Darkness to Light website, the documentary will cover "several powerful child abuse survivor stories, as well as provide information on how to learn more about the issue, get help, and influence legislation."
"Breaking the Silence" airs on Aug. 30 at 10/9c on TLC.
