Lydia Johanna Bates (née Romeike) (born April 10, 1998) is the second child and first daughter of Uwe Romeike and Hannelore Romeike.
She is the sister of Daniel Romeike, Joshua Romeike, Christian Romeike, Damaris Romeike, Sarah Romeike, and Rebecca Romeike.
She is the wife of Trace Bates and the mother of their son, Ryker. She will be the mother of Baby Bates.
Early life[]
Lydia as a child
Lydia Johanna Romeike was born on April 10, 1998, in Bissingen, Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to Uwe Romeike and Hannelore Romeike. She was the couple's second child, and they went on to have five more children.
Along with her siblings, Lydia was homeschooled growing up. She attended public school until second grade.
Lydia was born in Bissingen, Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, but moved to the United States with her family in August 2008 because they were being persecuted for homeschooling their children. In Germany, it is required that almost all children must attend a government sanctioned school (Private, Christian, Jewish, Public, etc.). The Romeikes wanted to homeschool their children, due to their Evangelical Christian faith, and were facing fines, forcible removal of their children, and possible imprisonment due to this. They came to America and sought asylum for religious freedom. Originally, they were facing deportation in the United States upon the Supreme Court's ruling not to hear their case, but have since appealed that ruling and have been given an indefinite deferred status. This was also made complicated by the fact that their two youngest children are American citizens by birth.
Personal life[]
Courting
Relationship with Trace[]
On December 10, 2021, Lydia announced via Instagram that she was in a relationship with Trace Bates. Of the relationship, Lydia wrote: "Can't believe you're mine". It had been speculated for a few weeks prior to this announcement that they were in a relationship. Lydia had been seen alongside Trace at some of his family's events on his sisters' Instagram stories. They officially started dating on August 11, 2021. They were set up by Trace's sister Josie, who befriended Lydia after they worked together on a photoshoot a year prior.
Engaged
Engagement[]
On March 31, 2022, Lydia and Trace announced that they were engaged. They got engaged on March 21, 2022 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their engagement was featured on their YouTube channel.
"I don't think I've ever admired him more or been more speechless! He went through so many hoops and planned so hard to make this day perfect for me, and I feel so blessed to be preparing to marry someone that loves me so much. I'm overjoyed!"
Just married
Marriage[]
On October 1, 2022, Lydia married Trace Whitfield Bates at Colley Hill Farm in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The wedding had around 350 guests. The couple shared their first kiss at the altar. The wedding was officiated by Trace's father Gil Bates and Lydia's pastor Dean Haun. Lydia's matron of honor was her sister-in-law Hannah, and her maid of honor was her sister Damaris. Her bridesmaids were Trace's sisters Josie, Addallee, and Ellie, and her friends Emily Dollar and Chloe Graham. The flower girls were Trace's nieces Willow and Khloé and Lydia's family friend Lydia Nafziger. Trace's best men were his brothers Jackson and Warden. His groomsmen were his brother Isaiah, Lydia's brothers Joshua and Christian, and his friends Logan Smith and Jonas Thatcher. The ring bearers were Trace's brother Jeb, Trace's nephew Bradley, and Lydia's family friend Weston Nafziger. Trace's brother Lawson sang at the wedding. The pianists were Trace's sister Erin and Trace's brother-in-law Bobby. The violinist was Trace's sister Tori. The ushers were Trace's brother-in-law Kelton, Lydia's brother Daniel, and Trace's family friends Jason Duggar and Austin Forsyth. Her dress was designed by Renee Miller of Renee's Bridal. Their wedding was featured on their YouTube channel.
Lydia and Trace went to Hawai'i for their honeymoon.
Motherhood[]
In late February 2023, Lydia and Trace teased that they had a huge announcement coming on March 4, 2023. On March 4, 2023, they announced that they were expecting their first child, due September 26, 2023. On April 1, 2023, they revealed that they were expecting a boy. On May 12, 2023, they revealed that they would be naming their son Ryker Cruise Bates. Ryker Cruise was born at 11:54 p.m. on September 12, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He weighed 6 pounds and 8 ounces, and was 19 ½ inches long.
On February 24, 2024, she and Trace uploaded a video to their YouTube channel where they revealed that they found out they were expecting their second child, but they suffered a miscarriage. They named their miscarried child Angel Bates. On September 14, 2024, Lydia revealed that it was Angel's due date.
On December 7, 2024, she and Trace Bates announced that they are expecting their "rainbow" baby, due in 2025.
Health[]
On July 6, 2022, Lydia had her wisdom teeth removed.
Career[]
Photography[]
Lydia owns and operates Lydia Romeike Photography in Norris, Tennessee, a business she started in 2016.
Model[]
Lydia worked as a model at Gage Model and Talent Agency in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Effortless Beauty[]
Lydia is a model and photographer at her sister-in-law Josie's business, Effortless Beauty in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Church[]
Lydia worked in the nursery at her church, First Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee.
Camp[]
Lydia worked at a summer camp that helps families with members who have disabilities.
Wedding involvement[]
Lydia was a bridesmaid at her brother Daniel's wedding to Hannah Pressley on May 8, 2022.
She was a matron of honor at her friend Emily Dollar's wedding to Evan Keener on April 16, 2023.
