Country Star Sarah Evans Marries

By: Shannon Gossage

Evans, 37, and Barker, 35, were married Saturday evening at a farm near Evan’s home in Franklin, Tenn. The couple has seven children between them (Evans has three and Barker has four). The couple’s children reportedly sat on quilts during the ceremony and were the attendants. Evans’ 8-year old son, Avery, walked his mother down the aisle. The couple celebrated their marriage with 145 guests and the menu consisted of good old Southern food – macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, beans, and biscuits. A friend of Evans said, "It was really very elegant, but Sara wanted it to feel like you were at her house."

Christian minister Joe Beam introduced the couple after each of them had turned to him for advice following their divorces last year. Evans reportedly said, "He was our own personal matchmaker. I think God told Joe to get us together." In March, the couple got engaged and Evans said, "I thank God many times a day for bringing me Jay." Evans filed for divorce from her husband Craig Schelske in October 2006 after 13 years of marriage. The divorce was finalized last September.

Evans hit the big time in 1997 and has had such hits as "Perfect," "Suds in the Bucket," and "Real Fine Place to Start." Her 2000 album Born to Fly went double platinum. Evans was a contestant on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, but pulled out of the contest when she filed for divorce. Barker hosts a morning sports show in Birmingham, Alabama.