Luke Bryan Played a ‘Huge Part’ in Thomas Rhett’s Marriage Plans

Country newcomer and singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett married girlfriend Lauren Gregory on October 12, and he has buddyLuke Bryan to thank for it.

According to Rhett's father, celebrated songwriter and artist Rhett Akins, it was Bryan's support that gave the 'Something to Do With My Hands' singer the courage to pop the question to his then-girlfriend.

"Everybody told him no, this is not what he should do, except Luke. He called Luke three or four times and Luke was like, 'Buddy, if you're in love and you want to get married, then do it.' I think Luke was a huge part of Thomas Rhett going, 'Hey, I can do this,'" Akins told Country Weekly.

Though some friends doubted whether the couple was too young to marry -- Rhett is just 22 -- the obvious love displayed between the two at the wedding dissolved any fears. "When I saw them stare at each other the entire 20 minutes they were saying their vows, it's like these two people are meant to be together. They are beyond in love," he shares. "Everybody there that had doubted or wondered if they were too young, all the doubts are gone now."

Next month, the newlywed Rhett will join Chris Young's Liquid Neon Tour, which kicks off on Nov. 15 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.