Brayden Powers and Christina MandrellIt was a relationship that none of us had seen since his appearance Bachelor in Paradise Season 9.
“She DMed me! She slid into my DMs and it was hilarious We started hitting him,” Brayden previously revealed The golden wedding In January 2024. “We were on FaceTime every night for about four (or) five hours, and one night we started talking and I mentioned Tenacious D…and this woman here was like, ‘Did you mention Tenacious D? “
While Brayden was skeptical when he found out that Cristina was aware of the band in front of her Jack BlackShe used it to co-make plans for their first date.
“She was like, 'Well, I know I have tickets to this concert next week,'” Brayden recalls.
While many couples have found love — or lost it — in the reality TV dating franchise over the years, others have met their match within Bachelor Nation after their season ended. Katie Thurston joined Bachelor Nation's off-camera couples club in November 2021 when Us Weekly confirmed her relationship with John Hersey — who[…]
Brayden and Kristina's relationship continued to blossom before They have gone to official Instagram In December 2023. Weeks later, Brayden suggested Before moving to Christina's hometown of Nashville. (Kristina lives in Tennessee with her daughter from a previous relationship, Blakely, while Brayden is from California.)
The couple surprised fans in January 2025 with a revelation She tied the knot secretly 1 month ago.
Keep scrolling for the full timeline of Brayden and Christina's relationship:
Summer 2023
Fresh from his mission Lawson Charitable FoundationSeason 20 of BacheloretteBrayden Hit the beach to Bachelor in Paradise. He briefly teased a romance with the Season 9 stars Kat Izzo and Rachel Recchia But he left the show solo.
After returning home, Brayden received a social media message from Christina and they began talking daily.
December 2023
The couple has since come out publicly Beep The season 9 finale aired during the episode “Where Are They Now?” slice.
“Now, Brayden is dating Kristina from Zach's season,” read the title card, referring to Kristina's brief stint on the show Zach Shallcrossseason earlier that year. “Brayden is teaching daughter Kristina how to accessorize.”
Brayden made headlines in both Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise For his eccentric, even expressive, style we In October 2023 he brought 34 pairs of earrings to the beach.
January 2024
Christina revealed on New Year's Day that Brayden was too The move is officialwhich they discussed further when they went to her The golden wedding After a week.
“I have some surprises in store,” Christina joked during the televised wedding. “He doesn't know about this yet, but there might be some lights, some music, and rotating displays for his earrings at home when we get there.”
Some Bachelorette couples disagree. The Bachelor franchise has been reconciling since 2002. Back in 2003, Trista Sutter (née Reign) and Ryan Sutter became the first Bachelor Nation couple to walk down the aisle. The couple, who met while filming the first season of The Bachelorette, celebrated 21 years of marriage in December 2024. “I (…)
At the wedding, she was surprised by Brayden, whose suit perfectly matched Christina's green and tan dress Ask the question On live TV.
“I just knew there was something special, there was something different, and then I spent time with you and I spent time with Blakely… and I introduced you to my family,” Brayden told his now-fiancée. “For the first time in my life, I feel like I've found someone I can be with without apology. And I have no doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Bachelor's Hosts Jesse Palmer It was later confirmed that Golden Bachelor bride and groom, Teresa Nest and Jerry TurnerHe approved the participation plan.
March 2024
Brayden and Kristina sparked rumors that they had already tied the knot by pretending Instagram photos In front of the church. However, the couple was simply dressed in wedding attire Engagement photo shoot. Christina paired many of the white gowns with fun pairs of white and pink heels and veils. Brayden added color to his photo shoot outfit by wearing a pink tie with his gray suit.
August 2024
“Hey everyone, I know I've been MIA here lately, but life has been so full and beautiful that I'm enjoying it all,” Christina wrote alongside. Instagram slideshow Featuring photos and videos of her with Brayden, her daughter Blakely, and other loved ones. “This season is all about family, fishing trips, soccer games, and all the silly moments between Brayden and Blakely. Here's a little glimpse into what I've been up to over the past few weeks.
Included in the post was a hilarious video of Brayden and Bleakley acting like dinosaurs in hopes of getting their dog to go to bed, footage of Brayden helping out at Bleakley's soccer games and footage of the trio hunting together.
December 2024
Brayden and Christina eloped on December 12, one year after going public with their relationship. They announced their marriage one month later, sharing a wedding video with fans via an official Bachelor Nation YouTube page.
After obtaining their marriage license, the couple picked Blakely up from school before heading to a small balcony for their intimate ceremony. “As I place this ring on your finger, I give you my promise,” they each said in their vows. “From this day forward, I give you everything I am. You will not walk alone. I give you my heart and my soul all the days of my life.”
Brayden and Christina shared their first dance next to the gazebo after being declared husband and wife. “This is the best wedding ever,” Brayden exclaimed in the video.
