Brayden Bowers and Christina Mandrell.Photo:James Clark/Disney
James Clark/Disney
Brayden Bowersand Christina Mandrell are engaged!
Bowers popped the question to Mandrell during Thursday’s liveGolden Weddingbroadcast less than a month after their relationship was revealed on the season 9 finale ofBachelor in Paradise.
The reality star told hostJesse Palmerthat he and Mandrell got together after she slid into his DMs and they bonded over the band Tenacious D. After passing their microphones over to the host, he grabbed Mandrell’s hands before proposing.
“Christina, from the moment that I picked you up from the airport with your crazy ass rose and your fake disguise, I just knew that there was something special and there was something different,” he said to the mom of 7-year-old daughter Blakely.
The television personality proceeded to tell Mandrell that she made him feel like he could be himself “unapologetically.”
“And I have no doubts that I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he continued. “And like Gerry said, it’s like, you know, we have such little time and … I just know that I want to spend the rest of my days with you.”
Bowers then dropped to one knee and pulled out an engagement ring.
“This is why we got our nails done?” Mandrell exclaimed while accepting his proposal.
James Clark/disney
Palmer explained that Bowers gotGerry TurnerandTheresa Nist’s approval to pop the question at their wedding. “Brayden actually called Gerry and Theresa and made sure he got their blessing before he proposed,” the dad-to-be said.
The pair’s relationship was not shown onBachelor in Paradisebut the pair have since gushed about their love on social media.
“I finally took Wells’ advice and found myself a ‘southern belle’,” Bowers shared onInstagram. “All jokes aside she has been the biggest blessing in my life.”
“She has been there for me through very tough times already and has showed me so much grace through it all,” he continued. “She has become my confidant, my accountability partner, and my favorite person.”
He concluded: “I’m so grateful that I no longer have to be hush-hush about our relationship. I can finally shout it from the tops of the mountains. Love you babe thank you being in my life 😘❤️”
Mandrell celebrated no longer having to keep the relationship quiet once the finale ofBIPaired inher own post, sharing, “AHHH! We can ‘FINALEy’ shout it from the rooftops!! Beyond the cameras and reality show drama, Brayden (aka MY BOYFRIEND!) and I found something truly special.”
“In each other, we have a space where being unapologetically ourselves is not just accepted but celebrated!” she added. “Something I never knew I was missing until I did. We can finally share our goofy, love-filled world. San Diego to Nashville won’t be just a change of scenery but the next chapter in our journey as a team.”
“A future where laughter, authenticity, and the strength of ‘US’ define our story. From goofy antics to heartfelt moments, we’re on this adventure together, cheering each other on, and creating a home filled with laughter and love. Grateful for the ease of being exactly who we are with one another. There’s something incredibly special about finding a love that feels like home. 🏡💖 #UnapologeticallyInLove #NashvilleBound #imethiminPB #RealityToReality #DangleNation #ChristinaMandrell”
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The Golden Weddingis airing live on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu Friday.
source: people.com
