Bachelor in Paradise' Season 9 Finale: Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei Announce Their Engagement
Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei, stars of 'Bachelor in Paradise' season 9, sealed their love with a captivating engagement during the finale Join their heartwarming journey as they embark on a lifetime of happiness together
Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant ABC/Craig Sjodin
Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei, who met on Bachelor in Paradise, took their love story to the next level by getting engaged on the season 9 finale that aired on Thursday, December 7.
“Eliza, from your beautiful skin to your elegant walk, and my favorite smile, I love everything about you. You are the most beautiful part of Paradise for me. I pay attention to every little thing you do, and that's how I know I have these feelings for you,” Aaron, 30, expressed before getting down on one knee. “Despite everything we've been through, we chose each other and had faith in one another. I am beyond happy to be standing here with you and to discuss our future together.”
Aaron disclosed that he had a conversation with Eliza's mother prior to asking for her hand in marriage.
"She has nothing but praise for you and holds you in the highest regard. You have outstanding parents, and I feel incredibly fortunate and thankful to be a part of this," he added. "I can't fathom that you're here with me, you are the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on. Eliza, I want to make things right with you, I comprehend the significance of this for both of us. Eliza Manola Isichei, will you marry me?"
Aaron and Eliza both appeared on reality TV dating shows before finding each other in Mexico. They hit it off early in the process, but their relationship hit a rough patch when Kat Izzo revealed that Charity had warned her about Aaron before they all met on Paradise. Charity later visited the beach to explain to Eliza that she had received numerous messages from Aaron's ex-girlfriend after her season of The Bachelorette ended.
Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei ABC/Craig Sjodin
“[His ex] didn't just message me numerous times, she also messaged my family members and friends,” Charity explained. “Her message to me implied that they were dating before he left for my season, and he didn't really tell her the nature of their relationship before leaving.”
Despite voicing her worries, Charity reassured Eliza that the allegations made by Aaron’s ex were “not consistent with what I observed” while dating him, and added, “I believe he has good intentions.”
Charity expressed her belief that Aaron and Eliza could overcome the ordeal. She stated, "I think you two can get through this, but it will likely involve some challenging discussions."
After speaking with Charity and Eliza, Aaron shared his perspective with Charity. "We ended our relationship last August. I haven't had any communication with her since then," he asserted about his ex. He also refuted the claim that he had two girlfriends while on The Bachelorette.
Aaron shared with Eliza that his "upset former partner" was spreading "a stream of false accusations" to Charity. In response, Eliza agreed to proceed cautiously in their beachside romance. "If we're serious about this, we need to communicate, talk, and be in sync," she affirmed. "I've listened to you. I trust you."
Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant ABC/Craig Sjodin
During season 9, Aaron's past created issues for him and Eliza. However, Eliza also experienced her own drama in season 8 of Paradise in 2022. Caught in a love triangle with Rodney Mathews and Justin Glaze, she faced backlash for giving Rodney a rose but then pursuing Justin after he had already left Mexico. Unfortunately, Justin rejected her when she followed him to Baltimore for a second chance, leaving her single.
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Eliza explained to TheWrap in November 2022 that she chose to end her relationship with Rodney because she didn't want to continue feeling uncertain. "I know it was difficult for both of us, but I believed it was the right decision," she said.
Regarding Justin, Eliza stated that their relationship was permanently over. "I think that chapter is closed," she said. "I believe it had potential, but we were not in sync, and that's okay. I hope we can be friendly in the future, but I think it's over."
