Inside Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick's Epic Love Story: From Bachelor Nation to Forever

Dancing With the Stars champion shared with We in August 2022 that she and Tartick encountered some difficulties during the process of organizing their wedding. Bristowe revealed that she underestimated the challenge of finding a suitable venue and selecting a date, stating, "I didn't expect it to be this difficult." Additionally, she mentioned that her partner has a strong preference for a grand ceremony, whereas she is more open to the idea of a courthouse wedding, stating, "I'm not bound by tradition, so why not? But he's not interested."

Ultimately, the pair decided to split in August 2023. Scroll down to look back at Bristowe and Tartick’s relationship ups and downs:

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Bachelor Nation's Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick's Relationship Timeline: The Way They Were

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick set Bachelor Nation ablaze with their high-profile romance that began in January 2019.

The connection between the Dew Edit designer and the ex-banker was first established during an interview on Bristowe's popular podcast, "Off the Vine." Only two months had passed since Bristowe ended her three-year engagement with Shawn Booth, her former fiancé, when she and Tartick officially announced they were an item.

The Dancing With the Stars champion shared exclusively with We in August 2022 that she and Tartick encountered some challenges while organizing their wedding. Bristowe explained that they were struggling to find a venue and select a date, which she did not anticipate to be so difficult. She mentioned that her fiancé is adamant about having a grand ceremony, while she, being non-traditional, suggested going to the courthouse instead. However, Tartick was not open to that idea.

Ultimately, the pair decided to split in August 2023. Scroll down to look back at Bristowe and Tartick’s relationship ups and downs:

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Pre-Relationship

Before becoming the Bachelor, Colton Underwood, Kaitlyn Bristowe was rooting for Jason Tartick to take on the role. Tartick had appeared on Becca Kufrin's season of the reality dating show in 2018. Interestingly, when Tartick was a guest on Bristowe's podcast, they hit it off right from the start and he asked her out. And, without any hesitation, she gladly accepted his invitation.

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January 2019

Credit: Courtesy Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

January 2019

The couple captured their inaugural evening of dancing and romance on Instagram Stories, where Bristowe expressed her adoration for Tartick. "He's a fan of both wine and dancing," the affectionate girlfriend proclaimed in a photo caption accompanied by a checkmark.

Credit: Courtesy Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

January 2019

In less than a day after Bristowe and Tartick made their debut as a couple, they were spotted once again in public, happily holding hands while taking a leisurely stroll along a bustling Denver street. Tartick shared a photo of the couple with the caption, "Saturdays are meant for round [2]."

Credit: Courtesy Olivia Caridi/Instagram

January 2019

Bachelor Nation’s Olivia Caridi explained during a podcast interview that Tartick and Bristowe have “insane chemistry.”

Credit: Courtesy Jason Tartick/Instagram

January 2019

Bristowe surprised her beau in Seattle following her confirmation of their relationship, where Tartick referred to her as his “sweet girlfriend.”

Days after their eventful weekend, Bristowe made it clear that she considered Tartick to be her boyfriend already. "We both feel like we've reached a point in our lives where we are content and have the self-awareness and respect required for a mature and healthy relationship," she shared on her podcast. "It would bother me if he were seeing someone else, and I believe the same goes for him if I were dating anyone else."

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January 2019

Tartick expressed his gratitude during an interview with Good Morning America, acknowledging that Bristowe is the reason he feels grateful for not being chosen as the Bachelor. During that time, he passionately exclaimed, "If I had been the Bachelor, I wouldn't have encountered someone who holds great significance in my life right now — Kaitlyn."

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January 2019

Tartick revealed his relationship with Bristowe on the Today show, beaming with joy. "At this very moment," he declared, acknowledging that he is no longer unattached. "Yeah, it's official. Kaitlyn Bristowe."

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

February 2019

The couple enjoyed a romantic Valentine's Day weekend in the vibrant city of Boston. After indulging in a night filled with karaoke and dancing, Bristowe and Tartick retreated to their luxurious hotel suite with some friends to cheer on their favorite teams during the NBA All-Star Game. Bristowe playfully expressed her exhaustion of keeping up with the energetic atmosphere surrounding her, posting a lively Instagram video for her followers to enjoy. Later on, they decided to continue the festivities by hitting the dance floor at a trendy club. In a sweet gesture, Tartick gallantly held and affectionately kissed the hand of the former Bachelorette as they swayed to the music.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

February 2019

Credit: Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram

February 2019

Bristowe and Tartick raised their glasses, celebrating a holiday that rarely called for champagne. "RINGING IN PRESIDENTS DAY W 1 NIGHT CAP," Tartick wrote as the caption for an Instagram Story featuring the couple at Scorpion Bar in Boston.

Credit: Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram

April 2019

Although Tartick was unable to attend Bristowe's Spring Break tour in Denver, he expressed his love and support for her through a heartfelt message on social media. He praised her for being a leader among her peers and staying true to herself despite facing adversity and criticism. Tartick also highlighted Bristowe's ability to empower women all around the world, creating a safe space for unorthodox behavior. He acknowledged that her strong opinions might generate both love and hate, but he commended her for pushing through and empowering all the people she does.

Credit: Courtesy Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

June 2019

The couple joyfully introduced their newest family member, a Golden Retriever named Ramen, one month after starting their life together. While Bristowe warmly welcomed the dog, who they had rescued from Korea, her partner was away on a business trip. Tartick expressed his delight by commenting, "That first hug perfectly completed the puzzle." He was referring to a video shared by Bristowe, capturing her initial meeting with the adorable pooch.

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June 2019

Tartick honored Bristowe’s birthday with a sweet and loving post on Instagram that celebrated his “beautiful, bad ass” girlfriend.

"Take a moment to unwind and reflect on all the amazing achievements and meaningful connections you have made during your time in this adventurous world we inhabit," he expressed, before concluding with a heartfelt declaration: "I adore you immensely!" In response, Bristowe replied with a series of tearful emojis, expressing her own affectionate sentiments with a resounding "love you."

Britsowe reminisced about the endearing moment when the couple initially crossed paths in an emotionally charged Instagram post. She acknowledged that she was going through a challenging time when he visited her to record an episode of her podcast, "Off the Vine," in October of last year.

She disclosed that her mood instantly changed after meeting her significant other. While she was on a FaceTime call with her father, shedding tears, he unexpectedly entered the room. Even though they had never met before, he embraced her and revealed that he had just shed tears himself at a charity event he had attended.

Recalling the heartfelt encounter, she shared that he gazed into her eyes and proposed, "Let's spend a gentle Tuesday together."

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

October 2019

The lovebirds celebrated Halloween by reenacting a memorable scene from the popular TV show Friends. In this iconic moment, Ross Geller (portrayed by David Schwimmer) and Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston) got married while inebriated during a trip to Las Vegas. Bristowe captured their playful act on Instagram with the caption, "Hello, Vegas? We would like more alcohol," a clever reference to a memorable line spoken by Aniston's character in that episode.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

December 2019

The duo adopted a second pup, Pinot, from South Korea.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!! Meet Pinot, the newest addition to our family,” Bristowe shared on Instagram. “Pinot was rescued from a kill shelter in South Korea by @bunnysbuddies and now he has found a loving home with us. I was initially concerned about Ramen's reaction…but let me assure you…their bond was instant. Follow my stories to witness their heartwarming snuggles and inseparable companionship.”

Bristowe further described Pinot as a "gentle and affectionate" companion.

"He has the most velvety fur and the most compassionate heart," she beamed. "I'm aware that many will question how we'll manage with our frequent travels. However, we'll find a way to make it work. Our focus is not on ourselves, but on granting a precious, innocent pup a fresh start in life. We'll continue doing what we love, just with an addition to our family. #adoptdontshop #GoldenRetrievers #dogsofinstagram."

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January 2020

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May 2020

Bristowe expressed her belief that Tartick is her soulmate, but she shared her hesitation about getting engaged during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. She emphasized that their relationship is incredibly fulfilling and an engagement would feel like the natural progression. However, she conveyed her desire for a more romantic setting than the confines of their house, stating her preference for a proposal that is not constrained by quarantine. Bristowe mused that enduring the challenges of quarantine together should be rewarded with marriage.

Credit: Gustavo Caballero/South Beach Photo/Shutterstock

June 2020

Bristowe confirmed that the couple picked out an engagement ring.

Credit: ABC

June 2020

Following the announcement of Bristowe's involvement in season 29 of Dancing With the Stars, the couple celebrated the significant moment by joyfully dancing throughout their home. Tartick, showcasing his admiration for his partner's achievement, expressed his unwavering support via a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram.

"Choosing not to attend college, Kaitlyn followed her passion for dance, harboring the lifelong aspiration of performing alongside professionals. After five years, since her first appearance on ABC, we are now embarking on a journey to Los Angeles to make her dream a reality," he expressed. "With or without winning the Mirrorball, you have once again achieved another remarkable milestone on your bucket list! And I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of this incredible experience!"

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

June 2020

Credit: Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram

June 2020

Tartick took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video for Bristowe's 35th birthday. The video featured messages from friends and loved ones, including a special appearance by Bachelor host Chris Harrison. Along with the clip, Tartick added a sweet caption, urging everyone to shower Bristowe with love on her special day. Let's make it a memorable one!"

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June 2020

Bristowe revealed during an episode of the “I Don’t Get It Podcast” that she had written a love song for Tartick.

"I have recorded and co-written five songs, but this sixth one is where I truly feel like I made a significant contribution. Although I'm not a musician, I recognize the need for a co-writer and individuals who excel at composing chords and creating the musical aspects. That's why I collaborated with Rachel, an incredibly talented pianist. We spent eight hours together, investing our time and effort into crafting this song. I am immensely proud of the result and genuinely love it. A couple of weeks ago, I sang it to Jason, and it evoked such strong emotions that he became teary-eyed. This reaction only heightens my excitement to record the song and share it with others because I believe it's a truly exceptional piece."

Credit: Rachel Wang/January Images/Shutterstock

June 2020

The couple discussed their disagreements on an episode of “Whine Down” with Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin.

"I have a particular way of doing things, and it seems that even with dogs, I have this instinctive maternal side where I expect Jason to do things correctly. Sometimes I wonder, 'How can you not know how to do that?'" she began. "I worry that when we have children, I will need to be mindful of how hard I am on you, because I'll think I have this instinctual knowledge as a mother and know what to do. I'll be concerned about how you'll handle it."

Tartick expressed that they frequently engage in arguments regarding what is best for the dogs. They both hold strong beliefs on certain matters, often claiming that one always thinks they are right while the other counters with their own viewpoint. Nevertheless, they have discovered ways to reach compromises because without compromise, the relationship cannot thrive. Therefore, they acknowledge the importance of give and take, as well as carefully selecting the battles they choose to fight — this is a valuable lesson Tartick has learned over time.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

August 2020

Credit: Kelsey McNeal/ABC

October 2020

In a heartfelt moment on DWTS, Bristowe expressed her love and appreciation for her boyfriend through a touching dance routine. Taking to Instagram, she shared her excitement and gratitude, mentioning how he has consistently supported her aspirations. The performance was even more special as it was set to one of their cherished songs by Luke Combs.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

October 2020

During an episode of her "Off the Vine" podcast, the former spin instructor expressed her desire to become a mother and mentioned her excitement about potentially winning DWTS. In a lighthearted tone, she playfully stated to Tartick, "If Artem [Chigvintsev] and I win the mirrorball, I will poke holes in your condom." Tartick, on the other hand, disclosed that he preferred waiting until they were married before embarking on the journey of parenthood.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

October 2020

The Bachelor Nation power couple added a Halloween twist by channeling the legendary Hollywood pair, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Tartick playfully greeted Aniston in an Instagram video, imitating their reunion looks from the iconic movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

November 2020

Bristowe and her professional partner, Chigvintsev, received a series of harsh critiques on DWTS. However, they were able to overcome these obstacles and achieve their first perfect score. Tartick, Bristowe's boyfriend, quickly expressed his congratulations and admiration during a FaceTime call. He took to Instagram, sharing a screenshot from their conversation and praising her for her incredible accomplishment. "You showed great determination, resilience, and conducted yourself with grace, and you absolutely nailed it!" his Instagram post read. "You received a perfect score of 10 from all the judges! Let's celebrate!"

November 2020

Bristowe expressed her admiration for Tartick's unwavering support following her heartfelt performance on DWTS in memory of her dear childhood friend. "Jason is genuinely the most supportive individual I have ever encountered," she shared with Us during that time. "His ability to think rationally complements my emotional nature, which can sometimes pose a challenge. However, this week he has truly excelled in providing me with emotional support, understanding, and saying exactly what I needed to hear. His dedication has been absolutely remarkable."

Although she acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic would present challenges in celebrating a potential mirrorball win, she has already designated the perfect location for it in her and Tartick's residence. "I plan to place it atop my [Christmas] tree," she playfully hinted.

Credit: Courtesy Jason Tartick/Instagram

November 2020

Tartick anxiously observed the concluding moments of the Dancing With the Stars finale while feeling a wave of nerves. Demonstrating his excitement via an Instagram video, he captured the exact instant when Bristowe was declared the victorious contestant. Following the celebration with a bottle of champagne, he conveyed his triumphant emotions by proclaiming, "You freaking did it baby, let’s gooooo! Another dream come true, you earned and deserved this KBone!"

Credit: Courtesy Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

December 2020

Bristowe and Tartick have tested positive for COVID-19 and have chosen to spend the holiday season in quarantine together. On Christmas Eve, Bristowe shared, "Just like numerous others, we will be celebrating Christmas on our own. We wanted to convey that even though we believed we were taking precautions, the impact of the virus is far-reaching." She continued, "Today, our thoughts are with everyone who is spending the holidays in solitude, those who are unwell or enduring challenging circumstances (as 2020 has taught us to overcome numerous hurdles), and all the healthcare professionals who have been tirelessly caring for others, far away from their loved ones, for countless months now. We will get through this."

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

February 2021

After unintentionally fueling speculation that she and Tartick had broken up, Bristowe firmly affirmed that she was still "Taken AF" — however, not necessarily "Engaged AF." The banker playfully mocked his girlfriend's social media misstep, jokingly commenting on her Instagram post, "OMG Kait ‍️ — causing a stir like macaroni in a pot."

The couple made their engagement public through social media. Bristowe expressed her delight to Entertainment Tonight regarding the proposal, stating, "It was everything I could have asked for. The words he spoke were incredibly beautiful. We had never shared such an intense gaze before. We were holding hands, and it felt overwhelming. I was completely focused on listening to him, yet I can't recall much of it." The soon-to-be bride added that Tartick proposed during the filming of an episode for her "Off the Vine" podcast in Nashville. She recounted, "Jason said, 'Kaitlyn, we're not recording a podcast.' And I joked, 'You forgot to hit record, didn't you!' He replied, 'No, this is something different,' and then he stood up, revealing a ring box he had taken from a drawer." The former Bachelorette had initially anticipated a more extravagant proposal from her now-fiancé, but expressed her happiness with the way it unfolded. "I actually thought he might propose in Mexico, on the beach, and I would have expected it," she disclosed to ET. "I really wanted it to be intimate, so I loved that it happened during our podcast."

Credit: Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram

July 2021

Tartick responded to fans who criticized Bristowe's appearance, expressing his frustration with the negative comments on Twitter. During the "Click Bait With Bachelor Nation" podcast, he reflected on the things we can and cannot control in life. Our looks fall into the category of things we cannot control, and it is disheartening to witness the hurtful and derogatory remarks made about someone's appearance, specifically referring to Kaitlyn. It is truly appalling and should not be taken lightly.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

January 2022

"Check out the beautiful flower arrangement Jason sent me for my debut on the Dancing With the Stars tour," the Dewed It founder exclaimed in an Instagram Story slide.

"Good luck tonight," read the heartfelt message from Tartick. "I am incredibly excited for you! Love, Jason."

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

January 2022

The Bachelor Nation favorite shared a couple of photos with Tartick via Instagram with the cheeky caption, "I love your personality. But that d--k is a nice bonus."

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

April 2022

The twosome jetted off to Tulum, Mexico, for vacation.

August 2022

The duo attended Wells Adams and Sarah Hyland’s nuptials.

Credit: Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram

October 2022

Bristowe dressed up as Rose from Titanic for Halloween, while Tartick embodied Jack.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

November 2022

The couple wore matching Buffalo Bills sweatshirts while celebrating Thanksgiving with Tartick’s family.

Credit: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Bristowe/Instagram

February 2023

"‘Happy couples’ go beyond posting kissing selfies. They courageously engage in difficult conversations, support each other in healing from past traumas, and vulnerably shed tears in order to salvage their relationship," Bristowe expressed on Instagram, referencing the wise words of author Vex King. "Happy couples prioritize personal development and serve as a constant source of motivation for one another."

She concluded: “Happiness looks different for everyone. It also isn’t easy.”

The duo made a joint statement on Instagram to announce their separation. "Maintaining our friendship is of great importance to us both," they expressed. "We are grateful to be concluding our engagement with love and mutual respect. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell, but our affection and regard for one another will endure forever."