Mari Pepin-Solis and Kenny Braasch, former contestants on Bachelor in Paradise, have officially tied the knot two years after their televised love story began. The couple, aged 27 and 41 respectively, exchanged their vows in Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 11. The following day, the ecstatic bride shared a glimpse of their wedding rings on her Instagram Story.
On Sunday, November 12, she posted a picture of Braasch proudly displaying his wedding ring over breakfast, captioning it with "The morning after".
Having met during season 7 of the ABC series in August 2021, the couple formed an instant connection. However, their relationship faced a hurdle when the ex-pageant queen expressed her desire to explore other options.
Braasch had the opportunity to go on dates with both Demi Burnett and Tia Booth. However, after careful consideration, he and his now-wife determined that their connection was undeniably the strongest. Their engagement took place during the season finale in October 2021.
“Mari, the moment you entered Paradise, I was instantly captivated by your beauty. It may not have been love at first sight, but it was definitely a profound feeling, something I had never experienced before,” expressed the boy band manager as he proposed in front of the cameras. “Throughout our journey, we faced numerous challenges that tested our relationship like no other couple in Paradise. I am overwhelmed with love for you, Mari. I cannot imagine my life without you. You have transformed my perspective on life completely. Mari Pepin, will you marry me?"
Shortly after the finale was broadcasted, the engaged couple shared their future plans and discussed their upcoming wedding.
"We haven't finalized a wedding date or anything yet, but I'll be relocating to Chicago within the next few months," Pepin-Solis revealed exclusively to We magazine in October 2021. "That's our initial step, and we've agreed to have our wedding in Puerto Rico, which is my hometown. So that's the plan."
Almost two years later, the couple revealed that they were making significant progress in arranging their wedding.
Planning the wedding has been an enjoyable experience for us. Currently, we are in the initial stages, focusing on finding suitable vendors and finalizing important bookings," Pepin-Solis shared exclusively with Us in February. "We have invested a lot of time in researching and have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves throughout the process. While wedding planning can often be dull and stressful, we are determined to make the most out of it and have a great time."
The reality stars planned two weddings - one in Puerto Rico in November and another in Chicago in March 2024. Pepin-Solis expressed excitement about having multiple looks for the weddings and shared that she went wedding dress shopping with Kenny's mom and sister. She also expressed gratitude for Kenny's family's support and love, despite her own mother not being able to join them in person.
Scroll down for a glimpse at Pepin-Solis and Braasch’s Puerto Rico ceremony:
Credit: A2ustudios
Bachelor in Paradise’s Mari Pepin-Solis and Kenny Braasch Are Married After 2 Years Together: Photos
Bachelor in Paradise alumni Mari Pepin-Solis and Kenny Braasch have officially tied the knot, two years after their love story unfolded on reality TV. The wedding ceremony took place on November 11 in Puerto Rico, and the happy couple wasted no time in sharing their joy with the world. The following day, Mari proudly showcased their wedding rings on her Instagram Story.
On Sunday, November 12, she posted a picture of Braasch proudly displaying his wedding ring at breakfast, captioning it "The morning after."
They first crossed paths during season 7 of the ABC series, which aired in August 2021. Although their connection was immediate, they faced a hurdle when the former pageant queen expressed her desire to remain open to other possibilities.
During his time on the show, Braasch went on dates with Demi Burnett and Tia Booth. However, he and his now-wife ultimately realized that their bond was the strongest. They took the next step and got engaged during the season finale in October 2021.
"Upon seeing you descend the staircase and pass through the gates of Paradise, Mari, I was truly captivated by your exquisite beauty. It may not have been love at first sight, but it was undeniably something extraordinary, an emotion I had never experienced before," expressed the boy band manager, professing his love in front of the cameras. "Throughout our journey, we encountered numerous challenges that tested our relationship, surpassing any other couple in Paradise. My emotions overwhelm me, Mari, as I am deeply and passionately in love with you. I cannot envision my life without you, for you have not only transformed my perspective on life but have also become an extraordinary woman in my eyes. Mari Pepin, will you marry me?"
Following the airing of the finale, the couple shared insights into their future together, including their plans for their upcoming wedding.
Pepin-Solis revealed in an exclusive interview with We in October 2021 that while a wedding date hasn't been set, she and her partner have made plans for the future. She intends to move to Chicago in the coming months, which will be their first step. Additionally, they have agreed to have their wedding in Puerto Rico, her home country.
Nearly two years later, the couple revealed that they had made significant progress in organizing their wedding. "Planning the wedding has been an enjoyable experience for us. We are currently in the initial stages, working on finding vendors and securing the important details," Pepin-Solis shared exclusively with Us in February. "We have conducted extensive research and are having a great time with it. Although wedding planning can often be tedious and stressful, we are determined to make it an enjoyable journey."
The reality stars had scheduled a wedding in Puerto Rico for November and another ceremony in Chicago in March 2024.
"We have a variety of looks for our weddings! With two weddings to plan, we wanted to make sure we went all out," Pepin-Solis enthusiastically shared with Us. "It was an amazing experience. I had the pleasure of going wedding dress shopping with Kenny's mom and sister. Unfortunately, my mom couldn't join us in person as she lives overseas. However, I feel incredibly fortunate that Kenny's family is incredibly welcoming and loving, and they graciously accompanied me during this special event."
Keep scrolling to catch a sneak peek of Pepin-Solis and Braasch's Puerto Rico ceremony:
Credit: A2ustudios
Island for Two
The couple chose not to see each other before the ceremony, making their nuptials even more special.
Credit: A2ustudios
Magic Moment
The twosome enjoyed an intimate moment away from their guests.
Credit: A2ustudios
Wedded Bliss
The newlyweds walked along the sand at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Hacienda del Mar.
Credit: A2ustudios
Tropical Oasis
The BiP couple slipped into vacation mode shortly after tying the knot.