Colton Underwood was once scared to be his true self, but he found love with now-husband Jordan C. Brown after embracing his identity.
Bachelor Nation first met the former NFL player when he competed on Becca Kufrin’s season 14 of The Bachelorette in 2018 before moving on to season 5 of Bachelor in Paradise. After leaving both shows single, he ultimately got his opportunity to hand out the roses when he starred as the Bachelor during season 23, which aired in 2019.
Underwood fell for Cassie Randolph on the show, and the two decided to date after the season wrapped instead of getting engaged. They ultimately split in May 2020, one year before Underwood came out as gay in an April 2021 Good Morning America interview.
Us Weekly confirmed in September 2021 that Underwood was dating Brown. Underwood and the political strategist got married in May 2023.
Scroll through the gallery below to revisit the couple’s relationship timeline:
September 2021
Us confirmed that Underwood and Brown are dating after they were spotted kissing during a vacation in Hawaii. The duo “were making out and snuggling together on the lounge chairs by the pool,” an eyewitness revealed at the time. “They were tanning and swimming. They were very out in the open and not hiding their PDA!”
September 2021
The First Time author shared photos via Instagram from his Hawaiian getaway with the political strategist. “This seat is saved for you. I’ll be here with my margaritas,” he captioned the series of pics, one of which featured a man — whose face was cropped out — sitting beside him at a dinner table. He also posted an Instagram Story photo of two hands holding cocktails, writing, “Cheers.”
December 2021
Underwood opened up about his relationship with Brown after keeping things low-key for months. “I’m happy, I’m in love and I’m in a good position,” he told Us, confirming that his family had met his boyfriend. “Everything as far as that goes has been pretty smooth.”
The athlete added that he was “not hiding” the romance, but the pair enjoyed having privacy, noting, “I just want that time for us.”
December 2021
The Bachelorette alum made the relationship Instagram official. “Happy birthday to my dog-loving, family man, corn-fed love,” he captioned a series of Instagram Story photos.
January 2022
In early 2022, Us confirmed that Underwood and Brown bought a $3 million home together in Sherman Oaks, California.
February 2022
Underwood announced that he and Brown got engaged in early 2022 during a weekend getaway to Big Sur, California. “I’m extremely happy! 2021 was the most transformative year of my life,” he told People at the time. “Starting 2022 off with my best friend, teammate and now fiancé is something I never thought was going to be possible.”
July 2022
Underwood and Brown took their love to France in July, frequently packing on the PDA while seeing the sights.
January 2023
Underwood revealed that the pair are set to wed soon. “I have good news. the next wedding we attend will be our own,” he captioned a series of Instagram pics from a pal’s nuptials.
May 2023
The happy couple tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at the Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley.
“The Brown-Underwoods ❤️ May 13th 2023,” they wrote via a joint Instagram post alongside photos from the big day.
October 2023
Underwood and Brown were all smiles at Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit.
September 2024
Underwood and Brown welcomed their first baby together via surrogate.
“Our world is a million times better with you in it,” the couple announced via Instagram. “Bishop Colton Brown-Underwood 💙 September 26th, 2024.”
