Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger are the first success story from Netflix’s The Ultimatum.
During production of the reality show’s first season, Ballatori was 24 and Kissinger was 25. The twosome, who had been dating for a year and a half, were at a crossroads: He was ready to propose, but she wasn’t in a rush to tie the knot. As part of The Ultimatum, they each participated in a trial marriage with one of their costars. (Ballatori lived with Randall Griffin while Kissinger was paired with April Marie.)
In the end, they were both ready to commit, and Kissinger not only proposed during the finale, the pair exchanged vows during the episode as well. They welcomed their first child, daughter Josephine, in May 2022. In January 2023, the duo announced that they are expecting baby No. 2.
Scroll through for a timeline of Ballatori and Kissinger’s relationship:
2020
The twosome had been dating for less than two years when they signed up for the series.
In November 2020, she shared a snap of the pair via Instagram. “Playing nice bc I was a total brat and complained about his choice of brunch spot for 20 min but then ended up LOVING IT,” she wrote at the time.
Kissinger added in the comments section, “I LOVE GOING ON ADVENTURES WITH YOU! #cusoonVegas.”
March 2021
The Ultimatum was in production for eight weeks, per reports.
May 2021
The twosome exchanged vows in the finale, which taped in May 2021.
August 2021
The couple learned they are going to be parents “three months” after wrapping the series.
April 2022
The series debuted on Netflix nearly one year after they shot the show. “At the end of filming, we talked everything out. I mean, every single detail we’re, like, ‘We are married, there can be no secrets,’” Ballatori explained Us in March 2022. “So I don’t know if we were really surprised by anything [watching it back]. I guess we were more surprised by, like, what was chosen to be left in verses left out. It was better than we expected, honestly.”
April 2022
Fans learned of Ballatori’s pregnancy at the reunion, which streamed in April 2022.
May 2022
“Baby girl is healthy and perfect and we will be bringing her home tomorrow,” the new mom shared via her Instagram Story after daughter Josie’s arrival. “We’ve been snuggling in the hospital bed trying to rest as much as possible and reflect on this incredible gift.”
January 2023
The couple announced that they are expecting baby No. 2 with a sweet social media post. “Baby Kissinger coming Sept ’23! Colby and I could not be more excited and THANKFUL for the blessing we already have in Josie and now for this new little one to come 🤍, they wrote via Instagram.
March 2023
Ballatori and Kissinger revealed the sex of baby No. 2. “Josie is getting a baby BROTHER💙🤩,” they wrote in a joint Instagram post alongside photos of them posing with daughter Josephine in front of a blue balloon arch.
July 2023
“Soaking up all the mems as a family of 3♥️🤍💙,” Ballatori wrote alongside a carousel of Instagram photos of her and Kissinger spending quality time with their daughter. “10 more weeks until little brother is here 🥹.”
September 2024
Ballatori confirmed she is pregnant with the couple’s third baby, another little boy.
“Baby Kissinger #3 is on HIS way,” they captioned a joint Instagram post. “Between mine and Colby’s families (ourselves included) there will be 5 new babies between Feb-April 2025! Such a sweet season of growth and life! God is good.”
