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Are Bachelor in Paradise’s Serene Russell and Brandon Jones Engaged? Wedding Planning Details
The way they were! Bachelor in Paradise stars Serene Russell and Brandon Jones hit it off the moment they locked eyes during season 8, but didn’t get a fairytale ending following their engagement. Keep reading for details about their relationship post-show.
Are Bachelor in Paradise’s Serene Russell and Brandon Jones Engaged?
Sorry, Bachelor Nation fans, Serene and Brandon have split.
“We have tried to work privately on our relationship which has been incredibly challenging in the public eye,” the former couple wrote in a joint Instagram statement in May 2023. “This has been immensely hard to accept and painful, as there is a lot of love between the two of us. We are deeply hurting and can only ask that there be no hate.”
The duo got engaged on the beach in Mexico during the November 2022 finale episode. While the couple contemplated getting married after host Jesse Palmer revealed he’s ordained, they opted to wait before making the big leap.
“We both realized after talking about it … the love is there, but it wasn’t right for our friends and family to not be there,” Serene explained about why they opted not to get hitched on the spot. “I’m the oldest girl and he’s the oldest guy [in our families], so it’s very important for our parents to be there and be involved.”
Before their split, they were looking at 2024 to walk down the aisle.
The reality dating series definitely expedites relationships and couples have a very limited time to get to know each other before possibly getting engaged. Serene actually credited being on Bachelor alum Clayton Echard’s season for helping her become better in relationships.
“My time on the show has for sure impacted how I will date in the future because before I thought I was being so open in dating, but watching it back on TV I realized I had some walls up,” the elementary school teacher told Bachelor Nation in March. “I truly learned so much about myself on this journey so I have a lot to take with me into dating in the future.”
Are Bachelor in Paradise’s Serene Russell and Brandon Jones Still Together?
Unfortunately, they’ve called it quits! Before the breakup, they moved into an apartment in San Diego together.
Fans figured they were a couple after the two did not hide their love while filming the season 8 reunion in November 2023. Photos from the taping showed Serene sitting on Brandon’s lap with her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
They both follow each other on Instagram, which was another indication that their romance is still going strong. Another small clue happened when Serene shared a romantic caption to accompany a smiling selfie in September 2022. “And all the pieces fall right into place,” she wrote.
Who Are Serene Russell and Brandon Jones on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’?
Fans first met Serene on Clayton’s season, which premiered in January 2022. She was eliminated after hometown dates, and the leading man went on to date season 26 contestant Susie Evans until their split in September 2022.
Despite their uncoupling, Serene called Clayton “a great guy” after being sent home.
“I did a lot of work with my breakup and going home to make sure that I’m not putting my walls back up, so I definitely feel ready to find that person,” the Oklahoma native told Entertainment Tonight in February 2022. “If the right opportunity presents itself … and I feel like it’s something that’s meant for me, then I would definitely be open to that.”
As for Brandon, he was the runner-up during Bachelorette alum Michelle Young’s season last summer, and she broke things off after he proposed during the finale. The leading lady went on to get engaged to now-ex Nayte Olukoya.
That being said, the Oregon native wasn’t holding on to any negative feelings toward his former flame.
“I will always, always, always love Michelle. Unfortunately, I don’t think that it would be respectful to love her in that manner anymore,” he said during an appearance on Nick Viall’s “The Viall Files” podcast in December 2022. “The door is open as a friend in a respectful way.”
When it comes to finding his own partner, Brandon added, “My person has to choose me first … But I can’t be a second option.”
