The Truth About Arie Luyendyk Jr. And Lauren Burnham's Marriage
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham found love in 2018 thanks to a little TV show called The Bachelor. But it wasn't all roses and champagne... at least not at first. Though Arie declared his love for Lauren on The Bachelor, in the end, her apprehension led Arie to propose to confident Becca Kufrin, leaving Lauren heartbroken as the runner-up (per Us Weekly). Fans thought that was the end of Arie and Lauren, but it turned out to be only the beginning.
On the heels of the engagement, Arie made the unpopular decision to call things off with Becca and, instead, propose to Lauren, whom he always knew was the one. In true Bachelor-style, Arie asked Lauren to marry him in front of millions of fans during The Bachelor's After the Final Rose special. Ever since Arie slipped that Neil Lane diamond ring on Lauren's finger, the two have been inseparable, enjoying a whirlwind romance that included a romantic Hawaiian wedding, a surprise pregnancy, and lots of traveling to faraway destinations. But what's married life like for the reality TV couple? Though the two are pretty open about marriage and parenthood, there's still a lot of things you may not know about them.
Arie and Lauren crossed paths before falling in love on ABC's The Bachelor
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham were destined to meet one another someway, somehow. Before locking eyes on The Bachelor, these two lovebirds sort-of met on the race track. According to GQ, Lauren, who was a big fan of the show, approached Arie, a pro race car driver named the next Bachelor, for a photo op after a race at the Texas Motor Speedway in early 2018. It wasn't love at first sight, however, seeing as Arie was gearing up to be the next bachelor to find his one true love, a woman he didn't realize he'd already met.
Luckily, Lauren signed up to be a contestant on the show. On the season premiere of The Bachelor, Lauren was strategic and brought along the picture of her and Arie on the race track to jog his memory. However, according to GQ, that scene wasn't shown on TV.
A year after first meeting on the race track, Lauren paid homage to the place she first met Arie on Instagram with a photo of the two kissing passionately near the track.
But Arie Luyendyk Jr. didn't give Lauren Burnham the final rose... at first
Despite falling in love on national TV, Arie Luyendyk Jr. didn't initially give the final rose to his future wife, Lauren Burnham. Lauren actually came in second to Becca Kufrin (per Us Weekly). How did that happen? Well, as Arie later told People, he felt strongly for both women and ultimately proposed to Becca (the "safe choice," he said) during the season finale because he didn't feel like Lauren was ready for marriage. "Because she was nervous, it made me nervous that she would eventually leave me and that's what terrified me," Arie told the mag.
After realizing he made a mistake and wanted to try a relationship with Lauren, Arie became one of the most controversial bachelors to date by dumping Becca on national TV weeks after proposing to her, Entertainment Tonight reported. The breakup was shown "unedited" and "uncut" and probably lasted 45 minutes. "I knew that there would be some backlash, but it was worth it," Arie said on Jimmy Kimmel Live, alongside Lauren, of his controversial decision.
Arie realized Lauren was the one for him and earned her love back on national TV
After ending his public engagement to Becca Kufrin, Arie Luyendyk Jr. knew he had to do something big to win Lauren Burnham back. So what did he do? He raced over to Lauren's family home in Virginia Beach – Bachelor cameras in tow — to declare his love for her (per ET). Arie was visibly emotional during the episode, claiming he was having a panic attack before knocking on Lauren's door, according to People. She greeted him with a smile and hug. "I know that you've gone through hell, but I came here today because I want a second chance and I want a shot at this," Arie told Lauren on camera.
At the time, Lauren knew Arie and Becca had broken up, but she wasn't too quick to take him back. "When Arie first reached out, I was a little angry honestly," Lauren confessed per People. Before going to Virginia, Arie reportedly called Lauren to see if their connection was still there. Clearly there was because, once he got there, the two agreed to give their relationship another shot.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. proposed to Lauren Burnham before millions of fans
Arie Luyendyk Jr. surprised fans and girlfriend Lauren Burnham when he proposed to her on live television. It seemed only appropriate to propose in front of a live audience of Bachelor fans since the young couple's relationship began on the show. Arie got down on one knee to propose to Lauren during the show's After the Final Rose special following the season finale. "I want to do this in front of everyone because I want to show you that I should've done this a long time ago," Arie told Lauren. He did, after all, propose to another woman, Becca Kufrin, during the season finale.
Arie made mention of his mistake during the proposal, telling Lauren that he's made "some bad decisions but the best decision was running back to you." He added that he "can't imagine a life without you. You have shown me a love that is patient, a love that is kind, and I truly believe you are my soulmate." It was all worth it in the end because Lauren said "definitely."
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham celebrated their engagement with a European vacation
What better way to celebrate an engagement than with a glamorous European vacation? That's what Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham did following their televised proposal on ABC. The two adventurous lovebirds took on Europe all the while sharing their fun travels to Spain and Iceland with fans on Instagram per Us Weekly.
The reality TV couple explored romantic Spanish sights, including the Barcelona Cathedral. In one photo that Lauren posted to Instagram, the two looked so in love as they kissed on a ledge with the city lights of Barcelona in the background, with Lauren writing, "So sad to leave our little piece of heaven here in Barcelona. It's been nothing short of amazing." After traveling through Spain, the two flew over to Iceland, where they made out in the famous Blue Lagoon, explored a lava tunnel, and took selfies near a large waterfall. It looks like these two sure know how to have fun!
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham decided to put down roots in Arizona
On the heels of their public engagement, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham bought a house in Phoenix, Ariz. In an interview with Us Weekly, the couple gave readers a glimpse into their modern house and what life is like for the famous duo. They even hinted at the possibility of raising kids there one day. "That was part of the reason that we got this house. We wanted to be able to grow into it," Arie told Us.
Shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Alessi, in 2019, Arie and Lauren moved into an even more glamorous home in Scottsdale, Ariz. According to Life & Style, the charming abode features an open-floor layout with large windows, several walk-in closets, high ceilings, and a peaceful backyard with a pool. It looks like the family is thoroughly enjoying their new digs, at least according to this Instagram pic, where dad Arie is clearly loving spending quality bath time with his daughter.
Arie and Lauren Luyendyk's first baby was a surprise
The year 2018 was filled with a lot of momentous occasions for Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham. The famous couple not only met on a TV show, but got engaged and learned they were expecting a bundle of joy by the end of the year. They announced the happy news via Us Weekly in November 2018. Even though the pregnancy wasn't planned — with the couple busy preparing for their January 2019 Hawaiian nuptials — the pregnancy was undoubtedly welcome news. "We weren't trying, but we are so excited. It's going to be a whole new chapter in our lives," Arie told Us.
Lauren reportedly took seven at-home pregnancy tests to make sure she was, indeed, pregnant with Alessi, and all signs pointed to yes. Luckily, Lauren was able to hide her tiny baby bump and wear her custom-designed dress by Hayley Paige as planned. "The first thing we thought of was, 'Oh my gosh. Our wedding,'" she said. "Obviously we're not married yet, but this is the way it happened — and this is probably the way it was meant to happen!" Burnham shared with Us. Alessi was born in May 2019, per People, and her parents were overjoyed.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham had a dreamy Hawaiian wedding
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham's wedding was straight out of a TV show, which seems fitting since that's how they officially met. The Bachelor host Chris Harrison even officiated the ceremony. The two exchanged vows in front of more than 100 guests in a tropical outdoor ceremony at Haiku Mill in Maui in 2019. The wedding was nothing short of spectacular, from the magical venue to Lauren's dress. According to Us Weekly, the romantic, princess-style gown was designed by Hayley Paige. Lauren accessorized it with a 3.9 carat Neil Lane diamond ring, per People.
Lauren and Arie tied the knot under a canopy of trees, as seen on YouTube, and later enjoyed a chandelier-lit reception with plenty of dancing. The wedding wasn't just a one-night affair, however. Prior to wearing a tux and a white dress, Arie and Lauren wore more casual attire in the days leading up to the big day. Some of the activities included a romantic helicopter ride (reminiscent of those Bachelor one-on-one dates) and a whale-watching boat trip with family and friends, per People. These two sure know how to live life large!
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham wed a second time in Vegas
One wedding wasn't enough for Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham. Following their romantic Hawaiian nuptials, the two enjoyed a smaller ceremony later that year at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. In a YouTube video, the duo explained they've always wanted to do a Vegas elopement. "We always joked about running away to Vegas," Arie said. Lauren added: "We thought it might be a good idea and we decided to do it anyways even though we're already married."
This time around, however, the wedding party was a lot smaller, and the ceremony was a more intimate affair. Lauren and Arie showed fans a glimpse into their chapel wedding, which included artist and pastor Montell Jordan (famous for the song "This is How We Do It") as the officiant and an Elvis Presley impersonator, who walked Lauren down the aisle. Their baby daughter, Alessi, was in dad's arms when the couple said "I do" for the second time, all while sitting in a classic convertible.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham suffered a miscarriage while trying to expand their family
The road to pregnancy hasn't always been an easy one for Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham. Though they had a healthy first pregnancy with their daughter, Alessi, the second time around wasn't as easy. Lauren suffered a miscarriage in May 2020, as the couple revealed to fans in a YouTube video. "It's been a roller coaster of emotions," Arie confessed in the video. "Going from scared at first a little bit, because it was so soon, then happy, then just worried for weeks on end and then obviously today was the bad news. It's something you can never really prepare for."
The couple decided to share news of their miscarriage with the world in hopes of helping others. "I had so many people reach out to me and say that they had gone through something similar, or they were going through something at the time," Lauren told ET. "It's so hard to go through it and I don't think anyone understands it till they go through it, but I just want everyone to know that if you are, or if you ever do, that it gets easier as time goes on."
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham revealed they're expecting twins
After suffering a miscarriage in 2020, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham announced they were expecting not one but two babies. The couple revealed the happy news on their YouTube channel with a video of the two at the ultrasound where they learned they were having twins. "Two?! No way," Arie said during the exam. "We were literally googling the chances of twins and how rare it is in people that are younger and haven't had any history."
Lauren and Arie spoke to the camera in the car following the exam, where Lauren confessed she was unsure. "I don't know how I feel about this. I'm gonna cry. I'm laughing. It's like 'wow,'" she said. But from the looks of Instagram, this future mom of three (she is already mom to daughter, Alessi) has fully embraced the welcomed news. She even has a separate Instagram account documenting her twin pregnancy.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham love acting goofy and playing pranks
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham love a good prank, even on their wedding day. Before the romantic ceremony began, Arie and Lauren planned to do a first look, a tradition that involves the bride and groom seeing each other right before the ceremony. However, Lauren thought she'd have fun with the little tradition. Instead of surprising Arie in her wedding dress, she had one of the couple's male pals wear one (per People). When Arie turned around expecting to see his blushing bride-to-be, he was greeted, instead, by his friend drinking a beer in a wedding dress. Arie later took to Instagram with the photo of the two friends and the caption: "I can't even begin to tell you how shocked I was, currently planning on how to get [Lauren] back."
Despite being celebrities, Arie and Lauren don't take themselves too seriously. In 2020, the family of three shared a family photo on Instagram of them all dressed up in Wizard of Oz costumes for Halloween. Arie dressed up as Dorothy while his wife was the wicked witch, and their daughter, the good witch ... 'cause why not?
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham are more in love than ever before
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham are clearly enjoying the newlywed phase. After falling in love on The Bachelor, these two are still head over heels for each other. In celebration of their first wedding anniversary, the two surprised each other with Bachelor-style dates and posted a video of that day on their YouTube channel. Arie went up first and surprised Lauren, who had their baby daughter, Alessi, in tow, with a romantic picnic in the desert overlooking the city below.
"This was so cute," Lauren told the camera before Arie pat himself on the back. Lauren's portion of the date included a formal candlelit dinner date. Arie wore a tux, while Lauren donned a flowing, white gown. It looks like Lauren learned a thing or two about how to create a Bachelor-worthy date!
When their second anniversary came around in 2020, however, it was a lot more low-key this time as the world dealt with COVID-19. But the two made the most of it and dressed up for the occasion at home, as seen on Instagram. In the photo caption, Arie wrote that he's never felt "more connected" or "more in love with" his wife.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham enjoy sharing their married life with fans
Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham are an open book when it comes to marriage and parenthood. Have you seen their YouTube channel? With more than 100,000 subscribers, Lauren and Arie love talking about and sharing the more intimate moments in their lives, like Lauren's ultrasound, which revealed she was having twins. They also have fun with the channel and post silly videos, like this tutorial on how to cut a man's hair during COVID-19. Speaking of hair, Arie's hair has been known for controversy. Lauren and Arie sometimes share their take on the latest Bachelor or Bachelorette season.
Besides YouTube, Lauren and Arie love sharing glimpses into their family life on Instagram. Both reality TV stars love sharing intimate family photos, like this one, where Lauren and Arie hike along with their daughter, Alessi. Despite being busy parents, it's obvious these two still know how to make the most of their time together and prioritize date night. However, Lauren had to shut down critics of the couple's Christmas tree shopping trip after Arie's COVID-19 diagnosis. Still, it's great to hear that all three of the Luyendyks are thriving once again.