The journey from a reality television proposal to a walk down the aisle is rarely a straight line, but for Kelsey Anderson and Joey Graziadei, the path is being paved with rhythm, grace, and a bit of professional help. As the couple prepares for their highly anticipated Spring 2027 nuptials, they are looking to bridge the gap between their origins in Bachelor Nation and Joey’s recent stint in the ballroom. The pair recently revealed that they have their sights set on two very specific guest stars to help anchor their big day: Dancing With the Stars professionals Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy. Rather than just occupying a seat at a table, the powerhouse duo is being recruited for a much more hands-on role—choreographing the couple’s first dance.
The connection stems from Joey’s participation in the 33rd season of the hit dance competition, where he traded his tennis racket for sequins. While the show is known for its grueling rehearsal schedules and high-pressure performances, it seems to have sparked a long-term interest in dance for the couple. During a recent appearance at the Spotify Best New Artists Party in late January, Kelsey shared her excitement about the potential collaboration, admitting she is eager to pick up some skills from the pros. Her hope is that the seasoned instructors can teach her a few moves, ensuring the couple’s first official dance as husband and wife is nothing short of spectacular.
In the interim, the living room of their shared home has become a makeshift rehearsal space. Joey, 29, has been attempting to pass on the lessons he learned on the show to Kelsey, though the results are reportedly more charming than professional. Kelsey, 27, laughingly noted that while they often have spontaneous dance breaks while cleaning the house, Joey’s memory of the specific footwork can be a bit hazy. The project manager shared that Joey frequently pauses mid-step, trying to recall the exact mechanics of a movement he once performed for millions. However, the most significant lesson hasn’t been about the steps themselves, but about the dynamics of partnership. Kelsey, who describes herself as a natural leader, admitted that learning to be "led" on the dance floor has been a transformative experience for their relationship. It is a metaphor for their upcoming marriage—a balance of power, trust, and rhythmic synchronization.
Beyond the choreography, Kelsey is also dreaming big regarding the wedding’s soundtrack. While the couple plans to have both a live band and a DJ to keep the energy high, Kelsey has a specific "dream" performer in mind: Grammy-nominated artist Olivia Dean. The reality star expressed a playful determination to pitch the idea to the singer if their paths crossed at industry events, joking that while Dean might not know who she is, the wedding would undoubtedly be a "great time."
Despite the wedding being years away, the pressure of planning is already beginning to mount. Kelsey acknowledged the paradoxical nature of a long engagement; while 2027 feels distant, the logistical demands of booking venues and securing vendors create a sense of urgency. She described the process as "a little stressful," yet credited Joey for being an active and supportive partner in the planning phase. Their intentional, slow-burn approach to marriage stands in stark contrast to the rapid-fire timelines often seen in the Bachelor franchise, suggesting a desire to build a foundation that lasts long after the cameras stop rolling.
This measured approach to romance is a recurring theme across the current landscape of Bachelor Nation, which has seen a whirlwind of success stories, dramatic pivots, and heartbreaking conclusions over the past year. As Kelsey and Joey look forward, other alumni are navigating their own complex chapters.
In the world of the "Golden" franchise, the quest for love in the sunset years of life continues to yield mixed results. Mel Owens, the former NFL linebacker who led the second season of The Golden Bachelor, remains in a committed relationship with retired firefighter and bomb tech Peg Munson. Their connection was described as "explosive" from the start, despite Mel facing early criticism for comments regarding age and physical appearance. Though their November 2025 finale did not end in a traditional proposal, the couple opted for a symbolic Neil Lane ring to represent their commitment to a shared future. Meanwhile, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, found her "hope for the future" in Chock Chapple. The pair became engaged in Bora Bora during their November 2024 finale and have since become a beacon of proof that romance is not reserved for the young.
The beach of Bachelor in Paradise has also been a fertile ground for lasting connections recently. The 10th season saw a significant win for Spencer Conley and Jess Edwards. The couple famously chose their relationship over a $250,000 prize, eventually walking away with both an engagement and a surprise check for $190,000. Jess is currently preparing for a major life change, moving to Dallas to be with Spencer. They are joined in their success by Andrew Spencer and Alexe Godin, who are taking their "mon amour" romance to Chicago, and Jeremy Simon and Bailey Taylor Brown, who are also planning a move to the same city after surviving the usual Paradise drama.
However, the franchise has not been without its thorns. One of the most public and painful splits involved Jenn Tran and Devin Strader. Following a season of bold proclamations of love, Jenn revealed during the "After the Final Rose" special in September 2024 that the relationship crumbled almost as soon as the production wrapped. The fallout included a contentious social media back-and-forth involving a 13-minute explanatory video from Devin and allegations of a cold-hearted breakup via phone call. Jenn later sought a fresh start on Dancing With the Stars, where she formed a close bond with partner Sasha Farber, though that relationship also reached its conclusion in 2025.
Similarly, the "Golden" romance of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, which began with a televised wedding in January 2024, ended in divorce just three months later. The couple cited logistical challenges regarding their living situation as the primary driver for the split. Gerry has since moved on and confirmed in early 2025 that he is dating someone new.
In contrast to the quick splits, several "legacy" couples are proving that the process can result in traditional stability. Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar, who met during the 27th season of The Bachelor, officially tied the knot in May 2025. Their wedding was a pivot from their original plans; instead of a grand gala, they chose a small, intimate ceremony in an Austin-area chapel. Kaity noted that stepping back from the "little details" allowed them to focus on the core of their connection. Likewise, Michelle Young, the former Bachelorette who experienced a high-profile split from Nayte Olukoya, found her "forever" with Jack Leius. The couple married in a beautiful Minnesota ceremony in June 2025, marking a new chapter for the beloved educator.
Other success stories include Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, who have embraced the "married twice" life by following a City Hall ceremony with a grand wedding in September 2023, and Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs, who have expanded their family with the birth of their son, Benson, following a spontaneous 2023 wedding.
As Kelsey Anderson and Joey Graziadei navigate the next two years of their engagement, they do so within a community that has seen every possible iteration of modern love. By incorporating elements of their post-show lives—like the influence of the Dancing With the Stars ballroom—into their wedding, they are crafting a celebration that is uniquely theirs. Whether Olivia Dean makes an appearance or Jenna and Val perfect their waltz, the couple seems focused on the most important part of the rhythm: staying in step with each other.
