In a surprising turn of events, Ben Grunewald-Brydie proposed to Nicole Stevens shortly after their first meeting, and to everyone’s surprise, she eagerly agreed. Remarkably, they were married just four weeks afterward.
Indeed, I found myself captivated by the final episode of Love Is Blind UK on Netflix – a reality show that, let me tell you, often defies our expectations. Remarkably, despite the unique challenges it posed, this couple’s relationship not only made it to the altar but has thrived beyond the show.
Looking back over the past two years, I can’t help but reflect on the unique blend of characteristics that have defined my relationship. For instance, there’s me, always running a minute behind time, meticulously adhering to schedules and deadlines, while there’s Nicole, who embodies a charming scattering of moments, often adding a sprinkle of unpredictability to our daily routine.
Yet, despite these apparent contrasts, neither one of us harbors a single ounce of regret. On the contrary, we find joy in the balance we’ve struck – the structured stability I bring, and the spontaneous sparkle Nicole injects into our lives. It’s this harmony that makes our journey together not just bearable, but truly enriching.
At the outset, Nicole, aged 31 and a marketing director, admitted that before the performance, she never imagined marrying a man she’d just met. In the initial stages of their married life, she found herself frequently questioning: ‘How did I transition from being unfamiliar with this man to becoming his wife, someone I am responsible for (and he to me), in such a short timeframe?’
The experience left me utterly amazed. Fortunately, it seems my gut feelings were on point. Indeed, Ben appears to be the companion I wish to share the remainder of my life with.
Ben, aged 35, a self-employed drone operator and landscaper, expresses his heartfelt agreement: “I adore Nicole, she’s more than I could ever have hoped for as a wife,” he shares. “Our path to marriage might not have been traditional, but I feel immensely fortunate that we found each other.
Undeniably, it’s wonderful for them, but the majority would find marrying someone after a brief encounter downright absurd, wouldn’t they?
As the second season of Love Is Blind UK begins, with 30 single individuals aiming to replicate Ben and Nicole’s success, one might wonder what inspires today’s youth to consider a marriage that is built not on physical attraction (at first) but solely on emotional and intellectual connection.
These shows like Love Is Blind and Married At First Sight provide a unique twist on modern dating, offering a break from the monotony of swiping through potential partners based solely on looks and endless choices. It seems that today’s youth are weary of the modern dating scene and are willing to relinquish control to television ‘experts’, even if it means facing awkward first dates in front of a possible audience of millions.
In the television series “Love Is Blind,” a collection of individuals – both male and female – engage in a unique form of dating over a period of ten days. Instead of meeting face-to-face, they communicate through specially designed pods, separated by a semi-transparent barrier, allowing them to connect with each other on a deeper level without being influenced by physical appearances.
Initially, the participants engage in quick, brief meetings known as ‘speed dating’. If someone sparks their interest during these encounters, they have the option to arrange longer meetings. In the end, if both parties are interested, they agree to marriage. After the agreement, they meet each other in person, followed by a week-long retreat for deeper understanding and building intimacy between couples.
Instead of sharing intimate moments over candlelit dinners, Ben and Nicole’s courtship occurred over a two-week period in August 2023. Although they were featured on last year’s series, they were stationed in separate areas, preventing them from seeing each other directly. As the cameras captured their conversations, they revealed personal details about their pasts and future aspirations from within their individual pods.
According to Ben, our discussion covered various aspects such as views on religion, wealth, traveling, and parenthood. Remarkably, despite not meeting in person, we managed to form a deep emotional, spiritual, and intellectual bond.
Instead of developing meaningful connections through dating apps, which he finds superficial, he points out that these platforms foster an attitude of ‘the grass is always greener’, making it challenging to truly understand someone. The focus is primarily on physical appearance, leaving one in doubt about whether the next potential match could be more attractive.
Absolutely, Love Is Blind can be seen as a game of sorts, and the singles were given an opportunity to converse with other participants for a fortnight, which was organized in Stockholm, Sweden.
Instead, Ben wasn’t initially the one Nicole had in mind for a potential partner. That distinction belonged to Sam Klein, a skilled product design manager, whose proposal she accepted, but soon came to regret as they got acquainted.
The wedding got cancelled, and although neither Ben nor Nicole prefer to focus on it, the main issue appears to be that he seemed more interested in pursuing fame instead of genuine, long-lasting love.
After that, Ben found himself back at his residence in Preston, Lancashire, unsuccessful in finding a match – but it was Nicole, hailing from Surrey, who eventually recognized her deep affection for him as true love. In a swift move, the show’s producers, hosted by the married duo Emma and Matt Willis, arranged an encounter between the two at a London pub.
When Ben, delighted for a second chance, got down on one knee, Nicole excitedly accepted.
It appears that the unexpected turn in the story implies that having an in-person encounter truly matters, and it seems to have a significant impact. The duration of Nicole and Ben’s two-year relationship without sexual involvement suggests that establishing a strong emotional bond initially can lay a solid groundwork for enduring romance.
In my encounters with them, it’s evident that there’s a strong physical attraction between them. During our conversation, the duo find it challenging to resist each other, often getting close, playfully nudging, and blushing when discussing their early passionate moments – almost like a newly smitten couple.
During the four-week period before their wedding, the newly engaged pair decided to visit a spa in Corfu – an experience Nicole had previously declined with Sam. As time has passed, Nicole recounts that Ben was considerate and never pressured her. Instead, he gave her the freedom to guide their interactions.
After a fortnight, they shifted into a residential complex in London, eager to experience shared living as a couple for the first time.
Afterward, the significant moment arrived when they, adorned in their wedding attire, stood before 20 relatives and dear friends at Wynyard Hall, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham. In this setting, they contemplated and ultimately agreed to spend the rest of their lives with someone they had only recently met. And the response was affirmative.
If the first year of their marriage mirrored the unique nature of their unconventional wedding, then due to a confidentiality agreement with Netflix, they could only share this extraordinary journey with those who were present at the wedding.
Practically speaking, this translated into them meeting on weekends alone, as Ben would claim to be going to a friend’s place in London, but actually journeying to Surrey and accommodating at Nicole’s apartment instead.
After the show had been broadcast and the secret had been revealed, some people within their group felt frustrated because they hadn’t been informed earlier. As Ben explained, this strained some relationships. However, once they met Nicole, everyone seemed to appreciate her and congratulated them on a job well done. It appears that their dissatisfaction was mainly about the process – the inability to discuss the matter earlier.
Nicole’s parents have a mixed heritage, being of both Ghanaian and Lebanese descent, and some of her family members expressed their displeasure over the deception.
While Ben’s mom, a former church minister, and dad, who used to teach theology, philosophy, and ethics, weren’t fully supportive of his desire to join the program, Nicole was unaware of the show’s concept and didn’t realize it might result in a proposal or marriage.
Upon receiving a call from the show’s producer, stating that his daughter was about to get married, the head of an international construction firm exclaimed in surprise: “Really?!
Nicole shares, with a touch of embarrassment, “I felt it was wiser to stay quiet until I found someone I was genuinely committed to.” Before the significant event, they both had dinner with each other’s parents, which was captured by the film crew. Ben felt ‘reassured’ upon receiving Nicole’s father’s approval.
But why decide to do the show at all? Neither would be short of suitors in real life, you feel.
Nicole and Ben, both having received advanced education – with Nicole earning degrees in maths and economics, and Ben possessing a law degree – share a common Catholic upbringing that emphasizes marriage as a profound, enduring bond. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolded for Ben when he was approached via Instagram by a show producer who invited him to participate on the program. With the exception of occasional short-term relationships, Ben had chosen to focus on travel and had been unattached for a decade.
Nicole, however, was previously married. She was with this man for five years before their wedding in 2018, but they divorced in 2020 just two years into their marriage. A friend encouraged her to apply.
Previously, she was deeply religious and her initial marriage was sexually abstinent until it became official. She shares now that when the marriage ended due to immaturity on both sides, some of her faith dwindled away. Afterward, Nicole had three short-lived relationships with men she met online. Her decision to marry a man she’d only recently met in person, through a reality TV show, seems like an unusually daring step for someone who had always been so traditional.
She mentions that she was seeking an individual ready for a strong commitment, one who understood the implications. Additionally, being less exposed to the world, she expresses enthusiasm about finding a partner with a more daring, globally aware spirit.
By that point, Ben was considering finding a stable home as well. The intricate dance of adjusting to each other’s peculiarities had started.
Conflicts arose primarily due to Nicole’s tendency to be disorganized with time, leading to frequent lateness, and her challenge of keeping track of items, which was problematic given that Ben is punctuality-conscious and prefers to arrive early. This issue often caused friction in their interactions.
Initially, Ben admitted that the situation was challenging due to his habit of being well-organized. Instead of simply getting annoyed, he started implementing solutions such as placing a hook by the door for Nic’s keys, even though he typically puts them there himself.
He had the thought, in a soft manner, if it was possible that his wife could have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is something she underwent testing for, and was eventually diagnosed with.
At first, Nicole was hesitant about Ben’s strict method, like his use of timers to countdown departures from home. However, she has since chosen to adopt this approach.
She mentions that establishing a regular schedule significantly benefits her, and breaking down tasks into specific plans turns out to be quite helpful.
Although they got engaged almost immediately after meeting, they acknowledge that the wedding wasn’t inevitable. In fact, the night before, they decided against getting married and opted to observe how their relationship would progress in everyday life instead.
According to Ben, his friend inquired if they’d still attend an event even if the show was cancelled, and they both concurred that without the cameras present, they wouldn’t be eager to participate. In simpler terms, he’s stating that while their emotions might have encouraged them to go ahead, their rational thoughts were cautioning them that it would be foolish to do so without the cameras around.
That very evening, upon hearing a voice message from Ben assuring, “No matter what occurs tomorrow, we’ll certainly be united,” Nicole experienced a shift in feelings. Recognizing him as the one she truly loved deeply, she found herself questioning the need for further delay: ‘What’s the point of waiting?’
Instead, let’s rephrase it as: Until 5.30 am, Ben spent time pondering deeply. He ultimately decided to listen to his heart rather than his mind and proposed to the ‘wonderful woman’ he was with.
Despite not having any previous interaction, there was no room for uncertainty on either side as the ceremony commenced, as both parties were resolute in their shared intention to declare “I do”.
On the same day, two more pairs from the show got married as well. However, one of these couples has remained together, whereas the other pair divorced not long after and are currently undergoing the legal process to have their marriage, which was officiated by authorized officials and is legally binding, annulled.
Although Ben and Nicole express deep appreciation for the experience, they acknowledge that one drawback of playing out their romantic relationship in public view is the influx of people feeling entitled to voice their opinions about it.
During our cruise, a fellow passenger approached Ben and commented, “It seems you’re the one she didn’t choose,” as Nicole recalled. So upset by this, I decided to express my displeasure later when Ben took a nap. I descended the stairs again and politely asked him, “Please refrain from addressing my husband in such a manner.
Ben also finds this aspect of reality fame difficult to navigate.
At the BAFTAs, where our show was nominated for an award, many people openly discussed our relationship and potential improvements, as he mentions. However, I’d like to remind everyone that we are now a contented married pair. Feel free to share your thoughts, but kindly bear in mind our current marital status.
Initially, Nicole registered for the show stating that she had no interest in having kids. This decision, she explains, was influenced by observing her mother juggling to raise both her sister and herself alone while their father frequently traveled for work. However, parenthood has since become a definite plan for the couple.
Ben mentions, “We’ve been married almost two years, and it feels like we’re still in the early stages of dating.” Regarding children, he adds, “We’re not eager to start a family right away, but ideally, I’d hope for two or three kids when we do decide to have them.
‘Two or three?’ asks Nicole, wide-eyed. ‘I was thinking of one.’
Clearly both still have things to learn about their spouse.
Indeed, the show “Love Is Blind” remains an unusual premise. It’s not common for people to think that marrying someone shortly after first meeting them is a sound decision.
There seems to be a shift in emphasis that’s worth appreciating when it comes to modern dating, moving away from an overemphasis on physical appearance and online standards towards fostering genuine emotional connections in the real world. This change is certainly commendable.
Discovering someone without the need to present themselves flawlessly might offer a more authentic glimpse into whether they are ‘The One’. Here’s hoping Ben and Nicole can validate this idea; I believe they will succeed.
- Love is Blind: The Reunion and Love Is Blind UK series two are out now on Netflix.
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2025-09-02 02:40