Bachelor In Paradise: Brayden Bowers & Christina Mandrell’s Relationship Timeline (How Long Have They Been Dating?)

Bachelor In Paradise season 9 ended with a wedding and two engagements, as well a surprise relationship between Brayden Bowers and Christina Mandrell. The finale included an update on the season’s contestants. It revealed Brayden is in a relationship with single mom Christina, a contestant from The Bachelor season 27.

Brayden was on The Bachelorette season 20, Charity Lawson’s season. It finished filming in April. After self-eliminating in the fourth week, Brayden turned around and headed right into filming Bachelor In Paradise season 9, which premiered in September. He initially hit it off with Kat Izzo from Zach Shallcross’ season, but she decided to explore other relationships. He moved on to former Bachelorette Rachel Recchia but broke up with her to pursue things with Becca Serrano, also from Zach’s season. Both women self-eliminated, leaving Brayden without a rose and sending him home.

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Christina’s Journey

Christina debuted on Zach’s season of The Bachelor, which aired earlier this year. The divorced content creator from Tennessee is the daughter of actress and singer Irlene Mandrell and the niece of country music superstar Barbara Mandrell. Zach chose Christina for the first one-on-one date of the season. Later that night, Christina told Zach about her daughter, and he admitted that he was unsure about being a father so soon. However, he felt a strong connection with her, and he gave her a rose anyway so they could explore their relationship further. Zach sent Christina home on the third episode.

Timeline of Brayden & Christina’s Relationship

With both Brayden and Christina filming throughout the year, they likely met and started dating right after Bachelor In Paradise production wrapped in late summer. The couple had to keep the relationship secret until after the season finale. Once the secret was out, Christina posted video clips of the happy couple spending time together and hanging out with her daughter, Blakely. “AHHH! We can FINALEy shout it from the rooftops!!” Christina wrote on Instagram. “Beyond the cameras and reality show drama, Brayden (aka MY BOYFRIEND!) found something truly special.”

Brayden To Relocate?

Alongside videos of their “goofy, love-filled world,” Christina posted an implication that Brayden would be relocating from San Diego to Nashville, where Christina lives with her daughter. “San Diego to Nashville won’t be just a change of scenery but the next chapter in our journey as a team,” wrote Christina. She also added, “A future where laughter, authenticity, and the strength of US define our story […] There’s something incredibly special about finding a love that feels like home.” However, neither Brayden nor Christina has officially confirmed a move.

Brayden & Christina’s Hard Launch

Once the secret was out, Brayden also took to Instagram. “All jokes aside she has been the biggest blessing in my life,” Brayden wrote. “She has been there for me through very tough times already and has showed me so much grace through it all […] I can finally shout it from the tops of the mountains. Love you babe thank you [for] being in my life.” Cleary, Brayden and Christina have developed a strong relationship in the last few months.

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Why Brayden & Christina Make Sense

Before Bachelor In Paradise season 9 started, there had been some online speculation that Christina would join the cast. Though that didn’t happen, it’s ironic that she still found love with someone on the beach. Though unexpected, Brayden and Christina’s connection actually makes sense. Brayden was portrayed as a villain during Charity’s season, just like Christina was in Zach’s season. They were both overly confident in their connections with the lead and clashed with other contestants. Brayden and Christina share more in common than at first glance.

Sources: Christina Mandrell/Instagram, Brayden Bowers/Instagram