Blind Love: The Secret of 8 Couples who Defied the Odds to Keep their Love Strong Five Years After the Pods (Exclusive)

As the show first aired on Netflix in 2020, a total of eight couples have discovered long-lasting love throughout five seasons. Let’s reminisce on their romantic adventures before the premiere of season 6 this Wednesday.

With Love Is Blind gearing up for its sixth season, there’s no better time to reflect on the heartwarming love stories that have blossomed from the show. Ever since its premiere on Netflix in 2020, fans have been captivated by the concept of singles searching for love and getting engaged without seeing each other. The ultimate test comes as the couples decide if love truly knows no bounds by walking down the aisle and exchanging vows.

For eight lucky pairs, Love Is Blind has been the catalyst for finding lasting love. From Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton to Amber Pike Barnett and Matt Barnett from season 1, to Alexa Alfia Lemieux and Brennon Lemieux, and Colleen Reed and Matt Bolton from season 3, love has truly prevailed. Season 4 brought us Bliss Poureetezadi-Goytowski and Zack Goytowski, Kwame Appiah and Chelsea Griffin Appiah, Brett Brown and Tiffany Pennywell Brown, while season 5 introduced Lydia Velez Gonzalez and Milton Johnson.

But the journey of these couples didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. Discover how these pairs have navigated the ups and downs of married life since their season aired, what they’re currently focused on, and the valuable advice they have for the new contestants ready to embark on season 6.

Lauren and Cameron, known for their appearance on the first season of Love Is Blind, have become a beloved couple among fans. To celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary in November, they renewed their vows at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In an interview with PEOPLE, Lauren expressed her happiness and gratitude for their journey, saying she falls more in love with Cameron every day. Cameron also reflected on the challenges of marriage, noting that it takes work to build a strong relationship, but he is grateful for the growth they have experienced together.

Amber and Barnett, who are 31 and 33 years old respectively, are cherished by fans for being one of the enduring couples from the inaugural season of the show. The couple recently celebrated their five-year anniversary in November, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“5 years have passed and somehow my love for you keeps growing with each day. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, we’ve made our fair share of mistakes, but what matters most is that we put in the effort to support each other and continue to grow together,” Amber shared. “Our love has deepened over the years because we choose to work on it every day. I know this is something we will keep doing for the rest of our lives.”
To mark their special day, Amber not only shared this sweet message, but also decided to wear her “reveal” dress from Love Is Blind, the outfit she wore when she first met Barnett face-to-face.

Brennon and Alexa, who captured the hearts of fans in season 3, are currently residing in Texas as they hunt for a new home and prepare for the arrival of their first child. The couple shared their excitement with PEOPLE, who helped them reveal the news exclusively.

“I am ecstatic to embark on this new chapter in our lives and witness our love flourish even more as we step into parenthood,” Alexa, aged 29, expressed to PEOPLE.

Looking back on their romantic journey, the Lemieuxs credit Love Is Blind for bringing them together and strengthening their bond since their season aired in 2022.

“Without the show, I doubt Brennon and I would have crossed paths, but I like to believe fate would have intervened,” Alexa confessed. “Love Is Blind provided us with a platform to communicate openly and be vulnerable. Personally, I had never met someone I trusted and felt comfortable enough to truly open up to before meeting Brennon.”

To sustain their relationship, Alexa emphasized the importance of regularly checking in with each other and prioritizing their love. Whether it’s scheduling dressy date nights, cooking together, playing a round of top golf, or catching a movie, spending quality time together is crucial, even after tying the knot.

Their advice to the couples of season 6? “Focus on yourselves and shut out external distractions,” Alexa advised. “Be proud of your journey to finding each other. It’s a challenging process that requires honesty and self-reflection to ensure you’re making the right choice.”

Colleen and Matt, who got married on season 3, decided to take their marriage journey at their own pace. In November 2022, Matt, 29, shared with PEOPLE that blending their lives together required a lot of learning about each other.
“It wasn’t easy when we first left the show,” he said, acknowledging the initial challenges of merging their lifestyles. “It’s all about finding a way to incorporate each other into your daily routines.”
Adjusting to living together was a big part of their process, and while fans were surprised to learn they initially lived apart as a married couple, they have since moved in together in Dallas.
“We needed time to adapt to living with each other. We didn’t want to rush things just to please others,” Colleen shared on a podcast in May 2023. “We wanted to take it slow and make sure we got it right before jumping into shared spaces.”
In an Instagram post, Matt shared, “We did it our way 🤫” expressing their unique approach to their marriage journey.

Samuel Isaiah Lewis, a couple based in Seattle, tied the knot on season 4 of Love Is Blind, facing various challenges along the way. Despite the hurdles, they believe that everything happened as it was meant to. Whether traveling the world together or overcoming Zack’s allergy issues, the couple has grown stronger through it all.

Bliss, 34, explains to PEOPLE, “Our love enriches us each day. It’s the simple moments together at the end of the day that truly make life extraordinary. We make sure to celebrate our month-iversary every month, no matter what. This ritual allows us to pause, refocus, and cherish the day we said ‘I do’.”

In a November interview with PEOPLE, 32-year-old Zack and Bliss revealed that they are expecting their first child in spring 2024. Bliss expresses, “Our bond has deepened in ways we never thought possible as we embark on this journey of welcoming Baby G into the world. Feeling our child kick and knowing we created a little human together is incredibly special. We are beyond excited to become parents.”

She adds, “There are times when we still pinch ourselves and can’t believe that we met the way we did, even a year and a half later. We often describe our love as a miracle, and we are forever grateful for Love Is Blind, as it brought us together and gave us the blessing of Baby G.”

Gerald Hazizi, a couple from season 4 of a reality show based in Seattle, happily shares with PEOPLE that after nearly two years of marriage, their love is as strong as ever since exchanging vows.

“We’re thrilled and proud to be approaching our second anniversary, still growing and learning together. Each day brings new excitement and discoveries that continue to amaze us,” Chelsea expresses.

Kwame adds, “We’re experiencing life’s important stages together, and we’re grateful to have each other on this journey. Tasks I once did alone are now unimaginable without my wife by my side.”

Reflecting on their whirlwind time on the show, Chelsea, 31, and Kwame, 33, credit their successful marriage to setting their own pace and relying on their support system, which includes their families and fellow season 4 cast members.

“Finding love in such a unique way comes with its own set of challenges,” Chelsea notes. “Things move quickly on the show, but it’s crucial for couples to realize that life after marriage allows them to progress at a pace comfortable for both partners. This understanding has been key for Kwame and me.”

Their advice for season 6 couples? “Embrace the journey and have faith in the process,” Chelsea advises. “Stay true to yourselves and remain steadfast in your desires. Remember that the wedding is just the beginning of hard work. Be willing to embrace each other’s flaws and show love during tough times, as that’s when your commitment truly shines.”

Brett and Tiffany, who found instant connection on season 4, have been happily married since the show aired on Netflix in April 2023. Now residing in Portland after Tiffany relocated from Seattle to be with Brett, the couple are embracing their married life and eagerly anticipating new adventures in the coming year.

“We’re doing great,” Brett, 36, shares with PEOPLE. “We’re leading a simple life here in Portland… We have some exciting trips planned for this year that we’re both looking forward to. We’re still learning about each other, still evolving, just like any relationship does. But we’re happy, we’re solid.”

To maintain their strong bond, Tiffany, 37, emphasizes the importance of “staying connected and being open with each other.”

“Being in the public eye can be distracting, so I’m grateful that Brett and I have managed to stay grounded through it all, consistently checking in, supporting one another, and allowing each other space to pursue our interests,” she explains. “Just because we’re a couple now doesn’t mean we have to do everything together. I believe what has truly helped us is that I encourage Brett to pursue his passions and vice versa.”

Echoing her sentiments, Brett adds, “Work on yourself to gain better self-awareness. The more you understand yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin, the better you can support those who matter to you. Ultimately, your partner.”

For the couples of season 6, Brett offers a piece of advice: “Have fun, and try to enjoy moments away from the cameras. Not every experience needs to be shared on social media. Make sure you prioritize private time, whether it’s just for you two, with friends, family, or alone.”

L+M, the only couple from season 5 of Love Is Blind who tied the knot, have been fully committed to their marriage since their televised wedding in October 2023.

Lydia, 32, shared that they have been enjoying the married life, including their recent international trip where they immersed themselves in different cultures. Both are also focused on personal and professional growth, with Milton, 25, managing a demanding job while pursuing a second Master’s degree, and Lydia advancing in her scientific and project management roles.

The Houston-based couple feels relieved to no longer keep their marriage under wraps, with the added excitement of being recognized internationally. They offer advice to the upcoming season 6 couples, encouraging them to stay true to themselves and ignore distractions, focusing instead on the support of loved ones who truly understand them.

According to Lydia, the television show does not define one’s worth, and couples should embrace the unique journey of Love Is Blind with openness and joy, as it brings valuable lessons and memories. Stay updated on PEOPLE’s latest stories by subscribing to the free daily newsletter.

Don’t miss the premiere of Love Is Blind season 6 on Netflix this Wednesday, with episodes airing every following Wednesday until March 6.