Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

As a seasoned observer of the Bachelor Nation universe, I must say that it’s quite intriguing to witness these romantic journeys unfold. From the heartwarming unions of Dean and Caelynn, who rekindled their bond after a rocky start on Paradise, to the fairytale wedding of Dylan Barbour and Hannah Godwin in a French affair, it’s clear that love knows no boundaries or Bachelor seasons!


Can we steal you for a second? 

Due to the fact that Clare Crawley and her spouse, Ryan Dawkins, wanted to clarify why they needed over a year to legally formalize their union.

In an exclusive chat with TopMob News, Clare shared details a few months following the Mascot Sports CEO’s proposal under a canopy of lanterns at the RiSE Festival in Las Vegas, October 2022. “We quickly agreed,” she said, “Let’s start organizing our wedding right away.” They preferred a simple, understated ceremony without any extravagance or excessive flair.

However, when Lilia, who has been dealing with dementia, became extremely ill, the former Bachelorette stated that things moved ahead quickly.

Thankfully, Ryan accepted her suggestion to throw together their vows within the week. 

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way:

Despite the fact that their dreamy February 2023 wedding at the state capitol in Sacramento, the very place where they exchanged their first kiss, was everything she had envisioned, there was still one crucial element left unattended.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d express it this way: “In my journey, I found immense joy in becoming a husband and wife with my partner, not needing a marriage license to validate our bond. Our lives took an exciting turn when we embarked on the surrogacy process, leading to the beautiful arrival of our 9-month-old daughter Rowen. To top it off, we recently closed on our dream California home. Each step along this path has only strengthened our love and commitment.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

She clarified that despite having the marriage license, over time it seemed to slip their minds, “It sort of got overlooked in the course of daily life,” she said. However, for them, regardless of any legal documentation, they continue to be husband and wife. Their commitment to one another remains strong, and their love is as passionate as ever.

This year, while I was diligently working on my tax returns, I found myself suddenly pausing in disbelief. “‘Hold on,’ I thought to myself, ‘Didn’t we forget to get our wedding license?’

Instead of considering skipping the formalities with a casual “Why don’t we just ‘Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’ it?” they ultimately chose to retrace their steps and remarry.

“It was just time,” explained Clare. “We were ready for it.” 

And they knew that Las Vegas was the perfect place to fall in love make it official. 

She mentioned that since they needed to complete the paperwork, they decided to make it more enjoyable with a special ceremony. So, they opted for an Elvis-themed wedding in Las Vegas.

And they couldn’t help falling in love with the whole Sin City schtick. 

After tying the knot at The Little White Wedding Chapel, Clare reminisced, “We cruised around town in a pink Cadillac, and hit the strip – it was an absolute blast!

Since her first meeting with the sporty daughter (from his earlier relationship) towards the end of 2021, things have been going great for her.

Following appearances on The Bachelor, two seasons of Bachelor in Paradise, The Bachelor Winter Games, and ultimately serving as the Bachelorette which culminated in an intermittent engagement to model Dale Moss, Clare candidly confessed, “I was truly shattered,” she said, “and deeply immersed in a bleak phase following my previous relationship, which unfortunately served as the epitome of what relationships should not be.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Although she acknowledged that the Ironman athlete was definitely “someone worth pursuing as a boyfriend and future husband,” she shared, “I wasn’t at that stage yet. I was in such a difficult place and I knew someone as extraordinary as him deserved someone just as amazing. Despite his affection for me during my lowest moments, I chose to spend a few months focusing on healing myself, so I could be a good partner for him or anyone else. I needed to feel whole within myself first.

His response solidified that she’d found the guy truly deserving of that proverbial final rose.

“He said, ‘Take as much time as you need,'” Clare shared. “And so I did.” 

Months later, she pitched a date idea. 

She shared that she had replied to him at last, saying something like, “Hey, fancy going to a baseball match with me?” This seemed to rekindle things, and indeed we went to the game. Ever since then, she said, it was as if we were in a non-stop game – we spent every day together from that moment on.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Unphased by her pragmatic friend warning her that “fairy tales don’t exist in reality,” she boldly asserted that she had, indeed, found her ideal match.

Recalled Clare, “I was like, ‘He’s the most amazing human. He’s everything I ever wanted, always.'”

Over time, she’s come to realize that she was successful in her endeavors, especially considering the energetic nature of their little girl who took her first steps at just 7 months old, not long after she had begun to crawl.

She observed that when a child enters the world, it might challenge a relationship. However, in our case, it has actually drawn us even closer as Ryan proves to be an exceptional father.

Based on his extensive gaming background, he confidently explains to her, for example, that Rowen isn’t choking, but rather figuring out how to eat solid food.

Clare remarked, “He’s incredibly soothing to be around,” she said. “His stability is what contributes to our strong teamwork. For someone like me who tends to worry and get easily worked up, he helps calm me down. This is particularly evident in difficult situations where our different approaches strike a healthy balance.

Of course, she’s not the only franchise star raising a glass to a bright future. Check out the other Bachelor Nation alums who let their walls down and leaned into the journey.  

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was one of Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette the previous year, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller in the final episode of Bachelor in Paradise season eight. During their time there, they disclosed that they were in a relationship. However, in April 2024, he publicly announced that they had ended their relationship.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

Before Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo went public with their romance on the finale of Bachelor in Paradise‘s eighth season, she and her costar Johnny DePhillipo ended their engagement.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Divorced

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist became engaged in November 2023 at the conclusion of the first season of “Golden Bachelor”, and they officially married during a televised wedding ceremony in January 2024.

However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.

In simpler terms, Gerry stated during their Good Morning America appearance with Theresa in April 2024 that they have had many deep conversations and carefully examined their circumstances, including their living situation. He explained that after much thought, they both agree it’s likely the right moment to end their marriage.

They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Engaged

After courting 32 potential brides, tennis pro Joey Graziadei found his perfect match in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t wait another minute to tell you that I love you,” Joey told his final rose recipient, before getting down on one knee during his season’s March 2024 finale. “There is something about you. You have this infectious energy that makes me smile. It’s a feeling I’ve never had before.”

Imagining his forever with the Louisiana native, he continued, “I have known for a while that I’ve wanted to have a beautiful life, but I truly didn’t know how beautiful that life could be until I met you.”

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Divorced

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

Despite her nerves about a Paradise engagement, an all-dressed-in-white Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard‘s exes) happily accepted Aaron Bryant‘s oceanfront proposal. Touched by the software salesman’s decision to reach out to her mom for her blessing, she gushed, “I knew I was not in control of what was going to come out of my mouth.” 

The finale’s coda acknowledged Charity’s ex and marketing manager Eliza had hit some bumps after returning from Mexico, and days later they announced they had officially ended their engagement.

“Tricky emotions watching it all unfold,” he wrote on Instagram December 2023. “We’re leading our amicable split with nothing but positivity and mutual respect for one another.”

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

As a devoted admirer, let me rephrase this:

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Charity Lawson expressed her delight over the season’s outcome in an interview with TopMob News, a sentiment that didn’t quite capture the grandeur of her upcoming August 2023 wedding. Dotun Olubeko, a renowned integrative medicine specialist, got down on one knee and declared their love as “perfect,” proposing to Charity, a child and family therapist, by asking, “Will you make our fairytale come true?

 Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Engaged

Zach shall get his happy ending. Despite more than a few Fantasy Suite-related stumbles, Zach Shallcross ended season 27 in March 2023 down on one knee. “I am so in love with you,” he told travel nurse Kaity Biggar. “You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined.”

In July 2023, the Texas-based duo made an even bigger step in their journey, with Kaity sharing on Instagram, “Officially roommates.” They’re currently planning their October 2025 vows. 

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

The status for Michael Allio and Danielle Maltby, who were previously believed to be a couple goal for Bachelor Nation following their appearance on Nick Viall’s season, has changed. Despite moving from Nashville to Ohio together last year, they have parted ways. Allio shared the news during an episode of Jason Tartick’s podcast “Trading Secrets” in September 2023. He expressed his disappointment saying, “Both of us put a lot into this relationship and it’s really unfortunate when it doesn’t work out.” He further explained that when relationships don’t succeed, and you realize that love is present but compatibility is lacking, one mourns not only the loss of the person and friendship, but also the future that was once imagined together.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

In a heartfelt declaration during season seven of ‘Paradise’, Brandon Jones expressed his eternal affection for Serene Russell, his cherished friend, while proposing. Tragically, their story didn’t last long. Five months after the proposal aired, both Brandon (a finalist on Michelle Young’s season) and Serene (who had courtships with Clayton Echard) announced their separation in a joint statement on Instagram in May 2023. “We have attempted to work privately on our relationship, which has been incredibly difficult given the public nature,” they wrote. “This has been heart-wrenching and painful, as there is much love between us. We are deeply hurting and can only ask for understanding and kindness.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Separation

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

The story unfolded as follows: Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard’s proposals during the 2022 finale, but later reconnected with him off-screen. However, their relationship didn’t last long; they split six months later. Susie, a videographer based in L.A., explains that their separation was necessary because she felt her radiance had faded and she wasn’t living up to her full potential. She expressed this in a blog post dated November 2022 titled “Susie Was Like.” She admitted that they shared many joyous moments, but deep down, she was grappling with issues and feeling out of sync with the best version of herself.

After dating Justin Glaze, a contestant from Bachelor Nation, Susie later revealed that their relationship had ended by August 2024.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Michelle, a Minnesota elementary school teacher, received an engagement ring and a $200,000 check from Texas businessman Nayte Olukoya and the show’s producers for their future home. However, they didn’t have a strong connection, as they announced their split six months after their season finale in December 2021. Nayte admitted on “The Viall Files” that there were many disagreements and misunderstandings between them, and not having the final breakup conversation in person was considered impolite by him.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

The pair Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, from season seven of BIP (Bachelorette in Paradise), shared a vision of peaceful Sunday mornings with viewers. However, their journey together only lasted for a handful of weekends. In a joint statement issued in January 2022, the couple announced that they had decided to part ways. They never expected this outcome, but found themselves at a point where they both needed time to focus on personal growth.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

The initial same-sex couple from Bachelor Nation became engaged during the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”, however, they revealed their separation on Halloween in the year 2019.

They expressed, in a shared announcement on Instagram, that love and concern for each other have been the cornerstone of their relationship. However, putting their own well-being first is their top priority. With hearts heavy with love, they’ve made the difficult decision to step away from their relationship for now. Their ultimate goal is what benefits them in the long term, and at this moment, that means growing separately.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Current status: Engaged

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

In informal and conversational language: Status: Married

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Kenny Braasch, a renowned boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he placed a Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger during the finale of “Paradise” in 2021. He declared, “I am absolutely smitten by you,” and added, “I can’t imagine my life without you.” After their romantic journey, which included being eliminated by Tayshia Adams in week five, Mari moved to Kenny’s hometown of Chicago. Before they exchanged vows in a beautiful oceanfront ceremony with 65 guests in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they made their love even stronger by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Married

Becca Kufrin, ex-Bachelorette, and Thomas Jacobs (a contestant from Katie Thurston’s season) started dating on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven in 2021. They split up during the show, but reconciled after filming ended. In May 2022, they revealed their engagement, with Becca propossing. Speaking to TopMob News, she expressed hope that others might feel encouraged to break traditional rules. In October of the same year, Thomas reciprocated the sentiment. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. Becca shared on Instagram, “There’s no way to express the love and admiration we have for this little boy.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie became engaged to Blake Moynes. Their affection for each other was first revealed during their overnight date, which consisted of a paintball adventure, a cowboy soak, and a chat under the night sky.

Bending one knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of everything the world has to offer, and I am thrilled to stand by your side and be there for you each and every day from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the pair revealed their separation. In coordinated statements, they expressed, “We appreciate the precious moments we experienced together and the incredible journey we’ve been on this year. However, we have determined that we are not ideally suited as lifelong partners, and it is the kindest decision for us to proceed separately.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Current Status: In a Relationship

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

Following her replacement for Clare Crawley in the 2020 season of “The Bachelorette”, Tayshia found love with Zac Clark. Despite departing her season as an engaged couple, Tayshia shared at a later date that their relationship experienced some highs and lows.

Speaking candidly on the “The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous” podcast in August 2021, she admitted that it can be challenging to maintain a new relationship while being apart for a couple of weeks.

After that incident, it seemed as though we should recall why we were together in the first place. Such a thought, I believe, is quite typical and normal. However, according to TopMob News’ confirmation in November 2021, they have since parted ways.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” Clare found herself deeply in love with Dale Moss. By the fourth episode, they were even engaged. However, their romance didn’t last long as weeks after Clare’s departure and Tayshia getting engaged, Dale announced on social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended.

Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation circulated when it was noticed that they were spending time together again. Fast-forwarding to July 2021, after numerous reunions, Clare and Dale were officially back together, sporting an engagement ring. However, in September of the same year, they decided to part ways once more. Now, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins and anticipates the arrival of their first child together.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

Following his short-lived engagement with Hannah Ann Sluss and later separation from Madison Prewett, fans were optimistic that things would work out for Peter in his third attempt at love. Unfortunately, the bond between him and The Bachelor season 24’s Kelley Flanagan didn’t last, as he announced on New Year’s Eve 2020 that their nine-month relationship had ended.

Pete shared on Instagram, “Though our bond was rich with many wonderful moments, unfortunately, it didn’t last, but Kelley remains someone I hold a unique affection towards.

In 2022, they tried flying again, but by May of the same year, they disclosed that their relationship had reached its end point.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

After the emotional 2020 conclusion, the pair shared on Instagram they were ending their relationship. “Madi and I have mutually decided not to continue our romance,” Peter wrote. “It wasn’t an easy decision for either of us, but after many open discussions, we agreed that this was the best path forward for both of us. The affection and regard I have for Madi will remain strong.

In her statement, Madi expressed, “I’ll forever cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our lives were destined to intersect, making us both superior as a result.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

In the 24th season of “The Bachelor,” Peter and Hannah Ann were romantically involved for a short while. However, at the end of part two of the finale, it became clear that they were facing difficulties just a month into their exclusive relationship. More specifically, Hannah Ann was taken aback when she discovered that Peter still harbored feelings for Madison from earlier in the show.

I’ve always yearned for someone who would wholeheartedly reciprocate my affection the way I do. Unfortunately, that’s what you took away from our first engagement,” I lamented as I returned the ring. “You’ve taken it from me, because I placed my trust in you – something I’ve consistently asked of me. ‘Be patient with me. Have faith in me.’

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Currently in the marital state, they have traversed quite a journey from their #vanlife days. Despite Dean Unglert, one of Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay’s finalists, and Caelynn Miller-Keyes, who had a romantic connection with Colton Underwood during season six of Paradise in 2019, parting ways during that period, they have been inseparable since.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Dylan Barbour and Hannah Godwin, who fell in love during season six of BIP, officially became husband and wife in a beautiful French wedding that was nothing short of magical. “The wedding was absolutely amazing,” Hannah shared with TopMob News exclusively. “I married my best friend surrounded by our closest family and friends, and it meant everything to us. It was a dream come true.” Most notably, the content creator (who once had feelings for Bachelor Colton Underwood) is thrilled to now call the tech entrepreneur (from Hannah Brown’s season) her husband. “We are definitely in this for the long haul,” she said of their life together in San Diego. “Our families are very involved and close, making it feel like we already have a marriage-like relationship. Of course, we want to create more memories and solidify our union, but at the same time, I feel like we’ve been married in spirit for quite some time.

Clare Crawley Reveals Why Her First Wedding Wasn’t Actually Legal

Status: Split

After several months of anticipation, the duo from Bachelor in Paradise, Chris Bukowski (who began his prolonged flirtation on Emily Maynard’s season) and Katie Morton (who dated Colton), revealed their 2019 separation through a joint statement. They expressed their decision on their respective Instagram accounts in December, stating, “We have arrived at a point in our journey where we believe it is best for us to part ways. We have decided to continue loving and treating each other with respect as friends because that’s the foundation of our relationship, and it feels most genuine to us.

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2024-10-19 17:20