Beauty influencer and former reality television star Jadé Marie Chapman and Bachelorette alumnus Michael Allio have announced their engagement, as reported exclusively by PEOPLE. The couple resides in Akron, Ohio, along with Allio’s nine-year-old son, James, whom he shares with his late wife, Laura.
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The love story between Allio and Chapman is one that has been evolving over several years. Initially, the pair were mere acquaintances, but their relationship deepened into romance approximately three years ago. Chapman became acquainted with Allio’s journey after viewing him on television talk about his late wife, Laura Ritter-Allio, who passed away from breast cancer in February 2019, following a diagnosis in 2017. Following his appearance on Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette in 2021, Chapman reached out to him, sharing that she was deeply moved by his story.
The duo maintained a platonic connection for some time before deciding to take their relationship to the next level. Eventually, Chapman relocated from California to join Allio and his son in Ohio. “We feel incredibly fortunate to be building a life together,” they expressed, emphasising their commitment to raising James collectively and embarking on new adventures as a family.
Allio, now 42, recently proposed to Chapman, 34, on July 31 at Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron. Their engagement is characterised not merely as a milestone but as the beginning of a journey they have long envisioned together. “Our journey has always felt as though something greater was guiding us to one another,” the couple stated.
Reflecting on their relationship, Allio conveyed his appreciation for Chapman, stating, “I feel like the luckiest man in the world.” He praised her ability to bring joy and support into their lives, both for him and James. The sentiment behind his proposal was amplified through the incorporation of his son, who helped him craft a unique and heartfelt moment.
In a thoughtful gesture, Allio planned the proposal for over a month with his son’s assistance. He created a custom-illustrated children’s book that chronicled their love story. During a serene picnic beneath the trees, they read through the book together until they reached the final page, which posed the question, “Jadé Marie, will you marry me?” At that pivotal moment, James presented the engagement ring—a bespoke piece from Cullen Jewellery, designed with a meaningful engraving inside that reads, “To the stars.”
Chapman, who boasts a substantial following of one million on Instagram, shared her sentiments regarding their love, stating, “I would have travelled any distance to find a love like ours.” She expressed that her journey with Allio has exceeded her expectations and mentioned that beyond gaining a partner, she also embraced the role of a stepmother to James.
The couple’s engagement signifies a new chapter not just for Allio and Chapman but also for James, who now has the opportunity to witness the blossoming love within their family unit. As they prepare for their wedding, they are enthusiastic about cultivating a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories together.
With both partners looking forward to a lifetime of companionship, they also acknowledge the challenges they have faced. However, their relationship stands as a testament to resilience and the ability to find love after loss. They have now set their sights on a future where they can make new memories while honouring Allio’s late wife in their hearts.
The couple’s celebration of love serves not only as an individual milestone but reflects the beauty of blended families. As this new journey unfolds, Allio and Chapman are prepared to welcome whatever life brings, united as a family.