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One of our favorite Love Is Blind alums is newly engaged!

Iyanna McNeely took to Instagram on Tuesday, Dec. 17, sharing, "A weekend of surprises, wonder, and happy cries. ✨ Something sparkly, something special, someone forever. ✨." She shared five photos from the weekend of her engagement on social media. The last image shows her gazing lovingly at her fiancé, whose name she has not yet revealed, as he lifts her into the air. The proposal seems to have taken place at the Civic Opera Building in Chicago, based on the pictures.


The comment section was flooded with congratulatory messages. Mallory Zapata, to whom McNeely's ex-husband Jarrette Jones initially proposed on Love Is Blind, extended her congratulations, commenting “Congratulations!!! 🎉🍾 ❤️.” Xanthi Perdikomatis, recognized from The Circle and Perfect Match, also expressed her admiration, stating “You look stunning 😍.” Iyanna replied, “Oh all the love 🥹. I feel it. Thank you everyone .”

The Georgia native started sharing posts on social media with her fiancé earlier this year, but has not revealed his identity. He isn't tagged in any posts, and mostly remains hidden. In a November post, only the top of his head is visible as he crouches behind McNeely while she takes a mirror selfie. In an October video, his face is completely covered by a mask.

We totally understand why Iyanna is being protective of this new love given the way her last marriage ended. Iyanna was previously married to Jarrett, who proposed to another woman before proposing to her. The couple met in the second season of Love Is Blind and had a rocky start. Despite the initial challenges, they were married in the show's finale.

Iyanna later accused Jarette of cheating on her during their "unhappy" marriage. In an episode of herFeel in the Blankpodcast, Iyanna confessed,

"Jarrette cheated. I found out three days before After the Altar. I received an email with very specific details." The former couple announced their split in August 2022, sharing the news in a joint Instagram statement in which they said their lives were "going in different directions."

The program coordinator officially filed for divorce in October 2022 through the Circuit Court of Cook County. Their divorce was finalized in November 2022. Jones confirmed the news in a statement, expressing that they would remain friends and wishing Iyanna well.

Iyanna's candid testimonials and inspiring life story made her a crowd favorite. She revealed her difficult childhood, growing up as an only child and being kicked out of her home at 18. Later, at 22, she was adopted by her godparents. Despite facing numerous challenges, Iyanna remains remarkably resilient, stating, “I had so many odds against me. I should not be this okay.”

It’s also evident that she’s been doing the work to become the best version of herself for her new partner. Over the years, she’s shared wisdom on social media like, "Know who you are. Know your worth. Surround yourself with mutually beneficial, reciprocal, and enriching relationships. And most importantly, GROW. No matter how exhausting. Because at the end of the day, it's for YOU."

She came through with another word sharing, "It's good to be loved. But it's profound to be seen, heard, valued, and understood. Not just on the obvious days, but as a lifestyle." And also, “This is your friendly reminder to take a look back at how far you've come and give yourself the praise, acknowledgment, grace, and love that you deserve."

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Featured image by Iyanna McNeely/Instagram

 

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