(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Jalen Brown won over ‘Love Island USA’ viewers during season 7 with his personality and southern charm. Many fans felt this sweet Georgia native entered the villa genuinely looking for love and a real connection. While he didn’t find love in the villa, he did with influencer Joiya Lanae (Sims), as the two are now officially married!
While on ‘Love Island,’ Jalen shared that the experience marked his first time ever leaving the country. Inside the villa, Jalen kept an eye on Olandria Carthen as they explored their growing connection. Sadly, his time was cut short when Olandria Carthen chose Taylor Williams during a dramatic recoupling. Even though love didnt work out for him in Fiji, Jalen still left with overwhelming support from viewers. His TikTok quickly skyrocketed from hundreds to more than one million followers. Brands seemingly flooded his comments with new opportunities and trips abroad. In less than a year, nobody couldve guessed one trip would lead him straight to the love of his life.
In August 2025, Royal Caribbean hosted an content creator cruise where Jalen Brown was invited. Joiya Lanae also attended the trip alongside her sisters, fellow influencer Jayla Henry and Janae Sims, also known as Auntie Nae.
The trip quickly turned into a full family vacation filled with content, memories, and unexpected connections. Joiya later shared that she originally planned to attend a concert before choosing the family cruise instead.
While onboard, a family friend named Kenzie reportedly decided to play Cupid between Joiya and Jalen. Kenzie eventually gave Joiya Jalens number, and she reached out to him the following day. After texting for a while, the two later decided to link up together on the cruise ship.
Joiya shared that they instantly hit it off and spent the entire night talking together onboard. Once cruise ended the two continued getting to know each other. They later popped out in January 2026 all bood up. The couple continued building their relationship long-distance for nearly eight months. Things later came full circle when they attended their first cruise together as a couple in April. Later that month, Joiya revealed she was leaving Houston and moving closer to Jalen in Georgia.
@joiya.brown And the rest was history! Thank you @Royal Caribbean @Kenzie Williams @Erica From America #staroftheseas #storytime #couple @elite.brown original sound – joiya.brown
Following Joiyas surprise move in April, it looks like the couple still had more surprises in store. In May, the couple took to Instagram while sharing a montage from their special day together. Jalen wore a black suit while Joiya stunned in a beautiful white dress for the occasion. The couple also showed off their wedding rings while celebrating the beginning of their new chapter together. In the caption, the newlyweds simply wrote, The Browns.
Jalen later shared more pictures while opening up about finally living the life he always dreamed about. In one post, he wrote, “A man who truly sees your value wont keep you guessing.In another post, Jalen added, “2026: Married to my favorite person, in elite shape, GTA 6 finally drops in November, and life actually feels aligned.”
While many gathered under the post sending congratulations, Joiyas sister, Auntie Nae, shared her excitement online. She wrote, THE USERNAME CHANGEEE HELLLOOOO?!?? congrats to my faves!!!
Her sister, Jayla, was not too far behind while celebrating the couples big announcement online. Jayla wrote, HAVENT STOPPED CRYING!!!!!!! MRS.BROWN!!!!! I cant believe my sister is a WIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations! Welcome to the family brother in loveeee! @elite.brown
While celebrations continued on Instagram, rumors also quickly started brewing over on TikTok. Under Joiyas post, one person wrote, starting a rumor Shes due in February 2027 Congratulations my girl!!”However, Joiya quickly shut down the speculation while replying, Nope. Just in love.
Across social media, many people continued sending Jalen Brown and Joiya Lanae congratulations on their union. Critics expressed that they felt the relationship moved a little too quickly. However, others argued that love can happen unexpectedly.
Instagram user wrote @n.renne1 wrote, Love this. Why wait? when u know they the one u know. Congrats to them Instagram user @bragalott added, & i hope they get to travel the world and go out the country together <3
While Instagram user @zionsymmone wrote, DAMN THAT WAS FAST
Instagram user wrote @s_sense24 wrote, Didnt Jayla get married within 6-7months as well ?? Jalen really went on Love Island to find love, he was looking for his wife Congratulations to them
Instagram user @just_tiesha wrote, I pray it wrks out … there’s no way to really know someone enough, in less than a yr, to tie yourself to them in front of God and make this commitment but what do i know
While Instagram user @xoxoxofrmwiinter wrote, yall assuming pregnancy immediately is scary lol
Instagram user @cocox2 wrote, oh yall be picking and choosing Imao but when it’s Lala and Jay cinco it’s a problem but it’s a green light for them
Instagram user @xoxomikyahsimone added, His season wasnt even a full year ago
While Instagram user @tasheyaa wrote, One thing about the Sims sisters? They don’t play they gets DOWNNN
Instagram user @noladarling.ya wrote, They didn’t deserve you on that island! Got his woman from the love boat
