The Bachelors is among the most popular shows of the century. The series’ most avid fans know about Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s rather complicated relationship, which eventually leads to a happy ending.
At the show’s start, viewers didn’t feel any chemistry between the two, with Rachael not even receiving any impression from Matt. However, as the show progresses, so is their relationship.
The relationship between the two has been in a series of issues, with Rachael’s racist past surfacing, causing strife between the two. The issues eventually led the two to break up publicly. However, after a brief moment, they managed to talk it out and reconciled in private.
Although the two have left the show for good since they think it was the best thing for them, fans are still curious to know what they are up to today.
It is safe to say that Rachael and Matt are amongst the most popular pairs to ever star in the show. That said, if you want to know more about Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship timeline, you are definitely in the right place.
Their First Meet: 2020
“The Bachelor” season 25 was very much anticipated by many worldwide. The first episode of the season was aired in January 2021. During the first episode, Matt and Rachael met for the first time. The viewers didn’t feel any chemistry between the two for some reason.
Rachael was very much flirty during their first meeting. As soon as they stepped out of the limo, she immediately showered Matt with compliments saying that he was more good-looking in person than she expected.
On the other hand, Matt also had a rather good first impression of Rachael. During dinner, Matt also expresses his admiration for Rachael’s beauty, saying that she is so articulate-looking yet sexy at the same time. Matt also liked her open and vulnerable personality, seeing it as something strong for a woman.
They Fell in Love: 2020
After having such strong first impressions, the two eventually developed feelings after just five weeks. Although they started off as good friends, their personalities and interests somehow collided, and they started to develop into something more.
As their relationship got serious after the first one-on-one date, Matt and Rachael revealed that they had finally fallen in love with each other. She was the first one to express what she truly felt about Matt.
Rachael also fearlessly stated all her worries because of the show’s process, revealing that she is worried that she might not get Matt in the end, which is something she has been searching for her whole life.
RELATED: The Rationale Behind Matt James’s Brother’s Lack of Seriousness Towards “The Bachelor.”
Matt quickly assures her, saying that even he can’t think straight if Rachael is not around, implicating that he himself has fallen deeply in love with her. Just like that, a few more episodes passed, and Matt finally met Rachael’s family during their hometown date.
While there, Rachael’s father expresses his concern that the two might be taking everything a bit too fast. Rachael and Matt then assured him that they were genuinely in love with each other and everything was real.
At the season finale, Matt stated that he wanted to live his life with one only, and that is none other than Rachael. He added that he wants to leave the show with her as he will commit and love her in every way possible.
In the end, Matt gave the final rose to Rachael.
Issues Begin to Surface: 2021
Their seemingly happy ending started to experience some rough patch when posts about Rachael being racist surfaced online. In the said posts, Rachael was seen attending an antebellum plantation-themed party. It made some fans angry, as they never thought Rachael could do such a thing.
As the controversy started to get bigger and bigger, Matt decided to respond to the queries that fans had online. He stated that rumors are dark and nasty and can ruin people’s lives. So for him, he would give people the benefit of the doubt, and he hopes Rachael will have her time to tell her side of the story.
Rachael, on the other hand, knowing her mistake, responded to the allegations, saying her apologies for her past behavior. In a post she shared on Instagram, she stated that she is continually learning to be an anti-racist.
The controversy got so big that it eventually affected Matt and Rachael’s relationship.
Sudden Breakup: 2021
‘Bachelor’ star Matt James scrubs Instagram profile following Rachael Kirkconnell split https://t.co/0XaEgYVz24 pic.twitter.com/5dM8gwFkWT
— The Thorne Report (@thethornereport) March 20, 2021
As stated earlier, Matt and Rachael’s relationship experienced a rough patch right after the issues surfaced. During the final show special, the then couple revealed that they had broken up after the issue.
Fans had some mixed feelings about the couple’s break-up. The sudden decision saddens some, while some are happy, saying they might not be meant for each other.
Matt also explained his side, saying he decided to end the relationship since he thinks Rachael might not fully understand what it means to be Black in America. That’s why he decided to take a step back and allow her to put in that work.
On the other hand, Rachael also expressed her sadness on Instagram. She said she still loves Matt but will respect his decision to end their relationship.
Rumors of Getting Back Together: 2021
True love always prevails!
It seems like months after their break-up announcement, Matt and Rachael were rumored to have gotten back together as they were spotted spending time in New York. However, according to some sources, the two were just spending time together as friends, nothing more and nothing less.
Reports also say that Matt just really respects his and Rachael’s friendship that’s why he decided to spend time with her. However, it seems like Rachael hopes to reconcile with him no matter what.
RELATED: Victoria Larson’s Dress on “The Bachelor” is a Major Fashion Faux Pas!
The two did not confirm the rumors, so fans thought that maybe that would be the last time they’ll see Matt and Rachael together. However, later that same month, the pair were spotted again, hanging out in Los Angeles, causing the dating rumors to surface again.
The two were then spotted spending time with each other in the following months after that.
Rachael Kirkconnell’s Ultimatum: 2021
Matt was bombarded with questions regarding his current relationship with Rachael during one of his guesting on the Pomp podcast. There, he revealed that Rachael gave him an “ultimatum” that ultimately pushed him to double-think his decision of not trying to fix their relationship.
According to him, Rachael stated that if he plans to make their relationship work, he should do it immediately because she will let him go for good if he isn’t planning to. Knowing that Rachael is very open, he ultimately decided to put an effort into making their relationship work. After a few discussions, the two eventually got back together.
In an interview, Matt stated that after everything they have been through, Rachael always stayed by his side, and her positive attitude toward everything made him fall in love with her even more.
Rachael and Matt’s First Red Carpet: 2021
After their reconciliation announcement, the couple was spotted walking their first red carpet together during the 2021 ESPY Awards. Rachael wore a sophisticated long dress, while Matt looked handsome in his checkered brown suit.
Back Together: 2021
No one really expected that the two were going to get back together. So many are curious as to what really happened to them behind the scenes. In an interview in 2021, the couple decided to open up about their journey to reconciliation.
According to Rachael, the journey was a bit rough, but to think they are both in a really good place makes her so happy beyond anything else. She believes that their love for each other has come a long way, so they have decided to keep some things private for them to enjoy themselves.
Rachael’s 25th Birthday: 2021
After their comeback, Matt immediately wished his girlfriend the happiest 25th birthday on Instagram. With a series of Rachael’s cute photos, he captioned the post saying, “Happy Birthday to my emergency contact @rachaelkirkconnell ❤️???????? I love you.”
Possible Engagement: 2021
The same month as Rachael’s birthday, Cameron, a former Bachelorette contestant, revealed that Matt and Rachael are incredibly happy together. They always work together and make a great team.
He even answered fans’ queries about a potential engagement, saying that Rachael and Matt were taking their romance at their own pace, so fans should just stand by since the couple will do it when it’s right and if it’s right for them.
Matt and Rachael’s Trip to Malibu: 2021
During an interview, Matt stated that a lot has happened over the past year. However, being with Rachael makes him so excited about what lies ahead. With that said, after a long stressful year, the two were spotted having the time of their life traveling to Malibu.
Rachael posted some snaps of their trip with a caption saying, “These nights are my favorite.”
Rachael’s Support for Matt James’s Marathon: 2021
The two never failed to support one another.
During a marathon in 2021, Rachael decided to support her boyfriend by cheering him on throughout the race. She even referred to the event as one of the best weekends of her life.
She shared all the moments they had during the marathon on Instagram. She also celebrated Matt’s achievement, captioning the post with, “I love doing this life with you. Thank you for always showing me how beautiful and fun it can be, whether it’s checking off a bucket list item or enjoying a slice of pizza. It’s fun being in love with your best friend.”
Matt James’s 25th Birthday: 2021
During Matt’s special day, Rachael didn’t forget to pay tribute to him. She shared a sweet post on Instagram, with a sweet caption saying that Matt is the man of her dreams and her very best friend. She added that she will forever cherish the fact that she gets to share this life with him and get an up-close view of his heart.
Passing Through Memory Lane: 2022
Matt and Rachael also went on a trip down memory lane when they decided to return to the resort where they first met. They decided to visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania, where Matt’s season of The Bachelor was filmed.
They shared their couple getaway on Instagram, making fans so happy seeing the two genuinely enjoying each other’s company. In the post caption, Rachael stated that she has fallen in love with Matt all over again.
Grand Vacation to Europe: 2022
It seems like the couple loves traveling so much, as they were spotted taking a vacation in Italy a month after being seen in Pennsylvania. The trip was so dear and special for her since it was Rachael’s first time in Europe.
Matt’s Reflections On His Time On The Bachelor: 2022
Being one of the most known Bachelors in the show’s history, it was natural that Matt always gets questioned about his experience in the show. During one interview, Matt revealed a secret about his Bachelor experience and his relationship with Rachael.
According to him, the show didn’t have a lot of room for improvement, as they needed to always stick to the script. There wasn’t much they could have discussed that would have progressed their relationship. That’s why he and Rachael eventually decided to part ways with the franchise.
RELATED: The Chronological Account of Brendan and Pieper’s Relationship Journey on Bachelor in Paradise.
He explained that they were done by the production controlling their narrative and lives to be exploited. Their decision to leave was one of the best decisions they made as a couple, as their relationship progressed better after leaving the show.
Their Playful Dynamic: 2022
During a joint interview, Rachael stated that the only timeline she gives Matt is for starting a family. According to her statement, she wants to have kids before she is too old to have one already. She always reminds Matt that, and it seems like Matt understood the assignment.
The power couple has also talked about their apparent playful dynamic. As a couple, despite the busy schedule and problems they encounter along the way, having fun with one another no matter what is important to them to keep the relationship lively and healthy.
She added that they always want to make the most of everything.
Matt Saying What Happened to Them Was Necessary: 2022
After what happened to them in the past, Matt said during an interview that he has already reflected on their ups and downs as a couple. Despite what happened to them, they have now talked much about their future together.
According to Matt, he has already learned a lot from the controversy. And at the end of the day, everything they have been through has prepared them for what’s ahead. Although he feels like the world is against them, they are just trying their best to enjoy each other’s company and grow their relationship without dealing with people they didn’t even know weighing in.
Explanation Behind Tyler Cameron and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Clash: 2022
Some people wonder what type of relationship Tyler Cameron, Matt’s best friend, has with Rachael after he has previously stated that he has a “love-hate” relationship with her. In an interview, he clarified that he doesn’t see Rachael as an enemy or whatnot. What he meant was that they just have their own ways of clashing.
He further stated that he doesn’t like listening to people sometimes, and Rachael, a strong independent woman, has a really good opinion on many things. So sometimes Cameron just doesn’t want to hear it.
Rachael and Matt’s Second New York Marathon: 2022
Matt really loves going to marathons, as he was again spotted attending the 2022 NYC marathon. During that time, Rachael was seen again supporting her boyfriend through his struggles. Sources have reported that Matt came through the half marathon at an hour and twenty-nine minutes.
Matt even shared on Instagram that the experience was something he could call the beginning of the end for him. He described that the humidity took everything out of him. It was as if his body had started to crumble.
As he struggles so much, Rachael, who has been waiting patiently at the finish line, said she was really worried about Matt’s condition at that time. However, after seeing him push through it all, she expressed her pride in his boyfriend’s hard-earned achievement.
On Instagram, she wrote that Matt has inspired her every single day to always do her best in times of struggle. She also congratulated everyone who ran the marathon for finishing strong.
Rachael and Matt’s Winter Getaway: 2022
As stated earlier, the couple really loves to travel. To end 2022, the couple decided to go snowboarding on Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado.
Rachael decided to share these memories online as she posted a series of cute photos of them together. In one post, the couple was snapped kissing on a ski lift.
Matt was also seen gliding up behind Rachael in a video when she was having trouble moving ahead while snowboarding. She captioned the video saying that Matt is always there when she needs him the most.
Their Cute Mirror Selfie: 2023
In February 2023, the couple shared a cute mirror selfie with cute matching outfits. Although it is just one of Rachael’s promotions for her clothing brand “437”, fans couldn’t get enough of how good the two look together.
In the caption, Rachael stated, “Surprise!! Matt and I put an NYC FOOD GUIDE together for you guys with @437 in honor of my collection- we share all of our favorite spots around the city AND what to order at each one. sign up for it at the link in my bio ???? Enjoy!”
It is just so nice to see them both supporting each other in any way possible!
Both Vibing So Cutely to A Song: 2023
On Instagram, Rachael shared how Matt always vibes to every song she plays once they hit the red light. In the caption, she says, “Every red light it’s his time to shine.” Fans quickly find the video so cute, asking why they aren’t even married yet, as they look so good together.
Discussion About Getting Married: 2023
Fans are now asking the couple to get married already. However, Matt and Rachael stated that they are in no rush to tie the knot at that point in time. They explained that they do things in their relationship for each other.
For them, there is no pressure at all since everything they do is for one another. Being able to communicate effectively to make decisions is what they think makes their relationship work so well.
Attended One of Their Friend’s Wedding Together: 2023
The two flew to Denver, Colorado, where they attended one of their friend’s weddings. Matt was seen in a posh suit and tie, while Rachael wore a salmon pink dress.
Matt was seen wearing sneakers in one of Rachael’s pictures, making fans wonder why. Rachael quickly explained, saying, “in matt’s defense he had dress shoes on for the ceremony & then all the guys changed into sneakers… the bunions were HURTINGGG.”
They Were Invited to A Baskinrobbins Event: 2023
Fans were excited to see when Rachael posted another update of her and Matt. Some thought that the two might finally announce their engagement, but it turns out they were just sharing their wonderful experience attending one of Baskinrobbin’s events in New York.
That ends Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship timeline. If you want to stay updated with the couple’s life, you can follow them on their social media accounts.
