Love Island S5 Winners Marco Donatelli & Hannah Wright’s Engagement

https://youtu.be/hmBEq3pLp-4

We all saw their love story blossom under the sizzling Fijian sun on Love Island USA Season 5, and now, winners Hannah and Marco are bringing their romance to the real world—and the aisle! The reality TV sweethearts, who made history as the first-ever engaged couple from the USA series, sat down with The Wedding Reporter Podcast to dish on their whirlwind relationship, that spectacular proposal, and the ambitious plans for their “Old Hollywood” wedding extravaganza.

Before their Love Island journey, Hannah, a full-time content creator and presenter from Palm Springs, California, and Marco, an online sports commentator specializing in football, originally from Ohio but living in Florida, were total strangers.

“The odds of meeting Hannah were almost impossible, but Love Island made it possible,” Marco shared. It truly was fate, as Hannah agreed, their paths never would have crossed otherwise, making their Love Island connection feel “meant to be.”

Their connection was immediate and unwavering. Marco describes his first sight of Hannah as “hitting the lottery,” a surreal moment where he knew she was his wife. Hannah, a self-proclaimed “slow burner,” admits her feelings grew gradually, initially finding Marco to be a bit of a “smart ass,” but recognizing he was “special” and sticking with that feeling. The couple’s undeniable bond was backed by fans, who voted for them consistently, ensuring they were never vulnerable for elimination and leading them to win the show!

Winning came with a $50,000 prize, which the couple admits they “blew… within, I think, four months.” The biggest expense? Moving Hannah from LA to Florida so they could start their life together.

Moving in wasn’t all sunshine, though. Transitioning from the “fabricated reality” of the show to Marco’s college-town bachelor pad, devoid of basic essentials like proper silverware, was a challenge. “We butted heads, fought almost every day,” Marco confessed of their initial move to Florida. However, their love proved resilient, leading to a stunning proposal in May.

Marco pulled off an elaborate surprise engagement at a Secrets Resort in the Dominican Republic, setting up a fake brand deal to get Hannah there. He meticulously planned every detail over six months, from the sunset lighting to the resort location and the custom ring from Kay Jewelers. Most sweetly, he incorporated the middle stone from the promise ring he’d given her the previous year.

Now living in Pittsburgh, the couple is actively planning their October 2026 wedding in the LA area. Their vision? A classic, upscale affair with an “Old Hollywood” theme, inspired by Frank Sinatra and Italian flair.

The massive celebration is projected to host around 1,000 guests, including an open invitation to their supportive fans. They envision a hybrid venue with an indoor ceremony and an extravagant outdoor reception featuring cigars, high fashion, and a “Gatsby style” party.

The wedding is also a poignant opportunity to honor their late parents. Hannah’s plan to have her father’s sister walk her down the aisle while holding a picture of her dad is a heartfelt tribute. Marco is incorporating elements his mother would have loved, such as an Italian band and a special wine toast. They emphasize that while the event is huge, keeping their parents in their “thoughts and prayers” is essential to the process.

Despite the scale of their wedding, the couple remains relatively “chill.” Their secret to staying stress-free? Collaboration.

“Do it together,” Marco advises. “Don’t put all the stress on her.” Marco actively participates in every step of the planning, which Hannah says helps immensely. They also stress the importance of sticking to your shared dream.

Beyond wedding planning, the two are focused on their careers:

And, of course, Marco is still aiming for a spot on Dancing with the Stars! Having grown up in a dancing family (his sister was a professional dancer for the Cleveland Cavaliers), he is confident in his rhythm and competitive spirit.

As they plan their massive, star-studded wedding, their love story continues to evolve from reality TV to a beautiful reality of their own.