The Bachelorette’s Rodney Mathews’ Engagement to Ari J

Ari and Rodney Mathews’ Engagement is one for the books! I was thrilled to interview them on The Wedding Reporter Podcast!

Rodney Matthews is a man of many talents—he’s both a real estate agent known as “Real Estate Rod” and a medical device sales professional. Raised in Southern California, Rodney also played football at Fresno State and gained national attention on The Bachelorette (Michelle’s season) and Bachelor in Paradise. His fiancée, Ari, is an East Coast native who now resides in California. She works at Netflix and is currently nominated for a Webby Award for her innovative work on Netflix’s WhatsApp channel.

Rodney and Ari’s story began two years ago at a bar in Venice Beach—an area neither of them typically frequents. Rodney had gone out with friends, including fellow Bachelor Nation alum Justin Glaze, looking for something new. Despite his initial hesitation, that night would change his life forever. As soon as Ari walked in, Rodney was captivated. What was meant to be a brief taco run turned into an unforgettable evening full of dancing, singing, and instant chemistry.

Photos by Becca Hake

Their connection didn’t stop at that first night. Rodney quickly asked Ari out before leaving for a three-week work trip to Brazil. The bond stayed strong through time zones and distance. They both made it clear from the start: they weren’t here to play games. They had important conversations early on about their values, dealbreakers, and even how they’d parent someday. Four months after meeting, they moved in together. Less than a year after cohabiting, Rodney proposed on August 12, 2024.

Rodney faced the challenge of pulling off a surprise while living under the same roof as Ari. With help from Ari’s best friend and his family, he organized a proposal disguised as a family photo shoot in Riverside, California. Leading up to the big moment, a deeply personal and spiritual sign appeared—Ari’s late grandmother’s ring, which she hadn’t worn in months, mysteriously showed up on the floor near the bathroom. Ari took it as a sign from above. Moments later, Rodney led her into a floral-filled setup with views of the hills and popped the question.

The couple is now just months away from their dream wedding. While Rodney initially suggested tying the knot near his hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, Ari fell in love with a European-style venue in Riverside: the historic Mission Inn. The castle-like landmark checked all the boxes with its romantic architecture, deep-red tones, and rich family history. As fate would have it, their tour guide turned out to be someone Rodney went to middle school with—a full-circle moment that confirmed this was the perfect place.

Ari had already envisioned her dream wedding look—choosing a Gallia Lahav dress she had fallen in love with online before even trying it on. The couple also secured their dream DJ, DJ Sean J, and their photographer—who serendipitously spotted them while they were touring the venue and immediately offered her services. The wedding will be black-tie formal, with guests and the bridal party dressed in elegant black, long gowns and tuxedos to match the regal Mission Inn setting.

Rodney and Ari are currently in premarital counseling and believe deeply in maintaining a healthy, intentional relationship. Their advice to other couples planning a wedding? Stay grounded, stay united, and communicate. They’ve approached their relationship with honesty and decisiveness, making fast but thoughtful decisions along the way.