Love Triumphs: A Rollercoaster of Breakups and a Joyful Wedding Unfolds in the Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 Finale

From the heights of almost paradise to the uncertainties of the real world, Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 concluded with a mix of emotions and final dramatic moments.

 

After parting ways with Blake Moynes and Tyler Norris, Jess Girod and Mercedes Northup found solace in each other's company, sharing the challenges they faced in their past relationships.

 

Kat Izzo and John Henry Spurlock, on a date filled with standup paddleboarding, opened up about their life stories. Kat, 27, revealed overcoming childhood adversity, having four wives in her family, and spending time in a group home at 17. John Henry, 31, reciprocated by sharing his past struggles with depression.

 

Exclusive and committed, Kat and John Henry embarked on planning a future together, with thoughts of a potential engagement lingering in the air.

 

Meanwhile, Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant, celebrating life outside Paradise, expressed their deepening love. Aaron, 30, declared his intention to propose, and Eliza reciprocated her feelings.

 

In a surprising turn, Kenny Braash and Mari Pepin, engaged in BiP Season 7, returned to announce their impromptu wedding. The ceremony, attended by the Season 9 cast, featured Blake as the best man and Jesse Palmer as the officiant.

 

Amidst the celebration, Kylee Russell sought advice from Blake and Aven Jones, grappling with the idea of an engagement. Aven, hesitant about taking that step, navigated the complexities of commitment with Kylee.

 

As the cast dwindled down, Kylee and Aven chose to leave Paradise hand in hand, Kat and John Henry opted for the Fantasy Suites, and Aaron and Eliza embarked on their romantic journey.

 

However, not all stories ended in bliss. Sam Picco and Peter Cappio faced a heartfelt separation, and Olivia Lewis and Michael Barbour parted ways due to differing life trajectories.

 

In the Fantasy Suites, Aaron and Eliza expressed their love, with Aaron confidently stating his intention to propose. Eliza, though scared of engagement, found reassurance in Aaron's protective demeanor.

 

Their night together solidified their connection, and the morning after, Aaron envisioned a future with Eliza. The final rose ceremony saw Aaron proposing to Eliza, who joyfully accepted, exclaiming, "It's giving fiancée!"

 

In contrast, John Henry and Kat, waking up after a night in the Fantasy Suites, revealed conflicting sentiments. While Kat saw a future with John Henry as a husband and father, he grappled with internal doubts about engagement.

 

Yet, in a surprising twist, John Henry, following his heart, proposed to Kat, and she ecstatically accepted, sealing their commitment with a diamond ring.

 

In a post-Paradise update, Kylee and Aven's relationship blossomed, while Eliza and Aaron navigated speed bumps. Kat and John Henry remained happily engaged, planning to start their lives in San Diego.

 

As the curtains closed on Bachelor in Paradise Season 9, the unexpected connection between Brayden Bowers and Christina Mandrell from Zach Shallcross's Bachelor season added a final twist to the tale.

 

Experience the journey on Hulu and stay updated with PEOPLE's newsletter for the latest Bachelor in Paradise stories.