Reality TV is usually where relationships go to die. We’ve all seen it: the dramatic lighting, the staged "temptations," and the inevitable messy breakup that fuels a three-part reunion special. But then there’s Kristen Ramos and Julian Allen. Honestly, they shouldn't have worked. Most couples who head to Temptation Island with an 11-year history and a track record of infidelity end up as a cautionary tale. Instead, these two became the rare exception that fans still talk about years later.
Basically, they did the impossible. They went on a show designed to break them and came out with a wedding date.
The Messy Reality Behind the High School Sweethearts
Let’s get real about their history. Kristen and Julian started dating when they were just 15. That’s a long time to be with one person, especially when you're trying to figure out who you are. By the time they hit the screen on Season 3 of Temptation Island, they were 26. Eleven years of history. That sounds romantic until you realize they were carrying some pretty heavy baggage.
Julian had cheated on Kristen twice in the past.
That’s usually a dealbreaker. For Kristen, those mistakes weren't just "rough patches"—they were cracks in the foundation that made her hesitate every time Julian brought up the future. She was a physical therapist looking for stability; he was a pro football player and personal trainer who, by his own admission, had been "arrogant" in his younger years.
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You’ve gotta wonder why they even stayed together that long. Kristen later admitted that Julian’s support during the tragic loss of her brother was a huge reason she couldn't let go. They were bonded by grief and time, but trust? That was a different story.
What Julian Allen Got Right That Other Cast Members Didn't
If you watch these shows, you know the "villain" edit is easy to get. Most guys go to the guys' villa and immediately start acting like they’re on a spring break trip. Julian didn’t do that. Sorta shocking, right?
Instead of chasing the singles, Julian spent a lot of his time alone. He was self-aware. He actually acknowledged that his past cheating wasn't about Kristen—it was about his own insecurities. "It was something missing within me. It wasn't her," he told host Mark L. Walberg. That kind of accountability is rare in general, but on a reality set? It’s basically a unicorn.
- He skipped the parties.
- He went engagement ring shopping with a single (Tula) just to practice the moment.
- He owned his "asshole" phase.
While the other men were busy making excuses, Julian was doing the internal work. Fans loved it. His maturity became the highlight of the season because it felt authentic. He wasn't performing for the cameras; he was terrified of losing the woman he'd known since he was a teenager.
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The Proposal and the Puerto Rico Wedding
The final bonfire was high stakes. Kristen was visibly torn. She told Mark she didn't want to get married just because they'd been together for a decade. She needed to know the cycle of betrayal was actually over. When Julian dropped to one knee, the tension was thick enough to cut.
She said yes. Obviously.
But the real test happens after the cameras stop rolling. We see "engaged" couples break up two months later all the time. Kristen and Julian didn't. They took their time. In July 2022, they finally tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in Puerto Rico.
The guest list was a Temptation Island reunion of sorts. Thomas Gipson and Chelsea Orcutt were there. Erin Smith was there. Mark L. Walberg couldn't make it, but he sent champagne. It felt like a full-circle moment for a couple that used a "trashy" reality show to actually save their lives together.
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Where Are They Now?
Life in New Jersey seems a lot quieter these days. Julian is still heavily involved in the fitness world, often posting about his "Hybrid" training philosophy. Kristen continues her work in physical therapy. They aren't the type of influencers who post every single meal or manufactured drama. They’ve mostly kept a low profile, which—honestly—is probably why they’re still together.
They proved that the "process" of the show can work, but only if you’re willing to be brutally honest with yourself. Julian had to face the fact that he was the problem. Kristen had to face her fear of being hurt again.
Lessons from the Kristen and Julian Saga
If you're looking for a takeaway from their relationship, it's not "go on a dating show to fix your problems." That's usually a disaster. Instead, look at the mechanics of how they survived.
- Accountability over excuses. Julian didn't blame the "temptation." He blamed his own ego.
- Time doesn't equal trust. Eleven years meant nothing if the trust wasn't rebuilt from scratch.
- Space can be a good thing. Being in separate villas allowed them to miss each other and realize what they were actually fighting for.
If you’re struggling with trust in your own relationship, don't look for a TV show. Look for the kind of radical honesty Julian showed. It’s uncomfortable, it’s messy, and it’s the only thing that actually works.
Next Steps for Fans and Couples:
- Watch the Growth: Go back and watch Season 3, specifically Julian’s bonfire sessions with Mark L. Walberg, to see a masterclass in taking ownership of past mistakes.
- Audit Your Relationship: Ask yourself if you’re staying because of "time served" or because the foundation is actually solid today.
- Follow the Journey: You can find Julian’s training tips and their occasional life updates on Instagram, where they continue to model what a "repaired" relationship looks like in the real world.