Remember the early days of TLC’s 90 Day Fiance? Back when the show felt more like a low-budget documentary and less like a chaotic race for Instagram followers? If you go all the way back to Season 1, you’ll find Louis and Aya Gattone. In a franchise now famous for spectacular breakups and wine-tossing fights, these two are a total anomaly. They didn't just survive the 90 days; they’re actually still together in 2026.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild. Most people can barely name the Season 1 cast, but Louis and Aya are the blueprint for what the show was supposed to be. No scandals. No "The Single Life" spin-offs. Just a real couple living a very normal life in Indiana.
What Really Happened After the Cameras Stopped?
Louis and Aya met on an international dating site over a decade ago. At the time, Louis was a divorced dad of two living in Indianapolis, and Aya was living in Ormoc, Philippines. The show portrayed the classic tension: Aya wanted Louis to move to the Philippines, but Louis couldn't leave his sons, Dayton and Dawson.
Eventually, Aya made the sacrifice. She moved to the Midwest, navigated the awkwardness of Louis’s ex-wife (who famously grilled her about birth control on national TV), and they got married in a church ceremony in 2013.
Life in Indiana Today
Fast forward to 2026, and they are still going strong. They haven't chased the reality TV spotlight, which is probably why they’re still married. They live a quiet life in Indiana, and they’ve expanded their family significantly.
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While Louis was already a father when they met, he and Aya now have two biological sons of their own:
- Giovanni, born in June 2018.
- Stefano, born in November 2020.
Louis often jokes on social media about being a "boy dad" through and through. He’s shared photos of all four boys together, and by all accounts, Aya has fully embraced the role of both biological mom and step-mom.
The Secret to Their Longevity (It Isn't Fame)
Why did they last while so many others crashed and burned? Basically, they treated the show as a one-time event rather than a career.
You’ve probably noticed that current 90 Day stars stay on the show for five seasons, launch an OnlyFans, and start a podcast. Louis and Aya did the exact opposite. They declined to appear in major follow-up seasons because they didn't want the notoriety. Aya, in particular, has always been private. Her Instagram is locked tight, and Louis has mentioned in the past that she isn't a fan of being recognized by strangers on the street.
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They also built a life outside of the TLC paycheck. For a while, the couple ran a small side business called Lola Lily’s, which specialized in handcrafted rustic wood decor and jewelry. They’ve focused on "the long game"—a term Louis has used in his own blogging—prioritizing stability over screen time.
Addressing the Misconceptions
People often assume the "OG" couples were just lucky. But if you re-watch Season 1, Louis and Aya had plenty of real-world stress. There were financial hurdles and wedding budget disagreements that felt very grounded. Louis wasn't a millionaire; he was a guy trying to make ends meet while bringing his fiancée to a new country.
One major hurdle was the dynamic with Louis's ex-wife. On the show, it looked like a recipe for disaster. However, time has a way of smoothing things out. Louis has since praised Aya for how she handles the "four boys," suggesting that the blended family dynamic is way healthier than the edited TV segments made it seem.
Where They Are in 2026
If you're looking for drama, you won't find it here. Louis still occasionally posts updates, showing a dad who is focused on his health and his kids. He’s been open about his fitness journey and his desire to be a good role model for his sons.
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The couple has stayed out of the recent 90 Day Fiance "scandal cycle." While other cast members from their era have faced legal troubles or public feuds, Louis and Aya remain the gold standard for success.
Key Takeaways from the Gattone Success Story
- Privacy is a superpower. By keeping their personal business off-screen, they avoided the "reality TV curse" that breaks up most couples.
- Blended families take work. Their success wasn't instant; it took years of navigating co-parenting and cultural adjustments.
- The show is a tool, not a lifestyle. They used the platform to get together and then went back to their real jobs.
If you want to see more updates from the original cast, you can usually find Louis on Instagram under his handle @higantipangga, though don't expect daily vlogs. They’re busy living the life they actually signed up for.
To keep up with other Season 1 icons like Alan and Kirlyam or Russ and Pao, check out the latest "Where Are They Now" specials on Max, but don't be surprised if the Gattones are missing—they're too busy being happy to be "good TV."