You remember the doubt. Everyone did. When Taylor Smith walked into the Love Island USA season 5 villa during the Casa Amor twist, the internet was basically a wall of skepticism. People weren't just unsure; they were convinced it was a tactical play. Here was Taylor, a stunning 24-year-old hotel manager and model from Orange County, gravitating toward Carsten "Bergie" Bergersen—the guy the villa had essentially turned into a mascot.
It felt like a script. But then, something weird happened. They didn't break up the week after the finale. Or the month after. Or even a year after.
The Taylor Love Island Model Reality Check
Taylor Smith wasn't the typical bombshell. Usually, Casa Amor is about high-octane flirting and trying to "steal" someone with pure physical energy. Taylor took a different route. She was blunt. She wanted a mature relationship, and she didn't mind having the "difficult conversations" that usually make 20-somethings on reality TV run for the hills.
Honestly, it’s what Bergie needed. Before Taylor showed up, Bergie was struggling. He was the "nice guy" who couldn't catch a break, and then suddenly, this career-driven woman who played competitive golf for 15 years is telling him he's exactly her type.
Why the Doubters Were Wrong
The biggest critique of the taylor love island model journey was that she was "playing the game" to stay in the villa. Critics pointed to Bergie’s grandfather, who famously suggested the relationship felt "forced" during the family visit.
But look at the timeline:
- Day 17: Taylor enters as a bombshell.
- Day 21: Bergie chooses her in the "stick or twist" recoupling.
- Day 32: They finish in 3rd place.
- August 2024: They celebrate their one-year anniversary.
- Early 2026: They are still appearing in updates as one of the few surviving couples from their season.
You don't fake a long-distance relationship between Texas and South Dakota for two years just for Instagram likes. There are easier ways to be an influencer.
Life After the Villa: More Than Just Modeling
While Taylor has the "model" tag, her life is actually way more grounded than the typical reality star. She was raised to be independent and has always been vocal about being career-driven. Post-show, she didn't just disappear into a sea of "FitTea" ads. She and Bergie have navigated a brutal long-distance setup with a level of intentionality that's actually kind of impressive.
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They FaceTime for hours. They fall asleep on the phone. They deal with airports.
It’s not glamorous. It’s actually pretty relatable. Taylor often shares snippets of their life that aren't perfectly curated—stuffed animals in bed, teaching Bergie how to use chopsticks, and just being "best friends."
The Career Shift
Many fans expected Taylor to pivot entirely into high-fashion modeling or stay in hotel management. Instead, she’s balanced the two. She uses her platform to showcase her style—yes, she still loves her wigs—but she hasn’t let the Love Island fame consume her identity. She remains the same person who values "swag" and "independence" over the frantic chase for 15 minutes of fame.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her
There’s this idea that bombshells have to be "villains" or "heartbreakers." Taylor was neither. She was just... solid. She saw a guy who was sincere and decided that was better than the typical "bad boy" archetype she might have chased in the past.
Some people still think she’s "awkward" on camera. If you watch the old episodes, she does have a reserved demeanor. But that’s the thing—not everyone on reality TV is a performer. Some people are just people who happen to be on a beach with 50 microphones.
Real Evidence of Their Bond
If you want proof that the taylor love island model narrative is deeper than a PR stunt, look at Bergie's birthday tribute to her in 2025. He credited her with helping him become a "better man" and navigating the challenges of sudden fame.
Taylor’s response was equally heavy: she mentioned that before the show, she didn't actually know what being in love felt like. That’s a massive admission for someone in the public eye. It shows a level of vulnerability that "game players" usually avoid.
Navigating the Future
As we move through 2026, the couple is still a focal point for Love Island fans. They’ve survived the "Post-Villa Curse" that claims about 90% of these relationships within the first six months.
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What can we learn from Taylor?
- Don't ignore the "boring" connection: Sometimes the person who isn't providing "electric" drama is the one who actually stays.
- Long distance requires a schedule: They talk about their short-term and long-term goals constantly. It's business-like, but it works.
- Ignore the "Grandpa" factor: Even if your family is skeptical, time is the only thing that proves intentions.
If you’re following Taylor Smith’s journey, the best move is to keep an eye on her Instagram for the actual reality of her life, rather than the edited version we saw on Peacock. She’s proven that you can be a "model" and a "bombshell" while still being a person who values a quiet, consistent connection over a loud, temporary one.
Keep following her updates to see how she and Bergie handle the next phase of their relationship—whether that involves a move to the same city or a new career venture in the lifestyle space.