So, let's talk about the original showmance that basically set the template for every chaotic boat relationship we see on Bravo now. If you were watching Below Deck back in 2014, you remember the absolute chokehold the Kelley and Jennice Below Deck saga had on the fandom. It was the quintessential "will they, won't they" that actually, well, did. But then it crashed into a pier faster than a green deckhand trying to dock a 160-foot superyacht.
Honestly, the whole thing felt like a fever dream. You had Kelley Johnson, the charming ex-Marine with the "aw shucks" smile and a physique that made the guests (and let’s be real, the viewers) do a double-take. Then you had Jennice Ontiveros, the first-ever female deckhand on the series, who was just trying to prove she could haul lines with the best of them while navigating a messy long-distance relationship back home.
The Slow Burn and the Stolen Kiss
The chemistry wasn't just there; it was palpable. Being roommates on the Ohana didn't help. Imagine being stuck in a tiny cabin with someone you’re crushing on while working 18-hour shifts under the watchful, terrifying eye of Captain Lee. It’s a recipe for disaster or a wedding. Usually a disaster.
Jennice was hesitant. She had a boyfriend. Kelley was persistent, maybe a little too much at times. It all culminated in that "stolen kiss" and Jennice eventually dumping her guy to see where things went with the Southern charmer. Fans were rooting for them. They seemed like the real deal—until the cameras stopped rolling and the Fort Lauderdale sun hit their faces.
Why the Relationship Sank Post-Charter
Once they got off the boat, the "yachtie goggles" came off. If you've ever had a vacation fling, you know the vibe. Everything is romantic when you're in the British Virgin Islands, but it gets weird when you're arguing about where to get lunch in Florida.
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The breakup was messy. Like, social media war messy. During the Season 2 reunion, things got heated.
- The Commitment Clash: Jennice wanted Kelley to move in with her in Fort Lauderdale.
- The Cold Feet: Kelley, fresh off a divorce and a heavy previous relationship, panicked. He wasn't ready to play house.
- The Aftermath: Accusations flew. Jennice claimed Kelley called her "ugly" and treated her poorly once the cameras disappeared. Kelley felt suffocated.
It was a classic case of two people wanting completely different things at the exact same time. Jennice fell hard and fast; Kelley liked the chase but hated the finish line.
Where Are They Now? (The 2026 Update)
It's been over a decade since their season aired. While some Bravo stars cling to the spotlight until it burns out, these two took very different paths.
Kelley Johnson: Captain and Creative
Kelley actually came back for Season 4 as a Bosun, seeking redemption for his "bad boy" image in Season 2. It worked, mostly. He showed a more mature side, even if Captain Lee still gave him a hard time.
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Fast forward to today, and Kelley has basically won the game of life. He’s now a full-time yacht captain based in Fort Lauderdale. He didn't just stay in the industry; he leveled up. He’s also a professional photographer and videographer. If you check out his work, it’s legit—mostly stunning landscapes and ocean shots. More importantly, he’s a married man now. He tied the knot with Nicole Viljoen, and they seem incredibly solid. He’s also been a big advocate for mental health, particularly for veterans, using his "The Military Guy" platform to help people manage anxiety.
Jennice Ontiveros: The Multi-Hyphenate
Jennice left the deck life behind for the glitter of Hollywood, but not in the way you’d think. She didn't stay a "reality star." Instead, she became an Emmy-nominated producer and writer.
She’s based in Los Angeles and has worked on some seriously cool projects, including Cosmos: Possible Worlds. She’s a "creative multi-hyphenate" who does everything from voice acting to documentary production. She still travels a ton—usually solo—and seems to have traded the deck brush for a producer’s headset. She's also a vocal advocate for BIPOC representation in the industry, which is cool considering she was a trailblazer on the show.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often paint Kelley as the villain and Jennice as the victim, or vice versa. The reality is that boat life is a pressure cooker. When you're sleep-deprived and living in a 50-square-foot room, every emotion is magnified by ten.
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They weren't "fake" for the cameras; they were just young and caught up in the bubble. Kelley struggled with the transition from the structure of the Marines to the chaos of reality TV. Jennice was trying to find her footing in a male-dominated industry while dealing with her first taste of fame.
Moving On: Lessons from the Ohana
If you're still rewatching Season 2 and wondering if there's any hope for a reunion, let it go. They haven't been in each other's lives for years.
Takeaways for the rest of us:
- Don't move in after six weeks. Especially if those six weeks were spent on a boat.
- Redemption is possible. Kelley proved you can be a "villain" one season and a respected professional the next.
- Career pivots are okay. You don't have to do what you did at 23 for the rest of your life.
If you’re looking to follow their current journeys, Kelley’s photography is a great place to start for some travel inspo, and Jennice’s production work shows just how far a "reality TV deckhand" can actually go in the professional world. Both have built lives that are way more interesting than the drama that made them famous.
The Below Deck vault is full of failed romances, but the Kelley and Jennice Below Deck story remains one of the most grounded reminders that sometimes, the best thing a couple can do is get off the boat and go their separate ways.