Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind’ has a unique charm that keeps fans coming back season after season, all drawn by the participants’ raw search for love and connection. Since the show’s explosive debut in February 2020, viewers have remained captivated by its premise and the journey of its contestants. As Season 7 rolled into its reunion episode, fans were in for a treat: Jessica Batten, one of the original personalities from Season 1, made a surprise appearance. She took a moment to catch everyone up on her life, sparking waves of nostalgia and excitement. Seeing her again brought fans right back to those first unforgettable episodes, creating a delightful full-circle moment.
Jessica Batten Did Not Find The Right Partner on Love is Blind
In the inaugural season, Jessica Batten became a focal point of controversy due to her complicated relationships. She initially connected with both Matt Barnett and Mark Cuevas in the pods but seemed to have her heart set on the former. When Barnett ultimately chose Amber Pike, Jessica’s disappointment was palpable. Despite this, she continued her relationship with Mark and accepted his proposal. It led many viewers to believe her heart still belonged to Barnett. Even during the couples’ retreat, where they were supposed to deepen their bonds, Jessica couldn’t resist approaching Matt to inquire if Amber was truly the woman he envisioned a future with.
At a get-together, she even admitted to him that what they had was special and that she would always adore him. Amber wasn’t thrilled about Jessica’s lingering interest in Barnett, leading to a tense confrontation where she called Jessica out for meddling in her relationship. Meanwhile, Jessica’s connection with Mark was far from smooth. The age gap between them fueled recurring disagreements, and it became clear they weren’t aligned on key issues—Jessica yearned to start a family, while she felt Mark wasn’t ready for that commitment. This growing realization weighed heavily on her, and by the time she reached the altar, Jessica made the difficult choice to say “no,” ending their relationship before it truly began.
Jessica Batten Had a Fairytale Wedding in September 2022
Jessica Batten eventually found love after her time on ‘Love is Blind.’ In early 2020, she shared that a DM on Instagram from Benjamin McGrath, a podiatrist, sparked the beginning of something special. They met up just a day before the COVID lockdown began in Los Angeles, and what followed was, as Jessica described, a “quintessential COVID relationship.” The two quickly became inseparable, spending the quarantine period together, where she also got to know his two children, Poppy and Ethan. Their bond deepened over that time, and by September 2021, when Benjamin proposed, Jessica’s answer was an enthusiastic “yes.”
The couple tied the knot in September 2022, choosing to keep their wedding a small and intimate affair at the historic Santa Barbara courthouse. Jessica revealed in an interview that only four people attended, emphasizing their desire for simplicity. As they began planning, they quickly realized the complexities involved and decided that eloping would be the best option for them. On their special day, Jessica turned heads in a stunning lace dress from Reem Acra’s 2023 Spring collection. The celebration included a delectable five-course meal featuring smoked prime beef tri-tip paired with cactus, tomato vinaigrette, and cilantro, making it a truly memorable occasion. Benjamin, a Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon (FAFCAS), and Jessica have settled down in Orange County, California, where they are building their life together.
Jessica Batten’s Motherhood is Teaching Her Valuable Lessons
Jessica had always dreamed of having a family, and on September 9, 2023, her wish came true with the arrival of her first son, Dax. The joy in her heart was palpable as she celebrated the 2023 holidays with her blended family, including Benjamin’s children, Poppy and Ethan. Reflecting on her journey, Jessica felt immense gratitude for the magic life had gifted her. Just a few years prior, she could hardly believe that her dreams of motherhood were finally a reality. As Dax approached his 11-month milestone, Jessica took a moment to share her thoughts on the transformative experience of being a mother. She expressed how her life had changed in ways she had never imagined, reveling in the love and fulfillment that motherhood brought her. She added, “I am in the most present state of mind, never more in the moment, in a little magical bubble that I could stay in forever.”
Jessica Batten is Looking Forward to the Next Thing in Life Today
Jessica Batten celebrated her 40th birthday in June 2024, marking a significant transition in her life. With a robust career in the tech industry, she built her reputation by working with esteemed organizations like BMC Software and Box. In August 2022, she took on a new role as a Partner Sales Manager at LaunchDarkly, where she thrived for nearly two years. However, in June 2024, Jessica faced an unexpected turn when she lost her job, an event that coincided with her growing reflections on her passion for her career in tech. Rather than viewing this setback as a hurdle, Jessica is embracing it as an opportunity to rediscover herself and explore new avenues that ignite her enthusiasm. With a renewed sense of purpose, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, not just for her career but for her family as well.
Read More: Love is Blind Season 1: Where Are They Now? Who Are Still Together?
