Winning America’s Favorite Couple 2025: The Retro 80’s Love Story That Proved True Love Always Finds Its Way Back
Our Three Key Takeaways:
“Real love stories? They’re basically the mixtapes of the soul.”
Truthful storytelling never goes out of style —it’s the original slow-dance magic.
“Competition turned into community, Breakfast Club style.”
By the end, we weren’t opponents —we were the kind of friends you’d pass notes to in homeroom.
“America’s Favorite Couple felt less like a contest and more like an 80s reunion movie.”
A story of healing, reconnecting, and believing love can find you again.
Is This Real?” to an 80’s-Style Blessing Bigger Than Any John Hughes Ending
If anyone had told us a year ago, or even forty years ago… that we’d be crowned America’s Favorite Couple 2025, celebrated in the Hollywood Hills with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, serenaded by Jeff Goldblum’s jazz band, and later flown to Arizona for photoshoots, receptions, and a stay at the iconic Arizona Biltmore… well, we would’ve figured it was just our essential oils making everything feel extra dreamy — because the whole thing sounded almost too beautiful to be true!
Because truly, we weren’t sure if this competition was real.
It was the first year of the America’s Favorite Couple Competition, hosted by Jeff and Emily Goldblum and managed by Colossal! So, like most Gen-Xers who grew up with landlines, dial-up, and a natural suspicion of anything “too good to be true,” we approached it with caution. We scrutinized social media posts, searched Google, and eyed the emails with suspicion, wondering if we were falling for a scam.
But what started as hesitation quickly transformed into one of the most meaningful, humbling, life-giving experiences we’ve ever shared.
This journey didn’t just give us a title.
It gave us purpose.
It gave us new friendships.
It gave us moments we’ll never forget.
And it reminded us why second chance love stories matter—and why sharing them matters even more.
Meeting Legends in Los Angeles: A Night Straight Out of a Hollywood Script
Flying to LA for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Evening
The first surreal moment happened in September, when we flew to Los Angeles to meet Michael Flood, the President and CEO and of the LA Regional Food Bank. Supporting charities was a main part of the competition, and meeting the people behind that work made everything feel real and purposeful.
Mike welcomed us with sincerity, passion, and a vision for feeding families in need across Los Angeles. Standing there, hearing how donations from the competition would directly support their mission, grounded us in gratitude. This wasn’t just a photo-op. It was impact.
Little did we know… the night was just getting started.
Jeff Goldblum & “The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra”, in the Magic of the Hollywood Hills
Now escorted with our new friends, Blake and Luna from Colossal-we arrived at a private Hollywood Hills home hosted by Keith Addis. Renowned in the entertainment industry, Keith is not only the co-founder of Industry Entertainment but also a dedicated environmentalist and former Chairman of the American Oceans Campaign, founded with his close friend Ted Danson.
And then… Jeff Goldblum began to play.
Yes, that Jeff Goldblum.
Jeff Goldblum and his talented jazz band filled the night with an unmistakable energy—warm, cinematic, and entirely unique to him. The entire setting evoked the glamour of old Hollywood: gentle lighting, sophisticated guests, and sweeping views over Los Angeles. Jeff was gracious and magnetic, radiating his legendary charm. As he played, his music cast a timeless spell over the evening, creating an atmosphere so effortless and classic it truly felt as if we’d all wandered into a movie. There were so many moments when we caught ourselves grinning, wondering, “Is this really happening?” It was one of those rare nights you know you’ll never forget, each note and laugh lingering long after the final song.
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen
Add to that unforgettable evening the privilege of meeting Ted Danson—Sam Malone from my favorite ’80s sitcom, CHEERS—and Mary Steenburgen, two legends whose kindness matches their star power. They presented our winnings with genuine warmth, sharing smiles, heartfelt nudges, and handshakes. Their expressions on their face about giving, service, and showing up for causes that matter made the experience feel even more significant, layering the night with meaning and gratitude.
It was truly a “sparkle meme” kind of night as we left the Hollywood Hills with our new friends, feeling honored and inspired, knowing something meaningful was unfolding… and of course we cranked up Stevie Nicks as we headed back to the hotel just because “When life feels surreal, just remember—she would tell you to twirl through it.” ✨
Reuniting in Arizona: From Competitors to Our Favorite New Friends
The Historic Arizona Biltmore, a Desert Dream
A few months later, Colossal invited us to the Arizona Biltmore, built in1928 a legendary resort filled with history, Frank Lloyd Wright inspirations, shimmering pools, desert sunsets, and a sense of desert elegance that instantly feels restorative.
We were welcomed with excitement and celebration, joining the second and third place winners for a weekend designed to honor the purpose of the competition. What began as a summer of “Who’s next?” transformed into something so much richer.
Because from the moment we all sat down together… it didn’t feel like competitors meeting.
It felt like meeting long lost friends.
Meeting the Second and Third Place Champs: Frank and Phil, Jimmy and Teresa
One of the most unforgettable parts of the Arizona weekend was meeting the second-place winners, Frank and Phil, and the third-place winners, Jimmy and Teresa.
Could you even make this up? There we were—absolutely floored, showered with honor, and instantly bonded like old pals at a high school reunion. Every couple brought their own saga: honest, raw, stitched with resilience and just the right dash of wild hope.
Frank and Phil breezed in from Hawaii with enough aloha spirit to power a luau, radiating such steady, magnetic warmth that we were all drawn to them—They wrapped us in hugs, let down their guard, and spun tales of acceptance that made it feel like we’d stumbled upon the heartbeat of the whole gathering. They spoke of heartache as well as equal joy- connecting over blended families, kids… dream weddings…commitment Their lively chatter and open-heartedness were so inviting, you couldn’t help but feel like you’d just bumped into long-lost pals at a tiki bar—effortlessly pulling us into their stories as warm and genuine as a Hawaiian sunset.
And then there were Jimmy and Teresa—flying in from Arkansas with a side of true Southern hospitality! Their hearts were as warm as a summer night, toughened by grit and genuine as sweet tea. Fellow Harley riders, we clicked faster than you can say “kickstand up.” Jimmy, who once rode the rodeo circuit wrangling wild broncos, now cruises on his bike—swapping spurs for horsepower but never losing that cowboy spirit. They wore their hearts on their sleeves, no poker faces. Jimmy, forever the life of the party—nicknamed “Hollywood”—blended good-natured swagger with a tenderness that could bring a tear to your eye. Their love story? Equal parts epic, and heart-tugging—like your favorite country song playing on repeat.
There’s a kind of magic—that happens when you sit back and really listen to the mountains that other folks have climbed, the cracks that healed, the dreams rebuilt from the rubble. We all got misty-eyed at least once (okay, maybe more than once), because when you’re in the presence of love that’s been through the wringer and come out shining…well, it’s hard not to get hit right in the feels, no matter how tough you think you are.
Sharing Stories of Heartbreak, Hope, and Second Chances
We found ourselves gathered around tables, nestled into cozy lounges, and tucked away in quiet corners of the beautiful Biltmore property, sharing stories of heartbreak, loss, divorce, children, grief, growth, and redemption. We opened up about what inspired us to enter the competition, the unwavering support we received, and our experiences with the other incredible competitors. We talked about second chances—what it means to find love again, to rebuild trust, to believe in something bigger than ourselves.
There were tears—real ones.
There was empathy—deep and grounding.
And there was a genuine sense of connection—one that only happens when people share their authentic selves without pretense.
This competition didn’t just bring us together.
It united all three couples in a way that felt guided, healing, and intentional.
Honored by Oceana and the LA Regional Food Bank
The AMAZING Geoff Shester, the Director and Senior Scientist at Oceana, and Roger Castle, the Chief Development Officer from the LA Regional Food Bank, personally thanked all of us for the donations raised through the competition. Hearing how our efforts would impact ocean conservation and food insecurity left us humbled and wanting to do more for these important Charities.
Impact… connection… community.
This was so much bigger than winning.
A Photoshoot for Variety Magazine: Capturing the Moment
Camera-Ready at the Arizona Biltmore
The next afternoon, we were welcomed by my “moonstone glam girl”—Taylor. Even though the makeup artist didn’t arrive- we never heard from her… quite funny actually… no stress for me because thankfully, with my background in the beauty industry, I knew just what to do. Taylor worked wonders on my hair and stayed by my side until our driver arrived. Taylor’s energy lit up the room—she brought all her moonstone crystal vibes, we instantly connected. There was a buzz of excitement in the air—not from vanity, but from the honor of representing something truly meaningful. Americas Favorite Couple 2025!
Desert Botanical Gardens: A Setting Made for Love Stories
Our journey continued with a drive to the breathtaking Desert Botanical Gardens, a place that felt as if it had been crafted just for second chance love stories. Sunlight spilled across my favorite sights—majestic cacti, red rocks, desert blooms, and winding paths—creating the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of our adventure.
The creative and talented team behind the cameras, put us completely at ease, their supportive words turning into laughter. Each photo didn’t just freeze a moment—it revealed the deeper truth of our story: thirty-two years spent apart, decades marked by misunderstandings, and then the miracle of finding our way back to one another. We married in Arizona three years ago, and the last time we stood before the camera like this was for our wedding photos. Now, standing together once again, we felt a profound joy—an overwhelming sense that we were exactly where we were always meant to be.
During the shoot, we were interviewed for future competitors, offering advice and sharing honest reflections about what we admire in one another. Bryan froze for a moment when put on the spot—something we laughed about later. We answered an impromptu round of the Newlywed Game, with playful questions and plenty of laughter at our own silly answers. The entire experience was an adventure, blending vulnerability, fun, and the reminder that love stories—especially ours—are anything but ordinary.
Walking Away with More Than Photos
By the end of the shoot, we realized we weren’t just posing for a magazine.
We were telling a story—our story—one that might give another couple hope.
We walked away with more than beautiful images.
We walked away with friendships, memories, and purpose.
It’s Real, It’s Life-Changing, and We Are Proof
Here’s the truth every one of the three finalist couples agreed on:
Honestly, at the beginning, every one of us wondered if the America’s Favorite Couple Competition was even real—we all had our doubts! It was pretty funny in hindsight.
But the experience was real.
The impact was real.
The love was real.
And the community was unforgettable.
Colossal Entertainment didn’t just host an event. They honored all of us. They celebrated all of us. They poured heart, resources, and intention into every detail because they believed love stories—deserve a spotlight.
Do You Have “The Ultimate Love Story”? Enter AFC 2026
NOW, what caught our attention and convinced us to enter this competition, was the Goldblum’s statement and invitation that they were… “Looking for the ultimate love story.”
And now we’re extending that invitation to you.
If you have a second chance love story…
A story of survival…
A story rebuilt after loss…
A story that proves love finds a way…
So, when the time comes, share your story and join the 2026 America’s Favorite Couple Competition.
We’ll be there cheering you on, supporting the next round of contestants, sharing guidance, offering encouragement, and celebrating your journey.
Your love story matters.
Your voice matters.
And who knows… you might be the next couple stepping into this unforgettable experience.
Whenever you’re ready… we’ll be waiting for you with open hearts.
In the meantime, pop over to secondchanceonlove.com and share your story! I would LOVE to hear from you~ Jennie 💖
