The winners of Love Island USA season 5, Marco Donatelli and Hannah Wright, have achieved quite the noteworthy relationship milestone that sets them apart in the program's long history. The couple got engaged on May 28, 2025, with a stunning seaside proposal in the Dominican Republic. They announced their engagement on May 30 through coordinated Instagram posts, which included a video of the candlelit private celebration with white roses.
They are now the first Love Island USA victors to become engaged, which is a huge accomplishment for the success of relationships after the program.
Love Island USA brings together single contestants in a beachy villa where they form romantic connections while facing eliminations and public votes. The CBS reality dating show challenges participants to find lasting love through strategic coupling and genuine compatibility. Winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to continue their relationship outside the villa environment.
Marco and Hannah's journey from villa romance to real-world engagement demonstrates the show's potential for creating authentic long-term partnerships. Their success story provides hope for current and future contestants seeking meaningful connections beyond the competition aspect.
Love Island USA’s Marco and Hannah’s journey to engagement
Marco's proposal in the Dominican Republic included some carefully planned romantic elements. The beachfront setting included white flowers and candles creating an intimate atmosphere for the life-changing moment.
His proposal speech preceded Hannah's emotional acceptance. The video captured her tearful "yes" response to his marriage request, showcasing the genuine emotion between them.
Marco's Instagram caption revealed the personal significance of the occasion:
"To my forever, Last night, I asked the love of my life to be mine forever and she said yes."
Marco's proposal included deeply personal reflections about their shared experiences with family loss. Both have experienced the death of parents, creating a unique bond between them.
His heartfelt words during the proposal addressed this connection:
"We've both lost the people who brought us into this world, and I truly believe my mom sent me you. I see her love in your heart. I feel her peace in your touch."
These intimate details reveal how their relationship extends beyond typical reality TV romance. Their shared grief and healing journey strengthened their emotional foundation.
Marco concluded his Instagram message with future-focused optimism:
"I can't wait to spend forever with you, Hannah. Here's to the next chapter and every one after that."
Marco entered the Fiji villa on Day 1 of season 5, establishing himself as an original contestant. Hannah arrived the following day as a bombshell, immediately catching his attention.
Their connection formed quickly despite the competitive villa environment. They maintained their bond throughout various challenges, eliminations, and new contestant arrivals.
The couple's consistency impressed both fellow islanders and viewers. Their genuine compatibility helped them navigate the strategic elements of the competition successfully.
Their victory demonstrated that authentic connections could triumph over game-playing approaches. They won both the competition and each other's hearts simultaneously.
After leaving Love Island USA, Marco and Hannah took significant steps toward building a shared life. They settled in Pittsburgh, moving in together, along with their Goldendoodle named Guiseppe.
Their approach to maintaining their relationship involves deliberate communication strategies. In a June 2024 People interview, Marco explained their method:
"We are making it work by communicating and planning weekly. Each of us has made a list of things we are thankful for and what we bring to the relationship."
Living together required adjustments that strengthened their partnership. Marco noted:
"Figuring out each other's strengths is what makes us the best team possible. The experience of moving in together has been surreal and enjoyable, especially during the holidays and birthdays."
Marco and Hannah’s milestone marks a franchise achievement
Marco and Hannah's engagement represents a historic moment for Love Island USA. They became the first winners in the show's history to reach this relationship milestone.
Their success challenges skepticism about reality TV romance longevity. Many couples from dating shows struggle to maintain relationships after cameras stop rolling.
Marco's engagement caption emphasized Hannah's importance in his life:
"You are my light. My rock. My best friend. My home."
They have established a basis for a long-lasting partnership via intentional communication, shared life experiences, and emotional support during difficult times. Their triumph serves as a good illustration of Love Island USA's capacity to forge deep connections outside of the competition setting.
Love Island USA Season 7 streams exclusively on Peacock with new episodes dropping ever night (except Wednesdays) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT beginning June 3, 2025.