Before Catherine Giudici, fans were convinced Sean Lowe would end up with Emily Maynard during season 8 of The Bachelorette. Why did they split? Relive the details below.
The Texas native’s good looks and sweet demeanor stole the leading lady’s heart throughout the season. He made it to the top three but was eliminated in lieu of Arie Luyendyk Jr., who went on to be the Bachelor during season 22, and Jef Holm.
The question on everyone’s mind was how she could eliminate Sean, who seemed like such a catch. “Just seeing a picture of Sean is hard because he’s just so amazing in every way,” Emily told ExtraTV in 2012 before her finale aired. “He’s great looking. Like I said earlier, guys like Sean, who look like him, usually aren’t as great as he is. And, he’s funny and sweet and faithful.”
Although her feelings were simply stronger for the other two remaining guys, the author admitted even she had doubts. “I thought, ‘What the hell is wrong with me that I’m saying goodbye to this great guy?’ But, I feel like he deserves the world, and he deserves somebody so amazing,” she added.
Emily got engaged to Jef during the finale, but they split six months later. The West Virginia native found her happily ever after with husband Tyler Johnson. The adorable pair met at church prior to her stint on reality TV, struck up a romance a few years later and got married in 2014. They share three sons — Gibson, Gatlin and Jennings. Emily also has a teenage daughter named Ricki from her relationship with late fiancé Ricky Hendrick.
As for Sean, he said he had “no regrets” following the season. “I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world,” he said to ExtraTV at the time while noting he had moved on.
“I care about her, and I was certainly in love with her — I don’t question that emotion at all at the time. But, distance and time has given me a little bit of clarity, and I know she’s not the one for me,” the stud explained.
Of course, he ended up finding love with Catherine on The Bachelor. They got hitched in 2014 and have three children together — Samuel, Isaiah and Mia.
It’s amazing to see Sean and Emily both found their happiness!