Love Island USA Couple Carsten Bergersen and Taylor Nicole Smith Get Engaged

Two Love Island USA stars are heading down the aisle. Carsten "Bergie" Bergersen, 26, and Taylor Nicole Smith, 28, revealed their engagement on Saturday, May 9, marking the next chapter in their relationship that began on the reality dating show.

Bergersen popped the question on May 3 in Fredericksburg, Texas, a location that holds special meaning for the couple. He shared the proposal details on Instagram, explaining that he spent six months planning the moment and chose the Texas town because it was where they celebrated their six-month anniversary early in their relationship.

"When it came to planning I knew I wanted to pop the question at a place that held sentimental value to both Taylor and I," Bergersen wrote. He added that his goal was to keep the proposal a surprise, though he humorously noted that in his excitement, he asked the full phrase "Will You Marry Me Please" rather than the traditional four-word question.

In his lengthy Instagram caption, Bergersen reflected on the couple's journey together, revealing they navigated long-distance dating, physical therapy school, periods of unemployment, and financial constraints to maintain their relationship. He described how they spent entire weekends and weeknights on FaceTime calls, staying on the line even as they fell asleep. One memorable moment occurred at an airport parking lot when the couple stayed together so long that Smith missed her flight and had to book the next one.

"I can't imagine a life without Taylor. It actually hurts my heart to think about," Bergersen wrote.

The couple met on season 5 of Love Island USA in 2023 and finished in third place before leaving the villa as a couple. Bergersen also reflected on the series of decisions that led him to Smith, including applying for the show, voting himself off on day one, and being voted back in by America.

"I won't lie there are many days (most days) I don't think about Love Island, but it changed my life by giving me Taylor," he concluded.