Former “Bachelor” contestant Kelsey Weier and European league star Matt Thomas are taking their international love story to the next level. The former pageant queen announced her engagement to the professional basketball player with stunning black-and-white photos that captured their romantic Arizona proposal.
Weier, 34, and Thomas, 30, shared the exciting news on Instagram Monday, revealing they became engaged on July 12 at the CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa in Carefree, Arizona. “07.12.25🤍,” Weier captioned the intimate photos.
The proposal photos show Thomas dropping to one knee in a picturesque desert setting before lifting his new fiancée in celebration. Weier showcased her stunning three-stone engagement ring featuring an oval-cut diamond centerpiece, while wearing an elegant black strapless midi dress. Thomas kept things classic in a short-sleeved knit quarter zip and linen pants.
Bachelor Nation fans first met Weier during Peter Weber’s season 24 of “The Bachelor,” where she made it to the final eight before being eliminated after hometown dates. She later appeared on season 7 of “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2021 but was eliminated during the first week.
Love Found Beyond Reality TV
While Weier didn’t find lasting love on either Bachelor franchise show, she discovered her perfect match in the world of professional sports. According to reports, Weier and Thomas began dating in November 2022, building a relationship that would eventually span multiple countries.
Thomas currently plays for Alba Berlin in the Euroleague, and their relationship took a major step when Weier moved to Europe in 2023 to support his basketball career. She packed up her life to join him overseas, first in Greece when he played for Panathinaikos in the Greek Basket League, and later in Germany.
“I haven’t shared a lot about my personal life since being on the bachelor because I wanted to protect myself, my family, and everyone close to me because of how scary it can be to put yourself out there but I think it’s time to change that,” Weier wrote when announcing her move to Europe in 2023.
The former Miss Iowa 2017 expressed pride in her partner’s athletic achievements and their shared adventure. “I’m so proud of you Matt and I can’t wait for this next chapter with you! Cheers to you babe!” she wrote about their European journey.
Bachelor Family Celebrates the Happy News
Fellow Bachelor Nation alumni flooded Weier’s engagement announcement with congratulations and well-wishes. Hannah Ann Sluss, who is expecting her first child with husband and NFL star Jake Funk, commented: “So beautiful ❤️ congratulations ❤️.” Fellow season 24 contestant Victoria Fuller wrote: “I’m so so happy for my girl ❤️ ily guys !!!”
Sydney Warner, who also appeared on Weber’s season and married NFL star Fred Warner in 2022, expressed her excitement: “KELSEYYYY!!!! Screaming congratulations from the top of my luuuungs! I’m so happy for you 🥹🫶🏽🤍”
Kelley Flanagan, another familiar face from the franchise, added: “Love you so much and so happy for you guys! 🥺.”
The support from her Bachelor family shows the genuine connections Weier formed during her reality TV journey. In previous interviews, she spoke about how her experience on “Bachelor in Paradise” differed from “The Bachelor,” highlighting the friendships she developed.
“My mindset going into Paradise was everyone’s friends. There’s no reason to have a guard up with people,” she explained during a 2021 podcast appearance.
The couple’s love story began in the United States but has flourished through multiple European countries as they’ve supported each other’s dreams and ambitions. As Thomas continues his professional basketball career and Weier embraces life as an expat, their engagement marks the beginning of their next chapter together.
