At a Glance
- Sydney Gordon said “yes” to boyfriend Nathan Nel after 7 months together.
- The couple shared a proposal video on Instagram on Jan. 25.
- Gordon, 30, is the founder of Rhode Island-based vintage shop Folk Vintage.
- Why it matters: The announcement highlights a rapid romance that began on a South African festival and led to a cross-continental move.
Sydney Gordon, a former Bachelor contestant, announced her engagement to Nathan Nel after just 7 months of dating. She shared a heartfelt proposal video on Instagram on Jan. 25, capturing Nel’s knee-down moment in what appeared to be his native South Africa. The announcement came after a whirlwind romance that began only a few months earlier.
Engagement Details
In the clip, Nel is seen getting down on one knee, then kissing and hugging Gordon as they soak up the moment. “My soul forever intertwined with yours @natenelnel,” Gordon wrote in the caption of her post. She added, “No one tells you the feeling you get when the person you love more than anything in this world asks you to spend forever with them. It’s not about the ring, or the wedding, it’s about the mutual commitment, the spiritual intertwine & excitement for forever as a unit.”
Fans of the Bachelor Nation chimed in. Hakeem Moulton wrote, “Congrats queen!!!” and Katelyn DeBacker said, “Love love love!! Congratulations, Syd.” Gordon also posted a glimpse of her sparkly engagement ring on Instagram Stories, noting, “3 years ago I got an empty heart tattoo so that one day when I found my person my heart would be filled.”
Relationship Timeline
- August 2025 – Gordon first revealed her relationship with Nel on TikTok, saying they had only known each other for 2 months but that she already knew he was the one.
- Early 2025 – Gordon met Nel at a festival in South Africa after being introduced by friends she met in the U.S.; they continued messaging and he invited her to return.
- Late 2024 – Gordon said she had met Nel’s whole family and friends, and that she felt she had never known a love like this before.
- Jan. 3 – Gordon posted on TikTok that she and Nel were returning to South Africa, adding, “30, no kids, don’t own a house, and moving next week to my favorite place in the world (Cape Town) to open up my second vintage shop.”
- Jan. 25 – The engagement announcement on Instagram.
The timeline shows a rapid progression from a brief acquaintance to a life-changing commitment. Gordon’s posts emphasize the emotional depth of the relationship, noting that she had previously gotten an empty heart tattoo 3 years ago to symbolize her search for the right person.
Moving and Future Plans
Gordon revealed that the pair were moving in together in Newport, R.I. She said, “Many people think that I’m crazy and that I’m moving too fast, but honestly, I am a firm believer that when you know, you know. And when you love somebody, you will literally do anything for them. Now this man is moving here. He’s moving to Newport with me.”
The move to Newport is part of a larger plan that includes relocating to Cape Town. Gordon explained that the move to South Africa is tied to opening her second vintage shop. She described Cape Town as “my favorite place in the world” and expressed excitement for the new chapter.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The Bachelor community celebrated the engagement with heartfelt messages. Several stars and fans took to the comments to congratulate the couple, highlighting the authenticity of their connection. The comments reflected a shared appreciation for Gordon’s candidness about her journey.
Business and Personal Milestones
Gordon’s career as a vintage store founder intersects with her personal life. Her first shop, Folk Vintage, is based in Rhode Island, while the upcoming Cape Town location will expand her brand internationally. Nel, a wellness coach and founder of Vitālis Wellness, complements Gordon’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid romance: From a festival meeting to engagement in less than a year.
- Cross-continental move: Planning to live in Newport, R.I., and Cape Town.
- Authentic storytelling: Gordon’s posts provide a detailed narrative of their relationship.
- Community support: Fans and fellow Bachelor alumni have expressed strong congratulations.
Sydney Gordon’s engagement story underscores how quickly a meaningful relationship can develop and how personal milestones can intertwine with business ambitions. The couple’s plans for moving and opening new ventures demonstrate a shared vision for the future.
