The Full Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Relationship Timeline

When we think of iconic pairings of celebrity duos, one might think of the usual Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or even Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston pairing. However, one iconic duo that is not talked about enough is Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. This celebrity couple managed to rekindle their love and have 20 years full of stories together. Here is the complete rundown of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship timeline.

How Did the Pair Meet?

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s love story spans two decades, originating in 2002 when they first met. Their rollercoaster romance, closely scrutinized by the media, unfolded over the years. From the initial sparks of their relationship to the rekindling of their romance in 2021.

The pair’s initial dating period, which lasted for two years, captured the attention of tabloids and fans alike. However, in 2004, they decided to part ways, each embarking on separate journeys. Following their breakup, both Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck pursued other relationships. They built families of their own, navigating their individual paths in the spotlight.

That Was Not Everything

Fast forward to 2021, and the Hollywood power couple surprised the public by reigniting their romance. This unexpected reunion marked a poignant chapter in their love story. It brings a sense of nostalgia and renewed interest from their devoted fans. The journey of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship continues to be a captivating narrative that has withstood the test of time.

The Entire Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Relationship Timeline

Here is a full rundown on this iconic duo’s relationship:

Other Iconic Relationships of the Duo for Context

Jennifer Lopez was married to Marc Anthony from 2004 to 2014, and they share twins Max and Emme. On the other hand, Ben Affleck was married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018. They have three children together: daughters Violet and Seraphina, and son Samuel.

2002 – The First Meetup

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck initially met in 2002 on the set of their film “Gigli,” released in 2003. At that time, Lopez was married to her second husband, Cris Judd, but they divorced in 2003. Shortly after, Lopez and Affleck publicly confirmed their romance. In 2016, Lopez expressed to PEOPLE that meeting Affleck felt like the real deal. She said: “I really felt like when I met Ben, ‘Okay, this is it.’” The couple swiftly became a prominent Hollywood pair, earning the popular hybrid nickname “Bennifer.“

Late 2002- The Engagement

In a November 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Lopez disclosed her engagement to Ben Affleck. She said the proposal was: “traditional but also in a very spectacular way, as of course Ben would do it … it was very, very beautiful.” According to PEOPLE, Affleck proposed to her with a custom-made Harry Winston pink-diamond solitaire ring that he personally selected. In the interview, Lopez spoke highly of her fiancé. She described him as “brilliantly smart, loving, charming, affectionate“. She also expressed admiration for him in every way, while noting her mother’s approval of their relationship.

2003 – The Duo Takes Over Tabloids

In 2003, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck became one of the most prominent Hollywood couples. They were frequently featured in tabloids and relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. The couple’s high-profile status was acknowledged by Lopez in the music video for her song “Jenny from the Block”. It showcased paparazzi shots of her and Affleck engaged in various activities. Lopez reflected on their public image in a 2016 interview with PEOPLE. She stated: “We didn’t try to have a public relationship. We just happened to be together at the birth of the tabloids, and it was like ‘Oh my God.’ It was just a lot of pressure.“

Jennifer Lopez reflected on the media frenzy surrounding her relationship with Ben Affleck. She described it as “crazy” in an interview with InStyle. She emphasized the difficulty of dispelling false narratives prevalent in tabloids at the time. Affleck, in a January 2021 podcast interview, expressed remorse over the rude and prejudiced media coverage of Lopez during their relationship. He highlighted the sexist and racist comments.

Late 2003 – The Wedding Is Postponed

Just days before their scheduled wedding on September 14, 2003, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck announced a postponement in a statement. The couple attributed the decision to the overwhelming media attention surrounding their marriage plans. In the statement, Affleck and Lopez explained that the excessive scrutiny led them to consider extreme measures. They hired decoy brides, to maintain privacy. They expressed concern that the intense media focus could spoil what should have been a joyful and sacred day for them, their families, and friends.

January 2004 – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Breakup

After briefly splitting up following the canceled wedding in 2003, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck rekindled their relationship. However, they officially ended it in January 2004. Intense media attention is cited as a major factor in their breakup. Lopez’s representative announced the end of their engagement, requesting privacy, while Affleck’s representative avoided confirming details about his personal life. Despite the split, Lopez expressed in a 2016 interview with PEOPLE that there was “genuine love” between her and Affleck. She acknowledged the possibility of different outcomes at different times.

March 2004 – The Duo Reconnects for a Movie

“Jersey Girl,” the second film featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, was released in March 2004, just two months after the couple officially ended their relationship. Filmmaker Kevin Smith, who wrote and directed the movie, later claimed that he coined the “Bennifer” nickname during the production of the film.

2015-2020 – Lovers to Friends

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck continued to show support for each other in the years following their split. In 2020, Affleck publicly praised Lopez’s acting career, expressing the belief that she deserved an Oscar nomination for her role in “Hustlers.” Affleck maintained periodic contact with Lopez, emphasizing his respect for her and acknowledging the significance of her achieving her biggest hit movie at the age of 50 as “f—— baller.”

2021 – “Bennifer” Is Revived

After Jennifer Lopez’s split from Alex Rodriguez in April 2021, she began spending time with Ben Affleck in Los Angeles. According to sources, they have a longstanding friendship and have supported each other over the years. Described as having a great time hanging out, they planned to continue spending time together. Within a week, they were spotted together in Montana, riding in a car near a resort in Big Sky, where Affleck owns a home. Sources mentioned that Jennifer spent several days with Ben, emphasizing their strong connection and the quick but intense nature of their renewed relationship, with Jennifer expressing happiness.

July 2021 – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Become Official

In July 2021, for her 52nd birthday, Jennifer Lopez shared a carousel of photos on Instagram. Among pictures featuring a bikini and boat, the final image revealed Lopez and Ben Affleck sharing a kiss. This post marked the first time the couple personally shared about each other on social media.

September 2021 – First Red Carpet Together

In September 2021, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck made their red carpet return at the Venice Film Festival, marking their first public appearance since reuniting. The event was significant for Affleck as it was the premiere of his film, “The Last Duel.” Both exuded Old Hollywood vibes with Affleck in a classic black tux and Lopez in a white mermaid-style gown adorned with Swarovski crystal embellishments and complemented by Cartier diamonds. Later that month, the couple attended their first Met Gala together, showcasing Ralph Lauren ensembles and sharing a passionate masked kiss at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala.

February 2022 – Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Their Love

In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE for the Love Issue, Jennifer Lopez opened up about the loves in her life, including her children and her revived relationship with Ben Affleck. Expressing her feelings, Lopez stated that she feels fortunate, happy, and proud to be with Affleck. She described their rekindled romance as a beautiful love story that afforded them a second chance.

April 2022 – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Are Engaged for the Second Time

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got engaged in April 2022, as confirmed by a representative for Lopez. The announcement was made in Lopez’s On the JLo newsletter after she was spotted wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring. In an email to her inner circle, she shared a clip of herself admiring a large green diamond on her ring finger. Lopez teased the news on Twitter with a video and mentioned a “major announcement,” adding a diamond ring emoji to her Twitter handle.

July 2022 – The Pair Gets Married

On July 17, Jennifer Lopez confirmed in her On The JLo newsletter that she and Ben Affleck got married in Las Vegas the previous night. She described it as the “best night ever” and mentioned that their children served as witnesses. Lopez expressed gratitude for the timing of their union, appreciating the ability to celebrate and respect each other at this stage of their lives. Emphasizing their understanding of life’s unpredictable paths, she noted that they have a deep appreciation for what truly matters. Lopez highlighted their commitment to living in a way that they and their children can be proud of, operating from a place of love and respect for everyone in their lives. She stressed the importance of holding the truth sacred.

August 2022 – Wedding Celebration in Georgia

A month after their Las Vegas wedding, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez celebrated their nuptials with a ceremony in Georgia, surrounded by friends and family. The star-studded event, attended by celebrities like Matt Damon, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and talent agent Patrick Whitesell, took place on Affleck’s 87-acre compound outside Savannah. The ceremony was officiated by podcaster and life coach Jay Shetty.

Lopez wore a regal white Ralph Lauren gown with cap sleeves, an open-back cutout, and a flowing train with ruffle detailing, complemented by a sheer cathedral-length veil. Affleck looked dapper in a white tuxedo jacket, black trousers, and a classic bowtie. Guests, adorned in all-white attire, received a straw gift bag with the couple’s monogrammed initials as a parting gift.

August 2022 – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Visit Italy for Their Honeymoon

Following their Georgia wedding ceremony, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck embarked on a romantic Italian getaway. The couple was spotted enjoying a romantic dinner at a historic hotel on Lake Como, Italy, where they appeared exclusively focused on each other, according to an observer. The pair arrived when the sun was still high and stayed well into the night, seemingly relishing the evening.

The following day, the newlyweds had a low-key visit to the lakeside town of Menaggio. Despite having bodyguards with them, they queued up for ice cream like everyone else and casually wandered into shops, acting in a relaxed and normal manner.

November 2022 – Jennifer Lopez Takes Ben Affleck’s Last Name

In an interview with Vogue, Jennifer Lopez revealed that she changed her last name to Affleck after marrying Ben Affleck. While acknowledging that people will likely continue to call her Jennifer Lopez, she emphasized that her legal name is now “Mrs. Affleck” because they are joined together as husband and wife. Lopez expressed pride in this change and laughed off the idea of Affleck taking her last name, considering it non-traditional and lacking in romance. She characterized her decision as a personal and empowering choice, asserting control over her life and destiny. Lopez acknowledged that others might have different opinions about her choice but emphasized that, for her, it feels romantic and carries a sense of tradition.

January 2023 – Jennifer Lopez Talks About What It Was Like Moving In With Ben Affleck

In an appearance on Today, Jennifer Lopez discussed the experience of living with Ben Affleck, stating that they have moved in together along with their children. She described the transition as an emotional one but highlighted that it has been a phenomenal year with all their dreams coming true. Lopez expressed that 2022 has been the best year for her since the birth of her kids.

July 2023 – First Year of Marriage Celebration

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles. Lopez donned a stunning white minidress, while Affleck looked handsome in an all-black ensemble. The following day, Lopez teased a new song titled “Midnight Trip to Vegas,” paying tribute to their decision to get married in Las Vegas.

Are you a fan of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship timeline? What do you think of their love story?

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