Love Island USA Stars Carsten ‘Bergie’ Bergersen and Taylor Nicole Smith Are Engaged

“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,” Bergie wrote on Instagram

Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen and Taylor

Wedding bells are ringing for Love Island USA stars Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen and Taylor Nicole Smith.

Bergie, 26, announced on Instagram on May 9 that he popped the question to Taylor, 28, on May 3. He shared a sweet photo of the proposal, which took place in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The reality star could be seen on one knee as he presented Taylor with a white box containing an engagement ring. A surprised Taylor, who wore a white polka-dot dress, looked down at Bergie as she stood under an arch at Signor Vineyards.

Bergie shared in his post that he had been “planning the proposal for the love of my life” for more than six months, and knew that he wanted to make it happen in a place that is special to the couple.

Taylor Nicole Smith and Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen on ‘Love Island USA’ season 5.Sara Mally/PEACOCK

“For our 6 month anniversary Taylor and I celebrated in Fredericksburg Texas, since then Fredericksburg has held a place in our hearts,” he wrote. “My mission with my proposal was for Taylor not to know when or where I was going to ask that 4-word question. In my case 5 because I asked “Will You Marry Me Please” (I blacked out).”

He went on to describe the “obstacles” the two overcame, including “long distance, PT school, unemployment” and flying back and forth to see each other.” Despite this, he said they continued to Facetime “through entire weekends and weeknights” and grew their bond beyond Love Island USA.

“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 continued. “I can’t imagine a life without Taylor. It actually hurts my heart to think about.”

Bergie added: “Writing now and reflecting HOLY COW! So many split-second decisions that led me to Taylor. Coming home one fateful night and filling out the Love Island application, having the producers chose me of all people, VOTING MYSELF OFF DAY ONE and getting the opportunity to come back, and having America keep me in that villa by any means necessary. THANK YOU ALL!”

Bergie concluded his post by saying that he still has “so much to share” and promising to reveal more in follow-up posts. He also thanked the photographer for capturing the emotional proposal while “staying incognito” and tagged the creator of the ring, Shane Company, who helped him “create the engagement ring of Taylor’s dreams.”

Bergie and Taylor met on season 5 of Love Island USA in 2023. Sparks flew between the pair, and they finished in third place and left as a couple.

Taylor Nicole Smith and Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen on ‘Love Island USA’ season 5.Sara Mally/PEACOCK

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Over the years, Bergie and Taylor have shared glimpses into their life together on social media, including relationship milestones. On their first anniversary in August 2024, they posted lengthy tributes dedicated to each other.

“Babe thank you for making me a better man this past year, thank you for caring for me like no other person, thank you for being my words of wisdom when I have needed guidance!” Bergie wrote alongside a photo of the couple kissing. “I Love you @taylor98smith! Here’s to many more years to come!”

Taylor marked the occasion by sharing a romantic slideshow and writing, “As we continue our everyday facetime calls, monthly visits, Amazing date nights and the commitment of this long distance relationship we have is stronger than anyone could ever imagine. So here’s to 1 year down, And the rest of our lives to go Happy Anniversy babe! 🔐♥️.”