Josh Duhamel’s Journey to Love: His Marriage to Audra Mari
Who is Audra Mari?
Josh Duhamel’s wife, Audra Mari, is much more than just a former beauty queen. Born in North Dakota in 1994, she first gained national recognition when she won the title of Miss World America in 2016. Mari’s rise in the pageant world was not only due to her beauty but also her dedication to various causes, including mental health awareness and education for underprivileged children.
The combination of her intelligence, charisma, and passion for philanthropy drew the attention of many, but it was her relationship with Duhamel that put her on the international stage. Mari, with her down-to-earth personality and deep connection to her family, seemed to be a perfect match for Josh, who shares those values.
Full Name | Audra Diane Mari |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 8, 1994 |
Birthplace | Fargo, North Dakota |
Notable Titles | Miss World America 2016 |
Relationship with Josh Duhamel | Started dating in 2019, engaged in 2022, married in 2022 |
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari: Relationship Timeline
Their relationship blossomed in 2019, following Josh Duhamel’s highly publicized divorce from Fergie. After his eight-year marriage ended, Duhamel met Audra Mari, and it didn’t take long for sparks to fly. According to Duhamel, “We went on a few dates, and it slowly turned into a beautiful thing.” This steady and deliberate progression is part of what makes their bond so special, and it helped Duhamel realize early on that Mari was the one for him (People.com).
The couple made their relationship public in 2020, and two years later, Duhamel proposed with a romantic gesture. He placed a message in a bottle on a beach and asked Mari to marry him, capturing the proposal on Instagram with the caption: “It’s on! She found a message in a bottle that washed ashore and said YES!!” (Josh Duhamel Instagram).
The Engagement: How Josh Popped the Question
The proposal was a blend of romance and creativity. On a serene beach, Duhamel placed a message in a bottle, symbolizing both his love and the beginning of a new chapter with Audra Mari. The picture-perfect moment reflected the love and connection that had been growing between them for years. “It was something I thought would be perfect for us,” said Duhamel in an interview with Entertainment Tonight (ETOnline.com).
Their engagement announcement quickly went viral, with fans and celebrities congratulating the couple. Even Duhamel’s ex-wife, Fergie, commented on the post, expressing her happiness for the couple with, “Congrats!!!” followed by several heart emojis, demonstrating a positive and respectful co-parenting relationship.
The Wedding: Details of the Big Day
On September 10, 2022, Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari tied the knot in a picturesque wedding in Fargo, North Dakota. The wedding was an intimate and personal affair, held at the rooftop of the Jasper Hotel, and later celebrated at local landmarks like Duffy’s Tavern.
The couple was seen riding around in a red vintage convertible, exuding joy as they waved to onlookers. Mari’s wedding dress, a long-sleeved ball gown with a corseted bodice and sheer overlay, caught everyone’s attention. The wedding was traditional yet uniquely reflective of their North Dakota roots (HollywoodLife.com).
Guests at the wedding remarked on the love and camaraderie shared between the couple and their friends. Duhamel himself was noted for being friendly and approachable, taking photos with fans at Duffy’s Tavern and tipping generously, further reinforcing his grounded personality.
Josh Duhamel’s Previous Marriage to Fergie
Before finding love with Audra Mari, Josh Duhamel was married to pop icon Fergie, with whom he shares a son, Axl. The couple divorced in 2019, and despite the end of their marriage, they have maintained a cordial relationship. Duhamel has often spoken about his commitment to being a great father to Axl and how his experience with Fergie shaped his approach to marriage.
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari’s Family Plans
Recently, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together, a significant milestone for both of them. Josh Duhamel has always expressed his desire to have more children. “We’re so excited,” he shared on Live with Kelly and Mark. “Audra is amazing, and we can’t wait to meet our little one” (People.com).
This joyous news was also met with excitement by their families and close friends. Duhamel’s 10-year-old son, Axl, was reportedly “very excited” to have a sibling and even suggested naming the baby Gary (HollywoodLife.com).
Public and Media Reactions to Josh and Audra’s Relationship
The couple has largely kept their relationship private, but their wedding and family plans have been celebrated across social media and entertainment news outlets. Their love story has been covered extensively by outlets like People, Entertainment Tonight, and HollywoodLife, each highlighting their shared values and humble beginnings.
What’s Next for Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari?
With their growing family, the couple is also focusing on their careers. Duhamel’s upcoming projects, including his directorial venture in The Buddy Games series, are highly anticipated. Meanwhile, Audra Mari continues to be involved in modeling and advocacy work, particularly for causes close to her heart, such as education and mental health awareness.
The future looks bright for this couple, both personally and professionally, as they continue to balance their busy lives with their new family.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is Josh Duhamel’s wife?
Josh Duhamel is married to Audra Mari, a former Miss World America. - When did Josh Duhamel marry Audra Mari?
They married in Fargo, North Dakota, in September 2022. - How did Josh Duhamel propose to Audra Mari?
He proposed with a message in a bottle on a beach, a romantic and personal gesture that reflects their shared values. - What does Audra Mari do for a living?
Audra Mari is a beauty pageant titleholder and model, known for winning Miss World America in 2016.
References:
people.com
etonline.com
hollywoodlife.com