Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited last year, twenty years after their original romance dominated headlines in the early 2000s. After respective marriages, children, careers in the spotlight, and even a broken engagement, Bennifer found their way back to each other for a wedding in Las Vegas this July. Their rekindled love proves some connections simply cannot be denied.
When Ben and Jennifer first got together in 2002, they were young stars finding fame: she dazzled audiences with hit songs and movies like The Wedding Planner, while Affleck charmed fans in Good Will Hunting and Pearl Harbor. Both gorgeous and talented, they seemed a perfect match. Engaged in late 2002, Ben gave Jennifer a 6.1-carat pink diamond ring. But in 2004, the wedding was called off and they parted ways.
In the ensuing years, both continued with hugely successful careers. Jennifer launched lifestyle brands, landed judging spots on shows like American Idol, and went on world tours selling out stadiums. She married and divorced Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins Max and Emme. Ben Affleck married Jennifer Garner, having three children together, but eventually divorced in 2018.
Throughout their split, Jennifer and Ben spoke fondly of one another in rare comments to the media. Affleck told InStyle in 2016, “I would not be surprised if you and I made another movie together.” He added, “That would be something I would be very open to.” A glimmer of hope for Bennifer devotees!
After respective splits from Alex Rodriguez and Ana de Armas in 2021, Jennifer and Ben were spotted out together again. Their rekindled connection quickly flourished into full-on coupledom. A source told People, “They have a strong connection. It’s all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy.” Fans delighted at seeing the former pair affectionate once more.
In April 2022, Ben proposed (for the second time) with an 8.5-carat natural green diamond ring. Just months later in July, they wed in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony. Jennifer shared details in her newsletter: “So with the best witnesses you could ever imagine, a dress from an old movie and a jacket from Ben’s closet, we read our own vows in the little chapel and gave one another the rings we’ll wear for the rest of our lives,” she penned.
It’s clear Ben and Jennifer’s connection remains one of true love nearly two decades later. Affleck has credited Lopez with inspiring him to improve his own life. He recently told WSJ Magazine, “I can say that it’s definitely beautiful to me. And, you know, one of the things I really value across all facets of my life now is that it was handled in a way that reflected that.”
Jennifer, too, acknowledges how special their renewed romance is, telling People, “I feel so lucky and happy and proud to be with him.”
With a lavish second wedding planned at Affleck’s estate in Georgia, plus Oscar buzz around J.Lo’s latest film, Bennifer is clearly still going strong. Their reunion shows some loves are simply destined to be. As Jennifer sings in “Dear Ben,” her 2002 hit about Affleck, “I think God made you for me.” For this pair, the timing finally seems right to get it right.
