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The rollercoaster romance of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, often dubbed “Bennifer,” has captivated audiences for years. From their initial meeting and engagement in the early 2000s to their surprising rekindling and wedding years later, their story is one of Hollywood’s most talked-about. This timeline explores the key moments in the relationship between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, marked by intense media attention and significant life events. In the news recently, the couple divorced in 2024, but let’s revisit the events that made them a popular celebrity couple.
The Early Years: From “Gigli” to “Bennifer”
December 2001: Meeting on Set
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez initially crossed paths on the set of the film “Gigli” in December 2001. Although the movie was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful, it sparked a connection between the two stars.
September 2002: “Jersey Girl” and a Budding Romance
The couple reunited on screen in 2002 to film “Jersey Girl,” released in 2004. It was during this time that their relationship flourished. Director Kevin Smith revealed that he coined the term “Bennifer” during the pre-production of “Jersey Girl,” and the name quickly entered the public lexicon.
The First Engagement: Media Frenzy and Postponement
2002 Onward: Red Carpet Debut
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck solidified their relationship by appearing together on the red carpet for the premiere of her movie “Maid In Manhattan.” Soon after they made their relationship red carpet official their couple name, “Bennifer” became the go-to name by multiple media outlets to refer to them.
- The duo became a prominent fixture in the media, known for their glamorous style and frequent appearances together.
November 2002: The Proposal
Affleck proposed to Lopez in November 2002 with a stunning 6.1-carat pink solitaire diamond from Harry Winston. Lopez described the proposal as a romantic scene filled with rose petals, candles, and her song “I’m Glad” playing in the background.
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- Affleck’s mother, Christopher Anne Boldt, assisted in planning the surprise.
- Lopez later appeared in Affleck’s “Jenny From The Block” music video and dedicated the song “Dear Ben” to him.
September 2003: Wedding Postponed
Days before their highly anticipated wedding in September 2003, Lopez and Affleck shocked the public by announcing a postponement. They cited excessive media attention as the reason, expressing concern that the intense scrutiny would compromise the joy and sanctity of the occasion.
Separation and New Beginnings
January 2004: Calling Off the Engagement
In January 2004, the couple officially called off their engagement. Jennifer Lopez’s spokesperson confirmed the split, requesting privacy during the difficult time.
2004 – 2018: Moving On
Following the breakup:
- Jennifer Lopez married Marc Anthony in June 2004, later having twins with him in 2008. They divorced in 2014.
- Ben Affleck wed Jennifer Garner in 2005, and they had three children. The couple separated in 2018.
2012 – 2016: Reflections on the Relationship
In subsequent years, both Affleck and Lopez spoke fondly of their past relationship:
- Affleck mentioned in 2012 that they maintained a friendly relationship.
- Lopez reflected in 2014 that she would “do it all over again,” viewing the relationship as part of her journey.
- In 2016, Lopez attributed the difficulties of their relationship to intense media pressure and timing.
The Rekindling: A Second Chance at Love
April – May 2021: Reunion Rumors
Following Lopez’s split from Alex Rodriguez in April 2021, speculation arose about a possible reconciliation with Affleck. Ben Affleck was spotted at Jennifer Lopez’s home shortly after she ended her engagement to MLB star Alex Rodriguez and the pair reportedly enjoyed several meet-ups at the the Hotel Bel-Air around the same time.
- Ben Affleck was spotted visiting Jennifer Lopez in Los Angeles.
- The pair reportedly took a trip to a luxury ski resort in Montana.
May 2021: Rekindled Romance Confirmed
After weeks of speculation, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck confirmed rumors of their rekindled romance with a public display of affection during a date night in West Hollywood. Following their getaway to Montana a few weeks prior to the confirmation report, Jennifer made several trips to Los Angeles to spend time with Ben, before the Academy Award-winner jetted off to Miami, Florida to spend time at Lopez’s home.
June – Summer 2021: Blending Families
As their relationship progressed, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck focused on integrating their families. Jennifer sparkled rumors that she may relocate from Miami to the West Coast for Ben when she was seen touring schools in the LA area for her twins Max and Emme, 13. The family went out for Lynda’s 50th birthday in Malibu, CA.
- They were seen together with their children at various outings, including Universal Studios Hollywood and the Hamptons.
- Lopez was spotted house hunting in Los Angeles.
Engagement and Marriage… Again
January – April 2022: Moving In Together
The Hunt for a Mega Mansion
The pair began their “hunt for a mega-mansion” in the Los Angeles area for their blended family.
A Second Engagement
Following days of speculation – after she was seen with a huge sparkler on her finger – Jennifer confirmed that she was engaged to Ben for the second time in their relationship.
July 2022: A Las Vegas Wedding
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially tied the knot in a small Las Vegas ceremony on July 16, 2022, nearly two decades after their first engagement. The Selena actress, 52, confirmed they said ‘I do’ on her newsletter On The JLo, where she shared details of their intimate wedding held at the Little White Wedding Chapel.
- The intimate ceremony took place at the Little White Wedding Chapel.
- Lopez confirmed the marriage in her newsletter, signing as “Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck.”
August 2022: Georgia Wedding
In August 2022, Ben and Jennifer celebrated their marriage with a larger, more elaborate ceremony at Affleck’s Georgia estate. The celebrity couple known as ‘Bennifer’ wowed the audience with Lopez wearing a stunning white, Ralph Lauren couture gown complete with long train and veil, while Affleck looked sharp in complementary white and black tuxedo.
Divorce
Jennifer filed for divorce from Affleck on August 20, 2024 to terminate their marriage, while insiders revealed there’s ‘no prenuptial agreement’ between the pair, as she did not mention one in legal papers. Jennifer told the court in legal docs filed January 6, 2025 that she and Ben had reached a settlement following mediation the prior autumn, indicating the divorce and settlements are moving forward.