Suvechha Sarkar
Season 17 of ‘Married at First Sight’ brought a diverse group of individuals who were completely willing to take a leap of faith in their marriage. Among them are Michael Shiakallis Jr., Senior Lead Project Manager, and Chloe Brown, a professional in the non-profit sector. The couple did not take much time to captivate the attention of the viewers with their unique relationship story since it was Michael’s second time getting a chance at finding his one true love through the show. Although they began late compared to the other contestants, their instant connection and chemistry stood out. From exclaiming that they were the strongest couple of the season to calling them a “match made in heaven,” they had been one of the top discussion topics among their garnered fanbase.
Michael and Chloe Had a Strong Bond and Communicated Effortlessly
The relationship between Michael and Chloe was unique from the get-go since Chloe was the second bride chosen for Michael after his first match left him behind at the altar. Considering the little time they got to know each other compared to the other couples on the show, they did not struggle to feel connected instantly at the altar. The wedding was marked with beautiful vows, tearful pre-wedding conversations with friends, and the presence of family members. When Michael noticed that Chloe paired her wedding dress with pink Converse shoes matching his pink suit, he pleasantly gasped. After their wedding photoshoot and tour of their new home, the couple warmed up to one another and enjoyed each other’s company.
Throughout the season, we saw how both individuals indulged in each other’s lives and always prioritized the other’s feelings. On their 1 month anniversary, Michael treated Chloe to a spa, where he frankly mentioned how he gravitated towards her features like “dark eyes and darker hair, loved her” and her “lips,” and expressed, “I find your smile to be extremely inviting.” Chloe also expressed how she loved his curls and tattoos. As time passed, the couple started taking an interest in each other’s passion. While Chloe participated in boxing lessons, Michael visited the farm with Chloe to witness her in her natural element.
The couple eventually looked for a home to rent after the decision day, further hinting that they were invested in working out their marriage. However, slowly, it started to seem that they might not have the same goal and are different. While Chloe wanted a clear picture of how their future would appear, Michael began to become unsure if he was ready to make the sacrifices that come with a marriage. He felt that Chloe’s passion for owning an animal sanctuary and wish to foster kids was more than what he had envisioned. As the decision day approached, Chloe stated that the feelings and emotions were making her stressed and expressed that her partner was “scared.” On the other hand, Michael felt “legitimately torn” about the decision.
Michael and Chloe Ended Up Parting Ways But Remain Friends to This Day
Michael and Chloe seemed vulnerable and comfortable in each other’s presence during the days leading up to the Decision Day. However, to her dismay, the latter felt blindsided when the former chose to end their marriage, explaining how he was not ready to continue and thought that he was too much in his head and overanalyzed his experiences. Regardless, even after their divorce, Michael and Chloe remain on good terms, maintaining their friendship, although no romance is brewing between them anymore.
In April 2024, the two met at a sanctuary visit with the other guys from season 17 of ‘Married at First Sight.’ All of them seemed to be in good spirits, and at one instance, Michael and Chloe embraced each other and smiled at the camera during a watch party at his house. Presently, from what we can tell, the duo continues to hang out with each other and nurture their friendship even beyond the realm of reality TV. Even though they might not be romantically involved with each other, it is evident that they are good friends who wish the best for each other and continue to help each other grow in their respective endeavors.
Michael Continues to Flourish in His Career Without Comprising On Spending Time With Family
Michael has been the head of SMS Digital Experience at Lumen Technologies since February 2023 and continues to work remotely. He also returned to the ring against formidable opponents and continued boxing after the show ended. In December 2024, he indulged himself in boxing practice and mentioned how “Boxing isn’t just about strength– it’s therapy for the soul,” with his most recent match being in June 2024. He continues to be close to his family and friends and enjoyed his time traveling to Italy in August 2024.
Michael also has two cuddly rescue cats named Graham and Franklin and a furry rescue dog named Melo. He enjoyed the streets and history of Spain in March 2022 and tried the local cuisines. Moving forward, he enjoyed both the landscapes and cityscapes in Columbia in May 2023 and Japan’s pure culture when he visited there in September 2023. With all these trips on his list, it can easily be said that Michael is also a travel enthusiast. From driving bikes to appearing in an interview on ‘Are You My Podcast?’ in October 2024, he seems to be doing pretty good for himself.
Chloe Works in the Non-profit Sector and Prefers to Keep Her Personal Life Private
With the wrap-up of season 17, Chloe did not take a backseat from her personality as a “bleeding heart.” She is the Senior Director at the American Heart Association and has continued volunteering at animal sanctuaries in her free time. After her appearance on the popular TV show, it seems like she decided to keep her social media private but continues to be on excellent terms with the other participants from the show. In June 2024, she celebrated her 41st birthday and expressed gratitude to all her friends and family for existing in her life. All in all, we can see Chloe focused on her personal growth and moving forward in this journey called life with confidence, love, and grace.
She is also the proud mother of three fur babies- Theodore, Eleanor, and Pierre. Chloe adopted Theodore, who was blind, in 2023 and expressed that Eleanor has been the best big little sister since she was 11, while Theodore was 15. She showed him the world with her cuddles and smells and made sure that he was safe. In October 2024, Chloe introduced Pierre to her pack and stated how she was instantly ready to welcome him when she heard her friends from ‘Brighter Days Dog Rescue’ say that they had a pup who needed a home. Alas, Theodore passed away shortly after in November 2024, but there was no doubt that Chloe loved him incredibly and will miss him immensely.
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