What Happened to Juliana & Michael from 90 Day Fiancé?- 2025 Update

When Juliana Custodio and Michael Jessen first appeared on 90 Day Fiancé Season 7 in 2019, they instantly stood out. Their relationship mixed glamour and controversy—Juliana was a Brazilian model in her early twenties, while Michael was a Connecticut wine entrepreneur in his forties, more than 20 years her senior. Viewers were drawn to their age gap, lavish lifestyle, and the challenges of merging two very different worlds. Since then, both have taken strikingly different paths. From a televised wedding officiated by Michael’s ex-wife to a high-profile divorce, Juliana’s move to Europe, motherhood, and even hints of a second separation, their story continues to evolve. Here’s where life has taken them since their dramatic debut on reality TV.

Meeting on 90 Day Fiancé Season 7

Michael and Juliana’s introduction on 90 Day Fiancé highlighted the glamorous yet unconventional start to their romance. They first met at a celebrity-filled yacht party in Croatia, where Michael, a Connecticut wine entrepreneur in his forties, was immediately captivated by Juliana’s beauty and personality. At just 20 years old, she was beginning her modeling career in Goiânia, Brazil, and stood out for being funny, thoughtful, and intelligent beyond her years. The couple’s more than 20-year age gap sparked criticism, but Michael openly dismissed the judgment, insisting their connection was authentic. After Michael returned to the U.S., the distance tested their bond, but their commitment remained strong. Their reunion in Brazil for Juliana’s K-1 visa interview, filmed in 2019, showed the emotional side of their journey—Juliana, then 23, introduced herself on camera, called Michael her best friend, and expressed how much she had missed him. This on-screen moment tied directly to the immigration process central to their storyline and gave viewers a clearer picture of why they pursued marriage despite public skepticism.

Meeting the Kids and Ex-Wife

When Juliana moved to the U.S., viewers watched her first meet Michael’s children, Max and CeCe. Their initial encounter was warm—Michael’s kids prepared a welcome brunch with avocados, fruit, eggs, sausage, and a cake decorated with “Welcome Juliana.” Juliana admitted she was nervous, but she quickly connected with both children, noting that CeCe seemed to love her right away. Michael described the moment as two parts of his life finally coming together: his romance with Juliana and his role as a father. Soon after, Juliana met Michael’s ex-wife Sarah. The meeting addressed the sensitive question of Juliana’s role in the family. Juliana explained that in Brazil divorced couples often do not maintain contact, making this arrangement unusual for her. Michael reassured Sarah that Juliana would not replace her as a parent, emphasizing that the children adored Juliana but still looked to Sarah as their mother. Sarah, while candid, made it clear that she expected Juliana to avoid taking on a parenting role, highlighting that she and Michael already provided strong parental guidance. This early interaction set the tone for how the blended family would navigate boundaries and responsibilities.

Pre-Wedding Mediation

Before the wedding, the couple sought legal advice and attended mediation to prepare for married life. Michael explained that he had two children and multiple business interests, and wanted clarity on how finances and responsibilities would be handled. He outlined that his assets would remain separate property and that he and Juliana would not share joint accounts. During the session, Juliana, who was working as a model at the time, admitted she had taken a break from her career and had not shared much about her income with Michael. The mediation highlighted the differences in their financial situations and life experience, underscoring the adjustments they would both face as they moved into marriage.

The Wedding

Michael and Juliana’s wedding took place on October 12, 2019, during Season 7 of 90 Day Fiancé, offering one of the most memorable ceremonies of the series. In preparation for the big day, Juliana visited a bridal shop with Sarah to have her dress altered. She revealed that she had purchased her gown in Brazil and described it as love at first sight, much like her relationship with Michael. During the fitting, Sarah reassured Juliana that she was part of a big family now, despite her nerves stemming from a difficult past marriage. The emotional scene underscored Juliana’s hopes that this union would be different, rooted in genuine love and acceptance.

The wedding itself took place in Connecticut and was officiated by Michael’s ex-wife Sarah, who surprised viewers by supporting the couple despite her earlier doubts. Michael’s children, Max and CeCe, played important roles in the ceremony, symbolizing the blending of their families. The intimate event emphasized love, trust, and unity within a nontraditional family dynamic. Juliana wore a white lace gown with a deep V neckline, long sheer sleeves, and a dramatic tulle skirt, paired with a jeweled tiara and veil. She carried a pastel bouquet of roses and dahlias, adding to the elegant yet romantic aesthetic. Michael wore a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie, complementing her look. The outdoor ceremony featured a lush floral arch of pink and white blossoms, candles, and greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop. Guests gathered under a tented reception area nearby, giving the event both intimacy and sophistication. One of the most emotional moments came when Michael’s son Max delivered a heartfelt speech, saying he loved both his dad and Juliana and was glad to see them getting married. His words highlighted the acceptance of Juliana by Michael’s children, reinforcing the family bond. The ceremony concluded with traditional vows and the exchange of rings, followed by Sarah pronouncing them husband and wife. The newlyweds celebrated with applause, a kiss beneath the floral arch, and a toast with champagne, marking the culmination of their 90-day journey and the beginning of their life together.

Life After the Wedding

In the months following their wedding, Juliana settled into life in Connecticut with Michael, Max, and CeCe. Viewers watched as she adjusted to American culture while Michael managed his wine business and family duties. The household gradually found a rhythm as a blended family, though the couple continued to face scrutiny over their age gap and Juliana’s intentions.

During this time Juliana focused on advancing her modeling career in the U.S. while supporting daily family life. Michael remained committed to his children and business ventures. Their first year together mixed affectionate family moments with mounting external pressure, hinting at the challenges ahead.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Michael’s wine business suffered financial setbacks, placing further stress on the marriage. Combined with public judgment and the natural difficulties of adjustment, these pressures began to weigh heavily on their relationship.

Separation and Divorce

In October 2021, Juliana and Michael publicly announced their separation on their second wedding anniversary, describing it as a casualty of the pandemic. Michael admitted that COVID-19 had drained him and that he hadn’t been the partner Juliana needed. Juliana pushed back, saying that while the pandemic was difficult, the deeper issue was feeling isolated and unsupported. She revealed she had been the only one working in the household at that time and felt more like a maid than part of the family. Michael later apologized for airing their breakup publicly and retracted suggestions that Juliana had quickly moved on. Their divorce was finalized in May 2022 in Connecticut through an uncontested proceeding, officially ending their marriage.

Juliana’s New Life, Motherhood, Fitness Journey, and Rumored Split from Ben

After the split, Juliana quickly moved forward. She relocated to Germany and began a relationship with German artist Ben Obscura. On July 19, 2022, she gave birth to their first child, a son named Benjamin James Louis Custodio, in Hamburg. The baby weighed about 9.4 pounds and measured nearly 22 inches. Juliana delivered naturally without an epidural, later sharing her gratitude and joy on Instagram. She frequently posts updates about her new life, balancing modeling opportunities with motherhood, and often highlights the happiness she’s found in her European fresh start with Ben and their son.

On August 4, 2023, Juliana and Ben officially married. Juliana wore a sleek white gown with a low back and button detailing, paired with a long veil and delicate earrings. Ben complemented her look with a classic black suit and white boutonniere. Their young son Benjamin was part of the ceremony, dressed in a light gray vest and pants, symbolizing the family unity. Photos showed the couple exchanging rings, sharing a kiss at the altar, and posing with their son outside the venue, underscoring the intimate and family-centered nature of the celebration.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Juliana Custodio🦋 (@julianacustodiooo)

A year later, on August 4, 2024, Juliana marked their first anniversary with an Instagram post, writing: “Happy Anniversary my love ✨ @ben_obscura. Real life with you is better than any dream.” Her words reflected a deep sense of gratitude for her new chapter.

By January 2025, she proudly revealed her fitness transformation, announcing she had lost 30 kilograms over two years and reduced her body fat from 27% to 12.8%. She credited her coach and her UK-based gym, sharing her progress as part of her post-baby journey. The following month, in February 2025, she celebrated Valentine’s Day with Ben, posting a photo of them together and calling him her love, a clear sign they were still united at that time.

In mid-2025, Juliana’s career reached new heights when she was featured in Elle Italia, modeling a collection of couture wedding gowns in London. She credited an international team of stylists, makeup artists, and planners for the shoot, underscoring her growing prominence in the European fashion scene. She is currently based in London, where she continues to balance her modeling career with motherhood.

However, by August 2025, her posts shifted in tone. She shared a reflective message alongside a photo with her son: “From now on, it’s just me and you. A new chapter begins full of love, and grace. Respect remains where it’s due. Grateful for the past.” This fueled speculation that she and Ben may have separated. While she has not publicly confirmed a split, her wording suggested she was embracing independence and focusing solely on raising her son.

Michael’s Life After Divorce

Michael, on the other hand, has kept a lower profile since the divorce. He continues to live in Connecticut and remains close to his children from his previous marriage. Although less active on social media than Juliana, he maintained a Twitter account (@michael_jessen) where he described himself as a wine enthusiast, musician, and father. His last known posts came in September 2022, after which he has largely stepped away from public updates. Notably, he removed his Instagram page, signaling a retreat from frequent online sharing. Michael has occasionally addressed the breakup, emphasizing his focus on co-parenting and personal stability.

Where Are They Now in 2025?

As of 2025, Juliana is thriving as a model, influencer, and mother based in London, though speculation about her relationship with Ben lingers. Michael leads a quieter life in the U.S., focusing on family and personal balance. The once high-profile couple has fully moved on, each building separate futures. Their story remains one of the most memorable arcs of 90 Day Fiancé, highlighting both the glamour and difficulties of international marriages under the spotlight.