Before the doors opened revealing the man she agreed to marry, sight unseen, Christine St. John (nee Hamilton) felt a burst of excitement and nerves.
“It’s like the night before Christmas times a million,” she said, laughing. “I was never nervous about what he was going to look like. I was more nervous about what he was going to think of me. Typical girl answer.”
Her now-husband, Victor “Vic” St. John, describes the moment as “intense. I felt like my life is about to change because it’s about to be intertwined with whoever comes through those doors,” he said.
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Today, the Italian Village couple is still in love one year after tying the knot on the Netflix reality show “Love Is Blind.”
Set in Columbus, the 10th season corralled 16 men and women in “pods” separated by walls so they could date − and even propose − without ever laying eyes on each other. Cameras typically follow up to six engaged couples as they vacation in Mexico, move in together and attend a wedding ceremony where they decide whether or not to say yes at the altar.
Due to budget constraints, Christine, 31, and Vic, 34, were sent to Malibu instead of Mexico, but their love story was still included on the show. Ironically, they ended up being the sole couple to remain married, and the least dramatic in a season of toxic pairings and chaotic breakups.
Now, the self-described “normal folks” are learning how to navigate fame as they work regular jobs, create new memories in the city and embrace the lessons that come with being newlyweds.
“I think marriage puts you in a position every day to put your pride aside and be as selfless as you can be,” said Vic, who is a professor of public policy at Ohio State University.
“It isn’t just me doing life. I have a partner here, and I care about her needs and how her day is going. I care about [finding] ways I can take on whatever burden she may have, or ways we can build joy together.”
Prior to applying for the show, Christine, a medical speech-language pathologist, was living in Cleveland and striking out on the dating scene.
“I was missing an authentic, down-to-earth connection,” said Christine, who is originally from Hillsboro. “I’d been on dates and had these more superficial relationships. Nothing ever felt quite right.”
Vic, a Brooklyn, New York, native, said he struggled to find someone who shared his same religious beliefs and accepted his reserved personality. And his busy work schedule didn’t help.
“You develop these habits that are good career-wise, but aren’t necessarily good for a healthy relationship, where you need to be able to pour that time and attention into a significant other,” he said.
On the show, the couple bonded over their faith and love for their families, though Christine said she had some insecurities about rocky relationships with loved ones. But she said Vic encouraged her to forgive her father and be more patient with her mother. Following their wedding, Christine relocated to Columbus, and the duo has been going on excursions in the city.
They’ve taken in shows at Ginger Rabbit and The Nest Theatre and had meals at Forno Kitchen + Bar and Mitchell’s Ocean Club. At a recent Columbus Crew game, they were asked to take pictures with everyone from screaming girls to babies.
They are still adjusting to the attention, which also includes managing media opportunities and deciding how to respond to the barrage of social media comments about their relationship. “Right now, it’s kind of like working two full-time jobs,” Christine said. “It’s just time management.”
At press time, the couple hadn’t yet scheduled their honeymoon; both Japan and Italy are on their list of options. They are also committed to settling in Columbus, where they plan to buy a house and start a family.
“It’s a feeling of belonging,” Vic said of the city. “You can find good pockets throughout, whether it’s the food from different cultures, faith-based communities, arts, sports, and educational opportunities for your children. It’s a hidden gem.”
Though “Love Is Blind” has only produced nine lasting marriages in 10 seasons, Christine said it’s still worth going on the show.
“It’s going to be a beautiful ride, regardless of the outcome,” she said. “Best-case scenario, you get a spouse that’s meant for you. Worst-case scenario, you’ve met some great friends, had some wonderful experiences and learned a lot about yourself along the way.”
This story appeared in the May 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Vic and Christine from ‘Love Is Blind’ adjust to married life in Columbus
Reporting by Erica Thompson, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
