Since joining Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City, Jenna Lyons, a former president of J.Crew and the show’s first openly gay cast member, has captured the hearts of fans. Following the recent announcement of her engagement to photographer Cass Bird, curiosity about the timeline of their relationship has intensified.
Initially, their romance developed quietly, but as Jenna’s visibility increased on RHONY, interest in her personal life surged. Through charming couple photos shared on Instagram, fans became eager to learn more about their connection.
By October 2023, rumors of a secret wedding swirled, with Jenna teasing about possibly already being married during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live
From cozy social media posts to glamorous red-carpet outings, every moment garnered attention. Now that their engagement is official, fans are more captured than ever by the specifics of their relationship.
What sparked the beginning of their love story?
The relationship timeline for Jenna Lyons and Cass Bird began with Jenna’s admiration for Cass as a photographer.
In April 2023, Jenna ignited speculation when she revealed in a New York Times interview that she had a crush on Cass. The official timeline of their romance kicked off two months later, and by September, fans were buzzing with rumors about their potential engagement.
By October 2023, speculation reached new heights, with many believing Jenna and Cass had tied the knot. Rather than denying the swirling rumors, Jenna chose to stir the pot during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, suggesting that wedding plans might be unnecessary and hinting that she might already be married. “Well, maybe I don’t need to get married. Maybe I already did,” she teased.
Cass later clarified to The Cut when their relationship began, emphasizing that their meeting was simply a matter of timing. They crossed paths at a friend’s house after filming for RHONY Season 14 concluded but before the season aired, leading to an immediate spark. “It was laugh-y and silly.
We hung out and were like, ‘Yep.’ She is an actual mutant. Which I know you know already,” Cass reminisced. On Tuesday, October 15, Jenna appeared on Sherri, where the conversation initially centered on Racquel Chevremont’s engagement to Mel Corpus.
However, Sherri Shepherd noticed Jenna wearing an engagement ring in the RHONY Season 15 trailer, prompting Jenna to confirm that it was indeed an engagement ring and that wedding bells were on the horizon, albeit not immediately.
The news of their engagement surprised many, as the ring had first been spotted in a September Instagram post. An anonymous source close to Jenna had initially downplayed the importance of the ring, claiming it was not new, but it turned out that fans were correct in their assumptions—it was an engagement ring.
The topic resurfaced a few weeks later when Jenna was on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Inquiring about her engagement, Andy pushed for details. Jenna jokingly revealed that Cass had requested she wear less revealing clothing, admitting she was open to changing her wardrobe but wanted a ring on her finger first.
What began as a playful crush has blossomed into a heartfelt engagement, reminding fans that the most meaningful relationships can start with a hint of mystery, plenty of laughter, and perfect timing. Jenna and Cass have made it clear that they are deeply happy together.
