Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, known as "Bennifer," have captured public attention with their relationship's ups and downs over the years. Initially meeting on the set of the 2003 romantic comedy Gigli, the couple's romance quickly blossomed, becoming one of Hollywood's most talked-about love stories. When they first separated in 2004, Lopez referred to the situation as the “biggest heartbreak” of her life. Fast forward a few years later, the two re-established their relationship and got married in July 2022. Despite their attempts to make it work, their divorce was finalized in January 2025, just 20 weeks after their wedding.
Their wedding—under a sprawling, centuries-old oak tree—was held at Affleck’s 87-acre compound just outside Savannah, with the couple’s friend podcaster Jay Shetty presiding. The next morning, the newlyweds decided on a relaxed exploration of the picturesque lakeside town of Menaggio. Lopez has referred to their union as a “gorgeous fairytale,” focusing on the second chance they were afforded.
The Beginnings of "Bennifer"
Movie stars Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck ingat the premiere of Gigli, 2002. A History of Violence came out in 2003. It set in motion their whirlwind romance, which almost instantly became one of the most talked about pairs of A-listers in Hollywood.
The couple's relationship was one of the first in the industry to receive a hybrid nickname, "Bennifer," highlighting the public's fascination with their love story. Even through the acute media pressure, Lopez and Affleck were able to cultivate a cousin like association that survives even the before long split.
During the two decades after their separation, Lopez and Affleck both continued to praise and encourage one another. Their decades-long friendship would ultimately make their reconciliation and eventual rekindling of romance possible.
A Rekindled Romance
In 2021, speculation started circulating that Lopez and Affleck may be getting back together. The couple were seen together again in Santa Monica, sitting next to each other at a school awards ceremony in May of this year. As they introduced themselves to the world again, their returning partnership generated palpable excitement among fans to be reunited with such a special pairing.
Their marriage, celebrated in July 2022, was an important milestone in the couple’s journey to parenthood. Hosted on Affleck’s sprawling estate in Savannah, the ceremony was an intimate setting. Jay Shetty officiated the event, bringing a personal touch to their very special day.
Looking back on the couple’s journey, Lopez said she was thankful that they had been able to find love again. She stated, "It's a beautiful love story that we got a second chance." Her words touch on the spirit of their adventure and the inherent magic of their bond.
Challenges and New Beginnings
In all the time they tried to work things out, Lopez and Affleck realized their marriage just wasn’t meant to be. Their divorce went through by January 2025. This would signal the end of their marriage just 20 weeks after they got married.
During the years of their on-again, off-again relationship, Lopez has repeatedly lauded her fiancé’s constant support and belief in her. She once shared, "He's my biggest fan, which is awesome, and supporter. When he came back into my life again, the same thing happened where I felt so inspired and so overtaken with emotion that it was just pouring out of me."
As for the couple’s journey, it has not only been an emotional ride but a dramatic change of circumstances. They each moved in with their children creating a blended family dynamic. Lopez, echoing many artists’ sentiments, described this period as “a really kind of emotional transition." She understood that it was a time when, literally, all her dreams were coming true.