’90 Day Fiancé’: Juliana Custodio Reveals the First Photo of Herself With Michael Jessen
Juliana Custodio and Michael Jessen quickly became a popular, but controversial, couple when they appeared on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé Season 7.
Their sizeable age difference, as well as Michael’s ultra-close relationship with his ex-wife, Sarah Jessen (who is also the mother of his two children, Max and CeCe), raised some eyebrows among fans. The major differences in their cultural and financial backgrounds also worried some viewers, who thought the relationship might not be entirely authentic on one or both sides.
The now-married 90 Day Fiancé couple has taken to social media since their time on the show to praise each other and defend their relationship. Juliana seems to be thriving in the U.S., and the pair seems closer than ever. She headed to Instagram recently to share a throwback photo of herself with Michael back in 2017 when they first met on a Croatian yacht.
Juliana recently posted a throwback photo with husband Michael
Michael and Juliana — who have been in quarantine together in Michael’s home state of Connecticut during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak — have been sharing heartwarming family photos and gushing about one another on Instagram. The Brazilian model drew attention during season 7 for growing close to Michael’s children, as well as his ex-wife, Sarah, who even served as the officiant for the couple’s wedding. So it’s no surprise that she’s still building those bonds.
The 90 Day Fiancé stars have also been sharing some nostalgic throwback photos of the summer when they met in Croatia at a yacht party. Juliana was working as a model on the yacht, while Michael, a wine entrepreneur, was on a business trip. The strange way they met, as well as their age difference, initially sparked some rumors that Juliana was a sex worker. But the couple has adamantly denied that rumor. And because Juliana is a professional model signed with a reputable agent and manager, it’s not likely.
Michael took to Instagram to share some sweet snaps of the “first photos” he and Juliana ever took together. He captioned it “#firstpic of [Juliana] and me,” adding “Croatia July 2017.” He included sweet hashtags like “first time,” “love at first sight,” “morning after,” “memories,” and even a reference to Juliana’s classic line from 90 Day Fiancé: “Mens doesn’t control me.”
Juliana reposted the image, writing simply, “Can’t forget,” with a heart emoji.
The ‘90 Day Fiancé’ couple seems to be going strong
It looks like Michael and Juliana have been taking a trip down memory lane in recent weeks. Michael also shared a throwback photo in which he and Juliana were slow dancing and gazing into each other’s eyes after a year together. The couple had a long-distance relationship for several years as they underwent the lengthy K-1 visa application process before Juliana was permitted to come to the U.S. During that time, both traveled around the world to be with each other.
“#tbt to Croatian summers,” the 90 Day Fiancé Season 7 star and dad of two captioned the photo, adding: “A beautiful photo of @julianacustodiooo and me from August 2018 after one year together.” He gushed over his wife with cute captions like “the way she looks at me” and “the best smile ever.”
Juliana commented under the photo, “Great memories.”
Fans and castmates flooded the comments with praise for the married couple
While Juliana and Michael drew some criticism for their age gap during 90 Day Fiancé Season 7 — as well as their awkward discussions about a potential prenuptial agreement — it looks like most fans now believe the couple will make it for the long haul. Fans flooded the comments of Michael and Juliana’s throwback photos to share their congratulations for the couple’s happy marriage.
“Congratulations, you guys look so beautiful together and I completely love your family all together,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another 90 Day Fiancé viewer agreed, sending well wishes to the couple as they navigated life with a blended family. “I’ve watched both of you in season 7 and you guys touched my heart,” they wrote. “Very natural and you can see the love which is not forced. Beautiful blended family and big up your ex-wife who is not bitter. I can see you guys really love each other. Blessings to your future.”
Some of their 90 Day Fiancé castmates chimed in as well. Emily Larina, Sasha Larin’s wife from season 7, commented: “Amazing! I hope you two are staying healthy and safe.”
Meanwhile, Big Ed (from this season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days) wrote, “Wow, you guys are so beautiful, congratulations.”
Still, a few Instagram users commented on Michael and Juliana’s age difference. One critic wrote, “Michael just wondering how you would feel if your daughter started dating a guy 20 years older than her from the age of 17?”
But Michael, as he has many times before, clapped back, writing: “She was a month shy of 21 when we met…. haters will hate…. there’s so much unneeded nastiness in the world.”
