Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have built a relationship admired by many. Their connection began as friends after meeting on the set of Green Lantern in 2010, though it wasn’t until a year later that romance blossomed.
“We were good friends first, which is the ideal foundation for any relationship,” Reynolds shared with Jess Cagle during SiriusXM’s Entertainment Weekly Radio Deadpool special in 2016.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s relationship began as a strong friendship on the set of Green Lantern (@vancityreynolds/Instagram)
Interestingly, their romantic spark ignited during a double date — each attending with different partners. Reynolds described the moment, saying, “About a year after Green Lantern, when we were both single, we went on a double date. She was with someone else, and so was I. It turned into a very awkward evening for them because fireworks were flying between us.”
Since those early days, their bond has been showcased through heartfelt social media posts, red-carpet appearances, and the joy of raising four children: James, Inez, Betty, and Olin.
2010: A Meeting on the Set of Green Lantern
The pair first crossed paths while working on Green Lantern in 2010. Reynolds portrayed the superhero Hal Jordan, and Lively took on the role of his love interest, Carol Ferris.
At that time, both were involved with other people — Lively was dating her Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley, and Reynolds was married to Scarlett Johansson.
By the end of the year, both relationships had ended. Lively and Badgley ended their three-year relationship in October, while Reynolds and Johansson announced their separation in December, finalizing their divorce by July 2011.
June 15, 2011: Joint Appearance at the Green Lantern Premiere
In June 2011, the co-stars attended the premiere of Green Lantern. While still presenting as just colleagues, some speculated there might be chemistry brewing between them.
October 2011: Dating Rumors Begin
By October 2011, rumors of a romantic connection surfaced when Lively and Reynolds were spotted together in Boston, where Reynolds was filming R.I.P.D. Sources confirmed they were indeed dating and appeared happy. Later that year, the couple spent the holidays in Vancouver, where witnesses described them as “sweet and affectionate.”
September 9, 2012: A Private Wedding Ceremony
The couple exchanged vows on September 9, 2012, at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina. The event featured unique touches like a children’s choir and a lantern sendoff. However, in 2020, Reynolds publicly expressed regret over their choice of venue, describing it as “a major mistake” rooted in a lack of awareness at the time.
May 5, 2014: Official Red-Carpet Debut
Two years into their marriage, Reynolds and Lively made their red-carpet debut at the Met Gala. They channeled Old Hollywood glamour, making a stunning impression as a couple.
October 6, 2014: First Pregnancy Announcement
Lively revealed her first pregnancy with a series of photos shared on her lifestyle website. Close friends noted how thrilled the couple was to start a family. Their daughter James was born in December, with Reynolds later humorously sharing her birthdate in a cheeky social media post.
2016: Growing Family
In 2016, the couple welcomed their second child, Inez. That year also saw their first family appearance when Reynolds received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a moment he dedicated to Lively as the person who transformed his life.
2019: Third Child Joins the Family
In May 2019, Lively revealed her third pregnancy while attending the premiere of Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Their daughter Betty was born later that year, with her name publicly revealed through a Taylor Swift song.
2022: Expecting Their Fourth
Lively debuted her baby bump at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit in September 2022, confirming they were expecting their fourth child. Reflecting on their journey, she shared admiration for Reynolds’ dedication to family life.
The couple continues to balance their flourishing careers with a deep commitment to their relationship and children. Through their public appearances and shared moments, they have shown how love, humor, and friendship form the cornerstone of their bond.
