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Alison Victoria found her “love of my life” at a personal growth retreat in California, she recently revealed. The HGTV star, 44, spoke openly about how she met filmmaker Brandt Andersen at the lowest point of her life, discovering an unexpected romance in the most surprising place.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Meeting Location: Personal wellness retreat in California with 37 attendees
- Retreat Type: Seven-day personal growth program focused on breaking negative patterns
- Timeline: Victoria was at rock bottom after an eight-year relationship ended
- Current Status: Together nearly three years, went Instagram official in June 2024
A Second Chance After Rock Bottom
Alison Victoria described her emotional state before attending the retreat as truly devastating. She admitted to staying “in a relationship for eight years” that “was just not for me,” but continued hoping things would change.
The interior designer explained that after the breakup, she hit what she called “a breaking point.” She needed healing and transformation, not romance. Victoria decided to attend a seven-day personal-growth retreat specifically designed to help participants break destructive patterns and explore childhood traumas.
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“I’m rock bottom. I’m devastated,” she told the Wife of the Party podcast in April 2026. That vulnerability became the foundation for something beautiful.
Meeting in an Unexpected Way
What made the Alison Victoria and Brandt Andersen story even more unusual was that they didn’t intend to find love. At the California retreat, both were part of a group of 37 people working on personal development. The HGTV star emphasized she “was not there to meet anyone.”
In fact, retreat leaders made it clear that romantic feelings could derail participants’ progress. “If you have feelings for anybody while you’re here, you have to come talk to us,” Victoria recalled, because emotions might distract from healing.
Remarkably, Victoria “felt nothing” for Andersen at first. The connection wasn’t instant or dramatic. They were simply two people trying to improve themselves in the same treatment program.
From Strangers to Soul Mates
After leaving the retreat, and return to regular life, Victoria and Andersen stayed in touch. What began as casual conversation transformed into something deeper. “We just became so close as friends,” the designer explained.
| Aspect | Details |
| Retreat Location | California wellness center |
| Attendee Count | 37 people in same group |
| Duration | Seven-day intensive program |
| Public Debut | June 2024 Daytime Emmys red carpet |
“After talking with him for a while, I fell in love with him,” Victoria continued. “It’s the most beautiful story.” The filmmaker and interior designer discovered that deep friendship provided the strongest foundation for lasting love.
“And I was very lucky because I found the love of my life there.”
— Alison Victoria, speaking on the Wife of the Party podcast
Building a Life Together
Victoria and Anderson progressed from friends to partners, making their relationship official publicly at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards in June 2024. The HGTV star later shared photos packed with PDA on social media, showcasing their genuine affection.
According to recent interviews from Sin City Rehab episodes recorded in October 2025, the couple has been together for nearly three years. Brandt Andersen, described as a writer, producer, and director, works in the entertainment industry, creating meaningful content together with his partner.
In April 2026, Victoria sparked engagement rumors after appearing with a large ring, but sources confirmed the pair remains happily in love and building their partnership.
What Does Finding “The Love of Your Life” at a Retreat Mean for Real Relationships Today
The Alison Victoria love story challenges modern dating expectations. Many relationship experts suggest that true connection develops when both partners focus on personal growth first. Victoria wasn’t scrolling dating apps or attending singles events; she was doing inner work at a personal development retreat.
Her experience demonstrates that vulnerability, healing, and shared growth create powerful romantic foundations. The fact that Brandt Andersen and Victoria weren’t looking for love but found it anyway tells a story many hopeful singles need to hear: sometimes the best relationships begin when you stop searching and start healing yourself.
Today, the couple continues building their life together, with Victoria starring in Sin City Rehab since September 2025 and both pursuing creative projects independently and together.
Sources
- People – Alison Victoria exclusive interview about meeting Brandt Andersen at retreat, April 2026
- Wife of the Party Podcast – Video podcast featuring Alison Victoria discussing her love story openly
- Entertainment Tonight – Coverage of Alison Victoria and Brandt Andersen relationship milestones
