The former couple even worked together on Trading Spaces.
They broke up in 2009, opting to be friends instead.
Happily, the HGTV has found a lasting partnership with Kellee Merrell.
The couple began their whirlwind romance in 2020, and it led to a surprising discovery for Pennington.
“I never thought I would get married,” he informed People.
Given the serendipitous nature of Pennington’s career, it seems fitting that his love story would happen unexpectedly.
The couple was just beginning their romance when pandemic restrictions began in 2020.
Rather than have a distanced relationship, Pennington and Merrell took a leap and decided to live together.
Fortunately, this wasn’t an issue.
“We’re all so happy together,” Pennington informed the"Tamron Hall Show"in 2021.
Besides the sense of urgency created by the pandemic, Pennington and Merrell already had a strong connection.
They felt comfortable with each other and were confident their relationship could go the distance.
Four months later, Pennington followed up with a photo of their wedding.
The couple kept the process super low-key.
Pennington casually gave her the engagement ring as they were going about their daily routine.
Months later, they invited eight people to an intimate wedding at their house.
This brief engagement contrasted the couple’s decade-long platonic connection, which lasted from 2010 to 2020.
“I have admired Kellee from afar for years,” Penningtondivulgedto People in 2021.
“Luckily, our paths finally crossed at the right time.”
“A story of two people who had a mutual crush but didn’t know it.”
Pennington characterized an Instagramvideoabout their history together.
In Pennington and Merrell’s case, the age difference didn’t appear to be a concern for them.
Their decade-long friendship has provided a solid foundation for their marriage.
I’ve TRULY never been happier!"
For instance, on June 6, 2022, Pennington posted a sweet birthday tribute to Kellee Merrell.
“Life is so much better than I ever could have imagined with you.”
Luckily, he was early rather than late.
In 2023, Pennington shared ascreenshotof a romantic text he sent his wife to commemorate the occasion.
After he declared his love, Merrell replied, “Valentine’s Day is tomorrow lol.”
In a 2012 tongue-in-cheekFacebookpost, he advised fans to get the flowers and chocolates before supplies ran out.
The HGTV star’s Instagram feed is filled with all kinds of hilarious antics.
While Pennington is clearly an extrovert, Merrell appears more introverted.
In 2024, Pennington donned another pair of Lederhosen in a video celebrating a European vacation with Merrell.
“Can’t wait to embarrass her all over the world,” hejoked.
In addition, it’s possible the couple is just playing up Merrell’s reluctance for laughs.
Regardless, Penningtonclaimsthat he and Merrell have “the same stupid sense of humor.”
