A Look Back! See ‘90 Day Fiance’ Stars Paola and Russ Mayfield’s Relationship Timeline

How They Met

Russ, 32, and Paola, also 32, met after he traveled to her home country of Colombia as part of his work as an engineer in the oil industry as a field engineer.

To the States

The couple fell in love and decided to move to the United States after Russ was called back for work.

Trouble

Right away, the duo ran into issues. Initially, Pao and Russ lived with Russ’ parents in Oklahoma, and she clashed a little with their more conservative style.

Their Own Place

Eventually, the two of them got their own apartment together. That removed one challenge from their love story, but it still hasn’t always been smooth sailing for these 90 Day Fiancé lovebirds.

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Not only were Russ’ parents were not fans of Paola, but her best friend Juan didn’t really approve of Russ either. But they persevered in spite of these obstacles.

Married!

The happy couple finally got married on October 7, 2013. Not every 90 Day Fiancé couple makes it to the altar, so kudos to these crazy kids!

Model in the Making

Paola then started actively pursuing a modeling career in America, which Russ wasn’t too thrilled about.

Unemployed

But Russ couldn’t really say much when Paola began modeling more often, because he lost his job in the midst of the first season of 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? and her gigs helped bring in income. He tried for a long time to find work while Paola brought in what money she could from her modeling work.

To Miami

Pao eventually decided to move to Miami to find steadier work as a model. Russ wasn’t happy about the decision, and ultimately, Paola went ahead without him just to give the city a try.

Lovin’ It

Paola ended up loving Miami! So Russ eventually agreed to move there with her just to see if it worked for them and to make a sacrifice for her — the way she had sacrificed for him by moving away from her home country.

Back Home

In season 3 of Happily Ever After?, Paola traveled back to Colombia for the first time when her grandmother got sick.

Disrespect

The couple struggled after their heartbreaking loss. Paola felt that Russ was not supporting her after her miscarriage the way she needed him to.

Pregnancy

But the couple worked through their issues, and Paola conceived again. The TLC stars told Us Weekly on July 25, 2018, “This is the most amazing feeling ever! We can’t believe we are going to be parents — we are already so in love with our baby. We are ready for this new adventure and we know it will bring us closer together. God has blessed us again, and this time, we are going as strong as our baby’s heartbeat!”

Gender Reveal

The couple revealed the sex of the baby on Instagram on August 10, 2018.

“We are having a BOY!!!! I didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, I just wanted a healthy baby and to be able to have it in my arms as soon as possible,” Pao wrote in the caption. “Of course I’m always rooting for a girl but a boy is a blessing as well and I know my husband is really excited! This is an amazing experience now I can finally say I’m pregnant!!! I’m having a little boy.”

Baby Boy

Paola and Russ welcomed a baby boy — a son named Axel Mayfield — on January 1. People reported on January 3 that Axel was born at 12:22 a.m. He measured 22 inches in length and reportedly weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces at birth.

The new parents told the outlet at the time, “We were hoping for a Christmas baby but ended up with a New Year’s baby, and we wouldn’t change our experience for anything else.”

Updates

Fans are able to keep up to date with Pao and Russ’ journey as parents on Instagram — including on Axel’s very own Instagram page!

Today

These days, Paola and Russ seem to be loving being parents and adjusting to life with their baby boy. They regularly share photos on social media to offer fans a glimpse into their little world, like this lovely shot of the small family enjoying a day outside together from March 26.

Not Happy

The duo also participated in the July 29 tell-all reunion episode of 90 Day Fiancé — but Pao was not happy with the way TLC edited her appearance, arguing on Instagram that the editing made her look “like s–t.” But at least fans were able to get an update on the couple!

Anniversary!

The couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on October 7, and Paola shared a sweet new photo of the two of them with her Instagram followers that day. “Happy anniversary amor mio!” she wrote. “Six years of everything mi cielo😅 I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Te amo hoy mañana y siempre ❤️❤️❤️ .”

First Steps!

Baby Axel took his first steps in December 2019, which his parents proudly shared on Instagram. “Axel’s first baby steps! Such an amazing milestone to achieve and so much more ahead for our adventurous baby boy,” Russ wrote.

First Birthday

Axel turned 1 on New Year’s Day 2020. Russ wrote to his little guy, “Happy Birthday Axel! Today we celebrate you! Your first year has flown by and it has been amazing! Boy have you grown since I first caught you in my arms as we welcomed you into the world. You’ve had many first times and there are so many more to look forward to. You’re loved beyond measure and we are so proud and thankful to have you part of our life together!”

Meanwhile, Pao wrote, “I don’t need a day to celebrate you are here! Everyday is a celebration because you are here with us. You made us a family, happy first birthday little angel @axel_mayfield.”

August 2021

By late 2021, Paola ignited split rumors with a series of cryptic messages. “Part of the reason why relationships end is that we get caught up in other things, forget to appreciate one another, and sadly, marriage isn’t a priority anymore,” Paola tweeted on August 11, 2021.

Hours later, Paola fueled breakup speculation by sharing another tweet alluding to a rough patch in their marriage nearly eight years after they tied the knot.

“People asked me why I don’t take pictures with my husband, and my answer is… I just don’t like to pretend [shrugging emoji] #youareguessingright,” it read.

August 2021

Later that month, In Touch exclusively confirmed Paola and Russell were “on a break” in their relationship and seeking marriage counseling.

“During this pandemic, it’s hit everyone very hard, especially couples who have had to stay indoors with each other 24/7,” Dominique Enchinton, Paola’s manager and owner of Dominion Talent House, told In Touch. She also noted that the couple’s decision to move into an RV made things harder since they were in such close quarters together.

“Russ has lost his job during the pandemic, so Paola was the sole breadwinner for the past year,” Dominique explained. “With all of that, it’s definitely taken a toll on both of them being in each other’s faces, so they are going to be taking a break for a little bit.”

October 2021

Paola and Russ’ split was short-lived as they were celebrating the holidays with their then-3-year-old son by that October. Paola exclusively told In Touch that they had moved into a new home, describing it as a “fresh start.”

“It’s the perfect place to actually … start again,” Paola said of the new Orlando, Florida four-bedroom home. “I already decorated Axel’s room. I have my little office, which is with my sewing equipment because I also do sewing — I sew my own [wrestling] gear.”

August 2023

90 Day: The Last Resort premiered in August 2023 and Paola would later reveal that she and Russ were almost set to return on the spinoff.

“I was supposed to be on The Last Resort,” Paola exclusively told In Touch. “But it didn’t work. It didn’t work.” ​The Colombia native said it was probably for the best, as she feels her relationship struggles with Russ pale in comparison to the “drama” she has seen play out on the spinoff show.

November 2024

Paola revealed her relationship with Russ was at its best place in years. “I do not have that much drama in my life,” Paola said as she geared up to join the latest season of Women of Wrestling. “I’m so happy for that because, to be honest, I went through hell to be what I am right now and my relationship is doing much better.”