While some might call Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's recent engagement the result of a whirlwind romance (they've only been ~official~ for TK!), the pair have been longtime pals. In 2017, Travis recounted a fun "power dinner" with the whole Kardashian clan and his daughter, Alabama Luella Barker, in an Entertainment Tonight interview. Since then, he and Kourtney have been spotted leaving restaurants and other events together over the years, but everything seemed purely platonic until one fateful Instagram comment (more on that in a sec).
Fast forward to October 2021, and the couple is engaged! So, how did Hollywood's hottest forty-somethings go from friends to fiancés? While it's unclear when exactly wedding bells will ring, here's a look back at their love story:
Dating rumors began to swirl around social media after the Blink-182 drummer left several flirty comments on the Keeping up with Kardashians alum’s Instagram photos. Perhaps the most notable one? Travis dropped a red rose emoji underneath a mirror selfie of Kourtney showing off her toned abs in just a black bra and bike shorts.
Well, that didn't take long! After Travis and Kourtney spent time together at her mom, Kris Jenner's, Palm Springs home in January 2021, Us Weekly confirmed they were dating. "Kourtney and Travis are officially a couple," an insider told the publication. "They have been close friends for years and have been dating for a couple months. Travis is very smitten with Kourtney and has been for a while."
After spending their first Valentine's Day cuddled up in front of an outdoor fireplace, the Poosh founder and musician did what all couples must do in the age of Instagram: post their first pic together.
Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram
They went for a more subtle option than most, sharing a photo holding hands in a car.
Kourtney and Travis were seen packing on the PDA after a date to vegan restaurant Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood. "Kourtney and Travis are doing really well," a source told Us Weekly at the time. "Kourtney is so smitten with Travis, and everyone around them loves them as a couple."
The Meet the Barkers alum didn't have to read in between the lines when the reality TV personality left him a handwritten note simply saying, "I love you" and signed with a heart. Travis shared the sweet message on his Instagram Story at the time (because, who wouldn't?!).
Travis Barker/Instagram
The drummer sent the wellness brand creator a massive hanging floral display full of white gardenias and tulips to celebrate her 42nd birthday on April 18. The couple also shared a romantic night out and a special dessert, per Us Weekly.
Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram
Later, Travis a series of Instagram photos celebrating Kourtney's birthday with the caption, "I F*CKING LOVE YOU! 🖤 YOU’RE A BLESSING TO THIS WORLD. HAPPY BIRTHDAY."
Yep, I'm talking about the picture that launched a million group chats. In the now-infamous Instagram post, Kourtney wore a tiny beige thong bikini while passionately kissing Travis, wearing only his black shorts, in the dessert. "Just Like Heaven" read the caption.
"They love getting out of LA and being with their families in the Utah environment," a source told Us Weekly at the time.
As the couple's relationship went full steam(y) ahead into the summer, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that "an engagement could be right around the corner for Kourtney and Travis."
The couple stole the show at MTV's Video Music Awards the second they stepped on their first red carpet together.
Astrid StawiarzGetty Images
The drummer popped the question to the reality star on the beach at the Rosewood Miramar in Santa Barbara, California on October 16, 2021. Kourtney shared the news of their engagement on Instagram, simply captioning a photo of the romantic proposal with "Forever."
A week later, Kourtney shared a close-up of her engagement ring in a topless photo with the caption, "I can’t believe this was a week ago @travisbarker 🌹."
After Kourtney shared a photo series of her and Travis at Simon Huck and Phil Riportella’s wedding reception, the musician was quick to comment "Our turn next" on her post. (Wedding bells, start ringing!)
To commemorate the drummer's 46th trip around the sun, the Poosh founder shared some sweet snaps of the couple, captioned, "I f*cking love you more than anything. My favorite everything. Happy birthday to you my baby!" Travis responded to the post, "You’re a dream come true, my soul mate my everything I LOVE YOU."