Paul Bernon: 5 Things To Know About Bethenny Frankel’s New Fiance

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Bethenny Frankel and Paul Bernon are headed to the alter! The couple’s engagement news, which HollywoodLife can confirm, came on March 23, came after Bethenny was photographed with a massive diamond ring on her left hand over the weekend. The Real Housewives of New York alum, 50, sported the large sparkler while taking a dip in the ocean during a getaway to Florida with Bernon. The exciting news also came on the same day the outlet confirmed that Bethenny’s years-long divorce from ex-husband Jason Hoppy was finalized. — Learn more about Bethenny’s fiance with these quick five facts:

Who is Paul Bernon? 

Paul Bernon is a film producer and real estate developer. He has two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts degree in film studies from Boston University, and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from New York University. Paul is the founder and partner of a production company, Burn Later Productions, according to his LinkedIn page. And, you might’ve seen a few of his films, including 2013’s Drinking Buddies, which starred Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick, as well as Best Kept Secret (2013). Paul is a also managing partner at a Massachusetts based real estate firm. Additionally, he’s a board member and founding chair of the Creative Council at EMILY’s List, a political action committee focused on electing pro-choice Democratic women.

When did Bethenny and Paul start dating? 

Bethenny and Paul were first spotted getting cozy together while in Boston in October of 2018 — nearly two months after her on-off boyfriend, Dennis Shields, passed away. The pair dated for two years before they briefly called it quits in the fall of 2020. Fans assumed that Bethenny and Paul rekindled their romance in early 2021, when they were spotted together in Miami and Boston in January.

Paul even supported Bethenny during her tumultuous custody trial with her ex-husband, Hoppy in March of 2019. He was right by his then-girlfriend’s side in the court room — and a source told HollywoodLife at the time that his presence meant “a lot” to Bethenny.

The former Bravo star married Hoppy in March 2010, and welcomed daughter, Bryn (now 10) that May. Two years later, the pair announced they were separating. In 2014, the exes had reached a custody agreement over their only child, though Bethenny sued for primary care in December of 2017, which led to the aforementioned custody battle.

He lives in a different state than Bethenny. 

Paul resides in the “Greater Boston Area,” according to his Linkedln page. Meanwhile, Bethenny still lives in New York. Though, she’s been spotted visiting her beau in Beantown during their relationship. Not to mention, the pair enjoys traveling the world together. In August of 2019, Paul shared a series of throwback photos from the couple’s trip to Italy.

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Bethenny and Paul have credited balance as a factor that makes their romance work.   

Bethenny once described their relationship as, “Not a high or a low, just a balance — which, if you know my personality at all, it’s not often that balanced,” during an appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan in July of 2019.

For his part, Paul echoed his lady love in an Instagram post for her 49th birthday in November of 2019. “I feel just balanced and healthy,” he wrote in his caption. “Happy birthday! You have brought me true happiness, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. No one is smarter, funnier, or makes a bigger impact to help those around us. Thank you for being the most loving partner. I can’t wait to celebrate you today.”  

Paul is a divorcee. 

He was previously married to Ashley Bernon, a well-known figure in the Boston social scene. They divorced in 2017, and reportedly share two kids.