Supernatural” Love Story: The Unexpected Way Jared Padalecki Won Over His Wife (It Involved a Book)

Jared Padalecki, the heartthrob known for his roles in “Gilmore Girls,” “Supernatural,” and “Walker,” has stolen hearts both on and off-screen. But for over a decade, his heart has belonged to one woman: actress Genevieve Padalecki (formerly Cortese).

A Meet-Cute on the Set of “Supernatural”

Their love story began, as many Hollywood romances do, on a TV set. It was 2008, and Genevieve had just joined the cast of “Supernatural” as the fiery demon Ruby.
Sparks flew immediately, but not necessarily in the way you might expect.

“She was this beautiful girl… reading a book,” Jared recalled during a fan convention, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “And I, being the smooth talker that I am, decided to interrupt her.”

Genevieve, however, remembers their first encounter a little differently. “He was this long-haired guy who obviously hadn’t read the memo about not interrupting a lady with a book,” she joked.

Despite the initial awkwardness, Jared was smitten.

Four Months to a First Date, and a Lifetime of Love

It took a little persistence (and maybe some on-screen chemistry), but Jared eventually won Genevieve over. Their first date came four months after they met, and from that point on, they were inseparable.

Jared proposed in the most romantic way imaginable: in front of Jules Bastien-Lepage’s painting “Joan of Arc” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’m pretty sure I blacked out,” Genevieve later admitted. “It was the most perfect moment.”

Their wedding, a winter wonderland affair held in Sun Valley, Idaho, was the stuff of fairytales.

From Hollywood Glamour to Texas Tranquility

While both Jared and Genevieve had thriving careers in Hollywood, they decided to build their life together far from the spotlight. They settled on a sprawling ranch in Austin, Texas, where they could raise their family surrounded by nature.

“We wanted our kids to grow up with space to run and explore,” Jared explained.
Plus, there’s something about Texas hospitality that just feels like home.”

A Growing Family and an Unbreakable Bond

The Padaleckis welcomed their first son, Thomas “Tom” Colton, in 2012, followed by a second son, Shepherd “Shep,” in 2013.

Their daughter, Odette Elliott, arrived in 2017, completing their family of five.

Jared, a self-proclaimed “girl dad,” admits to being wrapped around his daughter’s little finger.

Balancing Parenthood, Careers, and a Love That Endures

Navigating the demands of Hollywood and parenthood is no easy feat, but Jared and Genevieve have managed to maintain a strong and loving partnership.

We make time for each other, even if it’s just 15 minutes to have coffee and talk before the kids wake up,” Genevieve shared. “Communication is key.”

They’re also each other’s biggest cheerleaders, supporting each other’s careers and passions.

Genevieve even starred alongside Jared in the first season of “Walker,” proving that their on-screen chemistry is just as potent as ever.
A Decade of Love and a Lifetime to Go

As they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, Jared took to Instagram to express his love and gratitude for his wife.

Ten years ago today, I was able to convince my best friend to marry me,” he wrote. “I can’t even imagine what I must have done in a past life to deserve to spend this one with this phenomenal woman. I am the luckiest man alive.”

From that awkward first encounter on the set of “Supernatural” to a decade of marriage, a family, and countless shared dreams, Jared and Genevieve Padalecki have proven that sometimes, real life can be even more magical than the supernatural world they once inhabited.