California, here we come—right back where Adam Brody and Leighton Meester's relationship started from.
While the couple tend to keep details of their marriage private, The O.C. actor recently recounted the story of how he met the Gossip Girl actress.
As Brody explained to Penn Badgley, Meester's former co-star on The CW drama, on the April 12 episode of Stitcher Studios' Podcrushed, he first encountered her at Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, where she was dining with Gossip Girl creator Josh Schwartz—who also created The O.C.—and her castmates.
"That's when I saw her," the Shazam! star recalled, "and yeah I was smitten instantly."
However, Brody and Meester's romance didn't blossom.
"I was, you know, smitten for a long time," the Jennifer's Body alum, who co-starred with Meester in the 2011 movie The Oranges, continued. "I didn't get to know her for many years after, even though we even worked together briefly. She's so lovely, and she's so sweet. She's so nice. She's so good. And yet—and this is to her credit—she remained elusive to me for so long and aloof."
Still, Brody, 43, said Meester, 37, has since told him the crush was mutual.
"I couldn't get a total read because, even though she professes to have been interested in me and all those things, not only did she not pursue that—I mean, she was perfectly willing to let that never happen," he shared. "Yeah, she was perfectly willing to let that message in the bottle return to sea at several points."
The reason Meester didn't make a move? "She says, 'Oh, it's because I knew if we did, it would be a thing,'" Brody said. "'You know, it's too powerful.'"
However, Badgley wasn't convinced, telling him with a laugh, "That's a line." And Brody agreed, adding, "That's what I said."
Fast-forward to today and Brody and Meester have been married for almost a decade and share two children: daughter Arlo, 7, and a 2-year-old son.
To look back at their love story, keep scrolling.
Out and About
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody showed some sweet PDA while heading to a Mexican restaurant in 2013.
Mums the Word
As romance rumors continued to swirl, the pair declined to publicly comment on the status of their relationship. But you know what they say, a picture's worth a thousand words.
NYC Love
Spotted: After keeping under the radar for months, Meester and Brody resurfaced in New York City together.
He Put a Ring on It
In 2013, news broke that The O.C. actor and the Gossip Girl star were engaged. Nearly a month later, they were photographed stealing a smooch in South Africa.
Wedding Bells
Meester and Brody got married in a super-secretive ceremony in 2014.
Red Carpet Ready
The actress supported her husband at the premiere of his movie Shazam! in 2019. No doubt their daughter, Arlo, loves that her dad is a superhero!
Picture Perfect
Brody previously shared that becoming a father is "the best in every way."
Do Gooders
In their spare time, this couple enjoys giving back to their community.
Co-Stars
After working on 2011's The Oranges, the two once again reunited on the set of Meester's show Single Parents in 2019. In his guest role, Brody played her character's ex.
Proud Parents
While the couple never announced they were expecting baby No. 2, Brody confirmed in September 2020 that Meester gave birth to their second child.
Stylish Pair
The stars dazzle at the 2022 premiere of his show Fleishman Is In Trouble.
XOXO
Meester and Brody also made a super duo at the March 2023 premiere of his movie Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Movie Night
Hey Upper East Siders, the Blair Waldorf alum and Seth Cohen actor attended the screening of his film American Fiction in December 2023.
A Golden Evening
Meester and Brody celebrate the 2024 Golden Globes at an after-party in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Date Night
And the award for cutest couple at the 2024 SAG Awards goes to...
A Golden Couple
Leighton accompanied Adam, nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy TV Series for his role in Nobody Wants This, at the 82nd Golden Globes held in January 2025.
Date Night at The SAG Awards
The following month, Leighton and Adam stepped out once again for a date night to the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in February.