Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel Relationship Timeline

Shay Mitchell & Matte Babel: The Complete Relationship Timeline

Actress Shay Mitchell, best known for her pivotal role in Pretty Little Liars, leads a life often in the spotlight. Yet her relationship with entertainment executive Matte Babel stands out for its privacy, subtlety, and genuine connection. This article presents a thorough timeline of their romance, exploring the important milestones, personal philosophies, and evolution from secret meetings to parenthood. If you want to get up to speed before diving into their reality series Almost Ready, this guide covers it all.

Summary Table: Key Events in Shay & Matte’s Relationship

January 2017: Fans Start Noticing Matte Babel in Shay Mitchell’s Life

The public first began to piece the relationship together through Mitchell’s social media presence. While she tended to keep Babel off her main Instagram grid, fans with keen eyes spotted him in her Snapchat stories starting in early January 2017. These subtle clues set off a wave of speculation among followers, indicating something significant was beginning between the pair.

• Early glimpses of their connection surfaced online rather than traditional press.
• Mitchell continued to keep their interactions understated, signaling her desire for privacy.

January 2017: Media Confirms Their Relationship

Shortly after Babel’s Snapchat appearances, Entertainment Tonight confirmed the pair had been dating for a few months, suggesting the romance started well before public knowledge. Both Mitchell and Babel hail from Toronto but reportedly met through mutual friends in Los Angeles during 2016.

• First official media reports mark January 4th as the beginning of public acknowledgment.
• Their meeting in L.A.—despite Toronto roots—illustrates their interconnected social circles.
• At the time, Babel was working as a reporter for Entertainment Tonight Canada.

April 2017: Matte Babel Celebrates Shay’s Birthday on Instagram

On April 11, 2017, Babel broke their subtle approach by posting a birthday tribute to Shay on Instagram. The post featured a smiling photo of Mitchell accompanied by the playful caption: “Happy Birthday to the one who makes me smile and always seems to find the rosé (or Hennessy) – @shaymitchell.” This message, alongside a kiss face emoji, marked the first undeniable proof of their romantic connection.

• The Instagram post received significant attention as a ‘hard launch’ for their relationship.
• The couple’s chemistry became more apparent to fans and media observers.

February 2018: Another Sweet Instagram Shout-Out

Babel continued to show affection for Mitchell on social media. In early 2018, he shared a throwback photo of them at an outdoor event, writing: “Always pause for a good pic and tell her how much you love her before admitting you forgot the wristbands at home.” The tone was playful, showing a blend of humor and love that would become a hallmark of their private partnership.

• Frequent public acknowledgments balanced with keeping major details private.
• Fans noticed the consistency in Babel’s supportive, loving tone.

Matte Babel: More Than Shay’s Boyfriend

Many may wonder who exactly Matte Babel is beyond his connection to Shay. Babel was born and raised in Toronto, making him part of the city’s close-knit entertainment scene. He boasts a varied background, from his days as a television host to working behind the scenes as the Chief Brand Officer at DreamCrew—the company that manages music heavyweight Drake. Not only does he share professional ties with Drake, but their friendship is also longstanding, a connection Mitchell has discussed in interviews.

• Babel’s entertainment career includes TV hosting, music reporting, and brand management.
• His professional circle overlaps with Toronto icons like Drake and others.
• Mitchell once described their group as “a Toronto crew” with a strong bond.

Matte Babel Quick Facts

• Toronto native with deep ties to the entertainment industry
• Chief Brand Officer at DreamCrew, Drake’s management group
• Background in acting, music, and television hosting (e.g., Entertainment Tonight Canada)
• Part of the circle of Toronto creatives including Drake

From Secrecy to Parenthood: Key Family Milestones

Expecting Their First Child (2019)

For months, Mitchell and Babel maintained their ultra-private approach, rarely sharing details publicly. In June 2019, Mitchell revealed she was pregnant with their first child via an emotionally raw YouTube video. She emphasized her decision to share the news in her own way, explaining that the journey had its challenges and “it didn’t feel right to just put up a photo and have people think everything has been peaches and rainbows.”

• The pregnancy reveal marked a pivotal transition from privacy to openness about specific life events.
• Mitchell’s vulnerability resonated with fans, highlighting the complexities of parenthood.

Welcoming Daughter Atlas Noa (October 2019)

Shortly after the announcement, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Atlas Noa Babel, in October 2019. Mitchell shared precious glimpses of their new arrival, including a touching photo of Atlas’ tiny hand. Babel also posted about the excitement and depth of feeling that comes with becoming new parents.

• Atlas Noa’s birth established Mitchell and Babel as a celebrity family.
• Their parenting style reflected warmth and intentional privacy.

Second Child Announced (February 2022)

In February 2022, Mitchell surprised followers again by announcing her second pregnancy with an emotional post. Her candid approach continued as she discussed both the joys and anxieties that accompanied the experience of expanding their family.

• The announcement followed personal challenges, including the loss of Mitchell’s grandmother, adding poignancy to the family’s joy.
• This period brought renewed media attention and support from their fanbase.

Birth of Daughter Rome (June 2022)

On June 5, 2022, Mitchell gave birth to their second daughter, Rome Babel. The family shared glimpses of their newborn amidst ongoing commitments in their respective careers. With two young daughters, Shay and Matte’s focus on gentle privacy and nurturing family ties became more evident than ever.

• The Babel-Mitchell family now includes two daughters: Atlas and Rome.
• Shay continued to release work for her travel brand, BÉIS, while Matte managed Drake’s career.
• Family life remained out of the spotlight, consistent with their established ethos.

Babel and Mitchell’s Unique Relationship Philosophy

No Rush to Marry

Unlike many celebrity couples, Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel have openly discussed their decision not to prioritize marriage. While their romance remains strong, both have emphasized there is “no pressure” to wed. In various interviews and social media posts, Mitchell explained her view on traditional relationships, stating that marriage isn’t necessary for them to feel committed or content.

• Mitchell has repeatedly shared that she has “no interest in marriage, even to Babel”—a personal stance rooted in independence and mutual respect.
• The couple’s public approach rejects formulaic timelines in favor of authenticity and partnership.
• Both value their “healthy” partnership free from societal expectations.

Healthy Partnership in the Public Eye

In December 2023, Shay opened up further about her relationship, describing it as “healthy” and built on strong communication, trust, and mutual support. The couple continues to avoid typical Hollywood narratives, forging a partnership based on subtlety, loyalty, and consistent affection.

• Their relationship offers a fresh example for fans seeking alternatives to traditional romance narratives.
• Both prioritize family, personal growth, and career success in tandem with their partnership.

Major Public Appearances

• Attending rapper Drake’s birthday party together in 2019, dancing to music and enjoying the nightlife.
• Shared moments captured on Snapchat and Instagram, with Babel posting affectionate messages for Mitchell on anniversaries and birthdays.
• Gracing red carpets and attending industry events as a united yet low-key couple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel start dating?

The couple reportedly started dating in late 2016, though their relationship was confirmed by media in January 2017.

How many children do Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel have?

They have two daughters: Atlas Noa (born October 2019) and Rome (born June 2022).

What does Matte Babel do for a living?

Babel is the Chief Brand Officer at DreamCrew, managing creative projects for Drake and other entertainment ventures. He also has a background in television hosting and music reporting.

Are Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel married?

No, Mitchell and Babel have publicly stated that they are not married and have chosen not to rush into marriage, focusing instead on their partnership and family.

Why do Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel choose to keep their relationship private?

Both value personal privacy, preferring to share meaningful moments on their own terms, away from constant public scrutiny. They believe this strengthens their bond and enables a more authentic approach to relationship milestones.

Timeline Highlights: Shay & Matte’s Relationship

• 2016: Rumored beginnings, met in L.A. via mutual friends.
• Jan 2017: First public sightings and Snapchat appearances.
• Apr 2017: Babel’s Instagram birthday post for Shay.
• Feb 2018: Another sweet and humorous Instagram post.
• June 2019: Mitchell announces pregnancy.
• Oct 2019: Atlas Noa is born.
• Feb 2022: Second pregnancy announcement.
• June 2022: Rome is born.
• May 2023 & May 2024: Shay reiterates her views on partnership and marriage.

Personal Values and Relationship Dynamics

• Support & Growth: Both support each other’s careers and personal milestones, balancing demanding schedules and family commitments.
• Privacy: They avoid oversharing, preferring to carefully curate what they reveal to the public.
• Partnership Over Formality: Shay and Matte believe true commitment isn’t defined by marital status but by shared values and ongoing effort.

Conclusion: What Makes Their Relationship Stand Out?

Despite the celebrity culture’s tendency to spotlight and sensationalize high-profile relationships, Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel have crafted their own narrative. From the earliest hidden snapshots to the joys and challenges of parenthood, their story unfolds as one of authenticity, warmth, and enduring partnership. Whether they’re talking about the importance of privacy, redefining commitment, or supporting each other’s careers, their relationship offers a modern blueprint for love beyond expectation.