Love stories don’t always start off picture-perfect, and Chip and Joanna Gaines are living proof of that. For their first date, Chip arrived a full 90 minutes late to pick up Joanna, who would eventually become his wife. “He just showed up and said, ‘So, Joanna, where do you want to go eat?’ And he didn’t even apologize for being late!” Joanna recalls with a laugh. Despite the rocky start, the couple ended up dining on fried chicken at a restaurant inside a historic mansion. As Chip animatedly shared his stories and dreams, Joanna, who was typically more reserved, found herself charmed by his confidence and charisma.

Building a Life Together

Fast forward to later this month, and the Gaines family will celebrate an incredible 17 years of marriage. Chip and Joanna, who became household names through HGTV’s Fixer Upper and are now preparing to launch their own Magnolia Network, have built a life rooted in teamwork and togetherness. “One of the most important things we learned early on in our relationship is that the more time we spend together, the stronger our bond becomes,” Joanna, 42, shares. “We function better as a team. Separation just doesn’t work for us.”

Family First

For their upcoming anniversary, the Waco, Texas-based couple plans to celebrate in true Gaines style—with their kids front and center. Drake, 15; Ella, 13; Duke, 11; Emmie, 10; and Crew, 22 months, will all be part of the festivities. “This anniversary is all about sticking together,” says a close family friend. “Joanna isn’t interested in being pampered or having some elaborate celebration. What she really wants is a family gathering where everyone can participate and feel included. After all, they’ve got so much to be thankful for.”

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Chip and Joanna Gaines' Kids — Courtesy of Chip Gaines/Instagram

When Chip and Joanna first started out, they had no idea that their journey would lead them to becoming TV stars. In fact, when they tied the knot back in 2003, their financial situation was far from glamorous. “Chip was the only one with any money in his pocket when we got married,” Joanna, who studied broadcast journalism but was working at her dad’s auto shop, recalls. “I always imagined being on TV, but I never thought it would involve design or home renovations.”

Opposites Attract

Chip, on the other hand, was a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” who used his construction expertise to flip houses. “People might see Chip as just this funny, quirky guy, but he’s also one of the bravest people I’ve ever met,” Joanna says. Despite their differences—Joanna being more structured and cautious while Chip thrives on breaking boundaries—they’ve found a perfect balance in their marriage. “We’re like this strange yin and yang,” Joanna explains. “At the end of the day, we’re stronger and more powerful when we’re working together.”

Their renovated 1895 farmhouse, which serves as their family home, is a testament to their commitment to simplicity and hard work. “Even though they’ve achieved so much success, they make a conscious effort to keep things simple,” a close friend shares. “Their main focus is raising kids who understand the value of hard work and integrity.”

Work and Family: A Seamless Blend

For the Gaines family, blending work and family life comes naturally. “Watching my kids grow up is one of the greatest joys of my life,” Chip says. While he’s openly expressed his desire for a sixth child, he’s quick to credit Joanna for the beautiful family they’ve built together. “Being married to her and raising kids with her has been the greatest honor of my life,” Chip says with heartfelt admiration.

Louise A. Barile, with reporting by Rick Egusquiza

To learn even more about Chip and Joanna’s inspiring story, grab the latest issue of Closer magazine, available on newsstands now.