Christopher Briney has been stealing hearts with his role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, but in real life, he's happily taken.
The actor, who plays Aaron Samuels in the new Mean Girls musical movie, has been dating girlfriend Isabel Machado since 2021.
In October 2023, while talking to PEOPLE, Briney shared the secret to his successful relationship.
"We were friends first," he said. “We went to college together and we lived together. We knew that we could do it.”
In addition to showing their love for each other through heartfelt tributes online, Machado has been by Briney's side for a handful of red carpet events, including the recent Mean Girls premiere where they cuddled up and gave each other sweet smiles.
Learn more about Machado ahead with these facts.
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She went to school with Briney
Briney and Machado go way back as they went to university together. The couple both graduated from Pace University in 2020 with a BFA in Acting for Film, TV, Voiceover and Commercial.
She's an actress
Like Briney, Machado is in the entertainment industry, having appeared in a handful of independent and short films over the years. She even worked with Briney on a project when they both attended Pace University.
She's a singer
Per her official website, Machado is also a singer and has appeared in a handful of local theater productions, including Hairspray.
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She's from Chicago
Machado describes herself as "Chicago born" and "NY based" on her website.
She's been dating Christopher Briney since 2021
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On June 23, 2022, Briney celebrated his anniversary with Machado, writing on Instagram, "a whole year!? i could never want anything else 💘" Meanwhile, Machado celebrated their "feelingsiversary" in May, writing, "so glad we kiss now," to which Briney replied, "i never want it any other way 💘💘💘."
The couple regularly shares glimpses of their relationship on social media, including cute tributes and flirty comments to each other. On one photo Machado shared of herself in April, Briney adorably wrote, "i love her," in the comments.
During the TAG Heuer Flagship Boutique Opening Event in N.Y.C. on June 12, Briney briefly talked about Machado when PEOPLE asked what makes him feel the most confident. "When my girlfriend tells me I'm pretty, I feel pretty," he quipped.
He also revealed the best style advice his girlfriend has given him, saying, "The biggest thing [she has told me] is just wear something that you think is cool. Not something that you think someone else thinks is cool. It's hard to do that, easier said than done."
The following month, the couple was all smiles as they attended a Ralph Lauren event in East Hampton, New York together. Machado was photographed putting her hands on Briney's chest as he smiled down at her.
She's super supportive of Christopher Briney's career
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Machado was on hand to support Briney at the N.Y.C. premiere of The Summer I Turned Pretty in June 2022.
"Get you some friends like these 😍," Briney wrote alongside a photo of him and Machado hugging on the red carpet.
In January 2024, Machado was by Briney's side as he attended the premiere of Mean Girls, where he takes on the beloved role of Aaron Samuels.
