‘Vanderpump Rules’ Star Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai’s Relationship Timeline: From a Coachella Hookup to Casual Dates

Ariana Madix has offered glimpses into her steamy connection with Daniel Wai following her split from Tom Sandoval.

After nearly a decade of dating, Us Weekly confirmed in March 2023 that Madix and Sandoval parted ways due to his affair with their Vanderpump Rules costar Raquel Leviss. The TomTom co-owner later issued a public apology to Madix after initially only addressing the negative response his Los Angeles business received amid the fallout.

One month later, Madix attended Coachella with a group of friends, which included Wai. The pair sparked romance speculation after they posted several snaps of them holding hands and kissing at the musical festival.

A source exclusively told Us at the time that Madix and the personal trainer were “just having fun” during the outing. “Ariana is not ready to commit to anything serious right now as she is still healing from the relationship that just ended with Tom,” the insider explained, noting that the Bravo star is “not looking” for commitment after calling it quits with Sandoval. “Part of her healing process was going to have a good time at Coachella and that is what she did.”

Sandoval, for his part, wished his ex-girlfriend luck with her romantic life. “Yes, I love that,” he told TMZ in April 2023. “Yes, I do [want her to find love again]. I really do.”

Scroll down for a full breakdown of Madix and Wai’s romance:

April 2023

The pair initially sparked romance rumors after they hung out together at Coachella with a group of friends. Madix and Wai were seen packing on the PDA in the desert and shared a steamy kiss at the Los Angeles airport days later.

April 2023

Amid Madix’s public outings with Wai, a source exclusively told Us that the reality star was enjoying single life. “She is allowed to date whoever she wants and was having an amazing time at Coachella with Daniel,” the insider shared. “She’s definitely open to seeing where things go with Daniel, but at the same time, Ariana isn’t totally ready to jump into a serious relationship.”

April 2023

After a social media user asked Wai to “take care” of the Bravo star, he replied, “Will do!” The New York native also wrote “yes” when another follower told him to “treat ariana like the queen she is.”

May 2024

The Fancy AF Cocktails coauthor visited Wai in New York one month after they went public with their romance. The twosome were photographed at a baseball game and getting cozy on several date nights.

May 2023

Madix was by Wai’s side as he celebrated his birthday with a shopping trip and a group dinner. The duo later packed on the PDA while strolling through New York City together.

May 2023

Madix was all smiles on a lunch date with Wai in New York City.

May 2023

“I’ll just say that I am very happy and very satisfied,” Madix gushed on WWHL in May 2023 after being asked about the new man in her life.

That same month, the Fancy AF Cocktails coauthor recalled meeting Wai shortly after her split from Sandoval. “I met him at a wedding about ten days after all of this. And in no way, shape or form did I go into that thinking anything,” she shared on Today. “I have just been taking things very, very slow and really enjoying myself. And it’s just really lovely to interact with someone who is just so nice and kind and lovely and caring.”

August 2023

Madix offered a glimpse into her trip to Chicago with Wai, posing in front of the city’s iconic Bean sculpture.

Later that month, Madix gushed about Wai on Scheana Shay’s “Scheananigans” podcast, saying, “He’s a very grounding, calming, positive energy. He’s always trying to help with things. … He is someone who does bring a whole lot of happiness and really just calming, positive energy to my life, so I’m gonna keep him around.”

The Something About Her cofounder also discussed how the pair plan to make long-distance dating work.

“It’s hard to predict — even just work-wise — what’s gonna come up in the next year or so,” she continued. “I would love it if he moved out here [to L.A.], but he’s born and raised in New York, so I can understand how that would be a huge adjustment. His family is there, and I wouldn’t wanna take him away.”

December 2023

Wai showed support for Madix after she placed third on season 32 of Dancing With the Stars. “This is an appreciation post for @arianamadix I am so proud of you and you are so amazing and to me you are the champ, the people’s champ. Yo @pashapashkov thank you for all that you have done and for guiding her through this journey,” he wrote via Instagram alongside clips of Madix’s performances.

That same month, the fitness trainer joined Madix at the WWHL Clubhouse, where she confirmed that they defined their relationship. He was also featured in multiple clips from the trailer for season 11 of Vanderpump Rules.

January 2024

Wai made his debut on Vanderpump Rules during the season 11 premiere via FaceTime.

May 2024

Madix shared a sweet snap of the couple via Instagram in honor of Wai’s birthday on May 4. “happy birthday to the most handsome man i know who always lets me have the first and last bite 👑💖🥵,” she captioned the pic.

January 2025

The couple packed on the PDA while ringing in New Year’s Eve. Two months later, Madix called Wai “The One” during an interview with E! News at the iHeartRadio Awards.