Hulu’s latest release, Swiped has been leading the headlines with the fascinating real-life story of Bumble founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd. The film shed light on the journey of Tinder’s co-founder, reflecting on how she created the dating app Bumble, which changed the way many women approach online dating. The film starred Lily James as ‘Whitney’ and Pierson Fode as her husband ‘Michael Herd’, and it delves into both her rise as the genius who changed the tech world and her personal life. However, Whitney didn’t just revolutionise the dating world with her ‘girls make the first move’ concept.
She followed it in her own love story, not on an app, but on a ski trip. Whiteney Wolfe met the love of her life, Michael Herd, while on a vacation in Aspen. The CEO followed her own ‘first move’ rule and approached Michael with an offer to teach him how to ski. A spark that flew in Aspen soon blossomed into marriage in Italy. With two children and a solid partnership, Whitney and Michael’s story is one of balance, both professionally and personally. So, without any further ado, let us introduce you to the man who became the yin to Whitney’s yang.
How did Whitney Wolfe Herd meet her husband, Michael Herd?
The American entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe changed the online dating game for many women in the modern world, giving them maximum control over who they choose. In a market filled with apps that didn’t understand women’s needs, she not only created a solution but also earned billions from it. The businesswoman became the youngest billionaire in the world when she took Bumble public. However, did you know her own love story didn’t start on an app but still followed her ‘girls make the first move’ concept?
Whitney Wolfe met the love of her life, Michael Herd, while she was on a Christmas ski trip with their respective families in Aspen. It was 2013, and a mutual friend introduced them. Just like her dating app, she took control by making the first move. For the unversed, while Michael was in the gorgeous ranges of Aspen, famous for its skiing resorts, he was missing out on the fun because he didn’t know how to ski.
Whitey Wolfe spotted Michael Herd as he had his lunch instead of being on the white slopes and started giving him a hard time. According to her interview with Vogue, she teased Michael about “wasting such amazing conditions”, to which the latter revealed that he didn’t know how to ski. The revelation left Whitney perplexed, as she was from Utah and grew up skiing. It was in that moment that she decided to teach Michael how to ski and show off her skills in the process.
From their first date on Valentine’s Day to a dreamy wedding in Positano
image credit @Vogue
After their first meeting, Whitney Wolfe and Michael Herd maintained contact. However, it was only on Valentine’s Day in 2014 that the couple officially started dating. It was a year later, when Michael got down on one knee and asked Whitney to be his forever partner. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in a dreamy wedding in Positano, Italy. In a 2024 interview with C Magazine, Whitney reflected on their bond and stated:
“We have a beautiful balance in our relationship. We’re so yin and yang. I’ve been living behind a computer screen for the past decade. And Michael’s life has been so offline.”
Who is Whitney Wolfe’s husband, Michael Herd?
Michael Herd himself is also a successful businessman. He is the president of Herd Producing Company, an oil and gas firm based on the outskirts of Texas. The company was founded by his late grandfather, Bob L. Herd. He’s also a restaurateur and owns The Grove in his hometown of Tyler, Texas. Growing up, Michael worked with an old cowboy named Hollis to expand his grandparents’ property. The cowboy taught him how to ‘rope and ride’ horses, which he used later in his life. Michael competed in rodeos during his college years and continues to participate in them even now.
Whitney Wolfe and Michael Herd’s family life
Whitney Wolfe and Michael Herd have been extremely private about their family life. However, we know that they are loving parents to two sons. The couple welcomed their first child in 2019, named Bobby Lee ‘Bo’ Herd II. The couple was blessed with their second son, Henry Herd, in 2022. While managing their respective successful careers, the couple ensures they are present for their family and support each other in every decision, struggle, and milestone.
What Whitney Wolfe Herd said about Swiped?
Swiped doesn’t just explore the rise of Bumble in the dating world but also dives into Whitney Wolfe’s brief time with Tinder. The businesswoman sued the company in 2014, claiming that she was sexually harassed and discriminated against by one of her cofounders and then-boyfriend, Justin Mateen. The case was eventually settled out of court. In a conversation with C Magazine, Whitney shared how she felt about the film and stated:
“I don’t quite know how to feel about that. We’ll see it when everyone else does.”
What are your thoughts on Whitney Wolfe Herd’s husband, Michael Herd and their cutesy love story? Let us know.
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