Cardia Brown is stepping into one of her biggest moments yet as a host on Food Network’s Baking Championship NextGen, co-starring alongside Duff Goldman. The series launched in early January 2026, and with it came the inevitable buzz and scrutiny that follows any major casting change on the network. Cardia, however, has faced the noise head-on, addressing nasty online comments with a firm stance: she refuses to let negativity spoil the experience for kids and families tuning in.

But while Cardia commands the spotlight, the most fascinating part of her story isn’t the show—it’s the man standing just out of frame. Brian Smith, whom Cardia lovingly calls “the man of my dreams,” remains intentionally private, shying away from the celebrity spouse spotlight despite his wife’s rising fame. This choice isn’t accidental; it’s the foundation of how their relationship thrives.

Their journey began back in September 2016. Cardia and Brian met, dated, drifted apart, and circled back without drama—just two people whose timing didn’t quite align. Then 2020 happened, turning everyone’s world upside down. Both found themselves back in Atlanta to be near family during the pandemic. It was Cardia’s mom who nudged her to reach out to Brian, asking, “Hey, what’s he doing?” That simple push rekindled their connection in March 2020, and this time, it stuck—not because everything was perfect, but because it was calm.

Brian isn’t just Cardia’s husband; he’s also her brand manager. They work closely every day, navigating the challenges of her career side by side. “You have to like someone a lot to do that,” Cardia says, calling him her best friend. The phrase that truly stands out is her description of Brian as the one who “calms my nervous system.” This isn’t just a cute caption—it’s a life strategy, a testament to the deep emotional support he provides amid the pressures of fame.

Their renewed relationship culminated in a magical moment when Brian proposed at midnight on New Year’s Day 2023. Cardia shared the emotional video, stunned and overjoyed, calling it “the best night of my life” with “full-on we’re really doing this energy.” In March 2025, they made it official with a wedding at Solaz Resort in Cabo San Lucas. The ceremony was classic and clean, infused with nods to their Lowcountry roots. Cardia wore a custom gown designed by Project Runway alum Lorie Underwood, inspired by an Adele concert look—romantic, stylish, and deeply personal.

Now, Cardia says they’re still basking in that “newlywed glow.” Perhaps that’s the real reason Brian stays out of the limelight. While Cardia takes on the loudest stages of her career, Brian quietly builds stability behind the scenes, offering the calm and grounding that fuel her success.