Days of our Lives Recap Jan 2: A surprise wedding guest, and a proposal rocks New Year’s Eve in Salem
In the Days of our Lives recap for Friday, January 2, 2026, Leo and Javi got married, Alex proposed, and a surprise guest rocked the newlyweds.
Days of our Lives Recap
Chad arrived late for the wedding and was surprised that Leo wasn’t there yet. Marlena told him privately about Leo’s anxiety and that she was concerned. Ari wanted to storm off, claiming she knew Leo would be a trainwreck and hurt Javi.
Just then, Leo arrived in a great mood and didn’t know why everyone was looking at him strangely. He told Marlena her words of wisdom resonated, and he was ready to get married.
Across the square, Gwen told Chad that she was glad he was safe. She thanked him for not telling his kids the truth about her. Chad said they wouldn’t hear it from him, but they would one day, from someone.
The wedding began, and Marlena officiated. She told everyone how much joy it gave her to see how loving and committed Javi and Leo were. Marlena invited Gabi and Ari to read a poem, and then she led them through their vows.
When Marlena asked if anyone had objections, Gwen rolled her eyes and played on her phone. Back to the vows, Leo got choked up as he and Javi committed to one another.
Chad and Rafe handed Leo and Javi their rings to exchange. Javi and Leo then said their vows in their own words. Marlena declared them officially married.
After the ceremony, the Hernandez family congratulated the happy couple. Gabi encouraged a doubtful Ari that everyone should find a love like Leo and Javi’s. Meanwhile, Gwen gave the newlyweds a tense congrats and said she might see them at the reception.
Gwen was texting on her phone as Leo and Javi kissed. They began to walk away, but were stopped in their tracks by Dimitri.
At Stephanie and Alex’s apartment, he wanted her to have the New Year’s Eve of her dreams. Steve showed up to join them, and the three of them went out for dinner.
When they got to the bistro, Kayla surprised them and said she’d taken the night off after all. Stephanie was delighted that they were all there. Kayla told her that she had a feeling 2026 was going to be memorable.
Alex left for the bar and returned with a large gift box wrapped in gold with a big red bow. Stephanie opened it to find a smaller box. Inside, there was a ring box, and when she opened it, there was a note. “Will you marry me?” she read.
Alex dropped to one knee and pulled out a ring. Holding it up, Alex asked, “What do you say — will you marry me?” Stephanie gasped that the ring was gorgeous and stumbled over processing the surprise.
Kayla and Steve revealed they were in on the surprise, and Alex told her that he asked both of her parents for her hand in marriage. Stephanie accepted his proposal, and they sealed it with a kiss.
Kayla was grateful to Steve for putting his protective papa bear instincts aside to give Alex his blessing. Meanwhile, Alex told Stephanie he’d be okay with a long engagement if that was what she wanted.
Want to know what happens next? Get the Days of our Lives spoilers for next week at The Soap Scene.