Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev's Relationship Timeline

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev first met when they were paired on season 25 of 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2017

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got to know each other in the most romantic way.

The two met in 2017 when they were paired together on season 25 of Dancing with the Stars, although the retired WWE wrestler was engaged to John Cena at the time. In July 2018, Bella and Cena officially ended their relationship after six years together.

The DWTS pair reconnected later that year and made their relationship Instagram official in March 2019. Since then, Bella and Chigvintsev have celebrated several milestones together: They got engaged in November 2019, welcomed a son in July 2020 and said, "I do," in August 2022.

"They say love conquers all... and it sure does," Bella wrote on Instagram in March 2020. "So many people in the beginning said it was just lust, my feelings weren't real, it was just the dance, the infatuation, the mystery of this person, but I knew & felt it was always more. I listened to my heart, my soul, my body, I knew deep down that this was God's gift, his answered prayer."

From their Dancing with the Stars connection to their Parisian wedding, here's everything to know about Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev's relationship.

September 2017: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev meet on Dancing with the Stars

Bella and Chigvintsev met on the set of Dancing with the Stars when they were paired up as partners for season 25. They were eliminated in the show's seventh week.

Late 2018: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev catch up for lunch

Sometime after Bella and Cena broke up in July 2018, Bella reconnected with Chigvintsev for lunch, as seen on the Jan. 20, 2019, episode of Total Bellas.

"The last time I saw Artem I was in a relationship for so long, so I'm just really excited to see him today," she said in a clip.

December 2018: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev spark relationship rumors

Bella and Chigvintsev were spotted at a farmer's market together in December 2018, sparking relationship rumors.

The former WWE star later opened up about the pair's first date to Entertainment Tonight. ​​"Our first date was at the farmer's market in Studio City, and I had no idea that it was filled with paparazzi," she said, adding that she "just freaked" and left without telling Chigvintsev.

January 3, 2019: PEOPLE reports Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are dating

A source confirmed to PEOPLE on Jan. 3, 2019, that Bella and Chigvintsev were dating. At the same time, another insider revealed that the duo had a "strong attraction."

"They've been spending time together for a long time, but it's nothing serious right now," the source told PEOPLE. "They have a strong attraction to each other, but they're just having fun. They're both extremely busy with their own careers, so they spend time together when they can."

January 24, 2019: Nikki Bella says she's just "having fun" with Artem Chigvintsev

After admitting she had "amazing chemistry" with Chigvintsev, Bella downplayed their relationship, saying she's just "having fun" during an appearance on Access Live on Jan. 24, 2019.

"I'm having a lot of fun in my dating life," Bella said in the clip. "Not just Artem [Chigvintsev], I mean we had amazing chemistry. I'm just kind of having fun. I don't want to say playing the field, but just kind of having different experiences."

March 24, 2019: Nikki Bella confirms her relationship with Artem Chigvintsev on Instagram

Bella posted a picture of her kissing Chigvintsev's cheek on March 24, 2019, making their relationship Instagram official. Her hand was cupped around his cheek in the sweet snap, and he's smiling at the camera.

April 5, 2019: Nikki Bella clarifies that she's "not fully taken" by Artem Chigvintsev

After an outpouring of support for her Instagram post about Chigvintsev, Bella told PEOPLE that she meant for the post to be more casual.

"I posted a photo of us because we're dating and we're having fun," Bella told PEOPLE. "Then everyone went (and said) we were official."

Bella also said she was "not fully taken," adding, "It's been great. I adore him."

April 13, 2019: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev attend Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson's wedding

Bella and Chigvintsev attended Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson's wedding on April 13, 2019. She talked about the event on The Bellas Podcast on April 24, again clarifying that Chigvintsev was not her "boyfriend."

"I posted a lot [at the wedding] with Artem. We did really cute snaps," she said. "I was his date, right, we're dating. But then everywhere it says, 'Nikki Bella and boyfriend Artem' — and I'm like, wait, boyfriend? Why are there labels? Why are they doing that?"

After her twin sister, Brie Bella, called her out for her "intimate type of pictures" with Chigvintsev, Bella said, "I'll admit, I like doing it, I have fun. One, he's crazy photogenic, he's very handsome, but beyond that, we have a really fun time posting. It's fun for us."

May 3, 2019: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev go to Disneyland together

In May 2019, Bella and Chigvintsev joined Bella's sister Brie, her husband Daniel Bryan and her daughter Birdie on a trip to Disneyland to celebrate Birdie's second birthday.

July 11, 2019: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev make their red carpet debut

Bella and Chigvintsev posed for photos together on the red carpet at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards.

"Artem's aura and energy, he's so calming and relaxing," Bella told PEOPLE at the event. "I'm like the Tasmanian devil, I need someone with his energy to make me stop and be present. … He's so adorable and sweet."

"I think she's the exact opposite of me," said Chigvintsev. "What I'm missing in my life, she fulfills."

July 17, 2019: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev announce they're boyfriend and girlfriend

The couple clarified their relationship status on The Bellas Podcast four months after their first Instagram selfie. Bella said, "We're boyfriend and girlfriend." Chigvintsev added, "We're in a relationship."

They also danced to "Let You Love Me" by Rita Ora as a special nod to the way they met.

"I'm the one that chose the song and [it's] kind of my journey with Artem and dating," Bella said. "This song really hit me hard. I just felt like, 'Okay I'm falling for this guy really fast.' But, not that I wanted to avoid it, but I just kept trying to push Artem away. I just wasn't ready for anything."

Chigvintsev also shared how important the song was. "It's very personal," he said. "It's very special because of the song and the storyline. It sums up to us and sums up our story. "It's very dear to both of our hearts. It's so emotional, it's crazy. It makes you feel a certain way."

November 2019: Artem Chigvintsev proposes to Nikki Bella in France

In November 2019, Chigvintsev proposed to Bella in France. The couple kept their upcoming nuptials a secret until Jan. 3, 2020, when Bella and Chigvintsev posted photos of the proposal and engagement ring on Instagram.

"Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc ❤️ I said yes in France in November," Bella wrote. Chigvintsev added, "You are the best thing that ever happen to me. So excited for what to come I love you more then anything and thank you for saying Yes."

January 29, 2020: Nikki Bella announces she's pregnant

Bella and her sister, Brie, announced they were both pregnant at the same time in an interview with PEOPLE on Jan. 29, 2020.

"[It was] a total surprise," Bella said. "It took even me a good week to come to terms with like, 'Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant.' I'm not ready for it."

Bella has wanted to be a mom her "whole life." She told PEOPLE, "I can't imagine life without being a mom and experiencing the miracle of life and raising a child," she said. "I'm just so family-oriented that I couldn't imagine not having that family life."

She also posted pictures of the couple and her pregnancy bump on Instagram on Jan. 31, with the caption, "Baby Daddy. ❤️."

March 30, 2020: Nikki Bella asks Artem Chigvintsev to move in with her

In a preview of a Total Bellas episode shared on March 30, 2020, Bella asked Chigvintsev to move in with her.

"Our plan is that when I move to Arizona, well, I was hoping that maybe once it's done being built, Artem will be coming with me," she said. When Chigvintsev clarified if she was inviting him to move in with her, she responded, "Of course, Artem, I want you to move into my house. I couldn't imagine bedtime without you!"

May 6, 2020: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev open up about their "first fight"

The couple got into a fight in an episode of Total Bellas, which Bella posted about on Instagram on May 5, alongside a sneak preview of the moment. She wrote, "Goodness tomorrow night is going to be here before I know it and I'm going to have to relive this! 🙈 And @theartemc will be seeing it for the first time tomorrow night! First fights are tough! Especially when you're drunk and especially when you have to watch it on TV!"

June 11, 2020: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev reveal they are expecting a baby boy

At a baby shower shown on Total Bellas on June 11, 2020, Bella and Chigvintsev fired a cannon of blue confetti to reveal they were expecting a baby boy.

Bella also shared the news on Instagram, writing, "Can't wait for our little boy to arrive in August!!"

July 31, 2020: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev welcome a baby boy

Bella and Chigvintsev became first-time parents together on July 31, 2020! They announced the exciting news two days later on Instagram when Bella wrote, "7/31/2020 💙 Our baby boy is here and we couldn't be HAPPIER and more in LOVE! Everyone is safe and healthy."

Chigvintsev also posted, writing, "7/31/2020 please welcome our precious baby boy Chigvintsev 👶 proud of my love @thenikkibella."

August 26, 2020: Nikki Bella says she's "so in love" with son Matteo Artemovich

In an interview with PEOPLE on Aug. 26, Bella opened up about the first few weeks with their son Matteo Artemovich. "I've been up since 3 a.m., but this is what I've wanted my whole life," she said. "The fact that he's here — I'm just so in love and happy."

She also shared she "labored for 22 hours, and I pushed for two hours while wearing a mask because of COVID-19."

Her sister, Brie, gave birth 22 hours later to Buddy Dessert. They recovered in side-by-side rooms at the hospital.

"What's crazy about Buddy and Matteo is, they both have the same scream-cry," Bella told PEOPLE. "It's the cutest high-pitch noise and they're identical. Even their coos are identical and they're so cute. Now, Matteo, he will grunt and like punch my boobs when he's breastfeeding. Artem and I will sit and laugh because it's perfect little punches he'll do. He grunts at me, so I feel like I have a little boxer on my hands."

September 30, 2020: Nikki Bella reveals she had postpartum depression after giving birth

Postpartum depression made Bella "mean" and "super depressed," she revealed in a Sept. 30, 2020, episode of The Bellas Podcast. "Postpartum has knocked me on my ass. This is something that is way different," she said.

Later in the podcast, Bella shared she has felt anger toward her fiancé. "He's like 'At times, I felt like you were starting to hate me,' " she said. "He's like, 'You could be mean.' And I'm not gonna lie, I did have moments of being mean. I did have moments when I looked at him and I hated him. It's true. There were times I'd look at him and I'm like, 'I think I hate you.' "

November 21, 2020: Artem Chigvintsev calls Nikki Bella his "better half"

Despite the postpartum struggles, Chigvintsev is still very much in love with his fiancée. For her birthday on Nov. 21, 2020, Chigvintsev shared a picture with a sweet birthday message to his "beautiful and definitely better other half."

He added, "You are my rock, you have been absolutely incredible as a mom to Matteo and I am so lucky to have you. I want to wish you lots of success, love and happiness and everything you wish for."

November 25, 2020: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev try couples counseling

Four months after welcoming their son Matteo, Bella revealed on The Tamron Hall Show that she and Chigvintsev were seeking couples therapy.

"We hear a lot of stories of where there's sacrifice in their own relationship because it's about the kids," she said. "Artem and I, from the beginning, want to know: How do we balance this for Matteo and for our relationship?"

June 4, 2021: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev postpone their wedding

As the couple worked on remodeling their new home, Bella told ET on June 4, 2021, that they were "so busy" with the house that they were taking a break from wedding planning. "We haven't even lived in it yet and we're doing the outside and that takes so much work," she said. "We're still not even done designing. And so he and I both were just like, 'Let's get through the house. If it happens, it happens.' "

July 31, 2021: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev celebrate Matteo's 1st birthday

Matteo turned 1 on July 31, 2021, and Bella and Chigvintsev celebrated with birthday cake and an animal-themed party.

"Happy Birthday to my sweet, shy, loving, wild one Matteo ❤️," Bella captioned photos from the event. "This past year has been the most incredible year of my life. It's been beautiful, hard, educating, enlightening and truly amazing."

Chigvintsev wrote, "Happy first birthday Matteo, Mama and Dada loves you so so much."

November 10, 2021: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are "stronger than ever" after a "rocky" patch

In November 2021, Bella discussed on The Bellas Podcast overcoming a rough patch with her fiancé. When Bella took a judging job on AGT: Extreme, she and Matteo were apart from Chigvintsev for six or seven weeks. "Teo goes everywhere with mama," she said. "That's where he's comfortable, that's where he does best. And, you know, it's been hard on [Artem], and it's been hard on me too not to have my man in my bed for over six, seven weeks."

She went on to say that although "it's been really hard on us "and things were "a little rocky for a bit," the two have had "sexy FaceTimes" and are now "stronger than ever."

November 26, 2021: Nikki Bella reveals it will be at least another year before she marries Artem Chigvintsev

A wedding between Bella and Chigvintsev did not take place in fall 2021 as originally planned due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. "The one promise I made [Chigvintsev] before we can plan is that his parents can attend," she told ET on Nov. 25, 2021. "And with where the world's at right now, and trying to get two Russian parents into the country, it's almost impossible. So the day I can get two visas is the day we will set our date and say, 'I do.' "

February 13, 2022: Artem Chigvintsev's pneumonia pushes wedding to Nikki Bella back again

A few months later, Bella told PEOPLE they postponed the wedding again. On Jan. 20, Chigvintsev announced he was diagnosed with pneumonia and was stepping away from his The DWTS: Live! Tour "due to unexpected health issues."

At the Fanatics Super Bowl Party on Feb. 12, Bella told PEOPLE that the couple were looking at Paris for their nuptials. "We feel like it's the easiest to get his parents there," she said. "We're figuring out dates, so we'll see, but we're thinking that Paris would be the perfect place."

She also said she would "love" to have the wedding within the next few months but added, "there's just a lot of complications right now."

March 3, 2022: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev postpone wedding for financial reasons

In a March 3 episode of The Bellas Podcast, Bella announced that she was re-evaluating her wedding plans with Chigvintsev, who had recovered from his month-long battle with pneumonia.

She said "the main reason we've hesitated" had to do with money. "Like, financially, we have so much more going on in our lives to think, for Artem and I, for the past two years, of putting our money into a wedding — it's probably the main reason we've hesitated," Bella shared.

Bella explained her decision in an interview with PEOPLE on April 10, saying, "Life is really stressful. We're barely home together at the same time. There's a lot more, I don't want to say important things in life, but a lot more [to focus on]," she said. She added, "Like, we want Matteo to go to private school, so to spend what private schools cost on florals at our wedding, I'm like, I think I'll go with education."

April 26, 2022: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev share wedding details

In an April 26 interview with ET, Bella revealed more details about their wedding plans, including asking Chigvintsev for his guest list, talking about their entertainment plans for the big day and more. "We are going to have some fun surprises at our wedding," she said.

June 9, 2022: Nikki Bella says she wants to wait on another baby with Artem Chigvintsev

Although Matteo would turn 2 in July, Bella and Chigvintsev had no plans for another baby at the moment. In the June 9 episode of The Bellas Podcast, per ET, Bella said, "I was talking to Artem [about] having baby fever. We kind of got in a big, detailed conversation about it. I was like, 'You know, I do have baby fever, but I don't know. Is right now right? Do you wanna try for a girl?' And actually, Artem was like, 'We need to wait.' "

Bella added that Chigvintsev wants to "wait a few years." "He [thinks that, with how] our life is right now with work, with Matteo and his age and the attention we give him, he said, '[Let's wait] till he was four.' "

August 2022: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev get married

Nearly three years after getting engaged, Bella and Chigvintsev wed in Paris in August 2022, a source told PEOPLE. The pair announced the news on Instagram with two wedding photos: a close-up of the couple's rings and another image of the newlyweds looking at the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

"We said I DO," they wrote, before teasing that fans will discover even more wedding details when a four-part special, Nikki Bella Says I Do, airs on E!.

Bella also shared another photo on her Instagram Story, writing, "We both can't stop smiling I never want this feeling to end. I will love you forever and ever Mr Chigvintsev."

August 30, 2022: Nikki Bella visits the Eiffel Tower with Artem Chigvintsev and Matteo

Days after tying the knot, Bella posted a series of photos on Instagram of her family visiting the Eiffel Tower.

The post included several shots of Bella holding Matteo in front of the landmark, as well as a snap of Bella giving Chigvintsev a smooch on the cheek. In the caption Bella wrote, "un instant magique," which is French for "a magic moment."

September 7, 2022: Nikki Bella says calling Artem Chigvintsev her husband is "the best feeling"

During an episode of The Bellas Podcast, Bella spoke to her sister Brie about becoming a wife. "I think that actually is what excites me the most is getting to call Artem my husband," she explained.

Still, Bella admitted that using the new title has required some getting used to.

"That's been the biggest change," she explained. "Shocking thing is like, everyone now texts me like, 'Oh, is your husband there?' Like, using the word husband. I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh. Yeah, he is my husband.' "

Brie mentioned "what a great feeling" it must be for Bella to call Chigvintsev her spouse.

"It's the best feeling," she agreed.

October 11, 2022: Nikki Bella shares why she walked herself down the aisle at her and Artem Chigvintsev's wedding

In The Wedding Fashion Issue of Brides, Bella spoke about breaking tradition by walking herself down the aisle during her wedding to Chigvintsev. "When I walked down the aisle, I wanted to be the strong, fierce woman, but also have this feminine, graceful side that made Artem melt," she shared.

"I walked myself down the aisle, because I'm about to be 39 and I don't need to be given away. I'm a mother. I'm an entrepreneur," she continued. "I've done a lot of things on my own in life, so while I knew I wanted to walk myself down the aisle, I also wanted to have the presence of all these strong women with me."

The reality star also said that brides shouldn't feel pressure to follow traditional wedding day fashion, explaining, "It's your day, no one else's."

November 21, 2022: Artem Chigvintsev wishes Nikki Bella a happy 39th birthday

"Happy birthday my love ❤️ you are the most beautiful, special, kind, caring, loving person that I know. I am so lucky to call you my wife 🥰," Chigvintsev captioned a carousel of images on Instagram. "May this day bring you lots of happiness, joy but most of all lots of smiles. Matteo and I absolutely adore you and love you to bits. Happy birthday my click 🎂🎁🎉🎈🎊"

Bella responded to her husband's sweet tribute in the comments: "Aww love you Click!! 🥰🥰🥰 thank you for making it so special already! You and Tay Tay!! 🥳🥰💋."

December 21, 2022: Nikki Bella opens up about her and Artem Chigvintsev's parenting routine

Bella spoke with PEOPLE about her son Matteo's sleep schedule, explaining that she and Chigvintsev hired a sleep trainer when the baby was six months old and it "changed my life."

"Matteo sleeps 11 to 12 hours a night, he takes two to three-hour naps each day, and he eats well," the retired WWE wrestler said, adding that she tries to keep Matteo "active" when he's awake.

"Whether he's doing arts and crafts or he's outside playing because his energy's so high, I need to tire him out," she said. "Even if it's, 'mom needs to do errands,' and he has to come with me. I force him to walk when we have to walk on the streets or in shops. And it's really helped Artem and me with our busy life as entertainers. Matteo's never gotten off track."

January 15, 2023: Nikki Bella reveals that her wedding dress was purchased while she was engaged to John Cena

Bella shared with PEOPLE that she was "very honest" with Artem Chigvintsev about wanting to wear the dress she'd previously purchased while engaged to Cena.

"I came to him because I would respect however he would feel with that," the WWE ambassador said. "Artem was just so amazing with it. Not bothered at all. Even when the cameras weren't rolling out I was like, 'Artem, be honest. That's how you really feel?' And it really was."

Bella continued: "Artem knows the kind of woman I am. I'm very strong and independent. That dress to me represented who I am and what I loved and my dream. I paid for it. It was all me and was never actually worn for an event. 'I was like, 'Why should I have to pick another dress?' "

January 26, 2023: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev reveal why his parents didn't attend their wedding

Bella and Chigvintsev revealed why Chigvintsev's parents weren't at their wedding during the premiere of the E! special Nikki Bella Says I Do.

"My biggest issue is I'm not planning on getting married again and I want to make sure my parents can be there, and my family can be there and my brother," Chigvintsev explained. "They've never met Matteo and it'd be the perfect way of them meeting our son."

However, Chigvintsev explained that with the current situation in Russia, there was "no way possible his parents could make" the ceremony.

"When you actually say it out loud, it makes it even more real," he added. "It's been challenging because you feel like you've been cut off from that world which has been really frustrating. Sometimes I feel helpless."

Bella then spoke to the cameras, explaining how difficult the situation was becoming for the couple.

"The one thing I've realized in being a fiancée to him, Artem is definitely a realist," she said. "Artem is so close to his family, but yet they're so far away. Artem doesn't have a lot of people here in America."

February 8, 2023: Artem Chigvintsev is special guest at Nikki Bella's live podcast taping

Part of pre-Super Bowl festivities in Phoenix, Arizona, Bella and her sister, Brie, hosted a live taping of their podcast, The Bellas. Among the many special guests was Chigvintsev.

"Last night was truly EPIC! I have to say my hubby stole the show!! Lol he was soooo funny!!! Love you all! Thank you for such a fun night!" the WWE ambassador captioned a carousel of images on Instagram, which included a photo of her and Chigvintsev smooching on stage.

February 9, 2023: Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella talk about their pre-wedding argument

In an episode of the E! special Nikki Bella Says I Do, Chigvintsev and Bella talked about an argument they had days before their wedding.

"Artem and I got into a pretty bad argument last night," she said before explaining that Chigvintsev would be taking their son Matteo to Turkey to visit family while she stayed behind in Paris.

"They're going to be in Turkey for four days, which is giving me massive anxiety," she said. "When I would ask about it or say things about it, Artem was taking it as I don't want him to go, I don't want him to see his parents, and I don't want any of that. It definitely caused a lot of tension and tension that is still there."

Chigvintsev also explained his side of the story. "I do feel like she doubts my ability at being with Matteo and being his dad. I can handle the situation," he said.

May 14, 2023: Artem Chigvintsev celebrates Nikki Bella on Mother's Day

Chigvintsev gave Bella a special shout-out on Instagram in honor of Mother's Day.

"To the best mommy there ever is, Tay Tay and I are so lucky to have you and we absolutely love how caring, thoughtful, protective and loving you are," he captioned a series of images of Bella with their son, Matteo.

August 26, 2023: Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella celebrate one year of marriage

In honor of their relationship milestone, Bella penned a sweet post about Chigvintsev on Instagram.

"Happy Anniversary Artem. I can’t believe it’s already been a year," she wrote. "I fall more in love with you every day. You are everything I could have dreamed of. I love doing life with you."

The Dancing With the Stars pro returned the sentiment in his own Instagram post.

"You make me the happiest man alive. Cheers to many many more," he captioned a slideshow of images from the couple's wedding day.

February 14, 2024: Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella celebrate Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, Bella gushed about her love for Chigvintsev on Instagram.

"You and me have been through so much, we’ve had our share of highs and lows and bumps in the road but through it all we always make it out stronger and more in love than ever," she wrote. "You are my one and everything. You are home to me. So thankful God brought us together... and then gave us Matteo."

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