Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) marked their second wedding anniversary just two days before Chigvintsev’s arrest. Chigvintsev, 42, shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating their special day with wedding photos, writing, “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life without you. You are my everything ❤️.”
Garcia, 40, reflected on their journey together by sharing Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” lyrics. She described how the song resonated with her during a pivotal moment, revealing that it was when she realized she was falling in love with Chigvintsev and that their relationship was meant to be. “Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you! ❤️🔥,” she concluded her post.
Chigvintsev and Garcia’s relationship began on Dancing with the Stars in 2017, with their public romance starting in March 2019
The anniversary celebration occurred just before Chigvintsev was arrested on August 29, as reported first by TMZ. Intake records obtained by PEOPLE indicate that Chigvintsev faces charges of corporal injury to a spouse and has been set a $25,000 bail. Although the specifics are still unclear, it is presumed that Garcia is the spouse mentioned in the charges.
The couple first met in 2017 while partnering on Dancing with the Stars. At that time, Garcia was engaged to John Cena, but they split the following year. She later reconnected with Chigvintsev, and their relationship became public in March 2019. They got engaged eight months later and welcomed their first child, son Matteo, in July 2020.
In November 2020, Garcia disclosed that they had started couples counseling to manage their relationship dynamics and focus on their child. Despite challenges, including Garcia’s extended absence due to her role on AGT: Extreme, the couple managed to navigate through their difficulties.
