Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder’s Romance: From Friends to Married With 2 Kids

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Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder's Romance: From Friends to Married With 2 Kids

Friends before lovers! Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder didn't waste any time taking the next step in their relationship, getting engaged in January 2015 just six months after they started dating. The next step came just as quickly when the pair married in April 2015. “I still have no idea if we’re doing it right, but I know we both wake up every day and choose each other,” the Twilight actress wrote via Instagram to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary in April 2019. “We’ve seen a lot, we’ve done a lot, we’ve laughed a lot, we’ve laughed a lot of it off, and we’ve continued to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and truest support system.” Us Weekly confirmed the couple were dating in 2014. In the years since, they’ve welcomed a daughter, Bodhi Soleil, and a son in June 2023 — and they continue to share their love for each other every chance they get. Before Bodhi was born in July 2017, Somerhalder opened up about his desire to start a family with the Thirteen actress. “Oh, I will one day have amazing children with my beautiful wife. Absolutely, definitely,” he told Modern Luxury magazine in October 2016. [jwplayer EI6doN25-l3ahXupL] Since their daughter’s birth, the Louisiana native has continued singing Reed’s praises. “I’m so inspired by you as a mother, a business owner, a daughter, a sister, a wife and a friend. You hold down the fort like a BOSS,” the Lost alum wrote via Instagram for his wife’s birthday in May 2020. “You’re the only person I know who can be a full-time mom while running your own company while keeping numerous other jobs ON TOP of devoting your time and energy to my chaotic life work —foundation etc. … You are simply incredible, and my mind is blown by everything you are. You’ve taught me so much through your generosity and ability to love like no other.” The Vampire Diaries alum told Andy Cohen in February 2021 that the key to making their relationship work is “communication” during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. “Taking time for yourself — for yourselves together [and separately],” he added. After Cohen asked if he was a generous lover, he said “of course,” noting that sex is about “generosity and compassion and giving, you know, it’s all about sharing equal, it’s about sharing.” Scroll to take a look back at the pair's romance:

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Vamping It Up!

Us broke news in July 2014 that the Twilight alum and Vampire Diaries hunk were dating. Some of the couple's first outings together included a trip to Studio City Farmers Market and jogging side by side in L.A. Before getting together, the pair ran in the same Hollywood circle; Somerhalder dated Reed's Twilight costar Ashley Greene in 2009 and Reed is friendly with the actor's ex, Nina Dobrev. Reed and Dobrev also both dated Dancing With the Stars' Derek Hough.

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Red Carpet Official

The couple cozied up at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium in August 2014. That same month, they adopted a horse named Eagle and moved in together after just three weeks of dating. Their new address? Near Somerhalder's The Vampire Diaries set in Atlanta, Ga. "[Nikki] goes to set every day," an insider told Us.

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Starbucks Lovers

Somerhalder and Reed showed a little PDA while grabbing coffee in Beverly Hills in September 2014. Around the same time, the actress performed with her ex-husband Paul McDonald and their band on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Reed filed for divorce from the American Idol season 10 contestant in May 2014 after nearly three years of marriage.

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Getting Serious!

One big happy family! Reed and Somerhalder posed with their adorable pups Nietzsche and Enzo for an Instagram photo in October 2014. "A day with 3 of the most beautiful ladies in the universe...Wow smiling is such a beautiful part of the human experience-I highly recommend it," Somerhalder gushed. "Thank you for giving so much of your life and for being a strong voice for those whom can speak," he added of Reed. "My hat is off to you. You amaze me. Love, Ian."

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder

Outdoor Lovebirds

When not at work, Somerhalder and Reed often go horseback riding with their horses Eagle and Millie. "A beautiful perfect Georgia afternoon decompressing from work…" Somerhalder captioned an Instagram pic in late October 2014. "The simple beauty of the quiet countryside loving on my kids with these amazing women...Wow, love this. Needed this." The duo are also parents to kitten Sohalia.

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Winter Wonderland

Reed and the Lost alum went skiing over the holidays with the actress' brother Nathan in December 2014. "When families combine and hearts collide there's only one thing to do. The butt wiggle," Reed captioned a pic. Somerhalder added: "The Happiest of holidays to everyone, may nothing but smiles, family time and reflection come from these moments. I'm grateful for all of the love this years for me…"

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Courtside Cuties

People watching? Who cares! Somerhalder leaned into Reed for a sexy kiss while attending a basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers at L.A.'s Staples Center on Dec. 28, 2014.

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder

Proposal Hint?

Somerhalder gushed about his future with Reed in January 2015. "How I spent my New Year's Day- in a #tbt way- wow. Week one of 2015," he captioned an Instagram pic of the couple. "Thank you all for giving me so much strength-we're ready to kick major ass and make a great future starting now. Happy 1st week of the New Year- I hope you're on track with making your future the most sustainable and harmonious one possible…"

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Yep, They're Engaged!

Us confirmed in January 2015 that Somerhalder popped the question to Reed after six months of dating. "She accepted with glee. She is madly in love," an insider told Us. Another added: "They were friends before, the groundwork had been laid before. They had always been attracted to each other, but always in another relationship. It may seem quick, but they knew it was right. They believe in the same things. They are dedicated to their work and helping others."

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Val Pals

Celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together, Somerhalder got a little mushy on Instagram, posting a wet-haired selfie with his fiancee. “I used to think this Day was a conspiracy of chocolatiers and florists but I realize that taking a day out of our busy lives to celebrate the love in our lives is so important and should be every day,” the vampire hunk wrote.

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Shy Sweeties

Reed was spotted blushing for the cameras while posing with Somerhalder at the Noble Awards on Feb. 27, 2015. The pair enjoyed a night out at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California.

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Would You Like a Sip?

While out on a coffee date in Venice, Calif. on April 6, 2015, the Vampire Diaries hottie looked smitten with his giggling fiancee.

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Coachella Kisses

Days before their April 26 wedding, the Twilight actress and her fanged fiancé were spotted smooching at the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif. They pair packed on the PDA during Hozier’s set.

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Post-Wedding Bliss

After saying their “I Do’s” in a secret ceremony in Topanga, Calif., the newlyweds jetted off to Tulum, Mexico to embark on their lengthy honeymoon. “Both of their schedules are pretty clear for a while,” a source told Us. “They’re planning an extravagant trip around the world!”

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New Marriage, New Tan

While eating up their first few days of marriage, Reed posted an Instagram shot of her sexy new hubby kissing her on the beach in Mexico. “Salty…sandy…sticky…sunburned. The best. I love this human. My human,” she captioned the sweet photo.

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Up Next…

After Mexico, the honeymoon continued in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The lovesick sweethearts put on quite the display at dinner on May 3, hugging each other close after a fan meet-and-greet.

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Back to Business

In addition to lounging by the shore, Reed and Somerhalder also took the time to promote his CW show in Brazil on May 4. Are vampires supposed to get that tan?

Credit: Courtesy of Nikki Reed/Instagram

Marriage Milestones

The happy couple celebrated their two-year anniversary on April 26 in 2017 by posting sweet messages to each other on social media alongside photos from their wedding. The Thirteen alum honored her husband — who she called “my guy, my man, my honey, my partner in this life, my better half in every way” — by writing, “Navigating the waters of life with you is the greatest and most rewarding adventure I’ve ever known. We climb, we grow, and we laugh at all of it. Thank you for being exactly who you are, and for loving all of me.” Somerhalder called Reed “the most amazing human in the world” and thanked her for “being my best friend, the hardest-working, kindest, most patient and most talented woman I’ve ever known.”

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder/Instagram

Bun in the Oven!

The Lost alum announced that the pair were expecting their first child with a stunning shot of himself kissing Reed’s baby bump on May 4, 2017 on Instagram. “In my 38 years on this earth I’ve never experienced anything more powerful and beautiful than this. I can’t think of anything more exciting than this next chapter and we wanted you to hear this from us first,” he wrote. “This has been the most special time of our lives and we wanted to keep it between the three of us for as long as possible so we could enjoy this time with each other and our little one who is growing so fast…because that’s what they do, they grow so fast.” Reed also shared the exciting news by writing a note to her future child: “Hi Little One. I know you, but only because I feel you. How is it possible to love someone so much already? All I know for sure is it’s the strongest feeling I’ve ever felt. We’ve been sharing this body for quite some time, and we’ve already experienced so much together. We can’t wait to meet you… Love, Your parents” 

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Shhhh!

Reed revealed that she and Somerhalder planned to take a “month of silence” after their first child was born, telling Fit Pregnancy in August 2017, “Just the three of us, no visitors, and we’re turning off our phones too, so there’s no expectation for us to communicate … You don’t get those first 30 days back, and we want to be fully present.” 

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She’s Here!

The new parents welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Bodhi Soleli, on July 25, 2017. 

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Date Night

In their first red carpet appearance since welcoming their daughter, the happy parents looked carefree and blissful at EIF’s XQ Super School Live at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on September 8, 2017.

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Daddy Duties

While attending the Golden Globes on January 7, 2018, Somerhalder played the role of a doting husband — by toting around Reed’s breast pump! The Twilight actress shared a photo to Instagram Story of the Smallville star holding a box with the product. Reed captioned the shot, “Takes a real man to carry about your breast pump in a 'to go' box all night” with slapping hands, praying hands and a laughing-crying emoji.

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Sweet Messages

Somerhalder honored his wife on her first’s Mother’s Day on May 14, 2018, by sharing a nude throwback photo of the Mini’s First Time star cradling her baby bump on Instagram. “I remember taking this image of this magical human with a tiny magical human inside. Nicole, you are the warmth of the sun, you are the light of the moon, you are the air in my breath and the ground beneath my feet," he captioned the sweet pic. How lucky I am to witness you in your most natural and powerful state; as a mother."

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Time for Some R&R!

The couple went to the Villa Del Palmar in Loreto, Mexico, in June 2018, where they enjoyed their down time by paddle-boarding, doing acro-yoga and going for a romantic walk on the beach.

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Keeping the Spark Alive

The Thirteen star told Us in April 2019 that one of the reasons their relationship works is because they inspire each other to go after their dreams.  

“I’ve always had many things that I feel incredibly passionate about, as does Ian,” she said at the time. “We’re both really passionate people and we both have a lot going on all the time, so I think that being supportive of the other person’s dreams and aspirations and passions is important and it’s something that we practice.”

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder/Instagram

Still in Love

The happy couple commemorated their fourth wedding anniversary in April 2019 with emotional messages to each other via Instagram.

“I’m completely blown away by you," the V Wars star wrote at the time. "The bright purity of your smile is infectious to us all. We’ve traveled near and far learning, exploring, tasting, laughing, loving and raising our little one."

Reed, for her part, wrote, “Four years ago we had no idea what we were getting into. We didn’t know everything we thought we knew about life, or what it means to be a real life- partner to somebody else. We were just two kids who were crazy about each other. We didn’t yet know how to grow with someone, but we knew we were in love and we knew we wanted to learn all of these things … together.”

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder/Instagram

Back to the Start

Somerhalder celebrated the 5th anniversary of their first date in June 2019. "5 years ago today this amazing human being came over to my townhouse in Atlanta for tea,” he captioned a photo of Reed with her arm wrapped around him. “We’ve never been apart since… What a magical journey @nikkireed Thank you for teaching me so much every day. Love, Your Man.”

Credit: Courtesy Nikki Reed/Instagram

Head Over Heels

Reed penned a sweet birthday tribute to her husband in December 2019 where she recalled one of her favorite memories of Somerhalder.

“Happy happy birthday to this one. Another trip around the sun, 41. A moment in time,”she wrote via Instagram. “I remember taking this photo, distant mountains were the backdrop to this beautiful cloudy day in Idaho. You were laughing uncontrollably, and it felt so sweet to see this smile, almost like you, like, were a kid all over again. We love you.”

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder/Instagram

His Superwoman

Somerhalder praised Reed for being an "amazing human being" while juggling her career, motherhood and being a wife in a touching message for her 32nd birthday in May 2020.

"Nik. Where to begin - I’m so inspired by you as a mother, a business owner, a daughter, a sister, a wife and a friend. You hold down the fort like a BOSS. You’re the only person I know who can be a full-time mom, while running your own company while keeping numerous other jobs ON TOP of devoting your time and energy to my chaotic life work -foundation etc. The list goes on...YOU are superwoman," the Louisana native wrote via Instagram along with a series of photos. "You are simply incredible and my mind is blown by everything you are. You’ve taught me so much through your generosity and ability to love like no other. For years now I’ve been running around the world working like a mad man building companies and trying to make the world a better place through our philanthropy. and you have supported my every step. I could’ve never done this without you and I promise it’ll all be worth it soon. YOU have encouraged me and remained such a strong pillar of wisdom and power; I have such immense gratitude for YOU. I know this has not been easy on you, you amazing human being. You’ve created so much space for me to grow and dream, so now it’s your turn." He concluded, "You are a maverick, a powerhouse and an inspiration. I can’t wait to celebrate you today and everyday."

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Birthday Sentiments

Reed celebrated Somerhalder on his 42nd birthday with an extensive yet heartfelt Instagram tribute. “Happy Happy birthday to this man right here. The most creative, certifiably genius, deepest thinker of anyone I have ever known with the most giving spirit. You put so much love into so many hearts, so much passion into everything you touch, and so much color into everything you dream,” she wrote alongside a pic of the actor, who was smiling while wearing a hat and a white tank top. “If I could manifest only wish for you today is to slow down long enough to see all the magic you create. Take a deep breath, because today is yours. You have earned all 42 years on this Earth, and lived more than most do in a lifetime.”

The Thirteen star added, “You have endless stories to share, and this chapter watching you grow into so many new areas of passion with all that you’re creating is surely going to be an amazing one. Happy Birthday Mr!!!! Love, Mama and B.”

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Long-Lasting Love

Somerhalder revealed the key to his relationship with Reed during a February 2021 appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. “Communication. Taking time for yourself — for yourselves together [and separately],” he said, before noting that he is “of course” a generous lover. He added that sex is about “generosity and compassion and giving, you know, it's all about sharing equal, it's about sharing.”

Credit: Courtesy of Ian Somerhalder/Instagram

Rescued

Somerhalder thanked Reed for saving him from a financial crisis while celebrating her 33rd birthday in May 2021. He explained in a lengthy Instagram post that she “worked selflessly for 2yrs to build me out of a terrible business situation I got myself into” before they began dating. “This woman here decided that she didn’t want to see her husband ruin his body/mind/spirit and pulled up her bootstraps and got down in the trenches assembling a team to get to the negotiating table to find a way out,” he wrote. “She devoted her life to getting me out of that mess and it almost killed her along the way. I am where I am BECAUSE of this woman.” 

He added: “Happy 33 you incredible angel of a person. The light you radiate into our household and this planet is beyond inspiring. You are a superwoman. You made it possible for me to live, build my dreams, and to start my life over. The world needs people like you. Love, Ian aka Baby Daddy.” 

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Seven Years Later

Ahead of the couple's seventh wedding anniversary, Somerhalder gushed over his wife while talking about their plans to celebrate with a romantic camping trip. "It's such a special time because this is a big [anniversary]. I mean, this is seven years. It's a long time," he told E! News in March 2022 before revealing his getaway plans. "Just me and my honey going to [a] super secret, really badass place, get our time in and we're back."

The actor went on to praise Reed's survival skills, adding, "I have never met a more resourceful human being. I think together, with our combined skills, we could live forever on an island. You can drop us on an island, and we would be OK."

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Birthday Love

“Happiest of birthdays to this Papa right here. Even with the insurmountable workload you take on, world traveling + business building, you still wake up excited as ever for a park day or smoothie run with your cub,” Reed gushed via Instagram in December 2022, posting a snap of Somerhalder holding their daughter. “You still light up like a Christmas tree when she shows you her paintings from art class. You are as happy as she is about a brand new baby kitten.”

She added: “People often ask me how it is you do what you do, and I always say the only word that makes sense to describe it is m a g i c. You carry a magic with you that allows all of these ideas to blossom and bloom. … My wish for you this year is that you continue to find fulfillment in all you are doing. That you find peace amidst the chaos, and your other dream of slowing down with your feet on the ground inches closer with every step you take. You deserve that.”

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A Sweet Message

"I have to take a moment to thank this human being right here next to me for being the wind beneath my wings giving me the lift to build @brothersbondbourbon at breakneck speed and connect with all of you around this entire country and Canada," the actor wrote in an Instagram tribute to his wife in December 2022. "Nik, you have worked tirelessly to hold the fort down while I’m gone and I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough."

The lengthy social media post continued: "It’s because of YOU I was able to build this company with my team so thank you. So, until I hit the road again early next year I promise I will: clean cat boxes, blanket the horses, feed the goats, chickens, cats, dogs, geckos and make sure every plant that feeds us has water so you can continue to be the biggest badass working mama in the world."

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Baby No. 2 Coming in 2023

“2023 celebrating life🖤Years of dreaming, manifesting and praying over this very moment,” Reed wrote via Instagram in January 2023, announcing her second pregnancy. “So much love. What a gift.”

Somerhalder, for his part, shared a photo he took of his wife’s growing baby bump in celebration of the good news. “All I’ve ever wanted from the time I was a young boy was to have a big family. Thank you Nik for giving me that gift,” he wrote via Instagram. “ROUND TWO HERE WE GO!!!!!”

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Family of 4!

Reed announced via her Instagram Story in June 2023 that her and Somerhalder’s son arrived “a few weeks” prior. She didn’t reveal the baby’s name at the time but said the little one was "born at home in water and surrounded by so much love, in an instant, my heart doubled in size."