Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd: A Love Story Beyond the Spotlight

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, a couple who initially met on Broadway in 2009, found their love blossoming on Dancing With the Stars in 2012. After three years, Maksim proposed to Peta while they were performing onstage in December 2015.

"When I first met Chmerkovskiy, the idea of us being together never even crossed my mind," revealed the New Zealand native in an exclusive interview with We in February 2019. The actress, known for her role in Faith, Hope and Love, expressed that dating was far from her thoughts at the time.

The couple successfully walked down the aisle in July 2017, with a small ceremony at City Hall and a grand celebration in New York, attended by 300 guests.

Murgatroyd emotionally shared, "It was a beautiful moment. My husband's vows made me cry." She expressed her desire to spend their lives together, saying, "I spoke about our wish to grow old and be together in a rocking chair."

Chmerkovskiy disclosed that during their grand ceremony, a massive rainbow appeared when they shared a kiss, causing a frenzy among the onlookers. Murgatroyd expressed her astonishment when she turned around and witnessed this incredible moment, remarking on its impeccable timing.

Since welcoming their first child, son Shai, in January 2017 prior to their wedding, the pair has constantly grown and developed as a couple.

"You form a stronger bond," the Murgatroyd shared with Us in March 2019. "From the moment of childbirth, to bringing them home for the very first time, to cherishing those precious moments."

As the married dancers navigate the journey of raising Shai as a team, Murgatroyd opened up in June 2022 about enduring three miscarriages in their quest to grow their family.

"It was a traumatic experience, and he is the person who is closest to me," she revealed exclusively to Us in July 2022. "He goes through it just as much as I do, in a sense. However, it did bring us closer together. Going through something like that creates a deep bond between us. When we encounter important decisions and reach crossroads, it is crucial to make them together and move forward as a united family. And I believe we have successfully done that."

Since then, the founder of Peta Jane Beauty and the finalist of Masked Dancer have openly shared their struggles with fertility as they undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF).

“I haven’t had any really close friends of mine who have gone through [IVF] before, so I haven’t had the opportunity to witness the process. However, I am filled with hope,” she shared with Us in July. “I have a strong desire for a daughter... and [Maks] is primarily focused on developing a strong bond with one child rather than having twins. We both feel apprehensive about the challenges of balancing our attention and love between two babies.”

Relive the most significant moments of the couple's relationship over the years by scrolling down:

Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd’s Relationship Timeline: From Broadway and ‘DWTS’ to Marriage and More

Swept up in love! Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are a match made in dancing heaven.

The couple first met on Broadway in 2009, but it wasn't until they reunited on Dancing With the Stars in 2012 that they started dating. In December 2015, the Ukrainian dancer proposed to Murgatroyd while they were performing onstage. Reflecting on their relationship, the New Zealand native shared in an exclusive interview with We in February 2019 that she never expected them to end up together.

When she first met Chmerkovskiy, the actress from Faith, Hope and Love never even considered dating as an option. Nevertheless, the couple eventually tied the knot in July 2017, with a small ceremony at City Hall followed by a grand celebration in New York attended by 300 guests.

Murgatroyd expressed her emotions, describing the wedding as beautiful and admitting that her husband's vows brought her to tears. She also shared that during their kiss, a stunning rainbow appeared, leaving everyone in awe. Murgatroyd was amazed by the perfect timing of the moment.

The couple, who had their first child, son Shai, in January 2017 before their wedding, have consistently grown and developed as a duo. "You become more connected," Murgatroyd shared with Us in March 2019. "From the moment of giving birth, to bringing them home for the first time, to experiencing those precious moments together."

In June 2022, Murgatroyd shared that she and her husband have faced the heartbreaking experience of enduring three miscarriages while trying to expand their family. She expressed how traumatic it was and emphasized the strong bond that it created between them. Going through such a difficult time brought them closer together and strengthened their relationship. Making important decisions together as a family unit became even more crucial, and they were able to navigate those crossroads and move forward as a united front.

The founder of Peta Jane Beauty and finalist of the show "Masked Dancer" have openly discussed their struggles with fertility while undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

"I haven't had any really close friends who have gone through IVF before, so I haven't had much insight into the process. But I am filled with hope," she shared with Us magazine in July. "Personally, I really hope for a girl... And Maks really wants that special bond with just one baby instead of twins. We both have concerns about how we will balance our love and attention between two babies."

Scroll down to relive the couple’s biggest relationship moments through the years:

[podcast_block]

Credit: INFphoto.com

July 2009

The dancers met while working on Broadway’s Burn the Floor, which premiered in July 2009.

Credit: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock

May 2011

Originally from New Zealand,

May 2011

Credit: Tony DiMaio/startraksphoto.com

2012

The couple began dating three years after they first met.

Credit: INFphoto.com

2013

The duo split in 2013 after dating for 10 months.

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

January 2015

In January 2015, the couple was seen together, sparking rumors of their reconciliation. According to an insider, they had been "spending time together." Four months later, another source confirmed that they were indeed "fully back together."

Credit: Mediapunch/Shutterstock

December 2015

The Ukrainian dancer announced their engagement in December 2015. Chmerkovskiy popped the question at the end of a performance of Sway at the Olympia Theater in Miami.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

January 2017

In January 2017, the couple joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a son named Shai. They expressed their overwhelming happiness, stating that this momentous event has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to them.

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

The professional dancers tied the knot at City Hall in New York City in July 2017. Reflecting on the special day, Chmerkovskiy shared on Instagram, "This was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life. As we made our way to City Hall, I couldn't take my eyes off my future wife, and it felt as if New York City itself was joining us in matrimony."

July 2017

Credit: Shutterstock

July 2017

Following their private wedding at City Hall, the couple celebrated their nuptials with a grand ceremony at New York's magnificent Oheka Castle in July 2017. Chmerkovskiy expressed his delight, stating, "It exceeded all our expectations and became the event of the year!" Murgatroyd echoed his sentiments, adding, "Our dream wedding finally came true, and it was truly a night to remember!"

Credit: Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock

March 2018

Maks, Val, and Peta began their Maks, Val and Peta Live on Tour shows in March 2018, together with Val Chmerkovskiy, Maks' brother. The tour encompassed 49 cities and featured several notable guests.

Credit: John Photography/Shutterstock

March 2019

Becoming a parent is a journey that teaches you a great deal about both yourself and your partner. The All Things Fam and Glam blogger reflected on this, stating that you never truly know what kind of parent you will be or how you will navigate parenthood until you experience it firsthand. It is through this shared experience that couples often grow closer. From the intense moments in the delivery room to the overwhelming joy of bringing your baby home for the first time, these milestones create a strong bond between parents.

Credit: AFF-USA/Shutterstock

March 2020

"When Peta revealed that it was a boy, I experienced this overwhelming sense of joy and relief. However, right after that moment, I felt a strong desire for a girl. I believe it would be an extraordinary experience," Maksim shared with Us in March 2020, expressing his excitement about expanding their family. "My mother is eager for a girl as well, and I share the same sentiment." Murgatroyd had previously expressed her enthusiasm for having more children.

Credit: Snorlax / MEGA

“I witnessed her genuine love for this guy, despite the challenges he presents,” Val shared with Us in March 2020 when reflecting on his brother's relationship with Murgatroyd. "It became evident to me that if she can love him as deeply as I do, along with our parents, and even more so, and is willing to vouch for him — love encompasses various aspects. It's not just a simple declaration. Love involves loyalty, camaraderie, and a profound level of respect. You could see all of these qualities in the way she looked at him, and it was clear that he was someone worth holding onto."

Maks reminisced about his brother's advice to commit early in his relationship. "He encouraged me to put a ring on it," Maks shared with Us. He added that the suggestion didn't catch him off guard; instead, it was a wonderful moment that transpired.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

April 2020

As the world went into lockdown during the global pandemic, the Murgatroyd-Chmerkovskiy household embraced the opportunity to spend quality time together. Sharing her sentiments on Instagram, the two-time DWTS champion expressed her appreciation for the extra family time brought about by quarantine

In June, she further emphasized the importance of her husband and son by posting a heartfelt photo collage, affirming that they are the most significant aspects of her life.

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

July 2020

In celebration of their seventh year as a married couple, the founder of Peta Jane Beauty took to Instagram to share a heartfelt slideshow of wedding memories. Accompanied by a touching caption, she expressed her enduring love for her partner, @maksimc, stating, "It's been over 7 years and I'm still head over heels for you. Happy Anniversary my love."

Her adoring husband also took to Instagram to express his anniversary wishes for his wife. Chmerkovskiy shared a photo of the heartfelt card he had given her, which was filled with words of love and admiration. In the card, he wrote, "1,096 incredible, breathtaking, dramatic, enchanting, spontaneous, affectionate, passionate, extraordinary, untamed, fervent, beautiful, and amorous days!" The talented dancer went on to express, "I cannot put into words how fortunate I am to have you in my life; it goes way beyond what words can express. There is no aspect of my life where I feel complete without you. I love you more than words can describe, and I will continue to love you for the rest of my days!"

Credit: FOX

February 2021

In one of the clue packages during the seventh week of the season, the Sloth character, who was later revealed to be the Fuller House alum, hinted at a transformative experience in his personal life. He shared that he was once lonely until he encountered the love of his life, who taught him the power of love and its magical essence.

Following the conclusion of the show, Murgatroyd expressed her admiration for her husband's hard work through an Instagram post. She wrote, "I am filled with pride and overwhelming joy. Watching you transform into the SLOTH was both hilarious and captivating, and it truly became one of the highlights of my 2020. ... I haven't seen you that happy in months....every day after rehearsals, you would come home exuding positivity and radiating light. ... It was a delight to witness your excitement, my love....this is exactly what your soul needed and my heart is bursting with happiness for you. You are a STAR, a genuine entertainer, and an absolute champion. I wholeheartedly love you with every fiber of my being. Here's to more laughter and adventurous moments in the sweaty Sloth suit in the future..."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

October 2021

Murgatroyd cheered on her husband’s stint as a judge on Dancing With the Stars Ukraine.

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

December 2021

The Masked Dancer alum gushed that his “heart is full” while celebrating the holidays with his wife and son.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

February 2022

On Valentine's Day, Chmerkovskiy gave the New Zealand native a delightful surprise. Murgatroyd, who was on the phone with him, thought he was driving back to his hotel in freezing Ukraine. However, she soon found out that he had actually flown overnight to be with her. Chmerkovskiy had cleverly deceived her by saying he had a long work day and wouldn't be available to talk. Murgatroyd expressed her excitement and called it the best surprise ever.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

February 2022

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chmerkovskiy shared snippets of his time in Kyiv while filming World of Dance with his social media followers. Meanwhile, Peta Jane, the founder of the show, requested prayers for his safe return home.

“I don’t typically ask for favors from my social media network, but today is an exceptionally difficult day, and the upcoming days will be even more challenging,” she expressed on Instagram on February 24. “The pain I am experiencing is overwhelming, and I am struggling. Your positive energy and love sent to him would mean the world to me. Truly, I desire nothing more. Please hope for his prompt return. Please pray for his safe and swift exit. I maintain faith. I hold onto hope, and I have prayed fervently.”

Credit: London Entertainment/Shutterstock

March 2022

The twosome were reunited at LAX after Chmerkovskiy’s “traumatizing” journey home from Ukraine, which included a stop in Poland.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

March 2022

“I never imagined that our family would be directly impacted by this during our lifetime, and it is surreal to witness the reality of it all in the year 2022. The embrace I shared with him was the tightest I have ever held him,” Murgatroyd expressed on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of Chmerkovskiy tenderly cuddling Shai. “Overwhelmed with emotions and eternally grateful. Now, it is time for us to heal. We cannot simply revert to our previous way of life. Our lives have been forever altered. We must embrace our new normal, and that is perfectly acceptable.”

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

March 2022

“I'm feeling alright, although there's a lot happening," Murgatroyd expressed on Instagram Stories when asked about her emotions regarding her husband's return to Poland. "Initially, I was nervous and uncertain, not wanting him to leave again. However, I believe he made the correct decision. There was no way for him to stay and observe. I'm just filled with pride. Although, I do have days where I feel anxious!"

Credit: Courtesy Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

April 2022

"Ojai for a hot minute ," Murgatroyd captioned a sultry selfie with her husband as they soaked up quality time following his return from Ukraine.

Credit: Courtesy Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

June 2022

She hinted that there were plans in motion for their family expansion and assured her followers that they would soon receive updates regarding this matter.

Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/Shutterstock

"You may have been curious as to why we haven't had more children, despite our constant expressions of desire. The truth is, I have been trying. Unfortunately, I have experienced three miscarriages, and it has been an arduous and emotionally taxing journey for both Maks and me. It has been a traumatic and incredibly sad experience," Murgatroyd shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. "You might wonder why I am sharing this personal story now... Well, for the longest time, I didn't want to. I never wanted to confide in anyone."

June 2022

She admitted, "I reached a point where I couldn't bear to hide it any longer. It became increasingly difficult to mask this secret, and maintaining a facade of happiness day after day became a daunting task. However, when I finally confided in a colleague, I experienced an unexpected sense of relief, as if a burden of shame had been lifted. Sharing my truth with more and more people gradually brought me solace. Ultimately, I came to the realization that there is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed about it."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

August 2022

Murgatroyd took to Instagram to share a poignant glimpse into her IVF journey, where she revealed that her first attempt at transfer was unsuccessful. Alongside a heartfelt caption, she expressed her initial optimism and the emotional impact of witnessing her partner, Maks, shed tears while envisioning their future with a baby. Despite the outcome not aligning with their hopes, Murgatroyd remains determined, acknowledging that although she may not have her baby at this very moment, she firmly believes that her dream will eventually come true.

Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock

January 2023

“It brings me immense joy to finally share the news that my partner @maksimc and I are thrilled to be expecting our second child, Chmerkovskiy #2! ️" Murgatroyd announced on her Instagram, proudly displaying her growing baby bump. "After enduring a difficult two-year journey filled with challenges and heartbreak, including three miscarriages and an unsuccessful embryo transfer, we are overjoyed to have a healthy little one on the way.”

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

June 2023

The couple welcomed their second child on June 18. "Happy Father’s Day to me!#MadeInPeta,” he captioned a hospital photo via Instagram.