Dean's Story

Dean Simpson is an extraordinarily handsome devil who was born in London (Whitechapel, the cheapest place on the UK Monopoly board), but spent much of his childhood in Wales.

When he was eight years old, Dean began playing soccer (football for the Brits), rugby and basketball. Off the field, he charmed the pants off everyone by singing Stevie Wonder's, "I just called to say, I love you."  Song request, anyone?

While Dean was a young soccer player, he became inspired to coach and develop soccer programs one day.  With limited professional coaching and playing opportunities in the United Kingdom, Dean made it his goal to move to the United States to develop the sport in America.  Following his graduation with a Sports Management Degree from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, he realized his dream.

In 2004, the sexy Welshman moved to New York to work as a soccer coach. For the past eleven years, Dean has traveled around the United States coaching soccer and training coaches.  

He recently spent time in rural Zimbabwe developing soccer programs for underserved children and aspiring coaches. 

When he's not working, macho man Dean is most likely fixing and building things Nikki has broken in the apartment. He enjoys cooking, exploring New York City, watching Liverpool games, going to concerts and entertaining with his dance moves. He is a phenomenal dancer (in his own mind) and often challenges Nikki to a dance-off. 

Nikki's Story

Nikki Battiste is truly a piece of work. She is an eternal country girl who grew up in Newport, Pennsylvania, a small, rural town in Amish country, with no cable television or traffic lights. Her namesake father, Nick, put her on a horse when she was two years old and she hasn't stopped galloping since.  

As a fearless four year old, Nikki rode in her first horse show and jumped competitively throughout her childhood.  She was also an avid athlete, playing field hockey, basketball (nickname: Gunner), softball and running track.   No, she's not competitive.

Nikki stopped riding when she went on to play collegiate Division I field hockey at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. 

A young Nikki had dreamed of becoming a rock star, but her wonderfully honest mother assured her when she was nine years old, as she was singing along with Madonna: "Honey, you can't sing." Instead, driven by her infinite curiosity, Nikki decided she wanted a front seat in life's parade.  She ultimately convinced NBC's Today show to give the country gal a shot. And, they did. That was thirteen years ago.

She now travels the globe, working as as a television reporter and writer for ABC News, covering breaking news and feature stories.  

When she's not working, daredevil Nikki is most likely flying high on a horse, jumping out of a plane, working out, running, writing or traveling.  Nikki is also a phenomenal dancer, probably better than Dean.  Place your bets.                                 

Our Relationship

On Sunday,  May 13th, 2012, Nikki and Dean met in New York City at the Standard Hotel's Biergarten (at the same table they share in the photos on this website where Nikki is wearing a red dress).

Rewind to December 2011.  Six months before Nikki and Dean randomly met, a mutual friend had suggested to Nikki she go on a date "with this great, handsome guy with an accent who lives in New York." Nikki didn't want to be set up, but unbeknownst to her, that handsome guy was Dean. 

In the days after they did finally meet, Nikki and Dean realized they had close friends in common and had just missed crossing paths several times.  Fate intervened on that life-changing Sunday, and their first date was five days later.

Dean proposed two years later, on May 18th, 2014, when Nikki was with her favorite horse, Mojito.  He then surprised her with a rooftop party to celebrate with her friends and family.

Here's their secret:  Dean showcases his delightful British-Welsh accent while Nikki swoons.  Nikki can't sing or cook to save her life, so Dean cooks while she sings anyway.  While he watches soccer, Nikki cheers for Liverpool.  Dean encouraged Nikki to start riding horses over big jumps again, so she did -- the second best decision Nikki ever made.  Together, with soccer and horses,  many more travels and adventures, and simply just each other, they will live happily ever after.