Ian Somerhalder & Nikki Reed Are Married! 

There’s no better way to jump-start a new week than with some exciting news, and thanks to

Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed, fang fans everywhere have a reason to celebrate. What exactly? Why their recent nuptials, of course!

Yep, that’s right: After nine months of dating and a whirlwind engagement, the smitten twosome — who have already started a family via their horses (Eagle and Millie), kitten (Sohalia), and adorable pups (Nietzche and Enzo) — have tied the knot! According to

beauty in a romantic ceremony on April 26 in Santa Monica, California. Ian rocked a white suit whereas Nikki looked radiant in a long-sleeved lace bridal gown.

Check out breathtaking pics over at the awesome @S0merhalder’s twitter account!

Suddenly Ian’s joyous tweet early on Sunday makes so much more sense. Hours before the wedding, the actor tweeted, “most beautiful morning ever,” subtly alluding to the amazing times ahead!

It also sheds some light on why they were so giddy about a grueling workout session. “Getting ready for the day…Setting intentions. Wow. Life,” Ian captioned the photo below.

And naturally, because these newlyweds are as benevolent and compassionate as they come, they opted for something other than toaster ovens and fancy silverware. They apparently asked guests to donate to the couple’s animal rescue charity instead of bringing beautifully wrapped gifts to the event.

“I haven’t met two people that were more of soul mates than those guys,” Kat Graham recently raved during an interview with

. Everyone loves them, and I really can’t imagine him with anyone else.”

Aww! Congratulations are definitely in order. Pop out some bubbly and let’s raise a glass to these two wonderful, altruistic individuals. That said, we couldn’t be more thrilled for this lovely duo and wish them much love and happiness as they embark on this grand adventure.

Got well wishes of your own to share with Ian and Nikki? Post them in the comments!

How I spent my New Year\'s Day- in a #tbt way- wow. Week one of 2015. Thank you all for giving me so much strength-we\'re ready to kick major ass and make a great future startng 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... Love, Ian"

When they got silly on the slopes over the holiday break.

"No filter for this sunny Sun Valley day of awesomeness with my loves, the incredible @iamnikkireed and my brother @nathanaugustreed .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, us and ISF from everyone-may you empower all around you with the same strength and energy you have to spread positivity and compassion. Smiles are contagious-please spread them;) I\'m grateful for and l love you all... Love, Ian"

When Ian Defended Nikki Against Online Trolls.

"“You HATE NIKKI REED? Really? Do you know her? Hmmmm, I’m not sure that you do. Look on her Instagram feed or twitter and all you will see is a compassionate and beautiful human being. Please put your negative energy elsewhere. You don’t even know the person you’re talking about. Do you care about me? Ask yourself that question. What’s the answer? Is it yes? If it is—then please be happy for me. Stop this nonsense—you’re spreading horrible energy into the world. Do some research of the person you say sucks or you HATE. You’ll find that she’s a magical person doing great things in the world. I’m sickened and saddened by the fans’ response to all this. Many fans have stood up people like you and tried to empower you with some compassion. If we all thought a little or [learned] a little about people before we spoke about them, the world wouldn’t be so upside down and in the worst place in history. If you hate Nikki then you must hate me…That’s sad. Have an amazing day!”"

See his response to all the bullying and hate against Nikki here!

When they snapped a selfie with Bill Clinton.

"A night out with @iamnikkireed and this amazing guy, our Former President @BillClinton @ClintonFdn discussing the best, most efficient and collaborative way to make true positive change in our country and our world. Whatever side of an aisle you\'re on or group you work with or believe in-it\'s our responsibility to be good to one another, teach our young people and protect our environment through reverence, gratitude and compassion. This can be done! It\'s happening and we\'re grateful to help save our planet thus saving our lives with you. It\'s up us:) Thank you all. Thank you so much."

When Ian gave Nikki this adoring look on the red carpet.

attends the 2015 InStyle And Warner Bros. 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.

When they introduced their new feline friends while rocking stylish hats.

"The newest addition to the family. Her name is Sohalia. Thank you @iamnikkireed for finding us this amazing kid in Conyers Georgia. Unfortunately this little kid was wildly mislabeled as "feral/not friendly", and had Nikki not gone in and opened her cage regardless, we would have never found out that she is the most loving kitty on the planet and she may have been put down. The point is this; because shelters are so understaffed, this happens more often than not. Let\'s encourage the people who work at shelters and people whom make policies for shelter workers to take more time to get to know the animals that are brought in, so they can properly inform potential adopters. Also, if you are thinking about adding a new member to your family, know that there might be more to the animal than what\'s written on their cage!!! Go have fun and adopt! Send me pictures please! Thank you- Love, Ian"

When Nikki snapped this super cute pic of Ian and their family\'s new \'baby.\'

"Proud new dad... What amazing creatures they are. Wow. His name is Eagle. Thank you @iamnikkireed for snapping this special moment, with our big baby boy."

When they braved the cold with Nikki\'s brother and had a spectacular time.

"A magical day #snowshoeing with these two incredible people @iansomerhalder and @iamnikkireed . Pure #love radiating from us. 55 mph winds and 19 degrees and we\'re having the time of our lives."

Photo Credit: Nathan August Reed via Instagram

When Nikki stood right by Ian\'s side on his big night and supported his passion project.

"#YEARSPROJECT on Showtime wow the Emmy!!!! Wow!Thank you so much for the support! I\'m smiling ear to ear right now!Doing a little victory dance right now with @iamnikkireed , @thejram & @polivierjr Congrats Cosmos and all nominated!!!! This story, Years of Living Dangerously, is so important. As David Gelber put it just now, this story needs to be told and that it\'s time to stop talking about climate change and start DOING something about it. We will no longer stand for elected state and federal officials as well as corporate America not addressing this and creating action. Thank you Showtime and the entire Years of Living Dangerously team for doing this. I\'m so proud to be a part of this and thank you Kim Klingler and @thejram for being such instrumental components of this production! Thank you all so much! Love, Ian"

"Wow! I can\'t wait for you guys to hear this song in its entirety! I love how diverse you are as a human being and and artist... @iamnikkireed you have truly created something beautiful, original and unabashedly provocative. I love this song, and I love the message behind everything you do (a percentage of the song goes to help #SavetheWildlifeWaystation which is an animal sanctuary she has worked with for years) so let\'s all come together to on NOVEMBER 20th a get this tune. I\'ve listened to it 50 times this week after it was mastered and it\'s so tight, it\'s sexy and fun. Mixing genres in music is so special and @iamnikkireed you\'ve done it. I really think you\'ll dig this track everyone and it\'s got a really great charitable component-these animals are amazing. Wow. Thank you for being a bad-ass woman as an artist and activist Nikki... Love, Ian"

When they knelt down to pet this gentle animal.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 22: Actress Nikki Reed and actor Ian Somerhalder attend Heifer International\'s 3rd Annual "Beyond Hunger: A Place At The Table" Gala at Montage Beverly Hills on August 22, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Heifer International)

When they teamed up to help find this playful pup a home.

"t Rockdale County Animal Shelter in Conyers GA, the place we adopted little Sohalia from just last month. Some of these amazing kids have little to no chance at ever finding their forever home. For example, sweet Brooklyn, a black lab, has been waiting for months with no luck simply because of her coloring. We just spent a few minutes playing with her and she was so excited she couldn\'t even hold still for a picture. Can anyone pick her up? Please please go get this beautiful girl if you\'re looking to adopt. Add her to your family! We would take her but we don\'t have any room!"

"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. Congrats to our little Neitczhe here-1 year ago today, to the minute, you brought 5 beautiful puppies into this world-thank you for your amazing contribution to all of our lives. However, welcome to the wonderful world of being spayed-The world does not need any more puppies, we kill millions and millions per year. These two beautiful creatures right here in this photo or highly intelligent, highly emotional and capable of more love than you can you can ever imagine. The ones that are in shelters are the same-let\'s adopt them. @iamnikkireed your recent work with Gilt benefiting the @aspca is truly truky extraordinary. Thank you for giving so much of your life and for being a strong voice for those whom can speak. My hat is off to you. You amaze me. Love, Ian"

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