What Happened to Mark & Nikki From 90 Day Fiancé 2025 Updates?

Few couples from 90 Day Fiancé have stirred as much debate—or curiosity—as Mark and Nikki Shoemaker. Their story wasn’t just about culture clash or the usual visa hurdles. It was a headline‑making romance defined by a 39‑year age gap, uneasy family reactions, and one of the most private post‑show lives in franchise history. From their whirlwind meeting online to a quiet Maryland wedding and a near‑divorce filing years later, their journey has kept fans wondering: where are they now, and what really happened after the cameras stopped rolling?

Mark & Nikki 90 day fiance
Mark & Nikki from 90 Day Fiance

Relationship Background: An Unconventional Start

Mark Shoemaker and Nikki, who had one of the most controversial relationships on 90 Day Fiancé Season 3, first connected through an international dating site. At the time, Mark was 58 years old and living in Baltimore, Maryland, while Nikki was just 19, from Cebu in the Philippines. Their relationship quickly drew attention due to the 39‑year age gap, one of the largest in the franchise’s history. Within days of meeting Nikki in person, Mark proposed, setting the K‑1 visa process into motion.

The match raised immediate concerns. Mark’s adult children—one of whom was older than Nikki—were uncomfortable with the relationship. Fans also questioned the dynamic, with many pointing out how the significant age gap and family tensions might affect the couple’s future. Despite these concerns, Mark pressed forward, emphasizing that Nikki’s happiness would be the key to their success together.

Their Wedding and Early Challenges

As seen on the show, just four days into their 90‑day countdown, Mark was already looking for ways to keep Nikki engaged in her new life in the U.S.—sometimes in ways that viewers found awkward or controversial. In one memorable scene, he surprised Nikki with a car, explaining that he had taught his children to drive and could do the same for her. Nikki nervously tried driving for the first time, with Mark keeping his hand on the brake and giving instructions. While she managed a short trip down the street, the moment underscored their age and cultural differences, as well as Mark’s tendency to recreate elements of his past marriage—he even admitted he had once bought the same type of car for his ex‑wife. This scene, airing so early in their journey, became a flashpoint for fan debate, with many questioning whether Mark was too controlling and whether Nikki, so much younger, felt overwhelmed.

The tension wasn’t limited to the couple. Nikki also sought connection with Mark’s daughter, Elise, hoping to bridge the gap with his family. In one episode, Nikki admitted she needed someone closer to her own age to talk to and arranged to meet Elise for shopping. Their interaction was initially awkward but revealed Nikki’s vulnerability—she confessed she missed her friends in the Philippines and joked about marrying a “weird guy,” before quickly adding that she loved Mark. Elise, still uneasy about her father’s relationship, listened but remained cautious. These scenes highlighted the generational divide and the challenges Nikki faced in trying to fit into Mark’s established family.

Marriage

Mark and Nikki eventually married in Maryland in 2015 after a whirlwind courtship. The ceremony was small and intimate, with only a limited circle of people in attendance. Leading up to the wedding, Nikki struggled with bridal dress shopping in New York City, as shown on the series. In one episode, she tried on a $2,300 gown and lit up at how beautiful it made her feel, but Mark balked at the price, insisting he didn’t want to spend that much. The moment highlighted their financial differences and Nikki’s uncertainty about his level of commitment, though she ultimately chose a more modest gown. Despite these tensions, the couple followed through with their vows, making their union official within the 90‑day timeline.

Are Mark and Nikki Still Together in 2025?

As of 2025, Mark and Nikki remain legally married, though their path has been marked by legal turbulence. On March 2, 2022, Mark filed for divorce in Baltimore County Circuit Court, citing marital issues. Court filings show he also attempted to have the case sealed, but the request was denied by the judge. The documents made reference to their prenuptial agreement, confirming its existence and enforceability. Less than a year later, however, Mark voluntarily dismissed the petition, ending the case before it reached trial.

In early 2023, Mark addressed the speculation in a statement to In Touch, firmly clarifying: “We are not divorced! We are not separated and never were.” This public denial, combined with the dismissal of the case, established that the couple remained together despite the brief legal challenge.

Public records as of 2025 confirm that Mark and Nikki are still married and continue to reside in Maryland. Unlike many other 90 Day Fiancé alumni, they have completely avoided spinoffs and social media exposure, making them one of the most private couples in franchise history. Occasional discussions on Reddit and other fan forums confirm sightings and legal updates, but overall, their low‑profile lifestyle reflects a deliberate choice to live outside the spotlight.

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