Over the weekend, 45-year-old Venus Williams officially tied the knot with 37-year-old Italian model and actor Andrea Preti. If you thought a legend like Venus would settle for a simple “I do,” think again.
The couple hosted a staggering five-day celebration in Palm Beach, Florida, that was equal parts high-fashion gala and high-energy sports camp.
The festivities actually started months ago with a small, intimate ceremony in Ischia, Italy. Venus told Vogue that while they dreamed of a massive Italian wedding, the red tape for foreigners proved too slow. Not one to be defeated by a hurdle, Venus simply decided to have a second, even larger wedding back home in the States.
The marathon kicked off six days before the main event with a luxury yacht party hosted by none other than Serena Williams. From there, the schedule was packed. There was a boudoir-themed bridal shower, a sophisticated dinner at the members-only club Sopra in Miami, and daily pool parties at the couple’s shared estate.
Venus didn’t just show up; she showed out. Alongside her long-time stylist Kesha McLeod, the bride curated over a dozen distinct looks for the week. For the final walk down the aisle at her home, she stunned in a custom Georges Hobeika gown, gliding to the sounds of “Ovunque Sarai” by Irama.
You can take the girl off the court, but you can’t take the competition out of the girl. One of the most talked-about events was a dedicated “Sports Day.” Dozens of friends and family members traded their evening wear for sneakers to compete in volleyball, tennis, dodgeball, and even wheelbarrow races. It was a perfect nod to the athleticism that made the Williams family household names.
When it came to the bridal party, Venus kept it modern. Her sisters, Serena, Isha, and Lyndrea, skipped the traditional dresses and instead rocked sharply tailored suits.
Despite all the glitz, the heart of the union was a quiet moment on Friday, Dec. 20. The couple headed to Miami City Hall for a private courthouse ceremony to make things legal. Venus described the early morning appointment as “beautiful, calm, and sacred.”
From the halls of government to a party bus in the streets of Miami, Venus Williams’ wedding was a reflection of her life: disciplined, spectacular, and entirely on her own terms.
Which of Venus’s wedding activities would you have wanted an invite to? The yacht party or the dodgeball tournament? Let us know!
