AFTER a series of wedding ceremonies over the last few months, tennis legend Venus Williams has confirmed she is married to Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti.
Venus, 45, and Andrea, 37, first said their “I dos” during a small September ceremony in Ischia, Italy, where the couple originally planned on having their larger ceremony, eight months after getting engaged.
“We had this dream to do our wedding in Italy,” Venus told Vogue in an interview published on Tuesday.
“But we didn’t have enough time to do the paperwork—because I’m a foreigner, it can take about eight months. So we decided to have a second wedding.”
Just three months later, Venus and Andrea celebrated their love with a larger ceremony Palm Beach, Florida.
Kicking things off, six days before their actual ceremony on Sunday, Venus’ sister Serena Williams hosted family and friends on a yacht, which, according to Vogue, was followed by a boudoir-themed bridal shower, a dinner for their family and friends at member’s only club Sopra in Miami followed by a sports day—filled with competition. (The pair also hosted their friends and family at their home each day for a pool party).
On Friday, Venus and Andrea made their nuptials official with a private courthouse ceremony at Miami City Hall.
“I can’t describe how beautiful, calm, sacred, exciting, and exalting it was,” Venus—who wore a dress by Morilee New York—said about their early morning appointment. “It was just a dream.”
Of the ceremony, Andrea added, “For me, the courthouse ceremony was very unique, emotional, and deep. “It was the second-best day of my life.”
For the final ceremony, held at the couple’s home, the Grand Slam champion walked down the aisle to “Ovunque Sarai” by Irama in a custom gown by Georges Hobeika.
“I wanted to wear a dress that I thought Andrea would love,” she told Vogue. “And that was magical and perfect for a Florida wedding.”
As for their vows, the couple wrote them, and as Venus recited them in her husband’s native Italian and English.
“We got up there and had the best time,” Venus said. “I finished [my vows] in English, and Andrea told me that I had to do them in Italian.”
After saying their “I dos,” the couple—who began their relationship in 2024—walked out and into the reception to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” and did their first dance to The Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes for You.”
Venus and Andrea hosted their family and friends for a reception, before the groom clocked out and the newly minted Mrs. Preti celebrated on a party bus until 2 a.m.
Amid days of celebrating their love, Venus’ wedding day was a reflection of their bond.
“We all love each other so much,” she told Vogue. “It was just the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day.”
E News