Tennis legend Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, has officially married Italian actor, producer, and former model Andrea Preti in a series of intimate celebrations spanning two countries. The couple first exchanged vows in a romantic ceremony in Ischia, Italy, on September 18, 2025, followed by a legal courthouse wedding and multi-day festivities in Palm Beach, Florida, culminating on December 19-21, 2025.
The news was confirmed through an exclusive feature in Vogue on December 23, 2025, where Williams and Preti shared personal details and photos from their nuptials. The 45-year-old Williams described the events as "the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day," emphasizing the joy of blending their families and cultures.
Williams and Preti's relationship began serendipitously in 2024 during Milan Fashion Week at a Gucci show—neither had originally planned to attend. "I was in Lake Como on a sisters’ trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim," Williams recalled in the Vogue interview. Preti, 37, approached her for a drink, sparking an immediate connection. They soon began texting and met up in London, where Williams introduced him to her family over breakfast.
Their bond deepened quickly. Preti proposed on January 31, 2025, in Tuscany, a moment Williams later celebrated with tropical engagement photos shared on Instagram in December 2025. She publicly confirmed the engagement in July 2025 during a post-match interview at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, crediting Preti for encouraging her tennis comeback.
The couple initially dreamed of a full wedding in Italy, Preti's homeland. However, bureaucratic hurdles for international couples—requiring up to eight months for paperwork as a foreigner—led them to hold an intimate ceremonial wedding there first. The September event in Ischia fulfilled that vision, with Preti calling it "the best day of my life."
To make the marriage legally binding in the U.S. and honor Williams' Florida roots—where she and sister Serena grew up—the pair planned a second celebration in Palm Beach. Organized by Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events (the same planner behind Serena's 2017 wedding to Alexis Ohanian), the Florida festivities spanned five to six days, starting with a yacht party hosted by Serena Williams as a generous gift to her sister.
Guests, limited to 10-12 closest family and friends, enjoyed singing, dancing, and bonding on the yacht. Subsequent events included a boudoir-themed bridal shower at the couple's home, an Asian fusion dinner at Miami's exclusive Sopra club, a competitive "sports day" filled with games, and pool parties. The week concluded with an early-morning courthouse wedding on December 19 at 6:45 a.m., ensuring privacy. "I can’t describe how beautiful, calm, sacred, exciting, and exalting it was," Williams said. "It was just a dream." Preti added it was "very unique, emotional, and deep"—his "second-best day" after Italy.
For the main Florida ceremony, Williams stunned in multiple bridal looks, including a sheer lace mermaid gown with a plunging corset by Georges Hobeika for the vows and beach photos, and a Morilee New York design for the courthouse. Preti coordinated in a cream tuxedo with black accents. Williams recited vows in both English and Italian, a nod to her husband's heritage, while Preti walked the aisle with his mother to the Jackson 5's "I’ll Be There." The reception featured Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" as the exit song and a first dance to The Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes for You."
Serena Williams played a key role, not only gifting the yacht but assisting with planning. The bridal party included sisters Isha and Lyndrea Price, dressed in tailored suits.
The couple's romance has been relatively private since they were first spotted together in July 2024 on a boat along Italy's Amalfi Coast. Preti, born in Denmark but raised in Italy, transitioned from modeling to acting and producing, with credits including roles trained at New York's Susan Batson Academy. He has supported Williams at tournaments, including the 2025 US Open.
This marks Williams' first marriage. Known for her independence and focus on career—spanning tennis, fashion (via her EleVen brand), and business—she has spoken about finding straightforward love after years single. Preti's encouragement helped her return to competitive play in 2025.
Fans and media celebrated the union, with photos from the events going viral. The dual weddings reflect the couple's blend of cultures: Preti's European roots and Williams' American heritage.
As the newlyweds embark on married life, Williams continues balancing tennis with personal milestones, proving love and legacy can coexist on and off the court.
