Detailing the custom bridal fashion worn by Venus Williams during her wedding to Andrea Preti
Tennis icon Venus Williams has officially tied the knot with Italian actor and model Andrea Preti in a stunning ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida. The seven time Grand Slam champion announced the news on social media this Tuesday, sharing her joy with millions of followers after a weekend of festivities. The couple, who first met at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week in 2024, celebrated their union with a series of events that spanned five days at their home in Florida. This official ceremony follows an earlier, more private wedding held in Ischia, Italy, back in September, which the couple decided to follow up with a legal American union due to international paperwork delays.
The impact of the wedding has resonated throughout the sports and entertainment worlds, as the 45 year old Williams is one of the most beloved figures in tennis history. The five day celebration was a family focused affair, kicking off with a yacht party hosted by her sister Serena Williams. Other events included a boudoir themed bridal shower, a sports day featuring pickleball and dodgeball, and a final early morning courthouse ceremony to ensure privacy. Williams wore several custom bridal gowns throughout the week, including a breathtaking Georges Hobeika dress for the main event. The marriage marks a significant personal milestone for Williams, who has spent over three decades in the public eye.
Reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with fellow athletes and celebrities flooding social media with congratulatory messages. Serena Williams shared a touching post calling herself her sister's keeper, while stars like Coco Gauff and Caroline Wozniacki offered their best wishes to the newlyweds. Fans have praised the couple for their elegant and relatively private approach to their relationship. Andrea Preti, who is 37 and known for his work in Italian television and film, was described by Williams as a primary source of encouragement during her recent return to the professional tennis tour. He was notably seen cheering for her during her historic run at the D.C. Open earlier this summer.
The strategy behind the couple’s low profile romance allowed them to build a strong foundation before making their commitment public. They were first linked in July 2024 after being spotted on vacation along the Amalfi Coast but waited until January 2025 to officially announce their engagement. Throughout the year, they balanced their personal lives with Williams’ demanding training schedule as she prepared for her 33rd consecutive season on the WTA tour. This balanced approach has allowed Williams to maintain her focus on tennis while embracing a new chapter in her personal life. The decision to host a second wedding in Florida ensured that their entire extended family could participate in the milestone.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the couple involves a mix of professional competition and domestic life. Williams has already confirmed that she will be traveling to Auckland in January to begin her 2026 season, with her new husband expected to be a staple in her player box. While fans often speculate about her eventual retirement, she has indicated that having a supportive partner has only increased her desire to continue competing. As they settle into married life, the couple plans to split their time between Florida and Italy. For now, the tennis world celebrates the happiness of one of its greatest champions as she prepares for another year on the court.