Tennis legend Venus Williams has celebrated her marriage to Italian actor and model Andrea Preti with a second wedding ceremony in Florida, following their initial nuptials in Italy just months earlier. The couple marked this new chapter in their lives with a week full of lavish dinners and celebrations in Palm Beach, surrounded by close family and friends.
In an interview with Vogue, Williams revealed a special gift from her sister Serena Williams—a beautifully arranged yacht that hosted some of their wedding guests during their joyful celebrations. “Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything,” Venus said, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie of the intimate gathering aboard the yacht, where they enjoyed singing and dancing with their nearest and dearest.
At 45 years old, Williams and 37-year-old Preti decided to hold a second ceremony due to the lengthy process involved in finalizing marriage paperwork from Italy, which can take up to eight months. The couple welcomed Preti’s family to the U.S. just before Christmas, leading to a series of dinners and pool parties ahead of their big day.
During the wedding ceremony, Williams expressed her vows in both English and Italian, embodying the union of their cultures. “It was just the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day,” Williams recalled, while Preti described the moment he first saw her in her wedding attire, stating, “She was beautiful, like a goddess. I was crying and happy.”
The couple’s love story began at a fashion show in Milan in 2024, where they met unexpectedly after Williams almost skipped the event. Reflecting on that fateful day, she shared, “I just knew I was going to marry him. People always say they just know, and I just knew.” Their relationship blossomed from there, leading to an engagement announcement during the DC Open in July, a significant moment in Venus’s sports career after overcoming health challenges that had sidelined her for 16 months.
Additionally, her heartfelt connection with Preti empowered her to return to the sport she loves. Williams spoke of the challenges athletes face, emphasizing the hard work and dedication involved in playing tennis, and how Preti encouraged her during her journey.
As both Williams and Preti continue their journey together, their story serves as a beautiful reminder of love, resilience, and the importance of support systems in life. Venus’s personal and professional triumphs carve a path filled with hope, showcasing that new beginnings can emerge even amidst challenges.