Tennis legend Venus Williams has tied the knot with Italian actor Andrea Preti for a second time, following their initial wedding in Italy back in September.
The 45-year-old and her new husband celebrated their union over six days in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.
The extended festivities brought together close friends and relatives for what Venus described as “the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day.”
Preti was equally moved by the occasion, telling Vogue: “When I saw Venus, she was beautiful, like a goddess. I was crying and happy.”
The couple exchanged their vows in both English and Italian before celebrating late into Saturday morning.
Serena Williams presented the newlyweds with a particularly generous gift in the form of a yacht, which served as a floating venue for some of the wedding guests.
Speaking to Vogue about her sister’s present, Venus said: “Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything.”
Venus and Serena Williams have 30 Grand Slams between them | GETTY
The vessel hosted between 10 and 12 of the couple’s closest family members and friends who had travelled to Florida for the occasion.
Venus recalled the intimate gathering aboard the boat, explaining: “We were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.”
The yacht proved an ideal setting for the pre-wedding celebrations that preceded the main ceremony.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA
The decision to hold a second ceremony in Florida stemmed from administrative complications with their Italian nuptials, where official paperwork can take as long as eight months to process.
By marrying in the United States, the couple bypassed these bureaucratic delays entirely.
Despite the change of location, Preti ensured his Italian relatives could share in the celebrations, with family members making the transatlantic journey to attend.
In the days leading up to the ceremony, guests were treated to a series of dinners and poolside gatherings.
The festivities culminated with the couple reciting their wedding vows in both English and Italian, honouring their respective backgrounds, before the party continued into the early hours of Saturday.
Williams and Preti’s romance began through a chance encounter at a Milan fashion show in 2024, with neither initially planning to attend the event.
Venus Williams has opened up on her recent marriage to Andrea Peti
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The tennis star had been enjoying a trip to Lake Como with her sister when a last-minute invitation arrived.
Venus explained: “I was in Lake Como on a sister’s trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim. Andrea was tired. Neither of us was planning on being there.”
The seven-time Grand Slam champion shared news of her Florida wedding with fans via Instagram, posting several photographs from the day.
Alongside the images, she wrote: “Guess what I did this weekend? Yes, that’s right! We got married! It was and still is a dream!”
