Tennis superstar Venus Williams has officially tied the knot with actor Andrea Preti, choosing a deeply personal and intimate path to matrimony. Following a grand celebration in Italy last September, the couple made their union legal in a quiet courthouse ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 19. The event, as Venus later shared with Vogue, was profoundly emotional and meaningful, standing apart from their earlier Italian festivities.
The Intimate Palm Beach Courthouse Ceremony
Eschewing a large spectacle for their official legal wedding, Venus Williams and Andrea Preti opted for a small and meaningful ceremony. The setting was the Palm Beach courthouse in Florida, a choice that reflected their desire for a moment focused purely on their commitment to each other. Venus described the day as deeply personal, an emotional cornerstone that now ranks just below the best day of her life. This ceremony was intentionally separate from their dreamy Ischia, Italy celebration in September, allowing the legal act of marriage to have its own sacred space.
Venus's Show-Stopping Courthouse Wedding Gown
For her courthouse walk, Venus Williams stunned in a custom-designed gown by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. The dress masterfully blended softness with structural strength. It featured a structured corset-style bodice with a sweetheart neckline and delicate straps, offering shape without weight.
The true artistry lay in the intricate details. Ornate white embroidery and lace were meticulously layered over a semi-sheer nude base, creating a romantic yet bold aesthetic. The silhouette remained fitted through the body before elegantly flaring out at the knees into a clean, white silk train.
The look was perfected with a long, flowing tulle veil that extended past the train. Venus kept her jewelry elegantly simple with a diamond necklace and matching stud earrings. She poetically noted that the gown's sparkle and transparency reminded her of the sea, almost mirroring her surroundings.
A Last-Minute Fitting and Emotional Approval
The journey to the perfect dress was not without its challenges. Venus revealed that initially, she couldn't even try on a sample. This led to a last-minute fitting during Paris Fashion Week, which she squeezed into a quick trip. The gamble paid off spectacularly. The final seal of approval came when her sister, Isha Price, saw the dress in person and was moved to tears. Venus stated that this emotional reaction from her sister confirmed it was the right choice.
For her beauty look, Venus chose timeless elegance. She sported a sleek side-parted hairstyle and glowing, natural makeup that complemented rather than distracted from the gown. Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards crafted her bridal nails.
A Complete Bridal Wardrobe
While the courthouse gown was the standout, it was part of a broader bridal wardrobe for Venus's wedding celebrations. She revealed that several other designers contributed to her looks, including Natali and Meital, Veni Infantino, and Eve of Milady. She even planned a relaxed exit outfit—a short skirt and top paired with a custom headpiece—for a private breakfast celebration following the courthouse ceremony.
This Palm Beach wedding marks a new, joyful chapter for the seven-time Grand Slam champion, proving that for Venus Williams, the most powerful moments are often the most personal ones.
