Tennis legend Venus Williams experienced a December filled with immense joy, though it arrived with a touch of unexpected stress. The 45-year-old champion officially tied the knot with her 37-year-old Italian partner, Andrea Preti, in a lavish wedding celebration held in Palm Beach, Florida. While the week was envisioned as a serene and romantic affair, the couple faced an unforeseen challenge: relentless Florida winds.
Windy Woes Threaten Outdoor Celebrations
In the days leading up to the ceremony, Williams confessed to being worried about the weather. Guests had already flown in, and a full schedule of dinners and parties was meticulously planned. The persistent, strong winds posed a genuine scare for someone organizing major outdoor events. However, Williams chose to maintain a positive outlook, focusing on the core purpose of the gathering: to celebrate love with her closest family and friends.
Interestingly, the couple had already exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Italy back in September. However, due to the lengthy bureaucratic process for paperwork in Europe, they decided to hold a second ceremony in the United States to make their union fully official. This Florida event blossomed into an extensive six-day festivity, packed with intimate dinners, lively parties, and cherished moments.
A Packed Schedule Amidst the Breeze
Speaking to Vogue, Venus Williams and Andrea Preti detailed their wedding plans and the bustling itinerary surrounding their big day. The celebrations kicked off a full six days before the main ceremony, with each day featuring a unique event, from private meals to relaxed gatherings.
Williams later took to Instagram to share a more personal glimpse with her followers. Posting a photo from the first dinner, she wrote candidly about her anxiety, stating, "You wouldn’t believe how the wind was blowing outside. But it was calm and lovely inside. I was hoping the bad weather would stave off for the wedding weekend!"
Fortunately, photos from the wedding day confirm that the ceremony itself proceeded smoothly. The wind, while present throughout the week, did not manage to disrupt the pivotal moments. Vogue also highlighted the unusual windy conditions that accompanied the packed schedule.
Staying True to Routine Amidst the Festivities
Even with the wedding chaos in full swing, Venus Williams demonstrated her legendary discipline by sticking to her rigorous training routine. She revealed that she continued her tennis practice every morning during the celebration week, emphasizing that fitness remains a non-negotiable part of her daily life.
The tennis star had publicly confirmed her engagement earlier this year in a fitting location—on a tennis court. After a victorious comeback singles match at the DC Open, she acknowledged Preti's unwavering support from the crowd. "My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing," she said, explaining how he pushed her through the demanding grind of daily training when she felt like easing up.
Despite the initial weather-related stress, the week transformed into a beautiful memory that Venus Williams says she will cherish forever, proving that love can indeed weather any storm.
