Venus Williams' Epic Wedding Week: Inside the Tennis Legend's Five-Day Italian-American Celebration

Tennis legend Venus Williams just proved that when you've spent decades dominating Grand Slam courts, you know a thing or two about planning the perfect game plan. But this time, the seven-time champion wasn't strategizing serves and volleys, she was orchestrating what might be the wedding celebration of the year.

Venus married Italian actor, producer, and model Andrea Preti in a love story that reads like the script of a romantic comedy you'd actually want to watch. Think less Hollywood cliché, more genuine connection that turned into a five-day celebration spanning two continents, multiple ceremonies, and enough heartfelt moments to make even the toughest tennis competitors tear up.

Here's the thing about great love stories, they usually start when you're not looking. Venus wasn't hunting for romance at Milan Fashion Week in 2024. She was on a sisters' trip to Lake Como, probably planning to relax and shop, when a last-minute Gucci show invitation shifted everything.

Andrea almost didn't go either. He was exhausted and ready to skip the whole thing. But something made him show up that day, and after the show ended, both found themselves at an intimate gathering hosted by Gucci's creative team.

Andrea spotted Venus across the room and walked over with the kind of straightforward confidence that apparently works. "You're so beautiful," he told her. Most people would fumble that moment, but Venus being fluent in Italian responded in his native language, and suddenly they were deep in conversation like they'd known each other for years.

What happened next? The modern love story dance: a drink request, phone numbers exchanged (with a helpful nudge from Venus' sister Lyn), and that addictive early relationship phase where you can't stop texting. Within days, they met up again in London, where Venus did something refreshingly honest—she brought him straight into her inner circle for breakfast with her closest friends.

"It's not easy to sit around a table with powerful women," Venus joked later. But Andrea handled it, and by the end of that week, they both knew this wasn't just another romance.

Ten days into dating someone new, you're usually still on your best behavior, right? Still doing your hair before every date, keeping things light and fun. Venus and Andrea didn't get that luxury. Just days after they met, Venus received devastating news: she was diagnosed with adenomyoma, a condition requiring surgery and bringing all the uncertainty and fear that comes with any health crisis.

Most brand-new relationships would crumble under that pressure. Instead, Andrea leaned in. He helped her navigate medical care in Italy, stood by her through surgery, and showed up in ways that mattered. That early test became the bedrock of everything that followed—a relationship built on real support, not just good times.

"We were already going through a lot together," Venus reflected. "And he supported me." Sometimes the strongest relationships are forged in the fire, not the honeymoon phase.

By January 2025, six months after that chance meeting in Milan, Andrea was ready to make things official. He planned a romantic day in Tuscany—thermal pools, couples massages, the works. At dinner, he suggested they wish on a star together. When Venus turned back around, Andrea was down on one knee, ring in hand.

"Do you want to marry me?"

Venus' response? Pure, unfiltered joy, jumping, laughing, celebrating exactly the way she does after winning a championship match. "Yes. Yes. Yes."

Here's where things get interesting from a wedding planning perspective. The couple first tied the knot on September 18 in Ischia, Italy—a dream location they'd always talked about. But paperwork timing meant they wanted a second U.S. celebration, one that honored Venus' Florida roots and gave their American family and friends a proper party.

Enter Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events, the same powerhouse planner who designed Serena Williams' 2017 wedding. Together, they created something special: a five-day wedding experience in Palm Beach that threw the traditional one-day playbook out the window.

"Weddings go by so fast," Venus explained. "So we started on Monday."

The Monday kickoff? A full yacht day, gifted by Serena herself, complete with gourmet food, curated music, and the kind of deep-belly laughs you only get with your favorite people. Every day after brought something new—pool parties at Venus and Andrea's home where Italian and American families mixed, cultures blended, and genuine connections formed.

The bridal shower was boudoir-themed and held on their back patio. Venus wore Kim Kassas with David Yurman jewelry, radiating confidence while friends lip-synced Beyoncé and everyone relaxed into the celebration. There were themed dinners, a full sports day featuring tennis (naturally), dodgeball, volleyball, and pickleball.

"I didn't want to be the team captain," Venus laughed. "I just wanted to be on the team with my husband." After decades of competitive tennis, she just wanted to play for fun with the man she loves.

Before the big ceremony, Venus and Andrea woke up before dawn on Friday for something deeply personal—a private courthouse ceremony with just the two of them present. No cameras, no guests, just their commitment to each other.

"I can't describe how sacred it felt," Venus said. "It was calm, emotional, and beautiful."

She wore one of ten custom Morilee New York dresses made specifically for her wedding week. They had breakfast together afterward, letting the weight of what they'd just done settle in before the larger celebration began.

For the ceremony that evening, Venus stunned in a Georges Hobeika gown—shimmering, sheer, ocean-inspired perfection. Andrea walked down the aisle with his mother to the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," a touching tribute to the woman who raised him.

Then Venus entered to "Ovunque Sarai," a deeply emotional Italian song connected to Andrea's late grandmother. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere. They exchanged vows they'd written themselves, switching between English and Italian, before recessing to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

The reception kept that energy going—intimate, elegant, joyful. Dancing, an incredible dinner, and then an after-party that loaded everyone onto a bus for late-night dancing until 2 a.m. "It was the happiest, sweetest day," Venus said.

Venus and Andrea's celebration offers real insights for anyone planning their own wedding, especially if you're considering a multi-day event or destination celebration:

Extend the celebration. One day isn't enough to truly connect with everyone you love. A multi-day approach lets relationships deepen and memories multiply.

Honor both cultures. Venus and Andrea didn't compromise on their backgrounds—they celebrated both, creating something richer than either tradition alone.

Invest in the right team. From wedding planners to designers, photographers to caterers, the vendor team makes or breaks the experience. Finding professionals who understand your vision and can execute flawlessly matters enormously.

Make it personal. From the courthouse ceremony to the Italian music choices to the sports day, every element reflected who Venus and Andrea actually are.

Prioritize what matters. Venus didn't stress about being the best athlete at her own sports day. She focused on being present with Andrea and their guests.

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a week-long celebration, connecting with experienced vendors who specialize in your style of event makes all the difference. The right team transforms logistics into magic.

Venus and Andrea’s wedding proves one thing clearly: great weddings are built by great vendors.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, multi-day celebration, or intimate luxury event, here’s what made this one unforgettable and where My Event Pod comes in:

• Wedding Planners who manage multi-day itineraries seamlessly
• Fashion Stylists & Designers for custom bridal looks
• Florists who understand storytelling through flowers
• Caterers experienced in cultural fusion menus
• Photographers & Videographers who capture emotion, not just poses
• Entertainment Vendors for ceremonies, receptions, and after-parties

On My Event Pod, you can discover trusted vendors who specialize in exactly this level of detail, care, and excellence, whether your wedding is in Palm Beach, Tuscany, or anywhere in between.

Venus Williams has conquered courts across the world. But this chapter, one rooted in love, health, family, and joy might be her most beautiful win yet.

From Milan to Palm Beach, from chance meeting to lifelong commitment, Venus and Andrea’s story is proof that love shows up when you least expect it and stays when it matters most.

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