PALM BEACH, Florida — In a stunningly private ceremony that captivated the sports and entertainment worlds, tennis legend Venus Williams married actor and entrepreneur Andrea Preti this past weekend at a luxurious estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The intimate affair, attended by close family and friends, was made even more memorable by an extraordinary wedding gift from the bride’s sister, fellow tennis icon Serena Williams, who served as the matron of honor.
The wedding, held on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, marks a new chapter for the 43-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has been famously private about her personal life. Andrea Preti, a 38-year-old Italian-born actor and real estate investor, has been linked to Venus since late 2022, though the couple managed to keep the details of their relationship and engagement largely out of the public eye until now.
A Secret Ceremony in the Sunshine State
Sources close to the family revealed that the ceremony was held at a private waterfront compound, with the couple exchanging vows under a floral arch overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The guest list was intentionally kept small, reportedly under 50 people, ensuring an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. Venus, radiant in a custom-designed gown, was walked down the aisle by her father, Richard Williams. Serena, who gave birth to her second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, just last August, stood by her sister’s side, beaming with joy.
“It was the most beautiful, heartfelt ceremony,” a guest shared anonymously. “You could feel the decades of love and history in that family. Venus was glowing, and Andrea couldn’t take his eyes off her. Serena was emotional in the best way—just so happy for her big sister.” The reception featured a curated menu blending Italian and American Southern cuisines, a nod to Preti’s heritage and Venus’s roots.
Serena’s “Incredible” and Deeply Personal Gift
While the wedding itself was a closely guarded secret, the nature of Serena’s gift to the newlyweds has become a focal point of the story. According to insiders, Serena’s present was not a material object, but an unparalleled experience and commitment. She gifted the couple a comprehensive, year-long “honeymoon concierge” service, personally planning and funding a series of surprise trips and experiences around the globe for the next twelve months.
More significantly, Serena pledged to take on a substantial portion of Venus’s business and brand management responsibilities for the coming year, allowing her sister to fully immerse herself in newlywed life without the pressures of her entrepreneurial ventures. This includes oversight of Venus’s interior design firm, V Starr, her clothing line EleVen, and her numerous investment projects. A source elaborated, “Serena told Venus, ‘Your only job this year is to be happy. I’ve got everything else.’ It was a gift of time and peace, which for someone as driven as Venus, is truly priceless.”
The gesture underscores the profound bond between the sisters, who have been each other’s fiercest competitors and closest confidantes since childhood. Serena’s understanding of the unique pressures of life in the spotlight, combined with her own experience balancing family and career, made this offering uniquely thoughtful and impactful.
Who is Andrea Preti?
While Venus Williams is a household name, her new husband, Andrea Preti, is a figure of growing interest. Born in Milan, Italy, Preti has built a multifaceted career spanning acting, real estate development, and venture capital. He has appeared in several Italian television series and independent films and is known in European business circles for his savvy investments in technology and sustainable property development.
Friends describe him as intelligent, low-key, and fiercely supportive of Venus’s career. The couple reportedly connected through mutual friends in the art and business worlds, bonding over shared interests in design, wellness, and philanthropy. Preti is said to have learned to play tennis specifically to better understand and share in Venus’s world, though insiders joke he is “still very much a beginner.”
Key facts about Andrea Preti:
- Age & Background: 38 years old, originally from Milan, Italy.
- Career: Actor, real estate investor, and venture capitalist.
- Connection to Venus: Met through mutual friends in late 2022.
- Public Persona: Known for being private and avoiding social media fame.
A New Chapter for a Tennis Icon
Venus Williams’s career has been defined by groundbreaking achievements, both on and off the court. From her 49 singles titles and four Olympic gold medals to her advocacy for equal pay and her successful business empire, she has consistently broken barriers. This marriage represents a deeply personal milestone. In recent years, Venus has spoken openly about her desire for a family and a lasting partnership, often noting that she was waiting for the right person.
In a 2023 interview, she hinted at her priorities, stating, “Tennis has given me an incredible life, but life is about more than trophies. It’s about love, family, and building a legacy that isn’t just about what you did on a court.” This weekend’s celebration seems to be the fulfillment of that sentiment, launching her into a new era surrounded by love and the unwavering support of her family.
Celebrations and Well-Wishes Pour In
News of the wedding, first reported by celebrity news outlets and confirmed by sources close to the Williams family, has sparked an outpouring of congratulations from across the tennis community and beyond. Fellow players, past and present, have taken to social media to express their joy for the beloved champion. The official WTA tour account posted, “Congratulations to the newlyweds! Wishing Venus and Andrea a lifetime of happiness.”
While the Williams family has yet to release an official statement or photograph—preferring to keep the moment private—the image of Venus embarking on this adventure, with Serena ensuring her path is clear, is a powerful testament to their legendary sisterhood. As one guest summed it up, “It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of Venus finding her perfect match, and of Serena showing, in the most incredible way, what sisterly love truly means.”
As Venus Williams and Andrea Preti begin their life together, they do so with the unique gift of time and freedom, a profound blessing from a sister who knows better than anyone the weight of the crown Venus has worn so gracefully for decades. The serve may be over, but for Venus, the most important game—a joyful life well-lived—is just beginning.