At a Glance
- Venus Williams, 45, married Andrea Preti, 37, in a multi-day celebration in Italy in September 2025 and again in Florida in December 2025.
- The sisters discussed the wedding on the Stockton Street podcast, outlining three key factors that guided Venus’s decision.
- Serena Williams, 44, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, praising Venus’s “grace, strength, and heart.”
Why it matters: Venus’s decision to marry on her own terms underscores the importance of family, values, and work in a lasting partnership.
Venus Williams tied the knot with Andrea Preti in a whirlwind of celebrations that spanned Italy and Florida. The first ceremony, a multi-day affair in Italy, took place in September 2025, while the second, a more intimate Palm Beach ceremony, followed in December 2025. During the morning of the Florida wedding, Venus and Preti sat down with Serena on the Stockton Street podcast to talk about the vows, the family, and the principles that guided their choice.
The Two Weddings
The couple’s first wedding in Italy was a grand affair that involved extended family and friends. It was a multi-day celebration that allowed the bride and groom to honor traditions and share the moment with loved ones. Three months later, they returned to the United States for a second ceremony on the sunny shores of Palm Beach. The Florida wedding was more private, yet it carried the same emotional weight and significance.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Multi-day celebration in Italy |
| December 2025 | Palm Beach ceremony in Florida |
The Podcast Conversation
During the latest episode of the Stockton Street podcast, Venus explained the three “big” things she considered before saying “I do.” She emphasized that marriage involves not only a partner but also a family, and that the decision should reflect good family ties, shared values, and a stable job.
- Good family: “You marry [one’s] family,” Venus said. “That’s why I always tell people… It’s about good family, good values, has a job.”
- Shared values: She added that attraction must stem from shared values and personal care.
- Work ethic: Venus warned that a partner who refuses to work could bring pressure and stress into the marriage.
She encouraged listeners to follow her advice, noting that marrying into a chaotic or tough family could negatively impact the relationship. Venus also mentioned that if a partner does not work, it could create problems depending on the situation.
Preti, meanwhile, shared his own feelings about the marriage. “Marrying this beautiful soul and sweetheart is the most amazing thing that could happen in my life,” he told the audience. He went on to say that Venus’s family made him feel welcomed and safe, describing her as a “new brother” and expressing gratitude for the warmth he received from her sisters and mother.
Serena Williams, who attended the Palm Beach ceremony with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughters Adira, 2, and Olympia, 8, posted a tribute on Instagram. She wrote, “My sister’s keeper. Venus, where do I even begin?” She praised Venus’s grace, strength, and heart, and highlighted how the wedding felt like watching the sun rise-steady, powerful, and full of promise.
Key Takeaways
- Venus’s marriage to Andrea Preti was celebrated twice, once in Italy and once in Florida, both in 2025.
- The Stockton Street podcast revealed that Venus weighed three major factors-family, values, and work-before committing.
- Serena’s Instagram tribute celebrated Venus’s personal and professional achievements and her new chapter in life.
- The couple’s story emphasizes that choosing a partner involves considering the larger family context and shared life goals.
Why it matters: The public insight into Venus’s decision-making process offers a rare look at how a world-class athlete balances personal happiness with practical considerations. It reminds fans that marriage is not just about love but also about the foundations that sustain a lifelong partnership.
