Serena Williams' Nuptial Plans: Has The Tennis Star Set A Wedding Date?

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian tied the knot on November 16, 2017, in New Orleans. The date was chosen to honour the birthday of Ohanian's late mother. The couple exchanged vows in front of 200 family members and famous friends, including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, and fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's wedding date and venue

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's wedding date was November 16, 2017, a date chosen to honour the birthday of Ohanian's late mother. The couple tied the knot in front of 200 family and friends at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, a city that held special significance for Ohanian.

The venue was chosen by both Williams and Ohanian, with Williams explaining: "Painting and art are something I'm really passionate about, so it just felt natural and different to do it at a contemporary art museum."

The wedding was a star-studded affair, with guests including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Caroline Wozniacki, Kelly Rowland, Anna Wintour, Ciara, and La La Anthony.

Their wedding theme and decor

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's wedding was a fairy-tale-themed celebration, with the decor inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The ceremony and reception were held at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, which the couple chose because of its art focus, and the city's European influence, food, and fun vibe.

The wedding decor was designed by Preston Bailey, who described the aesthetic as "very different and unique". The aisle ended in a gold arch of flowers, and the long tables were covered in lamé fabric. There were chandeliers encased in gold birdcages, trophy-style place cards, and "black lamé" table linens. The seating had a fashion-show feel, with sofas instead of chairs, all facing the aisle instead of the altar.

The wedding planner, Jennifer, said that the fairy-tale idea came from Serena early on in the planning process: "Serena's very girly. She was like, 'I love Disney, how can we incorporate it in?' Then Serena and Alexis said, 'What do you think about a royal ball?' Serena was like, 'I just want it to be opulent. I want it to be like a fairy tale.'"

Serena's wedding dress

Serena Williams wore not one, not two, but three different wedding dresses for her marriage to Alexis Ohanian. The tennis star and her husband, the Reddit co-founder, wed in 2017.

For the ceremony, Williams wore a custom strapless ballgown-style dress with a cape, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The princess-style gown was a silhouette that Williams said was "completely the opposite of what I ever thought I would choose for myself". She paired the dress with jewellery by XIV Karats, worth a total of $3.5 million.

For the reception, Williams changed into a second wedding look: a white strapless Versace dress that featured lace and feathers throughout the bodice. The designer, Donatella Versace, told Vogue that her team "worked nonstop to make sure the tiniest details were perfectly taken care of, for a total of 1,500 hours".

For the couple's first dance, Williams wore a third dress: a mini dress with a feathered skirt, paired with sparkly heels. She later changed into a pair of bejewelled Nike trainers for comfort.

The couple's first dance

The first dance between Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian was a highly anticipated moment at their wedding. The couple chose "Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast as their song, fitting with the theme of their wedding. They had been practising their choreography with a dance instructor in the days leading up to the wedding.

Serena and Alexis's first dance as a married couple was an epic, choreographed performance, which received cheers and applause from their guests. The couple had been preparing for this moment and wanted to make it special. They twirled, spun, and lifted each other with ease, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The dance ended with a kiss, sealing their love in front of their family and friends.

The newlyweds then invited their guests to join them on the dance floor, and the celebration continued with more dancing and a surprise performance by New Edition. The band played a mix of upbeat songs, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed. It was a magical moment for the couple, who were surrounded by their loved ones, celebrating their union.

The couple's choice of song and choreography reflected their journey together, from their meet-cute in Rome to their wedding day. "Tale as Old as Time" captured the timeless and fairy-tale nature of their love story, which began in an unexpected way and blossomed into a deep connection. Their first dance will forever be remembered as a highlight of their wedding, a testament to their commitment and love for each other.

The wedding guests

The guest list for Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian's wedding was a star-studded affair. The couple exchanged vows in front of a slew of celebrity guests, including Beyoncé, Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian West, Anna Wintour, Ciara, La La Anthony, Eva Longoria, and José Bastón. Fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki was also in attendance.

The couple's baby daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., was present for the ceremony, and Serena's best friend, Val Vogt, served as a bridesmaid. Vogt walked Serena's beloved Yorkshire terrier, Chip, down the aisle in a tiny tuxedo.

Frequently asked questions