Serena Williams’ Disney-Inspired Wedding Was A Fairy Tale Come True
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian aren’t your average couple. They’re one part tennis superstar, one part major internet mogul, and together they make a dynamic duo. The couple got engaged back in December of 2016 and together, they share a daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. And after a whirlwind year, the couple has officially tied the knot in the most epic way—just as you’d expect.
The lovebirds wed on Nov. 16, which is Ohanian’s late mother’s birthday, in a lavish, “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired ceremony. Based on the photos both have posted on Instagram, everything from the bride’s ceremony dress to the first dance was fitting for a fairy tale.
They chose a venue in New Orleans that fit both the bride and groom’s personalities.
“Alexis really wanted to do New Orleans,” Williams told Vogue. “It’s his favorite city besides Brooklyn. It’s got a heavy European influence; it’s fun and has amazing food. He just loves the vibe. The venue—the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans—was a decision we both made. Painting and art is something I’m really passionate about, so it just felt natural and different to do it at a contemporary art museum.”
Read on for more details about the beautiful wedding!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbn-zE0BWv7/?hl=en&taken-by=alexisohanian
According to Williams’ wedding planner, the bride-to-be said early on, “‘I love Disney, how can we incorporate it in?’” The planner told Vogue, “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.'” They definitely achieved the royal ball theme!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbn73WdhnJI/?hl=en&taken-by=alexisohanian
Williams had not one, but three dresses for her big day, and she even surprised herself when she opted for a big, beautiful ball gown as the main gown.
“[I] ended up falling in love with the ball gown silhouette, which is completely the opposite of what I ever thought I would choose for myself,” the bride told the magazine.
And boy, was it stunning! It was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the same person who designed Kate Middleton’s wedding gown.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbnlRjGg7up/?hl=en&taken-by=voguemagazine
Williams’ other two dresses were also gorgeous.
One shorter dress was perfect for dancing. The couple’s first dance together was set to “Tale As Old As Time,” naturally.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbpFKi3hsrb/?hl=en&taken-by=alexisohanian
The third gown was fit for sailing off into the sunset as husband and wife.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbuAU1kBlkK/?hl=en&taken-by=alexisohanian
Just in case you’re wondering what shoes the bride wore down the aisle, she wore customized Nike tennis shoes—which makes total sense for Williams! She posted about the footwear on Instagram writing, “Comfort for this bride!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbwwckoh7lM/?hl=en&taken-by=serenawilliams
Of course, the couple’s daughter also made a grand entrance. She was carried down the aisle by her grandmother while wearing an adorable white gown.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbuw10mH_Tg/?hl=en&taken-by=olympiaohanian
As far as the couple’s fairy tale wedding goal—we’d say they nailed it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbn_eq8B3Y1/?hl=en&taken-by=alexisohanian
Congratulations to the happy couple!