Top 10 Details We Loved At Serena Williams And Alexis Ohanian’s Wedding

ICYMI, tennis superstar Serena Williams and Reddit founder/”Mayor of the Internet” Alexis Ohanian got married last November 16 in a lavish, fairytale-like, and star-studded affair. The couple began dating in 2015, later announcing their engagement in December 2016. Last September 1, they welcomed their first baby, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr.

With their adorable 2-month-old baby in tow, Serena and Alexis tied the knot in the presence of their closet family and friends. It was a beautiful wedding, and we can’t get enough of its lovely and meaningful details. Read about them below:

      

1. The Date

The couple didn’t just choose a random date for their wedding. They chose November 16, because it was the birthday of Alexis’ mother, who passed away nine years ago. In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Serena says, “It is her birthday, and we wanted her to be represented at the wedding. Obviously, we wish that she could be here for this, but choosing her birthday as our wedding date was a nice way of making sure she’s still involved and made us feel more connected to her on our day.”

 

2. The Theme

The wedding had a royal feel, thanks to its French ball and Beauty and the Beast theme inspirations. Look at that invitation!

 

3. The Ceremony’s Venue

“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,” Serena told Vogue. The wedding was held at the Contemporary of Arts Center of New Orleans; New Orleans being Alexis’ favorite city next to Brooklyn. The venue was set up like a fashion show.  Serena shared with Vogue, “I wanted the whole thing to be as nontraditional as possible. We did sofas instead of chairs, with everything facing the aisle instead of the altar.” At the end of the altar was a gold arch bedecked with flowers.   

 

4. The Beautiful Bride and Her Outfits

Serena wore three stunning outfits. For the ceremony, she wore a strapless ball gown with a cape by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (her 14-carat diamond engagement ring and wedding band are by XIV Karats, reportedly worth $3.5 million in total). She changed into a beaded, feathered, and form-fitting gown by Versace for the reception. Come the time for their first dance as a married couple, Serena emerged in a short dress with fringed skirt by Versace, paired with a pair of bejewelled Nikes.

 

5. The Dapper Groom

The handsome groom wore a custom suit by Armani for the ceremony.

 

6. The Reception Details

To incorporate Serena’s incredible accomplishments as a tennis player, the tables at the reception were named after her Grand Slam wins. Serena also loved the idea of a fairytale-like, Disney wedding so that was incorporated to the styling of the venue through opulent details. Event designer Preston Bailey had gold thrones prepared for the couple, perfect for the king and his queen. Check out the statement ceiling décor: chandeliers in gold birdcages. Their intricate cake by Lulu Cake Boutique is too beautiful, too!

 

7. The Couple’s First Dance

After dinner, Serena and Alexis danced to the tune of “Tale as Old as Time,” the official soundtrack of Beauty and the Beast. According to Vogue, "Alexis took the stage and asked the guests, who had been dancing to the Elan Artists’s band, to clear the floor." Then the groom told the guests, "This is the first time I get to introduce Serena Williams as my wife. Come out, wifey!”

 

8. The Star-Studded Guest List

Attendees included Beyoncé, Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian-West, Anna Wintour, Eva Longoria, Ciara, and Colton Haynes.

 

9. The Souvenirs

Guests took home personalized trophies, which were apparently replicas of Serena's trophies. Talk about details!

 

10. The Dreamy After-Party

It cannot get any dreamier and more whimsical than this: an all-white carousel was set up at the venue of the after-party. This was Alexis' surprise for Serena, which apparently almost didn't happen. According to Vogue, "People told him it couldn’t be done, he said. But, when people say no to Alexis in his business or personal life, he always accepts the challenge." It sure was a different take on after-party as guests had fun on the carousel instead of the typical dance floor.   

 

Source: Vogue | Photos from Vogue and @jzevents @alpineinvites @coltonhaynes @allenzepedaphotography @prestonrbailey @ericamelissa @mistadubb @thedragonflyphoto @everythinglulu on Instagram