You’ve seen the photos. You probably remember the gold-winged sneakers or the fact that half of the music industry was basically hanging out in New Orleans for a weekend. But honestly, the wedding of Serena Williams to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian wasn't just a party; it was a masterclass in how to spend millions of dollars while keeping things surprisingly personal. People talk about the "Beauty and the Beast" theme like it was just some Disney-obsessed whim. It wasn't.
It was November 16, 2017. New Orleans was buzzing. The Contemporary Arts Center had been transformed into a literal French ballroom, but if you think Serena just picked a dress off a rack and showed up, you're wrong.
The $3.5 Million Dress Dilemma
Let’s talk about the dress. Or rather, the dresses. Serena wore three. But the first one? That Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen ball gown is actually the most expensive celebrity wedding dress ever recorded. It cost about $3.5 million. Think about that for a second. That's more than some people’s entire net worth draped over one person for a few hours.
Interestingly, Serena didn't even think she wanted a ball gown. She told Vogue she flew to London to meet Sarah Burton and just... fell in love with the silhouette. It was the opposite of what she expected. It had this massive, frothy tulle skirt and a cape. Yes, a cape. Because when you’re the greatest of all time, you wear a cape to your wedding.
The Shoe Swap Nobody Saw Coming
Most brides struggle through the pain of heels. Not Serena. She stayed true to herself.
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- She started in heels.
- She pivoted to custom Nike Cortez sneakers.
- These weren't just gym shoes; they were encrusted with thousands of hand-applied crystals.
It’s kinda funny when you think about it. You’re wearing a three-and-a-half-million-dollar dress and $2 million worth of XIV Karats jewelry, and you’re rocking Nikes. That’s peak Serena.
What Really Happened in New Orleans
The choice of New Orleans was very specific. Alexis loves the city. He thinks it’s the best vibe outside of Brooklyn. They didn't pick a church. They picked an art museum.
The seating was weird—but in a good way. Instead of traditional pews or rows of folding chairs, they used sofas. Everyone faced the aisle. It felt like a lounge, not a lecture. If you were sitting there, you’d be looking at Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour all sharing space. It was basically the front row of a Chanel show but with more emotion.
A Registry of Grand Slam Wins
The level of detail was actually insane. They didn't just have table numbers. Each table was named after one of Serena’s Grand Slam titles. Imagine sitting at the "Wimbledon 2002" table. It’s a subtle flex, but a powerful one.
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The food was a whole other story. They didn't do a boring sit-down chicken dinner. They had stations.
- Italian: A nod to Rome, where they first met.
- Southern: Because you can't be in New Orleans and not eat soul food.
- Armenian: A tribute to Alexis’s heritage.
- Steak Station: For the traditionalists.
There was even a "salad wall." Literally a wall of greens.
The Surprise Guest (and the Carousel)
The ceremony happened just two months after their daughter, Olympia, was born. She was carried down the aisle by Serena’s mom, Oracene Price. She was wearing a tiny, jewel-encrusted dress. It’s probably the most adorable thing to ever happen in the history of celebrity nuptials.
But the real kicker happened at the after-party. Around 1:30 in the morning, a curtain dropped. Behind it? A massive, glowing white carousel. Alexis had it brought in as a total surprise for Serena. Everyone—Beyoncé included—was riding a carousel in the middle of the night in New Orleans.
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New Edition performed. Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo sang. It was less of a wedding and more of a private festival.
Why the Wedding of Serena Williams Still Matters
We see a lot of "influencer weddings" now that feel staged for the 'gram. Serena’s wedding was before that reached its peak. While they had a deal with Vogue (meaning no guest cell phones were allowed), the vibe was genuinely about their story.
Alexis’s vows were actually pretty funny. He told her he’d always have bad jokes that made her roll her eyes. He called her his queen. It felt human. Despite the $1 million+ price tag for the event and the $3.5 million dress, the core of it was just two people who met by a pool in Rome and decided to build a life.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Planning
If you're looking at the wedding of Serena Williams for inspiration, don't focus on the budget. Focus on the "why."
- Prioritize Comfort: If the GOAT can wear sneakers, you can too. Don't ruin your night with blisters.
- Personalize the Seating: If you want sofas, get sofas. Breaking tradition usually makes for a better guest experience.
- The "Story" Menu: Don't just pick "beef or fish." Pick foods that mean something to your relationship history.
- Surprise Elements: You don't need a carousel, but a "reveal" moment late in the night keeps the energy from dipping.
The legacy of this wedding isn't just the opulence. It's the fact that Serena managed to be a princess, a superhero, and a tennis legend all in the span of twelve hours. She didn't compromise on her personality for the sake of "bridal" norms. That's the real win.
Practical Next Steps for Planning Your Celebration
Start by identifying three "non-negotiable" personal touches that reflect your history as a couple, much like the Rome-inspired food stations or the Grand Slam table names. Instead of following a standard wedding checklist, draft a "vibe map" that prioritizes guest comfort and movement over rigid tradition. Research local venues that offer "blank canvas" potential—like art galleries or warehouses—rather than traditional ballrooms to allow for more creative layouts. Finally, if you're planning a long night of dancing, source high-quality, customized footwear early so you can transition seamlessly from the ceremony to the party without sacrificing style.