CELEBRITY

Rafael Nadal just married his childhood sweetheart Mery Perello

He aced it!
Loading the player...

Tennis star Rafael Nadal and his longterm girlfriend Xisca ‘Mery’ Perello are married, with the couple tying the knot on the weekend at a glamorous ceremony in their home country of Mallorca, Spain

WATCH: Rafael Nadal takes a swipe at Ash Barty

The pair, who have been together for 14 years, were wed at the extravagant La Fortaleza estate on Saturday. 

According to the Daily Mail, 350 guests attended the plush wedding at the former 17th century fortress, including the Spanish King Juan Carlos, and fellow tennis pros David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Carlos Moya.

rafa mery wedding photos
Rafa and Mery were married in Mallorca on Saturday (Credit: Photo by Fundacion Rafa Nadal via Getty Images)

The cute couple were photographed posing against a picturesque backdrop, with Rafa  dressed in a grey morning suit and Mery wearing a long-sleeved gown, by Spanish designer Rosa Clara.

Bride Mery had her hair swept back, and carried a simple bouquet of white flowers with green foliage.

rafa nadal wedding
The couple have been together for 14 years (Credit: Photo by Fundacion Rafa Nadal via Getty Images)

Designer Rosa Clara, who created two dresses for the bride, shared initial sketches of the second dress on her Instagram.

The first dress, worn for the ceremony, featured “art Deco-inspired French lace with delicate patterning, flower motifs and micro beading” as well as a “ballgown-style skirt, made of silk crepe” with a detachable train.

rosa clara wedding dress rafael nadal
Designer Rosa Clara shared sketches of Mery’s second wedding dresses (Credit: Instagram)

According to the designer, the second dress, which was worn in the evening, was made of “Chantilly lace, featured scalloped flower motifs and transparent microbeading on the meticulously hand-embroidered fabric.”

It also featured a halter neckline and an open back in its design.

rafa wedding venue
Rafa shared a photo of the view from the wedding venue (Credit: Instagram)

Proud groom Rafael shared a photograph of the wedding venue to his Instagram on Saturday, which showed the sun setting above the calm waters and mountains in the distance, giving his fans a sneak peek of the event.

The current ranked world number two tennis champion is notoriously private about his relationship, but has previously spoken of his wish to have children in the future. 

“I would love to have children, boys, girls… I’m a person who loves kids and I’m a family guy. I think it’s also above all about looking after the kids… I don’t know if [having kids on the road] is ideal.” he reportedly said on a Spanish talk show. 

Related stories