Celebration rocks Villa Star Ollie Watkins and Ellie Alderson Tie the Knot in Lavish Wedding Celebration
A weekend of romance, refinement, and joyous festivities unfolded as Premier League striker Ollie Watkins and long-time partner Ellie Alderson said their vows in a breathtaking wedding celebration in France. The pair, together since 2018, marked this magical moment surrounded by close friends and family, culminating a love story many fans have cherished. Here’s an in-depth look into their lavish nuptials.
From Holiday Fling to Everlasting Bond
Their story began during a post-university trip to Marbella. While Ellie was on holiday with friends, Ollie—already smitten—tagged along unexpectedly, much to the surprise (and slight annoyance) of his pals. “We just spent the whole holiday together then,” Ellie laughed, remembering that “his friends were really annoyed because he just wanted to hang around with me!”
Over the next five years, that spontaneous holiday encounter blossomed into a profound connection. Ollie’s career soared—moving from Brentford to Aston Villa and becoming a top England striker—while the couple built a life together in Birmingham with two adorable children: Amara (born September 2021) and Marley (born April 2023) .
The Dreamy Proposal in Lake Como
In July 2024, following a heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat, Ollie orchestrated a romantic escape to Italy’s Lake Como. Amid candlelit dinners, white blooms, and attentive hotel staff, he pivoted Ellie towards a surprise balcony moment—where he dropped to one knee .
Ellie later revealed how Ollie clumsily tried to plan the getaway (“not very subtle,” she joked), even probing about her outfit choices. While she sensed something was up, the perfect scene still felt like it came out of a novel . The engagement ring—a spectacular oval-cut diamond estimated between £58k–£96k—captured the romance of the moment perfectly .
A Lavish Wedding Weekend in the South of France
Rather than a single ceremony, the couple bashed out a full weekend of celebration under the Mediterranean sun:
Venues: The picturesque trifecta included Grand‑Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, and Plage de Passable .
Guests: Around a hundred of their closest loved ones—including fellow footballers—joined the festivities .
Welcome Party: Think parmesan wheels, Hugo spritz cocktails, and heartfelt acoustic sets by singer Rihanna Keane. Music lovers rejoice as Ellie live-DJ’ed, Ollie’s mum joined in karaoke, and the energy soared all night .
The Ceremony: Though they legally wed earlier that month at Marylebone Town Hall, the French ceremony was nothing short of cinematic. Surrounded by flowers and sea, they exchanged vows in a heartfelt moment—Ellie relaxed and teary, Ollie unable to take his eyes off her.
Personal Touches & Emotional Highlights
Family-first: Fiercely private about their romance, the couple ensured an intimate atmosphere. Their daughters Amara and Marley were present, making the event truly about family.
Sentimental speeches: Ollie reportedly praised Ellie as his “rock,” recalling their journey from League Two to Premier League glamour and shared life during COVID lockdowns .
Entertainment: Live bands, spontaneous karaoke, and an open bar kept energy levels high. A dazzling fireworks display lit the night sky while guests danced into the early hours .
Style & Elegance: Ellie’s lace, corseted gown and minimalist bouquet—paired with Ollie’s classic black tux—captured understated sophistication . The multi-tiered wedding cake in white and gold matched the couple’s aesthetic, while tasteful décor and personalized keepsakes impressed all who attended .
Social Media Buzz & Public Reactions
Ellie shared black-and-white snapshots from their legal ceremony, captioning them “Legally Mrs Watkins,” earning over 44,000 likes in just a few hours . Teammates like Morgan Rogers and John McGinn extended heartfelt congratulations . Fans echoed the love online: “Just so beautiful,” and “your dress is amazing,” while cheeky jokes suggested Ollie should have waited till the season’s end .
Honeymoon speculation: Whispers suggest they may jet off to the Maldives or Caribbean for a romantic getaway .
Back to business: Ollie is expected to dive straight into pre-season with Aston Villa and preparations for the next international campaign.
Family adventure: Ellie continues to grow her presence as a lifestyle and fitness influencer, occasionally sharing snapshots of their beautiful family life.
Ollie and Ellie’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was a testament to enduring love, blending star-studded flair with heartfelt intimacy. From their seaside proposal to the lavish French weekend, every detail reflected their journey: intimate yet grand, relaxed yet luxurious. They’re not just a power couple—they’re a love story rooted in genuine affection, resilience, and shared dreams.
Here’s to the Watkins family: may their future be as bright as their spectacular celebration!
