Bill Gates and Melinda Gates’ eldest daughter, Jennifer, has married her longtime love, Nayel Nassar. The couple tied the knot on Saturday at her horse farm in North Salem, New York (which her parents bought her in 2018 after she graduated from Stanford University), according to multiple reports.
Rural roads were shut down by authorities on Saturday for the $2 million wedding to take place and saw hundreds of guests driven to the ceremony in SUVs at her $16 million Westchester horse farm.
The couple’s wedding plans were revealed after online news media the Daily Mail reported that the pair were planning the ceremony on Wednesday. Following the report, photos of tents being set up at the estate surfaced on social media.
Masses of hydrangeas and other plants were wheeled in and pastry chefs from French shop Laduree carried a huge two-tiered white wedding cake into the property as the couple geared up for a second civil ceremony on Saturday, the Daily Mail reported.
Gates first shared the news of her engagement to Nassar, 30, in January 2020.
“Nayel Nassar, you are one of a kind,” she said in a social media post alongside a photo that showed her engagement ring.
Jennifer, 25, wore a custom Vera Wang gown, which featured a tulle skirt and lace long-sleeves. The bride and groom held a private Muslim ceremony the night before Saturday’s 300-guest celebration. Coldplay and Harry Hudson are reportedly performing at the reception.
Jennifer got engaged to 30-year-Nayel last January. They both graduated from Stanford University — Jennifer with a degree in human biology and Nayel with a degree in economics — and are both accomplished equestrians. In September, Jennifer Instagrammed a sweet picture of the two clasping hands and hugging.
Jennifer is the eldest of the Gates children, which includes her 19-year-old sister, Phoebe, and her 22-year-old brother, Rory. Bill and Melinda shocked many around the world when they announced in early May that they decided to end their marriage after 27 years. Their divorce was finalized in August. According to court documents obtained by ET, Melinda does not plan on changing her name, and as part of the divorce agreement, neither party is paying the other spousal support.
5 things to know about the hubby of Melinda and Bill Gates’ daughter Jennifer, Nayel Nassar:
He was born in the United States and raised in Kuwait
Nassar was born in Chicago to millionaire parents, who reportedly operate an architecture and design firm in the western Asia country of Kuwait, according to Al Arabiya English and Emirates Woman.
He competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
Nassar first began riding at age 5 and jumping at 10. He competed in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan for Egypt where he failed in his quest for gold – but won big in the game of life. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports currently ranks Nassar as No. 44 in the world.
He speaks three languages
The Stanford graduate is fluent in Arabic, French, and English, according to his Global Champions League biography.
The couple connected over Jennifer’s love for horses and equestrian
While Nassar competes on a professional basis, Jennifer enjoys the sport for fun. Of her favorite horse named Alex, Jennifer said in 2017: “He is super sweet, down-to-earth, easy-going, but you can also go fast and have a lot of confidence, so I am really excited about him.”
Nassar adores Jennifer’s dog Earl
Nassar and Jennifer’s furry friend Earl appear to be best buds. The equestrian was spotted walking her pup ahead of the couple’s wedding in New York City on Wednesday.
