Denis Shapovalov and Mirjam Björklund Tie the Knot in a Fairytale Greek Wedding
Zakynthos, Greece — In a picturesque celebration of love that spanned four days, Canadian tennis sensation Denis Shapovalov and his Swedish counterpart Mirjam Björklund exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the exquisite Lesante Cape Hotel in Akrotiri, Zakynthos. The event, held before a select gathering of just 30 close friends and family, offered breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, marking a new chapter for the athletic couple who first met in 2019.
The choice of Zakynthos as their wedding destination was deliberately sentimental, a “place they’d never been before,” allowing the couple to forge new, shared memories from the outset of their married life. The festivities, meticulously planned, culminated in an outdoor ceremony that left both bride and groom in awe. “It was truly as amazing as we envisioned when we chose Lesante Cape for our wedding venue,” Björklund, clad in a stunning strapless gown by Ukrainian designer Milla Nova, told PEOPLE. “The weather was incredible and every moment was picture-perfect. It was the most beautiful start to our marriage, and we are so excited to spend forever with each other.”
Shapovalov, the Canadian Davis Cup champion, echoed his bride’s sentiments, expressing profound joy. “It was really so special. Every day we had in Zakynthos with our close friends and family was better than we could have ever asked for, and I’m so excited I got to marry my best friend in such an incredible setting.” He confessed to Vogue Scandinavia that while he anticipated nerves, he “couldn’t hide the smile on my face” as Björklund walked down the aisle, describing her as “absolutely gorgeous” and the moment as “the most joy I’ve ever felt in my life.” Björklund, too, felt a surprising calm, driven by an overwhelming excitement to marry her best friend.
Adding unique charm to the occasion, Björklund opted for an intimate bridal party comprising only her parents, while Shapovalov was supported by five groomsmen. A memorable, unplanned moment saw a sixth “honorary groomsman” emerge when a guest arrived in an identical J. Lindeberg suit, sparking laughter and camaraderie. The couple’s beloved dog, Yatzy, also joined the celebration, sporting his own specially tailored tuxedo, adding a touch of canine elegance to the proceedings.
The reception was a testament to the couple’s playful spirit. Eschewing a traditional slow dance, they surprised their guests with a high-energy, choreographed routine inspired by the movie *The Wedding Ringer*, famously culminating in Björklund executing a flawless backflip. “I think all our guests knew we were not going to do a slow dance, but I don’t think anyone expected that,” Björklund quipped, highlighting the joyous and unexpected nature of their celebration.
Their journey to the altar began in 2019 at the Stockholm Open. Shapovalov, then an emerging talent, noticed Björklund’s photograph on a magazine cover. Intrigued, he approached her sister, learning that Björklund was single. Their initial interactions blossomed over social media, evolving beyond mere friendship. Björklund recounted to Vogue Scandinavia that “it became harder to only stay friends.” A pivotal moment arrived when Björklund, recovering from an injury, flew to London to visit Shapovalov, solidifying the foundation of their burgeoning romance.
The culmination of their courtship arrived in 2023 with a romantic proposal on a beach in Båstad, Sweden. Shapovalov, who had thoughtfully carried the engagement ring for six months, orchestrated a surprise, with Björklund’s family secretly positioned nearby to witness the heartwarming moment.
As they embark on this new chapter, both Denis Shapovalov and Mirjam Björklund express profound excitement for their future together, echoing Björklund’s sentiment: “It feels like the most beautiful start to our marriage, and we are so excited to spend forever together.” Their wedding was not just a union of two individuals but a vibrant declaration of enduring love, celebrated amidst the stunning backdrop of the Greek islands.
