'It was the day we'd always dreamed of

The fourth wedding ceremony uniting Taylor Ward and Riyad Mahrez was an unforgettable experience, as the bride exclusively tells OK!

- EVE MACDONALD

Set against a stunning backdrop Villa Balbiano – the same location used in the 2021 film House Of Gucci – Taylor Ward and footballer Riyad Mahrez’s Lake Como wedding is certainly one to always be remembered. With six dress changes, a star-studded guest list – such as WAGs Annie Kilner, Sara Arfaoui and Ines Degener Tomaz – plus a performance from a world-renowned singer, the happy couple spared no expense. But Taylor and Riyad’s three-day extravaganza between 2-4 July was actually the fourth time the couple have tied the knot. However, this time it is “official”, Taylor exclusively tells OK! when we catch up with the 26-year-old one week on.

“I always knew I was going to milk it,” Taylor laughs. “Riyad and I said from the beginning we wanted to get married abroad but we needed to do it legally in the UK first. We did that and then focused on the day we’d always dreamed of.”

Taylor, who is the daughter of Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Dawn Ward and ex-professional footballer Ashley Ward announced her engagement to Riyad in 2021 after he popped the question with a custom-made ring. She then tied the knot with the former Manchester City ace for the first time in January 2022 in a Muslim ceremony in their own home. The couple, who share two-year-old daughter Mila, then had their second legal ceremony at The Londoner Hotel in September 2023 with 30 of their nearest and dearest. Riyad, 33, who now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, also shares two daughters, Ayla and Inaya, with ex-wife Rita Johal.

But what a lot of people don’t know is that they had a “secret” third ceremony the day before their final celebration in front of 160 people, including 12 bridesmaids, on 3 July.

“The day before we ‘officially’ had our wedding day, Riyad and I also had an Arabic ceremony to include that part of his heritage,” Taylor explains. “Each ceremony has had a different meaning behind it.”