New information has come to light regarding the clandestine marriage of supermodel Gisele Bundchen to her long-term partner, Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Joaquim Valente. The couple exchanged vows in a discreet ceremony held at their residence in Surfside, Florida, on December 3, a fact substantiated by a marriage licence obtained by the Daily Mail.
A Private Celebration for a New Chapter
Bundchen, 45, entered into this new union three years after her highly publicised divorce from NFL legend Tom Brady. She shares two children with Brady: son Benjamin, 16, and daughter Vivian, 14. The model and Valente made their romance official on Valentine's Day 2024, following months of persistent dating rumours, and welcomed a baby boy in February of this year.
An insider has now disclosed to People magazine the primary reason behind the couple's decision to keep their nuptials intensely private. "Gisele is tired of all of the attention on her private life," the source revealed, adding, "but [she and Valente] are both so happy being together, and being new parents it was what they wanted to do."
The source elaborated, stating the pair are "best friends with a lot in common" and are "so excited about everything." They emphasised Bundchen's desire for autonomy: "Gisele just wants to do things her own way. And a small, private non-event was what she wanted."
Seeking a Manageable and Happy Life
According to the confidant, Bundchen has found a fulfilling equilibrium. "Her life is filled with her kids, her loving family and work, but it is more manageable. She is happy being married again, happy being a mom and happy in her environment. It is an enviable position," they observed.
A separate insider echoed this sentiment, confirming that marriage was always part of Bundchen's plans. "Gisele is happy and in love, and getting married was in her plans - the timing just had to be right. She didn’t want anything over the top or made public so they could enjoy the day, each other and the family," the source said. They concluded, "Everything has fallen into place for her, and she is fulfilled. Those close to her are so happy for her. Getting married was right."
Page Six reported that Valente is "thrilled they finally tied the knot after having a kid together." While the wedding was an intimate affair, TMZ notes that some close family members were present to celebrate with the couple.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Past Relationships
The news of the wedding emerged shortly after Bundchen was seen at an event in Sao Paulo for the jewellery brand Vivara, where the design of her dress subtly obscured her left hand. She has known Valente since 2021, when she and her children began attending classes at the Valente Brothers jiu-jitsu studio in Miami. Bundchen has consistently and firmly denied allegations that her relationship with Valente began before the end of her marriage to Brady.
In a statement to the New York Times, she addressed the cheating rumours directly: "This is something that happens to a lot of women who get blamed when they have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and are labeled as being unfaithful. Of course, for me, it just happens to be a little bit amplified."
As reports of the secret wedding circulated globally, Tom Brady sparked concern among followers by posting Instagram Stories soundtracked by Logic's song '1-800-273-8255', which features lyrics like "I don’t wanna be alive." This followed earlier reports that Brady had "accepted" Bundchen's relationship with Valente, though a source told the Daily Mail in February 2024 he believed they had been together for "years."
Bundchen and Brady's divorce was finalised in October 2022, following significant strain reportedly caused by Brady's decision to reverse his retirement from the NFL to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bundchen had previously expressed her concerns about the sport's violence and her desire for him to be more present for their family.
