Six-time Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead didn’t declare his love to now-wife Courtney King on stage, flexing under spotlights and bronzing lotion. Instead, under a golden Tuscan sunset, he showed a different kind of strength, one rooted in softness, love, and intention. No show, no facade, just two people fully choosing each other at their wedding.
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“It’s one of the few things that can continue to get better and better until the end of time. Muscles fade, we spend our money. At the end of every day, every season, at the end of life it’s really all you’re left with.” – Chris Bumstead
The wedding of Chris wasn’t what you would expect from the world-famous bodybuilder. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top, but rather a reflection of the couple: intentional and quietly commanding. It was held at Borgo Santo Pietro, a 300-acre hideaway and an hour away from Florence, with only 22 luxurious suites nestled among lavender fields, poppy meadows, and a serene riverbank.
Courtney chose cult-favorite designer Danielle Frankel for her gown. Her specific pick? The Leighton, a silk wool twill dress featuring exposed boning in the bodice and a bubble skirt that brought an intentional, sculptural volume to the silhouette. To complement the gown, she paired it with a simple veil adorned with delicate lace appliques that added just the right touch of romantic detail without overwhelming the overall look.
Keeping things low-key but elevated, Courtney went for natural glam. Her beauty team included Aussie makeup artist Alessandra known for doing the faces of several destination brides and Italian hairstylist Faick Zekai, who gave her a fresh cut and color right before the big day. Even Chris got a hold of the scissors and snapped away some locks. Talk about wedding couple bonding. The result? A bridal look that felt undone in the chicest way: minimal, radiant, and perfectly her.
They kept their guest list intimate, creating a warm and personal atmosphere that felt both relaxed and meaningful. The mood was further enhanced by live music from Tobi Tobi, a dreamy Australian duo renowned for their romantic acoustic sets that perfectly complemented the setting and emotions of the day. Photographer Esther Canon captured the wedding with an artistic eye, using natural light and texture to create images that felt more like scenic paintings than traditional photos. Every moment was infused with a deep sense of personal connection, reflecting the couple’s unique story and bond. Behind the scenes, award-winning Italian wedding planner Lucia Boriosi played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life, thoughtfully layering each detail with intention.
Chris Bumstead and Courtney King’s wedding was unexpected, not just for its beautiful setting in Tuscany, but for the genuine vulnerability it revealed in a world where bodybuilders are often seen as tough and unapproachable. Their ceremony showed a different side of strength, one that goes beyond physical power and highlights emotional openness. By choosing to celebrate their love so openly and honestly, Chris challenged the typical image of what it means to be a bodybuilder and reminded us all that true strength can come from embracing vulnerability.
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