Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen has exchanged vows with her longtime partner and jiu-jitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente, in an intimate ceremony at their Florida home. The wedding marks a new chapter for the 45-year-old, three years after her high-profile divorce from NFL legend Tom Brady.
From Self-Defence Lessons to a Lifelong Commitment
The couple's journey began professionally, with Joaquim Valente initially hired to teach Gisele's children self-defence. Following her split from Tom Brady in October 2022—after 13 years of marriage—their friendship deepened into romance. Sources close to the pair confirm that Valente was a "huge comfort" to Bündchen during the difficult divorce proceedings, which were filed on October 28, 2022.
Despite early denials of a romantic link, their relationship blossomed, with a source telling People magazine in February 2024 that the pair had evolved from great friends to partners. "She's very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other," the insider noted.
A Private Celebration and a Growing Family
The wedding took place on December 3 in a low-key ceremony at their family residence. According to reports from TMZ, the event was not a secret, as close family and friends were aware, but the couple deliberately avoided a social media spectacle. This private approach mirrors how they have handled their relationship from the start.
The union follows another significant milestone for the couple: the birth of their baby boy earlier this year. The child is Bündchen's third; she shares two children, a son and a daughter, with ex-husband Tom Brady.
Life After a High-Profile Split
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's divorce was finalised after the model reportedly issued an ultimatum regarding Brady's return to football, as cited in a US Weekly article at the time. Around the announcement of their split, Bündchen also shared a cryptic Instagram quote about inconsistent relationships.
Friends say Bündchen was hesitant to date again before meeting Valente. They highlight the pair's strong bond, rooted in shared experiences. "They come from similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young," a source explained, adding that both enjoy life in Florida, travel, and healthy living. The insider concluded, "Gisele's in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her."
The couple were first publicly linked in November 2022 when they travelled to Costa Rica with Bündchen's children, signalling the beginning of their new life together as a family.
