YouTube star MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, married his creative partner Thea Booysen in a wedding ceremony on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, surrounded by 70 of their closest friends and family.The couple, both 28, exchanged vows after a week-long celebration that began on July 14 on a private 74-acre island in the British Virgin Islands. According to People, the festivities included kitesurfing, sailing, feeding lemurs and flamingos on the island, and a few days of festivities before the wedding.Booysen wore a Nicole + Felicia Couture wedding dress, while Donaldson chose a Ralph Lauren tuxedo. Their ceremony was led by an ordained minister who is also a friend of their family.
The couple’s first dance was Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
After the ceremony, the newlyweds entered the reception and shared their first dance to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ song “Die With a Smile.”Guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal of sushi, Wagyu beef and fresh seafood, while the wedding cake reflected the bride’s favorite flavor—carrot cake.The festivities did not end after dinner. The band entertained the guests before the party moved to the main house, where Booysen joked everyone enjoyed activities such as board games and cards.
How MrBeast and Thea Booysen met
Donaldson first met Booysen, a South African footballer, author and internet personality, during his trip to South Africa in 2022.Booysen recalled being surprised by the YouTuber’s personality.He said: “When I met him, I was surprised how smart and intelligent he was. “I thought that YouTubers were like people, but when I met him, I was surprised to see that he was a good person. He wasn’t sitting there with an ego. “Donaldson said the two “immediately hit it off” and bonded over their shared love of learning. After returning to the United States, he sent Booysen a direct message on X, and the two soon began a long-term relationship.The couple made their first appearance together at the Kids’ Choice Awards in April 2022.
Thoughts of Christmas led to a private wedding
MrBeast proposed on Christmas Day 2024 at his home where all the families were present.Remembering the idea, Mr. Donaldson said he made a few distractions before asking the big question.“I deliberately dropped the big box to make a noise before I gave the actual gift – with a ring inside – to him. Then I got down on one knee and begged,” he said.Despite being one of the world’s most famous and highest-paid YouTubers, Donaldson had previously said she wanted to keep her wedding private.“This will really be a family and a lot of friends – very private,” he previously said, adding that he wants to retire and spend quality time with loved ones.
‘It was heaven’
Reflecting on their wedding, Booysen said the celebration was unforgettable.“It’s a simple statement, but it was heaven,” he said.“We were very happy, and there was a lot of love. We work a lot and we don’t get to be around all our friends and family, so to have everyone in one place was really special.”The couple said they hope to make the event an annual event.“We decided to start doing something like this every year, where we set aside a week for our friends and family to join us and spend time together,” said Booysen.Although the marriage made them husband and wife, Booysen said their relationship will not change.“It sounds silly, but this is just a ritual,” he said. “Since we started dating, we have been doing it with the intention of marriage. The difference is now the world knows that we are married, but we will still come home with dogs and cats, and then we will go on another trip.”She also praised her husband for making every guest feel welcome, adding: “Jimmy really tried to make all the guests feel comfortable and included…