Rafael Nadal and Mery Perello wedding: Dress photo revealed by designer as tennis star marries teen sweetheart in Mallorca ceremony

Professional tennis player Rafael Nadal tied the knot with his teenage sweetheart Maria Francisca ‘Xisca’ Perello (also known as Mery) over the weekend.

The pair, who have been together for 14 years, were married in Mallorca at the glamorous La Fortaleza estate on Saturday.

Increased security presence was seen at the picturesque venue, where wedding guests included King Juan Carlos, fellow tennis pros David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Carlos Moya.

Photos of the newlyweds have been shared on Instagram by Perello’s dress designer Rosa Clara, who revealed that it had been an “enormous responsibility” dressing her, as well as her mother and Nadal’s mother and sister. Perello is frequently seen at Nadal's matches accompanied by his sister Maria Isabel Nadal and mother Ana Maria Parera.

The couple were snapped posing against a picturesque landscape in their wedding finery, with Nadal dressed in a grey morning coat and Perello wearing a minimal sophisticated gown.

On Instagram, the designer also shared initial sketches of the dress which featured “art Deco-inspired French lace with delicate patterning, flower motifs and micro beading” as well as a “ballgown-style skirt, made of silk crepe” with a detachable train.

The designer added that there was an “immediate” connection between herself, Perello and the other members of Nadal and Perello’s family.

A sketch of an additional dress that Rosa Clara designed for Perello was also circulated online, which featured a halter neck and backless detail.

According to the Daily Mail, 350 guests attended the wedding held at the former 17th century fortress, which has featured in the BBC series The Night Manager.

The couple was reportedly married by a priest named Tomeu Catal in an outdoor ceremony.

The couple are known to be very private and were reportedly engaged in May 2018, with Nadal saying in an Italian magazine (via Good Housekeeping) that their relationship was built on “understanding, respect and above all great independence”.

Previously Nadal said on a Spanish talk show via Metro, “I would love to have children, boys, girls… I’m a person who loves kids and I’m a family guy. I think it’s also above all about looking after the kids... I don’t know if [having kids on the road] is ideal.”