YouTube superstar MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has married fellow content creator Thea Booysen in an intimate 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 at the 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands. According to People, the festivities included kitesurfing, snorkeling, feeding the island’s lemurs and flamingos, and several days of celebrations before the wedding ceremony.Booysen wore a custom Nicole + Felicia Couture wedding gown, while Donaldson chose a Ralph Lauren tuxedo. Their ceremony was officiated by an ordained minister who is also a family friend.
Couple’s first dance was to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds made their entrance at the reception and shared their first dance to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ hit song “Die With a Smile.”Guests enjoyed an elaborate menu featuring sushi, Wagyu beef and fresh seafood, while the wedding cake reflected the bride’s favorite flavor—carrot cake.The celebrations didn’t end after dinner. A live band entertained guests before the party shifted to the main house, where Booysen joked everyone enjoyed “nerdy” activities such as board games and card games.
How MrBeast and Thea Booysen met
Donaldson first met Booysen, a South African gamer, author and internet personality, during a visit to South Africa in 2022.Booysen recalled being surprised by the YouTuber’s personality.“When I met him, I was quite surprised how down-to-earth he was, and also how intelligent he was,” she said. “I thought YouTubers were just sort of a persona, but when I met him, I was quite surprised to see that he’s actually a nice guy. He wasn’t sitting there with an ego.”Donaldson said the pair “vibed instantly” 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-distance relationship.The couple made their first public appearance together at the Kids’ Choice Awards in April 2022.
Christmas proposal led to private wedding
MrBeast proposed on Christmas Day in 2024 at their home with both families present.Recalling the proposal, Donaldson said he created a small distraction before asking the big question.“I intentionally dropped a large box to make noise before presenting the real gift—with the ring inside—to her. And then I went down on a knee and proposed,” he said.Despite being one of the world’s most popular and highest-paid YouTubers, Donaldson had long said he wanted his wedding to remain private.“This will definitely be more family and friends—definitely more private,” he had previously said, adding that he wanted to step away from work and spend quality time with loved ones.
‘It was heaven’
Reflecting on their wedding, Booysen described the celebration as unforgettable.“This is cliché, but it was heaven,” she said.“We were so happy, and there was so much love. We work a lot and don’t get to be around all our friends and family, so to have everyone in one place was really special.”The couple also revealed they hope to make the gathering an annual tradition.“We decided we want to start doing something like this every year, where we put aside a week to have our friends and family join us to spend time together,” Booysen said.Although the wedding officially made them husband and wife, Booysen said their relationship itself would remain unchanged.“It sounds silly, but this is really just a formality,” she said. “Ever since we started dating we’ve been doing it with the goal of marriage. The difference is now the world knows we’re married, but we’ll still come home to our house and dogs and cats, and then we’re off to our next adventure.”She also praised her husband for making every guest feel welcome, adding, “Jimmy really went out of his way to make all the guests super comfortable and feel included… It just made me love him all the more.”
