a new era

Gisele Bündchen’s private wedding and peaceful new chapter in Florida


Her days are filled with simple but meaningful activities


Gisele Bundchen attends the 2025 Franca Fund Gala at the Museum of Islamic Art on November 23, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.  (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
MARCH 24, 2026 11:22 AM EDT

Gisele Bündchen is stepping into a new era, and it’s defined by intention, family, and a quieter kind of happiness. The Brazilian supermodel, 45, has officially embraced married life after privately tying the knot with jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente on Dec. 3 in Surfside, Florida. 

According to a source close to Bündchen, this new chapter feels deeply meaningful, even if it hasn’t dramatically altered her daily routine. “It didn’t change their day-to-day life in a big way, but it made things feel more meaningful,” the insider shared with People. “It was a very special moment for them to celebrate with close family and friends.”

While the couple has kept his name private, sources revealed his middle name is River, continuing Bündchen’s signature water-themed naming tradition. © Gisele Bündchen/IG
Gisele Bündchen is stepping into a new era, and it’s defined by intention, family, and a quieter kind of happiness.

That sense of intimacy appears to be the defining theme of her life right now. The couple, still newly married, is enjoying every milestone together. “They’ll joke about it and say, ‘Now we’ve been married for two months, now three months.’ It’s still new, but it already feels like they’ve built so much together in a short time,” the source added.

Life With Three Kids and a New Baby

Bündchen’s happiness extends beyond her marriage. Less than a year before the wedding, she and Valente welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named River. She also shares two children—Vivian, 13, and Benjamin, 16—with her ex-husband Tom Brady.

Now, her household is thriving. “She’s incredibly happy. Everything feels like it’s come together,” the source said. “The kids are thriving, and she’s so grateful to be a mom again.”

A Slower, Wellness-Focused Lifestyle in Florida

What stands out most about Bündchen’s current lifestyle is its intentional pace. Gone are the days of constant travel and high-pressure schedules. In their place is a calmer, more grounded way of living in Florida. “She’s created a life that feels very peaceful,” the insider explained. “It’s a slower, more intentional pace, and it’s exactly what she wants.”

Gisele Bundchen and Joaquim Valente enjoyed their weekend on their boat© Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Gisele Bundchen and Joaquim Valente enjoyed their weekend on their boat

Her days are filled with simple but meaningful activities. “It’s an amazing lifestyle for the whole family. It’s very focused on wellness. They spend a lot of time outside. They love going for walks, paddleboarding, and just being active together.”

This shift toward wellness and nature aligns with Bündchen’s long-standing advocacy for holistic living, but now it feels even more personal—woven into her daily family life rather than her public persona.

Gisele Bündchen opted for a peaceful escape from the crowds, enjoying a sunny day paddleboarding near Miami Beach.© Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Gisele Bündchen opted for a peaceful escape from the crowds, enjoying a sunny day paddleboarding near Miami Beach.

Career on Her Own Terms

Even as she prioritizes family, Bündchen hasn’t stepped away from her career entirely. Instead, she’s redefining what work looks like for her. Recently, she returned to the beauty world as a global brand ambassador for Garnier. “She still loves working, but it’s on her terms now,” the source noted. “It has to fit into her life, not the other way around. Family comes first, and she’s not chasing anything.”

Camila Coelho and Garnier Global Ambassador Gisele Bundchen.© Getty Images for Garnier
Camila Coelho and Garnier Global Ambassador Gisele Bundchen.

That mindset has changed how she approaches opportunities. “The opportunities that come to her now feel like a natural fit, and this makes her excited. When Garnier approached her, it truly felt like the right fit.”

Why Gisele Bündchen Chose a Secret Wedding

The decision to keep her wedding private was intentional. After years in the spotlight, Bündchen has grown increasingly protective of her personal life. A source previously shared that she is “tired of all the attention on her private life,” describing the ceremony as a “small, private non-event” that perfectly matched the couple’s wishes.

“They are both so happy being together, and being new parents, it was what they wanted to do,” the insider explained. “They are best friends with a lot in common and are so excited about everything.”

Bündchen and Valente’s relationship has moved quickly but deliberately. © Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Bündchen and Valente’s relationship has moved quickly but deliberately.

Another source emphasized that the decision came from within, not external expectations. “It felt natural to get married. It wasn’t about outside pressure or expectations. It was something she wanted for personal reasons and for her family. She’s very, very happy.”

Bündchen has also been sharing glimpses of her mindset through social media. On Jan. 28, she celebrated her son’s first birthday with a heartfelt post, expressing gratitude for her family. Earlier in the month, she encouraged followers to honor their “heart’s calling” and love more deeply.

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