John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh Debut Hand-in-Hand After Vancouver Nuptials

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh Host Dream Wedding Celebration in Vancouver

After a private courthouse ceremony nearly two years ago, beloved wrestling icon and Hollywood actor John Cena and his beautiful wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, finally celebrated their union with a lavish wedding reception. The joyous event unfolded in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday, July 15, bringing together their closest family and friends for an unforgettable celebration of love and commitment. This grand gathering served as the perfect capstone to their journey, providing an opportunity for the couple to share their happiness with those dearest to them in Shay’s hometown.

The highly anticipated wedding celebration saw the happy couple radiating elegance and joy. John Cena, 45, known for his impeccable style, looked incredibly dapper in a sophisticated navy blue suit, perfectly complemented by rich camel leather shoes. He was seen tenderly holding Shay’s hand as they made their entrance into the exclusive Vancouver Club, a historic and prestigious venue known for its exquisite architecture and luxurious ambiance. Shay Shariatzadeh, 32, was absolutely breathtaking in a stunning sleeveless white gown. The dress featured an open back, adding a touch of modern allure, and intricate floral appliqué details that enhanced its timeless beauty. She completed her bridal look with a pair of sparkling Jimmy Choo shoes, adding a touch of glamour to her already radiant appearance. Her hair was styled in a classic, elegant updo, framing her face beautifully and ensuring she looked every bit the blushing bride. The entire setting exuded an air of refined celebration, reflecting the couple’s discerning taste and the profound happiness they wished to share with their loved ones.

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh hold hands walking into the Vancouver Club for their wedding celebration.
John Cena and wife Shay hold hands heading into the Vancouver Club on July 15. The legally wed couple had their official wedding celebration with friends and family in her hometown. (TMZ / BACKGRID)

This splendid Vancouver event was the culmination of a deeply personal journey for John and Shay, which began with their legal marriage on October 12, 2020. Their initial nuptials took place in a discreet ceremony at a Hillsborough County, FL courthouse, following a year of a blossoming relationship that they largely kept out of the public eye. The decision to wed privately underscored John’s long-standing preference for maintaining a degree of intimacy in his personal life, a choice made even more understandable given his highly publicized past relationships. Footage released by Tampa news station WFLA on October 9, just days before they officially became husband and wife, showed the couple picking up their marriage license. John was visibly ecstatic, captured in several heartwarming selfies with Shay outside on the sidewalk, a rare glimpse into their joyous, albeit private, moments. This initial, quiet commitment laid the groundwork for the grand celebration that would eventually follow, allowing them to first solidify their bond away from the glare of celebrity attention.

The intimate nature of their early marriage speaks volumes about John’s desire for genuine connection and privacy. Having navigated the complexities of a very public split from his former fiancée, Nikki Bella, in April 2018, John Cena made a conscious decision to handle his relationship with Shay Shariatzadeh with an unprecedented level of discretion. This shift in approach was something he openly discussed, offering insights into his personal growth. During an appearance on the November 7 episode of Today, John thoughtfully explained, “You know, every experience in life is a chance for us to know who we are and who we‘re not and just because I went down one avenue in life doesn’t mean I’m going to repeat going down that avenue.” This reflective statement highlighted his commitment to learning from past experiences and forging a path that prioritized his well-being and the sanctity of his new relationship. At the time of that interview, John also expressed being “extremely happy” with his life, a sentiment that has undoubtedly grown exponentially with his marriage to Shay and their subsequent public celebration. Their journey together has clearly been one of profound contentment and carefully chosen privacy, leading to this beautiful chapter in their lives.

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh smiling after dinner in London.
John and Shay were all smiles as they left dinner together in London recently. (SplashNews)

Despite John’s deliberate efforts to keep the intimate details of his relationship private, his profound affection for Shay has always been evident, particularly during their public appearances. Their red carpet debut as a couple was a memorable moment for fans and media alike. On January 11, 2020, John and Shay graced the red carpet for the premiere of the movie Dolittle at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood Village, CA. Their joint appearance was met with delight, as the couple exuded an undeniable chemistry and profound adoration for one another. Shay looked absolutely radiant in a gorgeous metallic dress, her hair elegantly styled in a long, flowing braid, showcasing her sophisticated fashion sense. John, ever the dashing gentleman, complemented her perfectly in a sharp navy suit, a crisp white dress shirt, and a stylish pink tie. The pair were not shy about showing their affection, at one point sharing a sweet and tender kiss, a public display of affection that spoke volumes about their deep connection. These moments offered a beautiful glimpse into their loving bond, proving that while they valued privacy, they were also keen to share their happiness with the world when the occasion called for it. Subsequent sightings, like their smiling departure from dinner in London, further reinforced the consistent joy and ease they share in each other’s company, illustrating a relationship built on genuine happiness and mutual respect.

Beyond their public displays of affection, John Cena has also candidly spoken about how his relationship with Shay has profoundly impacted his personal outlook, particularly concerning fatherhood. For many years, John had been quite vocal about his decision not to have children, citing his demanding career and intense travel schedule as primary reasons. However, his connection with Shay appears to have opened his heart and mind to new possibilities, signaling a significant shift in his perspective. In an interview with the British outlet The Sun in June 2021, John revealed this evolving viewpoint, stating, “I’m a little bit older, a bit wiser. I’m realizing there is life and life exists and it’s beautiful — and I think part of that is being a parent, so we’ll see.” This statement was a powerful indication of how deeply Shay has influenced his life, inspiring him to reconsider long-held beliefs and embrace the potential joys of raising a family. His words suggest a newfound appreciation for the broader aspects of life and a willingness to explore a future that he once thought was not for him. This openness to fatherhood not only highlights the transformative power of his relationship with Shay but also paints a picture of a man who is continuously growing and evolving, embracing all the beautiful complexities that life and marriage have to offer.

The journey of John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh is a testament to finding love and happiness on one’s own terms. Their decision to first marry privately and then celebrate publicly allowed them to honor both their personal desires for intimacy and their shared joy with loved ones. The Vancouver celebration, held almost two years after their legal vows, was more than just a party; it was a grand declaration of their enduring love, a moment shared with those who mean the most to them. From John’s sophisticated blue suit to Shay’s exquisite white gown, every detail of the event reflected their elegance and the significance of the occasion. Their relationship, marked by a balance of privacy and affectionate public moments, serves as an inspiring example of a couple deeply committed to each other, ready to embrace the future, including the exciting prospect of parenthood. As they embark on this new chapter as officially celebrated husband and wife, the collective good wishes of their fans and family surely follow, anticipating a lifetime of happiness, wisdom, and perhaps, the pitter-patter of little feet. Their Vancouver wedding celebration was not just an event; it was a joyous affirmation of a beautiful love story, poised for many more wonderful chapters.

John Cena's wife giggling as he spoke about her on the 'Ellen' show.
John’s wife giggled as he spoke about her on ‘Ellen.’ (Matt Baron/Shutterstock)