Congratulations are in order for Crystal Harris and her now-husband, James Ward.
The former Playboy model, 39 — who was previously married to Hugh Hefner for five years until his 2017 death — eloped with Ward, 42, on Thursday in a romantic island ceremony held on Aitutaki, one of the Cook Islands.
“We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is,” Harris told People Magazine in an interview posted on Saturday.
“There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic. It’s also home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature it felt like the perfect place for us to start this chapter of our lives,” she continued.
The couple worked with wedding coordinator Sandi Brown, who helped them plan their “really peaceful” ceremony that was “simple, elegant, and ocean-inspired.”
“Because the wedding is small, it allowed us to focus on the meaningful details rather than managing a large event,” Harris added.
“We didn’t want a huge production. We wanted something quiet and personal where we could really be present with each other and the moment.”
The model walked down the aisle in the “Margo” gown by Oksana Mukha. The white fitted long-sleeved lace dress featured over 5,400 Swarovski crystals.
“They had sent me a message and when I saw the dress I instantly fell in love with it,” Harris told the outlet. “It reminded me of a Disney princess dress — romantic, timeless, and very feminine.”
Ward couldn’t help but gush over his new bride as he told the outlet all of the things he loved about Harris.
“Crystal’s heart, specifically for me and all non-human living things, is a thing to behold. All creatures, great and small are bestowed a generosity and kindness, the likes of which I’ve never seen. She’s the classiest, brainiest, most adventure-seeking partner I could have ever hoped to find. My life is now better in every way, and I feel like the luckiest guy alive that I get to spend my life with her,” he shared.
Ward asked for Harris’ hand in marriage in April 2025 after a year of dating with an impressive six-carat, mine-cut diamond set at her Hawaii home.
“It truly feels like a full-circle moment. James completely surprised me. He had a hidden staircase and a winding trail cleared to reveal a handcrafted deck perched above a dramatic cliffside overlooking the ocean,” Harris told Us Weekly of the engagement at the time.
“It was the exact spot where we’d had a quiet picnic together a year ago — a place that became ‘ours.’ I had no idea he was secretly turning it into something permanent and symbolic,” she shared.
The couple was first introduced by mutual friends. In September 2024, Harris raved over her partner, claiming her feelings are “valued” and “validated” with Ward, unlike in previous relationships.
“I’m nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child,” she said of her current romance.
“I feel like I’ve become the person I always needed when I was growing up. I feel accepted and more myself than ever before.”
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