A Destination Wedding Strained by Logistics
Influencer Taylor Ward and footballer Riyad Mahrez’s wedding preparations, documented in the Prime Video series Married to the Game, have drawn renewed attention due to the lopsided division of labor depicted on screen. Ward, the daughter of Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward, expressed significant frustration over managing the logistics for their Lake Como celebration, including travel arrangements and vendor coordination, while Mahrez focused on his professional career.
The stress surrounding the couple’s third wedding ceremony centered on the practical challenges of planning a destination event. In a notable clip from the series, Ward is seen speaking with her hairdresser, stating, “Riyad is stressing me out. All the flights have sold out, so if I walk down that aisle, it will be a miracle.” This moment highlighted the disparity in the couple’s involvement, with Ward shouldering the burden of guest travel, dress fittings, and vendor management.
Three Ceremonies Across Two Years
The Lake Como ceremony was the final of three celebrations for the couple. They were first married in a private Muslim ceremony in January 2022, followed by a legal wedding at The Londoner Hotel in London in September 2023.
Relocation Pressures in the Saudi Club
The wedding planning coincided with a major professional and personal transition for the family. In 2023, Mahrez transferred from Manchester City to the Saudi club Al-Ahli. The move required an immediate relocation, which added to the pressure Ward felt while balancing the wedding details.
In interviews following the series, including an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, Ward described the transition as abrupt, noting that the family moved with little time to process the change. While she initially struggled with the sudden shift to life in Saudi Arabia—often documented in the series as a point of tension—she has since stated that she has adjusted to the environment and is now comfortable in her new home.
The Public Profile of the Modern WAG
The resurfacing of these clips on social media platforms has sparked broader discussions regarding the public portrayal of the lives of footballers’ partners, often referred to as “WAGs.” Married to the Game provides a window into this lifestyle, featuring other notable figures such as Cat Harding, the partner of Jorginho, alongside Sara Gündoğan, Ash Turner, and Sam Tarkowski.
For many viewers, the tension between Ward and Mahrez served as a relatable example of the challenges inherent in planning large-scale events under pressure. Despite the on-screen conflicts, the couple successfully completed their Lake Como wedding, which was featured as a primary narrative arc in the docuseries.
Documenting the Life of the Elite Athlete
What is Married to the Game? It is a Prime Video docuseries that tracks the lives of partners of high-profile footballers, focusing on the personal and professional challenges of their lifestyles.
How many ceremonies did the couple have? Taylor Ward and Riyad Mahrez held three separate wedding celebrations: a Muslim ceremony in January 2022, a legal ceremony in London in September 2023, and the final celebration in Lake Como, Italy.
Where do the couple currently reside? The family lives in Saudi Arabia, following Mahrez’s 2023 transfer to the football club Al-Ahli.
What is the background of the couple? Taylor Ward is a model and influencer known for her appearance on The Real Housewives of Cheshire. Riyad Mahrez is a professional footballer who has won the Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City, and captains the Algerian national team.