Al Roker and Deborah Roberts’ daughter, Leila Roker, is set to marry her fiancé Sylvain Gricourt in not one, but two distinct wedding celebrations in 2026. One intimate ceremony will take place in France, where Leila resides, followed by a grander affair in the U.S. that her mother jokes will “blow the budget.”
The Roker-Roberts family is abuzz with excitement as Leila Roker, the beloved daughter of broadcasting icons Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, prepares for her wedding to fiancé Sylvain Gricourt. What makes this upcoming union particularly noteworthy is the couple’s decision to host two separate celebrations, a detail that has captured the attention of fans and promises a truly global affair.
A Whirlwind Romance Culminating in Venice
The journey to the altar began with a picturesque proposal in March 2025. Leila Roker, 26, announced her engagement to Sylvain Gricourt, 33, on Instagram, sharing a carousel of heartwarming photos from the special moment. The surprise proposal took place at a charming restaurant in Venice, Italy, marking a romantic milestone in their seven-year relationship.
Leila’s heartfelt caption detailed their shared history: “8 years ago, I moved to Paris 🇫🇷, 7 years ago I met my person and best friend 💖, and 2 days ago, that person took me on the most amazing surprise trip to Venice 🇮🇹 to ask me to spend the rest of our lives together 💍 💕💕.” Sylvain echoed her sentiments on his own Instagram post, proclaiming, “Just two days ago I put a ring on her finger, and that’s the best thing I did in the last 33 years 💍❤️.” He further added a romantic message in French, translating to: “What do you say about spending the next 33 together, and all the ones after that?”
Two Celebrations: From Paris to the U.S.
The unique decision for two wedding ceremonies was recently confirmed by Deborah Roberts during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark. When host Kelly Ripa inquired about the wedding’s location, Roberts responded with enthusiasm, “How about both?”
Roberts explained the necessity of a split celebration, stating, “We have to do a small ceremony in France because she lives in Paris. And so they have to do something small there, and I said, ‘Let’s keep it teeny tiny’ — and then she wants to come home.” Ripa playfully interjected about exceeding the budget, to which Roberts laughingly confirmed, “That’s where we’ll blow the budget. She wants to come home.” This dual approach allows Leila and Sylvain to celebrate with their loved ones in both their current home country and Leila’s native land.
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts’ Shared Joy and Anticipation
Both Al Roker and Deborah Roberts have openly expressed their immense happiness for their daughter. Speaking to People at the NYC Ballet Gala in May, Roberts shared her excitement about the traditional aspects of wedding planning, stating, “I’m excited to go dress shopping with her, of course,” and reiterated her joy at seeing Leila “so happy.”
Al Roker, ever the doting father, also commented on the upcoming nuptials. When asked if he planned to walk his daughter down the aisle, the Today Show weatherman playfully responded, “That’s the plan. I think so. One never knows.” Their shared enthusiasm was also evident in their social media reactions to Leila’s engagement, with Roberts commenting on her daughter’s post, “We could not be happier and more joyful!!!! Welcome to the family Sylvain! Now let’s plan a wedding!” Al Roker similarly shared his joy on Instagram, stating, “We could not be happier, and look forward to planning for these two wonderful young folks coming together.”
The family’s bond with Sylvain was further highlighted when Al Roker covered the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Spending time with Leila, who is a freelance journalist based in Paris and fluent in French, along with Sylvain, was a highlight for Roker, who reportedly called it “the gold medal.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Nuptials
While the family is still in “wedding planning mode,” some key details have already been decided. Deborah Roberts confirmed that the weddings are slated for 2026. “We are working on a date, but it’ll be in 2026,” Roberts teased. She added, “We’re still planning. We’re getting all the details together, so stay tuned.”
Despite the complexity of planning two significant events, Roberts joked about the process during her Live with Kelly and Mark appearance: “I think we’re gonna survive… We have plans going and we, I think we’ve got everything done.” The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await more details about Leila and Sylvain’s momentous double celebration.
For more details on Leila Roker’s engagement, you can read the report from People. Further insights into the family’s wedding planning can be found in an article by People.
