Is love truly in the air, both on and off the screen? For Christel Khalil, best known for her role as Lily Winters on "The Young and the Restless," the answer seems to be a resounding yes, as she recently exchanged vows with her longtime love, Sam Restagno, in a picturesque ceremony in Italy.
The romantic backdrop of Puglia, Italy, served as the setting for a celebration of love and commitment, bringing a touch of real-life fairytale to the actress's already captivating journey. News of the wedding, which took place in October 2024, quickly spread, delighting fans of the beloved daytime drama. Reports confirm that Khalil, radiant in a stunning white dress and veil, married Sam Restagno. The couple's love story, which has been unfolding for years, finally culminated in a breathtaking wedding, bringing joy to their loved ones and fans worldwide. This wedding is a culmination of a romance that has been in the public eye since at least 2016, when Khalil made her relationship with the Canadian businessman Instagram official.
The path to this joyous occasion has been a story of its own, filled with both personal milestones and professional triumphs. Before her current marriage, Khalil was previously married to musician Stephen Hensley in September 2008, however, the marriage did not endure. The split, although difficult, paved the way for a new chapter in her life, one filled with love and a future with Sam Restagno. In April 2022, the couple announced their engagement. Before their wedding, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Remy. This family has been a beacon of happiness for Christel, adding a new dimension to her already fulfilling life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christel Adnana Mina Khalil |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Adnan Khalil (father), Belita Edwards (mother) |
| Ancestry | Mother: Native American, African American, European descent. Father: Pakistani descent. |
| Marital Status | Married to Sam Restagno (2024) |
| Previous Marriage | Stephen Hensley (September 2008) |
| Children | Remy (son) |
| Known For | Portraying Lily Winters in "The Young and the Restless" |
| Other Works | "W.I.T.C.H." (2004), "We Need to Talk" (2022) |
| Awards | Two-time Emmy Awards Winner |
| Relationship with "The Young and the Restless" | Began portraying Lily Winters in 2002, continuing currently |
| Engagement Announcement | April 2022 |
| Engagement Celebration | October 14, The Draycott Restaurant, Pacific Palisades |
| Wedding Location | Puglia, Italy |
| Wedding Date | October 9, 2024 |
| Reference | IMDB |
The wedding in Italy was not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the enduring love shared between Khalil and Restagno. The couple chose Puglia, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, as the backdrop for their celebration. The ceremony, held at the Masseria Grieco resort, was an intimate affair, attended by close friends and family, as well as members of the "Young and the Restless" cast and crew. The actress was radiant in a beautiful white dress, complete with a veil and a pair of white, bejeweled Jimmy Choo pumps, which added a touch of glamour to her special day.
Khalil's professional life has been equally vibrant. Her portrayal of Lily Winters on "The Young and the Restless" has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. While navigating her demanding career, shes managed to find a balance between her personal life and professional commitments. During her maternity leave, the actress took some time off from filming but returned to the set, much to the delight of her fans. After her return, Lily's fictional alter ego took off for California to comfort her daughter Mattie, who had lost a beloved professor in a wildfire. The actress's ability to balance both work and personal commitments is inspiring and mirrors the strength and grace she brings to her characters.
The wedding news followed the announcement of her engagement in April 2022. This milestone came after the couple welcomed their first child, Remy, solidifying their bond and preparing them for the next chapter. The couple celebrated their engagement on October 14th, at the Draycott restaurant in Pacific Palisades, a precursor to the grand celebration in Italy. Khalil's journey reflects the blend of professional success with a fulfilling personal life.
As "The Young and the Restless" fans continue to enjoy Lily Winters on-screen journey, they can now celebrate Christel Khalil's real-life love story. With the wedding in Puglia, Italy, Christel Khalil and Sam Restagno have embarked on a new chapter, filled with love, joy, and the promise of a bright future. While the details of the honeymoon remain private, the happiness radiating from the actress is palpable, a testament to the beautiful journey she is on.
The wedding in Italy marks a significant moment in Christel Khalil's life, merging her personal and professional worlds. Her journey from being engaged to Sam Restagno in April 2022 to exchanging vows in a stunning ceremony in Puglia, Italy, embodies the essence of love, commitment, and the beauty of a well-lived life. Fans and colleagues alike eagerly anticipate the next chapters in her life, both on and off the screen, as she continues to inspire with her talent and grace.
