James Haven marries Romi Imbelli in a private Laguna Beach ceremony during Jolie-Pitt’s divorce.
James Haven, Angelina Jolie’s brother, quietly tied the knot with Romi Imbelli, star of The Real L Word, during the summer of 2024. The intimate ceremony took place on August 12 in Laguna Beach, California, attended only by close family, including their father, Jon Voight. However, noticeably absent was Haven’s famous sister, Angelina Jolie, who was embroiled in the final stages of her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt at the time.
Haven and Imbelli, friends for over 23 years, exchanged vows in a small ceremony that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Imbelli later shared heartfelt glimpses of their special day on Instagram, describing it as deeply personal and transformative.
Embed from Getty Images“In 2024, I married my best friend of 23 years,” Imbelli wrote. “The details of our story are too personal and complicated to share now, but I am writing it all in my book. Our wedding day was intimate, just us and our parents while exchanging vows, with plans to have a larger celebration later.”
The couple’s road to marriage wasn’t without its challenges. Imbelli revealed that they faced a period of intense self-reflection and healing after the wedding. “After five months of much crying, healing, and reflection, we decided to work through our issues and are now planning a special day with my daughter,” she added, hinting at a future celebration to include more family and friends.
While the joyous occasion marked a milestone for Haven and Imbelli, Angelina Jolie was notably preoccupied with her legal battles against her ex-husband Brad Pitt. Jolie and Pitt’s tumultuous divorce finally reached a resolution on December 30, concluding years of highly publicised disputes over custody and financial arrangements.
Earlier in January 2024, Haven had spoken out about his role in protecting Jolie’s six children during the divorce proceedings. In an appearance on the 90Who10 podcast, he remarked on the importance of shielding the children from the intense media scrutiny surrounding their parents’ legal battle.
Despite his sister’s absence from the wedding, Haven’s close relationship with her remains evident. The siblings have often supported each other during challenging times, and Haven has been a constant presence in Jolie’s life, particularly during her split from Pitt.
Fans of both Haven and Jolie expressed a mix of emotions following the announcement of the secret wedding. While many congratulated the couple on their new chapter, others speculated about Jolie’s absence, questioning whether family dynamics or the timing of her divorce played a role.
For Haven and Imbelli, the low-key nature of their wedding appears to reflect their commitment to privacy and intimacy. Their plans for a larger celebration indicate that they’re ready to embrace the next phase of their journey together, surrounded by those they love.
As Jolie closes the chapter on her tumultuous marriage to Pitt, her brother’s new union stands as a hopeful reminder of fresh beginnings. Though the Jolie-Pitt saga has captured headlines for years, it’s clear that the Haven-Imbelli story is one of resilience, reflection, and love.