Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian: A Timeline of Their Relationship and Family Life

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian were married in a star-studded ceremony in New Orleans on November 16, 2017, less than two years after they met. The couple, who share two daughters, Olympia and Adira, have frequently documented their life together since Ohanian proposed in December 2016 at the same hotel in Rome where they first crossed paths. According to Vanity Fair, the pair began dating in 2015 after meeting at the Cavalieri Hotel.

The 2017 Wedding in New Orleans

The couple exchanged vows at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans on November 16, 2017. The wedding was a high-profile event attended by numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour. As reported by Vogue, the ceremony featured a distinct “Beauty and the Beast” theme, reflecting a personal interest of the bride. The venue was transformed with elaborate floral arrangements and a carousel, marking the official union of the tennis legend and the Reddit co-founder.

Expanding the Family

Williams and Ohanian welcomed their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on September 1, 2017, shortly before their wedding. Following a high-risk pregnancy, Williams frequently discussed the challenges of balancing professional tennis with motherhood. In May 2023, during the Met Gala, the couple announced they were expecting their second child. Their daughter, Adira River Ohanian, was born in August 2023. Ohanian confirmed the birth on social media, noting that both mother and baby were healthy, according to CNN.

Professional and Personal Evolution

Since their marriage, both Williams and Ohanian have shifted their professional focus. Williams officially stepped away from professional tennis in 2022, a decision she framed in a Vogue essay as an “evolution” toward growing her family and expanding her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures. Ohanian, meanwhile, continues to manage Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm he founded in 2020. The couple often highlights their collaborative approach to parenting, with Ohanian frequently advocating for paternity leave and flexible work arrangements for parents in the tech industry.

Key Facts About the Williams-Ohanian Family

• Meeting: The couple first met in Rome in 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel.
• Engagement: Alexis Ohanian proposed in December 2016 at the same hotel where they met.
• Wedding Date: November 16, 2017, in New Orleans.
• Children: Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. (born 2017) and Adira River Ohanian (born 2023).
• Professional Transition: Williams announced her retirement from competitive tennis in August 2022 to focus on family and business ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian get married?

They married on November 16, 2017, in New Orleans.

How many children do they have?

They have two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., born in 2017, and Adira River Ohanian, born in 2023.

How did they meet?

The couple met in May 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome, where Williams was staying for the Italian Open and Ohanian was attending a conference.