Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian shares why he and American tennis icon decided to get married in New Orleans

Serena Williams' husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has shared the story behind their decision to tie the knot in New Orleans. The couple, who have been married for six years, have two daughters together.

Williams and Ohanian met by chance for the first time in May 2015 during breakfast at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome, where the former World No.1 was in town for the Italian Open.

Their relationship progressed from there, with Ohanian attending one of Williams' matches at the French Open later that year. The couple then got engaged in 2016 at the same hotel where they first crossed paths.

Their first daughter Olympia Ohanian was born on September 1, 2017, and two months later, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian got married on November 16, 2017, at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans. The star-studded wedding included guests such as Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Eva Longoria, and Kim Kardashian.

Alexis Ohanian recently took to social media to explain why he chose New Orleans as their wedding destination. He mentioned that Crescent City is the only city that offers "on-demand parades" and knows how to throw a great party.

"When people ask why I wanted to get married in New Orleans -- it's the only city in the world with on-demand parades. Folks know how to celebrate," Ohanian posted on X.

Since their marriage, Serena Williams has retired from tennis, playing her final match at the 2022 US Open. She has also welcomed their second daughter Adira River Ohanian in August 2023.

Serena Williams on her wedding venue - “Alexis Ohanian really wanted to do New Orleans, it’s his favorite city”

Serena Williams with her husband Alexis Ohanian and their daughter Olympia [Image Source: Getty]

Serena Williams had previously shared the reason behind her and her husband Alexis Ohanian's decision to get married in New Orleans. She mentioned that New Orleans is one of Ohanian's favorite cities, alongside Brooklyn, New York

The 23-time Grand Slam champion explained that Ohanian is drawn to New Orleans because of its European influence, incredible cuisine, and its "vibe."

“Alexis [Ohanian] really wanted to do New Orleans. It’s his favorite city besides Brooklyn . It’s got a heavy European influence; it’s fun and has amazing food. He just loves the vibe,” Williams revealed [via Vogue].

Williams also claimed they chose the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans as their wedding venue because both she and Ohanian share a love for painting and art.

“The venue—the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans—was a decision we both made. Painting and art is something I’m really passionate about, so it just felt natural and different to do it at a contemporary art museum,” she added .

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary this November.