Men and women can be platonic friends, but sometimes, they’re just destined to be more. When Ava and Cedric met at D-Nice’s Club Quarantine event post-pandemic, their connection initially seemed more like a networking opportunity than anything else.
They began meeting at SoHo House Downtown LA to discuss partnership opportunities and learn more about one another. But because intimate connections are built on lengthy conversations, the exchanging of personal details, shared values, and quality time, these meetings became a breeding ground for romance. The two ended up connecting every week.
“What began as meetings about business opportunities gradually evolved into friendship, then dating, and ultimately a relationship built on trust, partnership, and genuine love,” Ava tells ESSENCE.
At some point during the dating phase, you realize the person you’re making a scrapbook of memories with is your person. For Cedric, he knew Ava was his forever because of the way she made him feel.
“I knew Ava was my person because she brought a sense of peace, fun, and balance into the life that I had never experienced before,” he says, adding that she brought perspective, encouragement, and unwavering support to his demanding day-to-day as an entrepreneur.
For Ava, consistency was the telltale sign.
“I knew Cedric was my person because he consistently showed up for me. He made me feel safe, supported, and deeply loved,” she says. Cedric’s intentional approach to life through “purpose, vision, and determination,” while centering loved ones, also convinced Ava that he was her happily ever after.
The couple wed on June 1, 2024, in the stunning Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Their venue of choice was the Relais Villa Vittoria, which provided picturesque mountain views on their big day.
“Looking back, it’s amazing to think that a connection that started with business conversations at SoHo House would eventually lead us to getting married in Lake Como and welcoming our son, Carter James Rogers, into the world,” Ava says.
Cedric and Ava recently marked their two-year anniversary, making it the perfect time to go down memory lane. We spoke to them about preparing for their immaculate wedding in Italy, and what they’re most excited about as a married couple, two years deep, in this week’s Bridal Bliss.
ESSENCE: What made you choose a destination wedding in Lake Como, and how did you find your venue?
Ava: We wanted our wedding to be more than a single day. We wanted it to be an unforgettable experience that brought together the people we love most.
Italy had always been a dream destination because of its beauty, romance, incredible food, and rich culture. Initially, we considered Tuscany, but we ultimately fell in love with Lake Como. The stunning waterfront views, historic charm, and timeless elegance made it feel like the perfect setting for our celebration.
We selected Relais Villa Vittoria, a beautiful lakeside villa, and reserved the entire property for four days so our family and friends could stay together and fully enjoy the experience. One of our goals was to create an intimate environment where everyone could connect, celebrate, and make memories together.
The wedding ceremony and reception were held on the property, with a breathtaking dinner overlooking the lake followed by a private boat cruise around Lake Como. It was exactly the kind of experience we had envisioned: elegant, intimate, and unforgettable.
What advice would you give to couples planning a destination wedding?
The single best decision we made was hiring a local wedding planner.
Our planner, Guja Pusterla, was incredible. Having someone who understands the destination, speaks the language, and has established relationships with trusted vendors is invaluable when planning from another country.
We also recommend choosing a venue that offers flexibility and multiple vendor options. Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming at times, but having experienced local partners allows you to enjoy the process and focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Most importantly, remember why you’re doing it. A destination wedding is about creating meaningful memories with the people you love. Focus on the experience, and everything else will fall into place.
What were your favorite moments from the day?
Ava: Walking down the aisle and seeing Cedric waiting for me is a moment I’ll never forget. Everything else faded away, and it felt like it was just the two of us. After months of planning, seeing him standing there made every emotion hit at once.
I also loved being surrounded by our family and friends in such a beautiful place. Looking around and seeing everyone who helped shape our journey together gathered in Lake Como was incredibly special. Our first dance and celebrating together under the stars overlooking the lake are memories I’ll cherish forever.
Cedric: My favorite moment was seeing Ava walk down the aisle. Against the backdrop of Lake Como, it felt like time stopped. After all the planning and anticipation, that was the moment everything became real.
I also loved looking around during our reception and realizing that our family and friends had traveled from across the world to celebrate with us. Seeing everyone together in one place, laughing, dancing, and creating memories, was incredibly meaningful.
The private boat cruise around the lake was another unforgettable moment that allowed us to take it all in and appreciate just how special the day truly was.
What are you most excited about when it comes to married life and the future?
Ava: We’re excited about continuing to build a life together rooted in love, partnership, faith, and family.
One of the most beautiful parts of our journey is that less than a year after our wedding in Lake Como, we welcomed our first child, Carter James Rogers. Becoming parents has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives and has deepened our appreciation for one another in ways we never imagined.
Our wedding was a celebration of the life we hoped to build together, and welcoming Carter made that vision a reality. Watching our family grow has been the perfect continuation of our love story.
We look forward to raising Carter, creating family traditions, traveling the world together, pursuing our dreams, and supporting one another through every season of life. More than anything, we’re excited to continue choosing each other every day and building a legacy grounded in love, purpose, and family for generations to come.
When we look back on our wedding photos from Lake Como, we’re reminded that we weren’t just celebrating a marriage, we were beginning the journey that would lead us to becoming a family of three.
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The Bride and Her Tribe
