We met in New York, October 2021.

Christian had just opened a sensory deprivation studio in Brooklyn called Vessel Floats.

At the time, Ava was developing footwear for Tory Burch while (not-so) quietly dreaming of opening something similar herself. When she discovered Vessel, she felt both inspired and a little disappointed that someone in her own neighborhood had already brought the idea to life. (And was well funded, no less!)

Curious and struck by how specific their shared vision was, she reached out with a cold email and invited the owner out for coffee. Little did she know how that invitation would change their lives forever.

After her next visit, they found themselves talking over tea in the Vessel lobby. Ava, true to form, did most of the talking—passionately cheerleading Christian’s vision, sharing ideas, and offering to help however she could.

Christian had opened Vessel the very week New York shut down for COVID-19. As the bleak realities of the pandemic settled in, so did the crushing uncertainty of launching a service-based business in an unprecedented time. Ava’s enthusiasm fanned an ember that had nearly gone out, rekindling a spark buried beneath months of fear and doubt.

They went their separate ways for several months, until one day Christian decided to take her up on that offer to help. He reached out, and they met again.

From there, coffees became dates, day trips became weekend adventures, and in the blink of an eye, they were falling in love. What began as a shared vision quickly blossomed into a romance defined by deep compatibility, exhilarating adventure, and an eagerness to discover just how beautiful the future could be.

What they recognized almost immediately was a shared commitment—a readiness to take bold steps toward building a life together.

As their worlds quickly merged, work became their shared mission and purpose. Community began to form around them, and Ava’s 400-square-foot apartment became their little kingdom. Looking back, that season feels almost suspended in time—a place where friendships deepened, opportunities appeared, and life seemed to gather momentum faster than either of them could have imagined.

Amidst all the joy, another adventure was excitedly calling. Together, they headed out west in pursuit of a new life, new view, and new sources of inspiration.

That search eventually brought them to Santa Barbara: a little slice of heaven, where they put down roots and began to build a life so intentionally chosen.

Having our friends and family together—many of you traveling great distances to celebrate with us—is one of the greatest gifts we could imagine. Thank you for being part of this chapter, for witnessing our journey, and for helping us celebrate the beginning of everything still to come. We love you!