20 Years Later, Still in Love – Rio & Ema Had The Perfect Vow Renewal in Lake Como

BNW July 25, 20250 Comments

People often compare love to fine wine — how it gets richer, sweeter, and more beautiful with time. For Rio and Ema, that couldn’t be more true.

Twenty-five years ago, Ema gathered the courage to ask out a striking woman he had noticed during a business consultation. At the time, Rio was a diligent staff member at the consulting firm, and Ema had no idea that one conversation would change everything. As fate would have it, Cupid worked overtime and their love story began.

To celebrate twenty years of marital bliss, Rio and Ema recently had the most breathtaking vow renewal ceremony in Lake Como, Italy. Surrounded by their three children, family, and close friends, they reaffirmed their love in a picture-perfect setting.

Rio looked radiant in her elegant dress, and Ema looked dashing in his tuxedo — still very much glowing like newlyweds. Their story is not just about love that lasts, but love that grows deeper with every chapter. We asked them ten questions on their journey as a couple and you sure want to read their responses as you scroll.

Enjoy their vow renewal photos and story below:

How did you meet?

Rio: In the year 2000, I got transferred to the head office of the company I was working with at the time in Lagos. My husband came in to do business with us, and the rest was history. It sounds very cliché, but the moment I saw him, I knew he was my husband. I actually had a premonition weeks before that I would meet him. He asked me out for lunch one afternoon, and I was immediately hooked!
Ema: I met Rio in January 2000, shortly after I returned from England. I was in the process of starting a business and had gone to a consulting firm for some guidance, and there she was. She looked absolutely stunning, though I had no idea whether she worked there or not. She didn’t notice me at first; she was laser-focused on her work, very professional as she interacted with other clients. I ended up going back a few more times over the next few days, partly for business, but mainly to see her again. Eventually, I got the courage to ask her out, and to my surprise, she said yes. Before we even spoke, I had assumed she might be a bit too serious or unapproachable, but once we started talking, I discovered she was warm, kind, and full of life. We clicked instantly, and that was the start of everything.

25 years and still head over heels in love 😍

You recently had a vow renewal. What informed that decision?

Rio: I wanted to let the whole world know and most importantly my husband, that my marriage is what contributed in making my life very happy and fulfilled. My overall life fulfillment is attributed 100% to how beautiful my marriage is. I also wanted people to know that long lasting, happy marriages exist although rare.
Ema: Over the years, we’ve celebrated our children and personal milestones, but never really took a moment to celebrate our marriage itself. After 20 years, I felt it was the right time to pause and do something just for us, something that honored our journey. A lot of couples wait until their 25th anniversary, but I kept thinking, in five years, life might get even busier. Our oldest is already in university — who knows what milestones we’ll be planning for by then? This felt like the perfect window to gather those closest to us and renew our commitment in a setting as beautiful as the love we’ve built.

What’s the most memorable moment from your 20 years of marriage?

Rio: Our vow renewals. While writing my vows I was overwhelmed with emotions and promised myself that I won’t cry when I finally read it out. But I failed miserably lol.
Ema: One moment I’ll never forget was when Rio told me she was pregnant with our first child, Michelle. It was a life-changing moment, a mix of joy, nerves, and excitement all at once.
And then, standing with her in Lake Como during our vow renewal, surrounded by family and friends, it hit me just how far we’ve come. From that big first announcement to building a life together, raising three incredible kids, and now recommitting to each other after two decades, it felt like coming full circle.

Let the ceremony begin!

Share a funny or quirky habit that you’ve discovered about each other over the years.

Rio: When my husband is excited about an event or news, he taps his foot unconsciously and constantly clears his throat. I see this as very cute because he doesn’t even notice this about himself.
Ema: Rio has this way of easing into a request rather than asking directly. If she wants to go to an event together, instead of saying “Let’s go,” she’ll start with, “What are you doing next Saturday?” Or if I’m out and she needs something from the store, she won’t say, “Please get this for me”, she’ll say, “Are you nearby? Are you on your way home?” I’ve learned to pick up on the clues. I know now that those questions are her gentle way of asking for something.

Here comes the gorgeous bride

Reflect on a challenge you faced together and how it strengthened your bond.

Rio: Having children in University. This was a new challenge for us and having to navigate through it over the past 2 years was not an easy feat. But coming up with strategies and sometimes laughing over the struggles has made our bond even stronger.
Ema: One of our biggest challenges came when we migrated to the U.S. We had two young kids and were starting over in a new country, a new life, limited resources. We were juggling school, work, and building a future, all while figuring out how to make ends meet from a small apartment. It wasn’t easy, but it taught us how to lean on each other and how to grow as a team. That season tested us, and it made us stronger.

Time to renew those heartfelt vows 😍

How do you keep the spark alive in your relationship after 20 years?

Rio: Constantly dating and laughing with one another. Even if it’s just Netflix and chilling, we always have designated times during the week for us- with no kids, talk of work/ business or other distractions.
Ema: We make time for each other, even with our busy schedules. We go on date nights, check in with how each other is feeling, and talk openly about things we enjoy and things that need improvement. It’s never about blame – just honest, heart-to-heart conversations.
Also, when we’re both in town (since I travel quite a bit), we make it a point to catch a movie together, just the two of us, no kids. And when we don’t feel like going out, we stay in and binge-watch something together. Even the simple moments keep us connected.

What’s the secret ingredient to a lasting and happy marriage, to you?

Rio: Marrying a kind person who loves the unfiltered version of you. I see most people marrying an “image” – a filtered version of what they want, not how the person truly is organically. So once all those filters are no longer there, or they can no longer be sustained, marriage is dead. Marry someone who treats the janitor the same way he treats a CEO. So whatever version you find yourself 20-30 years down the line, the way they treat you never changes.
Ema: Marry someone you genuinely love. Not just someone you like or get along with, but someone you truly love at the core. Because when love is real, it doesn’t fade – even during the hard times, that love anchors you. It gives you the patience, the grace, and the willingness to keep choosing each other, every day.

What’s a shared goal or dream you both have for the future?

Rio: To bring our children up to a certain level of independence that they are self-sufficient, and we can then spend all our time traveling the world!
Ema: One of our biggest goals is independence for ourselves and our children. We want to raise them with strong values, a deep respect for God, and the understanding that success comes from consistency and hard work.
For us personally, we dream of retiring well and traveling the world together. We both love exploring new places, and we want to experience as much of the world as we can, just the two of us.

A thrilling boat ride to celebrate a milestone! 😍

What advice would you give to newlyweds based on your experience?

Rio: It is important to marry someone you are physically compatible and attracted to, because that will bring a special level of sexual and physical fulfillment in the marriage.
But most importantly marry someone that if they were stripped of all their finances, assets or educational achievement would you still choose them? If your answer is No, don’t marry them.
Ema: Be patient with each other. Life will throw things your way, changes, challenges, transitions, but if you face them as a team, you’ll grow stronger. Communicate, forgive quickly, and don’t stop dating each other, no matter how long you’ve been married.

What do you love most about your partner?

Rio: The way he loves me. His love for me is unshakable, even when I’m not at my best he holds me and never lets go. I also love how kind and gentle he is, he sees the best in everyone and never has a mean or harsh thing to say about anyone. He is my angel in human form.
Ema: Her calm strength. I love how grounded Rio is. She brings stability and calm into every space she walks into. She’s strong, loyal, a woman of Virtue and deeply committed to her family. And even after all these years, she still surprises me with her resilience, her warmth, and her quiet strength. She makes me better, and I’m grateful every day for her.

Let’s take in the beauty of the stunning reception view