.Specialist ping pong player Carol Zhao and also DoorDash founder Andy Fang both attended Stanford College at the same time-- Andy also stayed throughout the loss from one of Carol's bridesmaids during the course of freshman year-- however it had not been up until they each finished that they connected. After Zhao sustained an injury in the spring of 2019 on the tennis circuit, she came back to San Francisco, where their pathways finally traversed. "I had no concept that what felt like an occupation misfortune at that time would certainly be the motivation to the beginning of our connection," Carol points out. "Currently, it thinks that it was fate." Their very first date happened at the Biergarten in Hayes Lowland, San Francisco. "What began as an easy conversation over alcoholic beverages turned into a multi-hour event that extended numerous clubs in your area," Andy states. "And also even a hen ramen supper!" After they started courting (and Carol recouped coming from her injury) the ping pong calendar kept Carol journeying close to 10 months a year, so it took major planning for Andy to latch down an opportunity and also location to recommend. "In February 2023, I decided to propose in Austin, Texas as well as also looped her moms and dads into my plans," Andy always remembers. "When I came in, I claimed everyone were going out for a great supper however surprised Carol along with my proposal. After that, our team celebrated all together at a close-by Mexican bistro, Suerte."" I adored that it was actually simple, in-depth, and personal," Carol claims. "Only the 2 of us because instant." Both's wedding was on Saturday, July 20, at the Belmond Property San Michele in the hills of Florence, Italy. Florence was just one of the very first metropolitan areas Carol's moms and dads journeyed to after they received married, and also Andy had actually consistently would like to understand a family members travel to Europe that he 'd considered to enjoy 2020, yet that fell through because of the pandemic. "Given that our visitors were arising from a variety of places around the globe, our team thought extra relaxed delivering Florence as our wedding destination," Andy claims. "And our experts couldn't be better concerning that choice!" They had around a year to look locations, see internet sites, taste menus, and also plan the itinerary, however it was no little duty. Their organizers-- Colin Cowie Activities-- ensured they stayed on track. It was vital to the bride and groom that they devote relevant time with each guest, so they curated the activities and also attendee lodgings with hookup as well as area in thoughts, and they collaborated with Cowie and also his team to plan every part. "They were an incredible partner to help mold our wedding event event and also create it revive," Carol states. "During the wedding celebration weekend, the Colin Cowie Lifestyle crew was extremely detail-oriented and accommodated any sort of demand our team possessed. The amount of solution was a cherry atop an actually outstanding weekend.".