.Specialist ping pong gamer Carol Zhao as well as DoorDash co-founder Andy Cog both attended Stanford University at the same time-- Andy also stayed across the fall coming from among Carol's maid-matron of honours throughout freshman year-- however it wasn't until they each graduated that they attached. After Zhao sustained an accident in the spring of 2019 on the ping pong circuit, she came back to San Francisco, where their paths ultimately crossed. "I had no suggestion that what seemed like a profession misery at the moment would be actually the incentive to the beginning of our connection," Carol says. "Now, it seems like it was fate." Their 1st time occurred at the Biergarten in Hayes Valley, San Francisco. "What began as an easy conversation over cocktails turned into a multi-hour undertaking that spanned numerous pubs locally," Andy states. "And also even a poultry ramen supper!" After they started dating (and also Carol recouped coming from her personal injury) the tennis calendar always kept Carol journeying near 10 months a year, so it took major preparation for Andy to lock down an opportunity and also area to propose. "In February 2023, I decided to propose in Austin, Texas and also looped her moms and dads right into my plans," Andy keeps in mind. "When I arrived, I acted everyone were pursuing a wonderful supper yet startled Carol along with my plan. Later on, we commemorated all together at a nearby Mexican restaurant, Suerte."" I loved that it was basic, special, as well as exclusive," Carol states. "Simply both people during that second." The couple's wedding celebration performed Saturday, July 20, at the Belmond Villa San Michele in capitals of Florence, Italy. Florence was one of the very first areas Carol's parents took a trip to after they obtained wed, and also Andy had actually constantly desired to realize a household excursion to Europe that he will organized to take in 2020, but that fell through due to the pandemic. "Considering that our attendees were actually arising from several areas all over the world, our team experienced a lot more comfortable using Florence as our wedding event destination," Andy mentions. "And also we could not be actually better regarding that choice!" They had around a year to hunt places, go to sites, try menus, and also organize the travel plan, yet it was actually no tiny task. Their planners-- Colin Cowie Activities-- ensured they remained on track. It was crucial to the couple that they spend relevant time with each guest, so they curated the celebrations and also guest accommodations with hookup as well as area in mind, and also they worked with Cowie and his team to consider every aspect. "They were actually a remarkable partner to help mold our wedding event and make it revitalize," Carol points out. "During the course of the wedding event weekend, the Colin Cowie Way of living staff was actually very detail-oriented and also satisfied any sort of requirement we had. The amount of company was actually a cherry in addition to an already incredible weekend break.".