.Professional ping pong gamer Carol Zhao as well as DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang both attended Stanford University together-- Andy even stayed across the autumn coming from one of Carol's bridesmaids throughout fresher year-- but it had not been till they each earned a degree that they connected. After Zhao sustained an accident in the spring season of 2019 on the ping pong circuit, she returned to San Francisco, where their roads eventually moved across. "I possessed no tip that what felt like an occupation misery back then would be the catalyst to the begin of our connection," Carol mentions. "Right now, it feels like it was actually destiny." Their initial date took place at the Biergarten in Hayes Valley, San Francisco. "What began as a basic discussion over beverages developed into a multi-hour event that stretched over multiple bars in the neighborhood," Andy points out. "As well as even a chicken ramen dinner!" After they started going out with (as well as Carol recovered from her injury) the ping pong schedule kept Carol journeying near 10 months a year, so it took serious organizing for Andy to secure down a time and also spot to propose. "In February 2023, I chose to suggest in Austin, Texas as well as also knotted her moms and dads in to my strategies," Andy always remembers. "When I came in, I acted everyone were actually going out for a good supper yet shocked Carol with my proposition. Later on, our company commemorated all together at a surrounding Mexican restaurant, Suerte."" I enjoyed that it was actually straightforward, intimate, as well as private," Carol mentions. "Just both of us in that instant." Both's wedding event performed Sunday, July 20, at the Belmond Manor San Michele in capitals of Florence, Italy. Florence was among the 1st areas Carol's moms and dads traveled to after they obtained wed, as well as Andy had actually always wished to notice a family members trip to Europe that he 'd considered to consume 2020, but that failed due to the pandemic. "Because our guests were originating from a variety of places around the globe, our experts thought a lot more relaxed supplying Florence as our wedding celebration place," Andy says. "And also our experts couldn't be actually better regarding that choice!" They possessed around a year to hunt locations, visit websites, try menus, and consider the itinerary, however it was no small task. Their planners-- Colin Cowie Celebrations-- ensured they remained on monitor. It was necessary to the bride and groom that they spend meaningful time with each visitor, so they curated the activities and also attendee accommodations with hookup and neighborhood in mind, as well as they partnered with Cowie as well as his group to consider every element. "They were actually an incredible partner to aid shape our wedding event occasion as well as make it revive," Carol mentions. "During the course of the wedding celebration weekend, the Colin Cowie Lifestyle team was remarkably detail-oriented as well as provided for any sort of need our team had. The degree of company was a cherry in addition to a currently outstanding weekend break.".