.Specialist ping pong player Carol Zhao and also DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang both attended Stanford College simultaneously-- Andy also stayed across the fall coming from among Carol's bridesmaids during fresher year-- however it wasn't until they each finished that they attached. After Zhao endured an injury in the spring season of 2019 on the tennis circuit, she returned to San Francisco, where their roads finally went across. "I possessed no suggestion that what felt like an occupation misfortune back then would certainly be the impetus to the begin of our relationship," Carol claims. "Right now, it feels like it was fortune." Their first date happened at the Biergarten in Hayes Lowland, San Francisco. "What started as a simple discussion over cocktails turned into a multi-hour event that covered a number of bars in your area," Andy says. "And even a chicken ramen supper!" After they started going out with (and also Carol bounced back from her injury) the ping pong schedule maintained Carol traveling near to 10 months a year, so it took major planning for Andy to secure down an opportunity and spot to suggest. "In February 2023, I determined to propose in Austin, Texas as well as also looped her parents right into my plans," Andy don't forgets. "When I came in, I claimed we all were going out for a wonderful supper however startled Carol with my plan. Afterwards, our experts commemorated together at a neighboring Mexican restaurant, Suerte."" I liked that it was actually straightforward, special, and also private," Carol points out. "Simply the two people in that moment." The couple's wedding event was on Sunday, July 20, at the Belmond Manor San Michele in the hills of Florence, Italy. Florence was one of the very first cities Carol's moms and dads journeyed to after they acquired gotten married to, and also Andy had actually always desired to recognize a household trip to Europe that he would certainly intended to absorb 2020, yet that failed as a result of the pandemic. "Due to the fact that our attendees were actually stemming from several areas worldwide, our experts thought much more comfortable providing Florence as our wedding celebration location," Andy states. "As well as our company could not be actually more pleased concerning that decision!" They possessed around a year to scout sites, visit internet sites, try menus, as well as intend the travel plan, however it was actually no tiny task. Their coordinators-- Colin Cowie Events-- guaranteed they remained on track. It was crucial to the couple that they spend purposeful time with each visitor, so they curated the activities and also guest lodgings along with hookup as well as neighborhood in thoughts, as well as they collaborated with Cowie as well as his crew to intend every part. "They were a fantastic partner to assist form our wedding festivity and also create it come to life," Carol mentions. "Throughout the wedding celebration weekend break, the Colin Cowie Way of life group was very detail-oriented and also satisfied any need we possessed. The degree of service was a cherry on top of a presently incredible weekend break.".