.Expert ping pong player Carol Zhao and DoorDash founder Andy Cog both attended Stanford University concurrently-- Andy even lived across the fall coming from one of Carol's bridesmaids during fresher year-- yet it had not been until they each earned a degree that they attached. After Zhao suffered a trauma in the spring season of 2019 on the tennis circuit, she went back to San Francisco, where their pathways lastly crossed. "I had no suggestion that what thought that a career tragedy back then will be actually the motivation to the start of our partnership," Carol claims. "Now, it feels like it was actually fate." Their very first date took place at the Biergarten in Hayes Lowland, San Francisco. "What started as a basic conversation over drinks developed into a multi-hour affair that reached various bars in your area," Andy claims. "As well as also a hen ramen dinner!" After they started going out with (and also Carol recovered from her trauma) the ping pong calendar maintained Carol journeying near 10 months a year, so it took major organizing for Andy to secure down a time as well as place to suggest. "In February 2023, I made a decision to propose in Austin, Texas and also knotted her parents into my programs," Andy always remembers. "When I showed up, I acted everybody were going out for a nice dinner but amazed Carol with my plan. After that, our company commemorated with each other at a close-by Mexican bistro, Suerte."" I adored that it was actually easy, intimate, as well as exclusive," Carol states. "Only the 2 of us during that moment." The bride and groom's wedding event got on Saturday, July 20, at the Belmond Vacation Home San Michele in the hills of Florence, Italy. Florence was just one of the very first cities Carol's moms and dads took a trip to after they got gotten married to, and also Andy had actually constantly intended to realize a loved ones journey to Europe that he 'd planned to absorb 2020, but that failed as a result of the pandemic. "Considering that our guests were originating from numerous locations all over the world, our team believed even more comfy offering Florence as our wedding place," Andy states. "And our team could not be actually healthier regarding that choice!" They possessed around a year to scout locations, browse through internet sites, try menus, and consider the plan, however it was no little job. Their planners-- Colin Cowie Activities-- ensured they remained on track. It was important to the bride and groom that they devote purposeful time along with each visitor, so they curated the activities and also visitor holiday accommodations with hookup and area in thoughts, as well as they partnered with Cowie and his group to plan every part. "They were a fantastic partner to help mold our wedding occasion and also make it come to life," Carol mentions. "During the wedding ceremony weekend, the Colin Cowie Way of living group was actually remarkably detail-oriented and also dealt with any requirement we had. The amount of company was a cherry in addition to an already remarkable weekend.".