Story
Andy & Amanda met while in college at RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) during a club tennis tournament in 2015. Although they played a few matches together, the main reason they started talking was because Andy was reading the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson (and was willing to give Amanda his Organic Chemistry notes). One book led to another, and soon Andy was a regular at Amanda and Caiti's Quad dorm for studying between classes.
Their relationship has survived years of college, medical school, two new jobs (for Amanda), one move cross-country during a global pandemic (thanks papa Zheng and mom, dad, and Steph Harrold!), and medical residency. Along the way they have enjoyed dozens of beautiful hikes (in the sun, rain, and snow), adopted one silly (spoiled) cat, consumed copious amounts of boba, and undertaken many backpacking adventures. At the end of it all, it was clear that they had more fun when they were together.
Andy, with the full support of friends and family, successfully surprised Amanda when he proposed during a morning hike near Montara Mountain, where the couple had taken their first hike together after moving to California. Successful surprise number two happened when Kat (re: not stranger) popped out from behind a rock, complete with camera and sporting a drawn-on mustache.
We are excited to share this next step of our journey with you! Although there are still many preparations to be made in the coming months, what really makes this day special is the support and love of our families and friends. We want to say thank you to each and every one of you for helping us grow into the people we are now, and into the family we hope to be in the future.
Thank you <3
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
Andy: It's crazy looking back on it because I almost didn't meet Amanda. My freshman year of college ended and I really wanted to get in better physical shape and it had been a while since I played tennis. My buddy Arun (now groomsman!), who was the captain at the time (and who also loves to take credit for this story -- deservedly so), convinced me to join the RPI club tennis team! I met Amanda in the back of a carpool to our first tournament (Amanda note: technically we met in the lounge prior to carpooling - I had already noticed his book at this point) and she noticed I was reading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. She was apparently behind me trying to decide if she should start a conversation or not (Amanda note: she was also recovering from a cold and trying to sleep). Luckily for my introverted Amanda, I made the first move and we ended up talking non-stop about Sanderson, the Cosmere, and science fiction. By the time we arrived for the tournament, I'd like to think we were already doubles partners.
Who made the first move? How?
Andy: that would definitely be me hahaha. We were carpooling together to our first tennis tournament and I was reading a Sanderson book. I asked her if she liked sci-fi and the rest is history. (Amanda note: he also was the first one to reach out after the tournament and apparently used his Organic Chemistry notes just as a way to talk to me. I thought he was just being nice.)
What was your most memorable date?
Andy: I like to call it our first official date but I honestly think we were "dating" already after having spent numerous evenings sprawled on the floor of Amanda & Caiti's dorm room floor pretending to study biochemistry when in actuality I was just looking for excuses to spend time with Amanda (Amanda note: I thought he just wanted to be friends and my dorm was closer to campus than his!). In any case, I think the most memorable date was when I convinced Amanda to go stargazing together on the hill next to EMPAC building on a cold night in October. It was just the two of us in a dark field, a sky lit by stars, and a quiet night save for the occasional gust of wind and rustling of leaves. It was perfect.
What's your favorite activity together?
Andy: Definitely hiking and backpacking! (especially down in Big Sur) Also those wonderful lazy afternoons where Amanda is cross-stitching on the couch or doing something very responsible (Amanda note: Crafting + nature documentaries mostly), and I can just put my head on her lap and take a nap (Amanda note: Usually also with a sleeping Stella).
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Someplace warm :)
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Our engagement dinner at a rustic French restaurant in the countryside.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Yosemite! (see moments pictures)
A life goal of ours
To visit every national park in the US.
The most spontaneous thing we’ve done
Turn a 1 night backpacking trip into a 5-day adventure at Point Reyes because, hey, why not?!
A social cause we care about
Preservation and conservation of our natural environment and national parks (including water)
We are regulars at
Somi Somi Taiyaki & Soft Serve Ice Cream!
We take pride in
Our little (spoiled) kitty Stella