Connect How did your love story begin?

Austin and I met while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. My roommate knew him back at school and introduced us at our welcome gala in a centuries-old castle. We spent our days wandering Florence’s Renaissance streets, had our first date at a local pizza spot, and celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together in the medieval town of Montepulciano. We quickly became inseparable, fell in love, and six years later we’re still exploring the world together.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Our favorite memories are the adventures we’ve shared together. From Paris and Hawaii to Puerto Rico and returning to Italy, we make it a goal to stay curious, spontaneous, and open to new experiences. We’ve moved across the country together, built a life in NYC, and spend our weekends discovering new restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods. Every trip and new experience brings us even closer.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’re getting married next summer at a villa just outside Florence—the city where our love story began. The prize money would help us create an even more meaningful celebration and ease the financial burden for family and friends traveling to be there. Our dream is to share the place that brought us together with the people we love most and create unforgettable memories together in Italy.