Eliza and Vittorio’s journey together began in the Spring semester of their sophomore year at Florida State University, where they met in an honors seminar on international economic development. They bonded over their shared interests in policy and economics, walking and talking with each other every day after class. By the end of the semester, Eliza prepared for a trip to Dominican Republic to pursue a research project on microcredit loans, while Vittorio started in internship in Tallahassee. On their last day of class, they sat together on a bench outside Strozier Library and promised to reconnect in the fall.

The next fall, they went on their first date at the North Florida Fair—now an annual tradition. They became deeply involved in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, taking on roles in student organizations and working together at a campus public policy research center. Eliza was elected as Chair of the college’s Student Leadership Council, and Vittorio served with her as Treasurer. During their senior year, they traveled to the Bahamas together to present at an undergraduate research competition—a favorite memory of their early days together.

After graduating in 2019, they decided to make Tallahassee their home. Eliza took on a role with a local non-profit focused on civil discourse and civic engagement, while Vittorio started work as a policy analyst at a national think-tank. They bought their first house, adopted cats, and discovered a love for gardening and home improvement projects. During the pandemic, they discovered a joint love of hiking and visited over 20 state parks.

In 2022, they returned to their alma mater for graduate school. Eliza pursued a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. Vittorio, while began a PhD program in public administration and policy. Back on campus, Vittorio could think of no better place to ask Eliza’s hand in marriage than the bench outside of Strozier Library where they’d made a commitment to each other years before.

As they look back on the journey that brought them here, Eliza and Vittorio feel incredibly grateful for the friends, family, and memories that have enriched their lives together. They can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.