Old World glamour rules the day as Harvard grads wed in Italy

The Boston Globe · Carrie Simonelli · 2026-10-20 09:30 UTC

She worked on democratic campaigns on the East Coast while he built a career in investment banking in the US and London.

Matthew Sarpong knew immediately that there was something special about Sarafina Chitika.

They struck up a friendship in fall 2015, when both tried out for Eleganza, Harvard University’s annual fashion, dance, and music showcase that raises money for charity.

“During the auditions, I saw her and thought, She’s beautiful. She has a vibrant personality, and that’s when I introduced myself,” says Matthew, 18 and a freshman at the time. Each was accepted into the show; Sarafina, a former competitive gymnast, had become heavily involved in dance at college; Matthew, a member of The Harvard Black Men’s Forum, was a member of the step team, which traditionally closes out the sold-out event.

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