Skapinakis Manor

Bridal Shower - High Tea

Wedding Day

Wedding

Hummingbird House

Reception

Our Wedding

During graduate school, Athena worked at the front desk of her university’s Student Recreation Center. There, she had the opportunity to get to recognize the familiar faces. One person always stood out to her. He had long dark hair, reminiscent of Bradley Cooper, and often wore a distinctive floral hat. She also noticed his Lilo & Stitch tattoo on his calf. The owner of that tattoo was none other than Zachary, who found himself at the Rec Center at least five days a week. He had also noticed Athena and got to see her at the gym every single week. Amidst their hellos during the check-in process through the Rec Center, Zach and Athena began to exchange compliments. He told her that he liked her Harry Potter-themed nails and Halloween costume, and she told him she liked his last name of Wenzel. (Looking back, Athena claims the comment was made innocently enough, but she finds it funny that soon his last name will become hers). Athena’s co-worker Dean, now one of Zach’s groomsmen, began to play Cupid when he learned Athena fondly referred to Zach as “gym bae.” After learning from Dean that Athena returned his affections, Zach put aside his shyness and nervousness to ask Athena on a date. The actual day of the first date is debatable. Before the hockey game, Zach had asked Athena to meet up with him for frozen yogurt at Tutti Frutti. It was the halfway point of their homes, so neither of them would have to drive far before returning to studying. It was cold, and Athena was anxious, but Zach was lovely. Their pre-date meeting was fun and the pair got to know each other a little bit more before their big date. At the big date itself, Athena was careful to monitor Zach and how he treated her throughout the evening. He took great care of giving her attention, insisted on paying for everything, and even held her hand. Athena returned his kindness by feeding him, occasionally missing the mark, and instead stabbing his face with a fork. He didn’t seem to mind either way, and was content to have her next to him to watch his favorite sport of hockey. That date turned into many as Athena and Zach continued to get to know one another. Things between them developed quickly but at the same time fell into place very naturally and without rush. Athena couldn’t help but notice how remarkably different Zach was from other men. He was honest, complimenting, and sweet. He always called to wish her a good night, made her feel beautiful at every chance, and gave her all his attention. Zach brought her flowers and a good luck card for an important interview Athena was preparing for, baked her roommate Fräulein (Jess, now a bridesmaid) a cake featuring the colors of the German flag, hung Christmas lights at their house, and bonded with all of Athena’s many pets. Zach didn’t waste much time asking Athena to be his girlfriend and did so on January 8, 2017. From this point, Zach and Athena grew even closer and more serious than either would have ever imagined. In February the couple exchanged their first I love yous, and shortly after that they began to talk about their future together. Everything moved quickly, but Athena wasn’t afraid anymore because she knew in her heart that Zach was the one. Zach proposed to Athena on December 31, 2017 in front of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Nervous, Zach took Athena’s hands in his and said: “Athena, I know we haven’t been together for that long. But you make me so beyond happy, and I want to spend the rest of my days with you. I asked you to be mine at Universal in a very Harry Potter fashion, and I wanted to propose the same way. Athena Elisa Skapinakis,&nbsp;will you marry me?” He dropped down to one knee, presented the chocolate diamond ring and popped the question. With her whole heart, Athena said yes.

True Love Stories Never Have Endings

Our Story

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“I absolutely love Athena and Zach. They work together to create a perfect balance of love, nerdiness, compassion, and elegance. I love Athena’s strong and willful personality and Zach’s gentle and considerate temperament. I pray a lifetime of happiness over your marriage and the Fermins will always root for you.”

Jenilee Fermin

Since the day that I met both Athena and Zach, they have been nothing short of amazing. They both have the kindest of souls and are the most selfless people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Zach and Athena’s  love is pure, passionate, and effortless. I know you two will continue to love wholeheartedly with a life full of laughter and joy!

Timothy Bachman

“Athena and Zach are perfect for each other. Anyone that knows them can see their genuine love and connection. I’m so glad Athena found someone that treats her like the queen that she is.”

Margarita Cano

“All you want for your best friend is someone who brings them solace and genuine happiness. Zach embodies this hope. Together, he and Athena have this incredibly effortless balance of sincerity and goofiness that most couples strive for.”

Cassandra Cortez

“Deep appreciation for one another, considerate love gestures, and above all, their great chemistry make Athena and Zach an amazing couple. They do not only bring love, laughter, and fun into each other’s lives, but also into the life of their friends.“

Jessica Kruppa

“Athena and Zach are truly #goals. Watching them together reminds me that true love is out there, and it comes when we least expect it. The love and admiration they have for one another is truly something to be admired. You see the connection and friendship they have with one another – that alone is everything. It makes me so happy to see Athena has found her someone with Zach. I’ve loved being able to watch them grow together over the last few years, dreaming up the future and working towards their goals individually and as a couple. I’m excited to see them get married, grow old together and wish them the very best as they start this new chapter in their lives.”

Shelby Parker

“Athena and Zach are the perfect match for one another. They are both compassionate, hard working and selfless. Together they are a loving couple who always know how to have fun.  I’m so happy that they found each other and get to spend forever with their best friend.”

Noemi Perez

“Zach and Athena are great together, and I’m glad Zach found someone who loves him as much as Athena does.”

Joshua Wenzel

“Fate brought Zach and Athena together at the right time, and I'm glad to see my best friend finally found the one.”

Carlos Cruz

“Zach and Athena have a love you can feel when you walk into the room. Ever since the day he met her, Zach has never stopped smiling. Saying I’m happy for the both of them doesn’t begin to cover it.” 

Sterling Garza

“Athena proclaimed him to be ‘gym bae’, and told me not to tell Zach, but without my humor, we might not have seen this relationship blossom. Zach and Athena have always welcomed Katelynn and I with open arms. They are truly two one-of a-kind people that deserve each other.” 

Dean Cupp

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Please call to book. For the group rate, please use our hotel block code “Wenzel Wedding.”

Athena & Zachary

Athena & Zachary

Registry