Annie + Gavin

May 28, 2022 / Paso Robles, California

Tell us a little more about the two of you!: Our paths have probably crossed a million times. We could have met at the hundreds of Anaheim Duck's games we went to as kids, sitting just a half section and one row apart. Or at the Chapman writing contest where I read my essay out loud to Gavin in the audience. We both grew up playing hockey in Southern California which was a small community at that time. But of all places, our paths crossed at Mettle Strength and Conditioning, a gym in a hockey rink in Southern California owned by our officiant and friend Chris Martin. We were both awkward 18 year olds that genuinely found a great friend and connection in each other. We spent the next few years chasing hockey dreams and each other across the US. We were never more than an hour away from each other, first to the east coast then to the midwest. We spent our college years doing long distance, flying in for big games and special weekends. We really came to live and learn that distance makes the heart grow fonder. We spent summers living together in Madison, training for the season and holidays at home in California spending time with our families. The pandemic brought us under the same roof and our relationship grew so easily. We like to say that we are best friends first and sweethearts second.

Wedding planning was hard for us. We wanted to have a quiet wedding but our families encouraged us to have a bigger party. We wanted to make sure we didn't lose sight of what the day was about. We made sure that the nitty gritty details of the day didn't overshadow the bigger purpose. We left MANY decisions up to our wedding planner who did a phenomenal job.

What was your vision for your wedding?: I had no idea what kind of wedding I wanted. I was obsessed with trying to make sure I didn't get caught up in the details because at the end of the day, the table colors, napkin colors, layout of the reception area are things the ultimately didn't matter. What matter was that we were promising our lives together surrounded by the people we love most. I also knew that our wedding planner Vino Fiore Events had MUCH better taste and vision than I could ever put into a vision. Once we met Nena, she told us we would love this venue of Ella's Vineyard with this massive oak tree. From there Nena gave us her favorite local vendors and chose the people who best fit our personality.

Tell us all about your wedding dress!: I had no idea what kind of dress I wanted. I wanted to make sure that I didn't feel like I was wearing a costume. I really just wanted to feel like myself. I tried on a bunch of different styles and found something that I felt comfortable in. I had my people take a bunch of pictures of me in different dresses so I could analyze them over and over again. I really like the boho style dresses just for how relaxed they were. I really liked what I saw on Rish's website but LOVED how they felt on.

You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?!: Our wedding day was fabulous. It was a beautiful day, although super windy. My favorite part of the day was our first look where we privately read our vows and shared that special moment. During our actual ceremony, Gavin messed up his vows a little bit and accidentally called me easy, instead of easygoing. It was definitely the funniest thing that happened in the day and we will be laughing about it forever. I actually posted it on tiktok and it went viral :)

What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: Just be true to you. Don't let anyone push you to or away from any part of the day, there is no one right way to get married. The day should be about you and your partner and everything else is just fluff. I also can't recommend getting a wedding planner enough. I still did a lot of coordinating and planning but Nena made my life so much easier and the day more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

Vendors:
Dress: Rio by Rish Bridal from Strike Bridal Bar
Photographer: Kelsea Holder Photography
Videographer: Patrick Ang Videography
Tailor: Grace and Lace Bridal Tailor
Event Planner: Vino Fiore Events -Planning, design and florals
Venue: Ella's Vineyard
Make-Up Artist: Tami Bernard Makeup