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, 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.