“Our paths have probably crossed a million times,” says bride Annie Pankowski of her now husband, Gavin Nieto. “But of all places, our paths crossed in a gym in Southern California.” The Orange County natives share a love of many things, but the dominant common thread through their lives is hockey. Unknowingly, the two both grew up going to Anaheim Ducks games with their families—sitting just half a section and one row apart. And when the time came for Gavin to get down on one knee, there was no place more appropriate to do so than at the University of Wisconsin hockey rink, with an intimate cadre of friends and family bearing witness. The couple’s wedding at the charmingly pastoral Ella’s Vineyard in Creston paid homage to their shared past while evoking a sense of warmth and family. “We knew that creating a fun, easily approachable event was a must!” says planner Nena Johansen of Vino Fiore Events. “We wanted to take their bright, sunny personalities and relay that into their fun design.” Muted, warm tones took center stage with mustard, blush, dusty mauve, creams and toffee hues making appearances in the organic, free-flowing design. Annie made her way down the aisle in a sleekly feminine V-neck gown to meet Gavin at the altar. Officiating the ceremony was the couple’s friend Chris, making for a full-circle moment, as he was the one who introduced Annie and Gavin to one another. The reception was filled with love and joy, perfectly reflecting the couple being celebrated. Acknowledging the invisible string that has bound the newlyweds together, Annie and Gavin had ice cream sandwiches from Negranti Creamery served to guests—the same exact sandwiches they both ate between the second and third periods of hockey games as children.
