Brian Gaukel and Wendy Lao plan to marry Sept. 13 at Oak Farm Vineyards. (Courtesy photo)

Gaukel, Lao to marry at Oak Farm Vineyards in September

Brian P. Gaukel and Cua Wendy Lao, both of Stockton, were engaged last September.

Gaukel graduated from Tokay High School in 2000, and then from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science in 2006. He is employed by the Stockton Fire Department. He is the son of John E. Gaukel and Christy Gaukel-Babin, of Lodi.

Lao graduated from Tokay High School in 2001, and then from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology in 2006. She is employed by Pine Street Physical Therapy in Stockton. She is the daughter of Chieng Kai and Chia Lo, of Stockton.

The couple met after a high school pep rally in 1998. They became engaged on Sept. 13, 2007 in South Lake Tahoe. While in the middle of a dried up riverbank on a hike along the river, Gaukel proposed. They announced their engagement on Jan. 19 at Villa Vicencio Vineyard in Lodi with 100 guests in attendance. Those in attendance included the parents of the bride and groom and all of the wedding party, Rob Babin, of New Orleans; Brad Vassor, Julie Byun, Linda Lach and Gail Ruiz, all friends from the Stockton Fire Department; and Archie Acosta, Trung Le, Jeff Lant and Tony Slotz.

The two plan to marry on Sept. 13 at Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi.