How did you meet?
We met on the dating app Bumble, and our first date was dinner followed by a music show. At the time, Justin didn’t realize just how much I (Jackie) love music. The show ended up being very different from what we expected – there wasn’t much of a crowd, and we felt way older than everyone there – but we had a great time anyway. Looking back, that night felt symbolic of our relationship: no matter what’s happening around us, we always enjoy each other’s company.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
We’re a COVID couple, so a lot of our early relationship was spent getting to know each other at home while the world was on pause. Without the usual distractions of restaurants, events or big outings, we had the chance to really focus on each other. Whether it was cooking meals, binge-watching shows or just talking for hours, those quieter moments helped us build a strong foundation early on.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
4 1/2 years.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Justin: It wasn’t one big moment – it was all the little moments over the years that added up. We laugh together, we support each other and we share the same values. It just felt right, like we were building something solid and meaningful together.
Jackie: There wasn’t one defining moment, but over time, it became clear that we were a great match. We get along so well, we have fun and we’re serious about the right things. We share the same values and goals, and the more time we spent together, the more it just felt like the perfect fit.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
The site visits and food tastings were definitely the highlight. Walking through the venue and imagining how everything would come together, combined with tasting the incredible food, allowed us to truly picture how special our wedding day would be. It was a chance to bring our vision to life and get excited about sharing it with the people we love.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
We were told that time would move incredibly quickly during the week and day of our wedding, and that turned out to be so true. The best advice we received was to take moments to reflect and soak it all in – it’s those little pauses that let you truly cherish the experience and carry it with you.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
One of the most meaningful aspects of our wedding was how it brought our families together through Jewish traditions. From the signing of the ketubah to the Italian Jewish unity cord ceremony, our families played an active role in blessing our union.
Justin’s mom and sister signed the ketubah for me (Jackie), while my dad and brother signed as witnesses for Justin. During the unity cord tradition, our parents wrapped the cord around our hands as the rabbi gave a blessing, symbolizing the joining of our families. These traditions didn’t just honor our heritage – they created a powerful sense of connection between everyone present, making the celebration feel even more personal and unique to us.
And, of course, I (Jackie) was especially excited to dance the hora and get lifted in the chair! It was such a fun and lively moment, surrounded by all of our friends and family, and a memory we’ll never forget.
What else was unique about your wedding?
I come from a Catholic background, and Justin is Jewish, so it was important to us that our ceremony reflected both of our traditions. Rabbi Barbara (Aiello) did an incredible job creating a meaningful and inclusive ceremony that made both of our families feel comfortable and deeply involved. From honoring Jewish traditions like the ketubah and chuppah to embracing the spirit of unity, it was a beautiful celebration of love, faith and family.
– Justin and Jackie
Justin Kadis & Jacklyn Roberson
Wedding Day
May 23, 2024
Villa Pizzo in Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy
Today
Ages: 41 & 33
Hometown: Cleveland
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Planning
Engagement: July 29, 2022
Officiant: Rabbi Barbara Aiello
Dress: Lihi Hod from Alice in Ivory in Chicago
Wedding rings: Gottlieb & Sons in Beachwood
Jewelry: Jackie wore Justin’s grandmother’s earrings and bracelet and her own grandmother’s bracelet
Hair/makeup: The Studio Como in Lake Como, Italy
Groom’s formalwear: Boglioli tuxedo from J3 Clothing Company in Moreland Hills
Bouquet/flowers/chuppah: Figli Dei Fiori in Como, Italy
Ketubah: Beka Wilk of Foreverie Paper
Photographer: Kristin Piteo, assisted by Tom Irwin
Videographer: Roma & Vera Khliustov of Romavera
Planner/consultant: Alessa Santa and Giulia Tarantino of White Emotion Events
Reception: Villa Pizzo
Cake/sweets/catering: AFM Banqueting
Rehearsal dinner: Hilton Lake Como
Invitations/stationery: Nicety Studio
Music/entertainment: Band and DJ: The Puppets; Pianist and singer: Max Sings; Lights and audio: La Bottega della Musica
Rentals: SOFI Design of Malgesso, Italy
Accommodations: Hilton Lake Como; Sheraton Lake Como; Hotel Asnigo
Registries: Multiple stores
Honeymoon: Ibiza and Barcelona, Spain; Crete and Athens, Greece