How did you meet?
We matched on a dating app, Hinge.
We shared a pizza on our first date and I (Janie) got pizza sauce on my face. Jason kindly let me know, and I said something along the lines of “I’m glad you told me, because we wouldn’t go out again if you didn’t!”
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
I knew I liked Jason from the start and didn’t want to “jinx” it, so I didn’t tell family members much about him early on (even his name). Long story short, my grandmothers commented on a Facebook picture (not of Jason), asking if it was “Mr. Wonderful No Name”.
We played Jewish geography, talking about my roots in Cincinnati and Jason’s in Cleveland, learning that we have a lot of overlap in our worlds. Turns out, my parents were at a wedding Jason was the best man in just a month before our first date. Funny enough, my dad is in the background of one of the pictures Jason posted on social media.
I planned to move back home to Cincinnati after completing my graduate program in May 2019. Ultimately, I decided to stick around in Cleveland “one more year.” Jason completed residency around the same time, and then we started dating shortly after. The timing of it all was besheret.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
We started dating in July 2019, engaged November 2021, and married May 2023.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Jason: During our first Chanukah as a couple, Janie was wrapping presents for my niece and nephew. She was getting adorably frustrated and I thought to myself, “Man, my mom would’ve really loved her.” Seconds later, Janie asked, “Do you think your mom would’ve liked me?” That’s when I knew.
Janie: I knew I loved Jason very early on in our relationship. It felt different from the start. I’m sure that’s why I was concerned about “jinxing” it. I remember early in our relationship, watching the fireworks after an Indians (now Guardians) win, looking up at Jason (who was beaming after a Cleveland win), and thinking “this is it.”
What was the best part of wedding planning?
We loved being able to spend more time with family in Cincinnati. And the food tasting, of course.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
Enjoy this time, be present, remember this feeling. Some of the relationship advice we received was date each other, make sure to laugh, and embrace one another with an open mind and an open heart.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
Jason’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors and saved a tallit that has been in the family for generations. We were wrapped in this tallit on our wedding day. A fun twist on tradition was that both of us broke the glass at the end of our ceremony.
“There were so many best moments throughout our wedding weekend. We were surrounded by love and that feeling will stick with us forever. One moment that was particularly meaningful was when a ladybug landed on our niece before our ceremony. Whenever we see a ladybug, we believe it is a visit from Jason’s late mother, Aliza. While she is always with us in spirit, it was so significant to feel her presence as our ladybug visitor on the most important day of our lives together. We look back on this moment as a blessing.”
– Janie & Jason
Wedding Day
May 20, 2023
The View at Mount Adams, Cincinnati
Today
Ages: 31 & 34
Hometown: Lyndhurst
PLANNING
Engagement: Nov. 5, 2021
Officiant: Rabbi Lewis Kamrass of Isaac M. Wise Temple in Cincinnati
Wedding colors: White, gold, navy with greenery
Dress: Alyne by Rita Vinieris, purchased from Carrie Karibo Bridal
Wedding rings: Gottlieb & Sons, Brilliant Earth
Jewelry: Etsy
Veil: Theia from Carrie Karibo Bridal
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Hair/makeup: BrideFACE
Bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo from Carrie Karibo Bridal
Groom’s/groomsmens’ formalwear: The Black Tux
Bouquet/flowers/chuppah: Floral V Designs
Ketubah: Ketubah.com
Photographer: Kortni & Chris Photography
Videographer: Gracefully Eppich
Planner/consultant: KMC Weddings
Reception: The View at Mount Adams
Catering: Funky’s Catering
Rehearsal dinner: The Backstage Event Center in Cincinnati
Invitations/stationery: Bess Paper Goods
Music/entertainment: Seven Hills String Duo, Party Pleasers
Accommodations: AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks, 21c Museum Hotel, The Lytle Park Hotel
Registries: Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Amazon
Honeymoon: Planning for Greece
