Both looking to meet someone special, Jennifer Rose Schwartzman and Jake Benjamin Kupperman joined J-Swipe, a dating app geared toward the Jewish community. After connecting on the app, the two agreed to meet at Casellula, a wine bar near Jenny’s apartment in Manhattan. Even before they met, Jenny was impressed by the fact that Jake chose a location so convenient for her, thinking that it showed he was a kind, considerate person. On their date, Jake greeted Jenny with a warm smile, and they soon became a couple.
Two years later, Jake proposed at one of their favorite spots during a walk in Central Park. Little did Jenny know, there was a photographer waiting to capture the moment. Later, they celebrated with both of their families at a French restaurant called La Boite en Bois. Though the moment Jenny actually said yes was shared only between the couple, family was there in spirit; the engagement ring featured a round diamond center stone that had originally been in Jake’s grandmother “May May’s” engagement ring.
The engagement ring proved to be one of the many ways Jake and Jenny honored their loved ones during this special time in their lives. They chose to marry in New Orleans, Jake’s hometown. The pink dress that Jenny wore to their rehearsal dinner at The Jaxson had originally belonged to her paternal grandmother. It was made in the 1950s by the dressmakers for the Belgian royal family!
When the couple was married on October 22, 2022, at the Audubon Tea Room, Jenny wore a dress that was originally her maternal grandmother’s wedding dress, and that her mother and aunt had also worn on their wedding days. She also wore jewelry that had belonged to each of their grandmothers so that all four parts of the family were represented. During the ceremony officiated by Rabbi Katie Bauman, the couple used two different kiddush cups—one from each side of the family. During the final blessing, the newlyweds were wrapped in a tallis that had belonged to Jake’s grandfather.
The celebration then continued at the Audubon Tea Room, where everyone marveled at the beauty of the gardens. Surrounded by dusky blue décor indoors, guests were thrilled with the delicious menu, especially the gumbo! The room was buzzing with joyful energy as Jake and Jenny hit the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife. They chose to mark the occasion with “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede, which is fun, upbeat, and has a great love story. After their first dance, the couple and the guests had a blast dancing to music performed by Karma Entertainment, as well as to a few specially performed songs by close friends of the bride and groom.
The couple is planning a two-week honeymoon trip to South Africa later this year. They’re looking forward to visiting Cape Town, enjoying a safari, and spending some time at different wineries. In the meantime, they’re enjoying newly married life in Manhattan, where Jenny is a jewelry designer at Spur Jewelry and Jake works in venture capital.
Coordinator: Michele Caswell-Adams (Unique Weddings & Events)
Ceremony Music: Harry Hardin
Reception Music: Karma Entertainment
Wedding Gowns: Ceremony—Family wedding dress; Reception–Jenny Yoo / Jenny Yoo Bridal; After Party—Mac Duggal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groom’s Attire: Tux from Ike Behar
Groomsmen attire: Tuxes of their choice
Engagement Ring: The Clear Cut
Bride’s Wedding Band: local NY jeweler
Groom’s Wedding Band: local NY jeweler
Florist: Urban Earth
Favor: Beaded key chains and branded mints, created by Jenny’s mother
Invitation: Minted
Caterer: Audubon Tea Room
Photographer: Oscar Rajo
Hair: Verde Beauty
