Real Wedding Wednesdays: Julia Cook and Ben Gaskill

Julia and Ben Gaskill are proud to say that they are an online dating app success story. The two met on Hinge, a popular dating app, and bonded over a chocolate lab puppy Ben was holding in a profile photo before deciding to meet in person. It did not take long before they scheduled a second date just a few days later.

To propose, Ben relied on a tried-and-true formula. After an “extremely delicious meal at Basi Italia,” he says, “I suggested to we walk to Jeni’s to get some ice cream … wouldn’t you know it, my shoe came untied in the middle of Goodale Park on the walk over.” From there, it was easy to remain on one knee and pop the question.

After an intentionally short, nine-month engagement, Julia and Ben held a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, followed by a reception at High Line Car House. Although Julia’s father wasn’t able to walk her down the aisle, framed photos of him and other family members who had passed away were set up around the venue. Both Julia and Ben said they had an emotional time while Julia walked down the aisle with her brothers. “It’s hard to put into words the emotions I was feeling, but seeing her in all her beauty heading toward me right before we committed our lives to each other filled me with tears—in a good way,” Ben recalls.

For her part, Julia says Ben’s strong reaction fueled her own. “Seeing Ben emotional—which I didn’t think would happen—and knowing I was about to marry the most amazing man brought many tears to my eyes,” she says. “Knowing my father was watching over me made the moment very bittersweet.”

The Details

Wedding date: May 4, 2019

Wedding colors: Mauve, dusty rose, navy

Attendants: Eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer

Bride wore: Rivini gown and accessories from La Jeune Mariee, veil from B. Loved Bridal Boutique, shoes from Nordstrom

Hair and makeup: Le Reve Makeup & Hair

Groom wore: Tuxedo rented from The Black Tux

Rings: Worthington Jewelers

Bridesmaids wore: Sorella Vita gowns from Carrie Karibo Bridal

Groomsmen wore: Tuxedos rented from The Black Tux

Rehearsal dinner: Lindey’s

Ceremony: Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church

Reception: High Line Car House

Caterer: Together & Company

Cake: The Suisse Shop Bakery

Florist: Evergreen Flower Co.

Rentals: Event Source and Aiden & Grace

Photographer: Derk’s Works Photography

Videographer:  Columbus Wedding Videos

Invitations: The Envelope, Ltd.

Reception tunes: Jazz duo for cocktail hour; DJ Mark Blazor for dancing

First dance: “Take Care” by Beach House

Registries: Crate and Barrel and Macy’s

Transportation: Cardinal Transportation

Guests stayed at: Hilton Columbus Downtown

Sunday brunch: The Guild House

Honeymoon: Ireland