The West End Overlook, with its stunning panoramic views of Pittsburgh, provided the perfect backdrop for Jasmine and Ben’s intimate wedding day. Surrounded by close family and friends — and their beloved dog, Fish — they exchanged heartfelt vows in a setting that holds deep meaning for them both. In this interview, Jasmine and Ben share their journey together, from meeting in college to their unforgettable proposal in Alaska. They reflect on the special moments of their wedding day, including the joy of having Fish by their side as they began this new chapter. Join me as I dive into their story and the love they celebrated in one of Pittsburgh’s most scenic spots.
Are you from Pittsburgh?
Jasmine is from Hermitage, PA about an hour north of Pittsburgh and Ben is from Greensburg, PA about an hour east of Pittsburgh. We moved to Squirrel Hill in 2016 after we graduated college and stayed there while I went to Pitt’s dental hygiene program and Ben worked as an environmental scientist in Carnegie, PA. We also lived in an apartment in the West End, where we discovered our future wedding venue, before buying our home in Coraopolis in 2021.
How did you two meet?
Ben and I met in 2013 at Cal U (which is now Penn West) at a mutual friends house after class one day. We were 20 years old. After that day, we kept finding excuses to spend time with each other. Then one night we were laying under the stars at the outdoor basketball court and we knew this was more than friendship. We started dating 2 months after meeting each other.
Can you share the story of your engagement?
Well, the engagement wasn’t a complete surprise because I overheard Ben talking to his mom on the phone about a size 6…. and I’m not a size 6 ANYTHING besides this ring finger. So I knew it would be coming soon, likely on the cruise to Alaska we had planned with Ben’s family, but I didn’t know when it would happen on the trip. There was a white party scheduled on night 3 on the boat so I assumed that’s when it would be but I was wrong. It happened at our first stop on the cruise in Sitka, Alaska on a hike that included, myself, Ben, his sister Katarina, and her best friend Joey. The girls had come along to capture the proposal, but it turns out I caught in on camera myself! We came to this beautiful area on the Indian River in Sitka National Historical Park that I just had to get on video. As I’m slowly filming the panorama of the gorgeous nature surrounding us I turn to find Ben on his knee with my engagement ring. So there is video proof that I was truly surprised based off of the feral noise that came out of me when I panned to Ben on his knee. It was everything I wanted – intimate, special. It was perfect!
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
Jasmine – I was excited to see the photos underneath the walkway with the vines leading up to the West End overlook and Laura did not disappoint! It’s one of the ones now hanging on our wall for everyone who comes in our home to see.
Ben – The first look because of the tension that was building. I heard about this dress for a year and I was ready to see her in it. Then I had to wait for what seemed like an eternity to turn around as you were capturing our photos.
Can you tell us about the dress and what made it the one for you?
I got the dress from Blanc de Blanc bridal boutique and it was designed by Danny Tabet. I didn’t go into the boutique thinking I would go with the silhouette that I chose but once I tried his dress on I found myself comparing every other dress to his dress. I shockingly found it on my first day of dress shopping.
Can you describe your first dance and what made it so special?
Our first dance as husband and wife wasn’t on the day of our wedding. It was in a night club, Club Oho, in Cabarete, Dominican Republic surrounded by friends! I couldn’t understand the lyrics since they were in Spanish, but the beat had us dancing! It was so much fun! And I need to learn to salsa or bachata so I can join the first story dance floor the next time we visit!
Ben, how would you describe Jasmine on your wedding day?
To put Jasmine into words is impossible, especially on our wedding day. When I turned around and saw her for the first time in her wedding dress, I was in shock! This was the confident, beautiful, QUEEN that I had come to love over the last 11 years. She always looks incredible, whether it be in the woods with our dog, sleeping with our cat, or dressed to the nines for a night on the town. But on that day, she was ethereal—I will remember that forever. While we were taking photos, I was continually blown away by Jasmine at different parts of the West End Overlook, the place that made us fall in love with the park in the first place when we first started going there.
Jasmine, how would you describe Ben on your wedding day?
Day to day I get to see Ben in chemically stained field pants, work boots, and outdoor worker neon. Even though he looks handsome in his rugged day to day, he looked dreamy in his tailored suit and floral tie. He was bursting with love, not just for me but for the life we have built together. Seeing the joy and tenderness in his eyes mirrored the emotion in my heart as I reflected on love we have cultivated over the last 11 years. He was perfect.
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day
The ceremony! Standing there looking in each others eyes is emotional when you’ve been looking into those eyes for 11 years. For me (Ben) standing there with Jasmine at the ceremony overlooking our city with my mom officiating surrounded by our closest family was very emotional and met our desires and expectations for a wedding to a T.
How did you choose Laura Mares Photography?
Instagram. We were looking for someone with experience capturing intimate moments. It was just a bonus Laura occasionally photographs weddings. It was the perfect.
What did you enjoy about the experience of working with Laura Mares Photography?
Laura was kind, courteous, and fun! She helped Jasmine and I through our very first photo shoot. We had no idea what we were doing at first, but we quickly found our groove with Laura’s help! Laura came with all the creativity and guidance that we needed as a very go with the flow couple!!
Describe some of your favorite portraits from your wedding.
Ben – My favorite photo is when Jasmine and I are walking down the aisle with flower petals (that my mom had dried from her rose bushes all year) and Jasmine has her eyes closed with the biggest smile on her face.
Jasmine – I love the photos of us looking at each other at the alter and I will hold the pictures we captured with Fish near and dear to my heart forever!
What is ONE moment of your wedding you will always remember?
When everyone left and Jasmine and I were on the overlook alone, the feeling of rightness was overwhelming and palpable.
What's your number one tip for future brides?
DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! This is YOUR day with your HUSBAND. Ben has a big family so there was some pressure to do a traditional wedding and invite the whole family. There was also some temporary disappointment when we told everyone how we wanted to get married but I wouldn’t change a thing about what we decided! Planning my wedding wasn’t stressful at all, I cut all the parts I didn’t want and kept all the parts I wanted. I spent my ceremony with those closest to my heart and celebrated by traveling with my closest friends. It was an experience of a lifetime and November 2024 has been the best month of my life.
A Wedding Story About Love, Family, and Authenticity
Jasmine and Ben’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t have to follow tradition to be meaningful. It’s about creating a day that’s true to who you are as a couple, and that’s exactly what they did. From their emotional ceremony to the quiet moments spent together at the Overlook, their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and the joy of being surrounded by the people who matter most. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to capture these precious memories for them, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness in their journey ahead.
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