Jasmine Nola Austin, community outreach director of MTN Organization, and Robert Leaks III, owner of LEAKSFitness, connected through their mothers, who worked together for seven years before they introduced their children to each other. “His mother invited our family to his high school graduation party—I did not want to go. We didn’t even say more than a ‘hello’ to each other,” Jasmine remembers. “Next thing I knew, I was asking my mom what his last name was to find him on Facebook, and he was asking his mom if we were related. The following week we went our first date to the movies.”
They continued to see each other throughout college—he was in Virginia and she was in New York City—and after seven years, he organized one of the greatest proposals we’ve ever seen.
As the couple both have big families and tons of friends, they wanted a wedding venue that could host a weekend experience, where they could spend as much time with their guests as possible. The Lake House Inn in Pennsylvania hit all of their marks and more, and they set the date for June 18, 2021.
For Jasmine’s dress, she knew she wanted something simple and classic. The bride found the perfect Martina Liana design and also paired her gown with a pearl headband for a pop. “My mom actually HATES me in headbands, so it was hard to convince her,” Jasmine says. “But once she saw it all together, she loved it!”
Bridesmaids complemented Jasmine in Morilee styles of their choosing, and Robbie looked handsome in a tuxedo from The Black Tux and Christian Louboutins.
As the bride walked down the aisle, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was performed by live musicians. And at the altar, the couple shared their own vows. “Of course during mine a cicada landed on my face!” Jasmine reveals. “Robbie knocked it off, and we high five-d after. It was actually a sweet moment that we will laugh about forever.”
After jumping the broom, guests moved to the indoor reception for dinner and dancing with Millie Milz Vega. The newlyweds had a romantic first dance to “The Best Part” by H.E.R. And to move more freely, Jasmine changed into a jumpsuit by Michael Costello. “Dancing with my mom and grandma really made me happy,” Robbie says. “Those our moments I will never forget.”
The after-party commenced around a bonfire. The guys smoked cigars, while the ladies sipped wine, and everyone enjoyed late-night s’mores and hot dogs. Jasmine concludes, “It was a great way to end the weekend.”
