Abby & Jack Pick Palm Beach

On Feb. 7, Abby Orlansky and Jack Copeland exchanged vows in a beautiful South Florida celebration surrounded by 200 family members and friends. The couple chose Palm Beach as a destination that held special significance as the place where their relationship first blossomed.

Abby, who grew up in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highlands neighborhood, graduated from Grady High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. She later attended physician assistant school at South University in West Palm Beach and now works as a dermatology physician assistant at a private practice outside Washington, D.C. Jack was raised in Rockville, Md., and graduated from Bullis School before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. After spending several years working in New York City, he relocated to the Washington, D.C., area, where he serves as vice president of RST Development, a real estate development company.

Abby is the daughter of Herb and Cheryl Orlansky, while Jack is the son of Scott and Jillian Copeland.

Their love story began at a family wedding in 2021. Abby attended her brother, Alex’s, wedding to Arielle, who happens to be Jack’s cousin. During the wedding weekend in Virginia Beach, Jack and Arielle’s grandmother was determined to introduce Jack to Abby. Her matchmaking instincts proved successful, and Abby and Jack quickly formed a connection. After dating for 2 1/2 years, they became engaged. Jack planned a proposal in Orlando at the picturesque lakeside home of Abby’s aunt and uncle; a place Abby has always considered one of her favorite spots. Every Thanksgiving, the Orlansky family gathers there with Abby’s mother’s side of the family. There Jack used the annual tradition to “pop the question.”

Mom, Cheryl, said, “Choosing South Florida was an easy decision. During the early days of their relationship, Abby was attending PA school in West Palm Beach, and Jack frequently traveled there while working remotely. The city became the backdrop for some of their earliest memories together and represented the beginning of their journey as a couple.”

Abby took the lead in wedding planning, working closely with a South Florida-based wedding planner. The couple traveled to West Palm Beach several times for tastings and planning, with Jack weighing in on band and beverage selections.

The wedding was in a palette of blue, green, and white. Floral designer, Events By Nicky, created arrangements with white calla lilies, light blue hydrangeas, white roses, white spray roses, light blue delphiniums, and lush greenery. The bride and bridesmaids carried bouquets of white calla lilies, while the chuppah was adorned with abundant blue and white blooms. Matching floral arrangements filled the reception space, creating a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an arugula and pear salad featuring candied walnuts, feta, and balsamic honey vinaigrette, followed by a selection of pesto-crusted chicken with wild mushroom demi-glace or roasted salmon with citrus beurre, honey-glazed carrots, asparagus, potato gratin, and mashed potatoes accompanied. The dessert was a playful funfetti cake with cream cheese icing created by Earth and Sugar.

The couple’s first dance was to “Better Together” by Jack Johnson. The father-daughter dance was “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5.

When asked what he loves most about his bride, Jack said: “I love how Abby is very balanced, as she is ambitious and driven, but also remembers to always have fun and enjoy life. She is incredibly smart, thoughtful, caring, intelligent and funny and brings an energy everywhere she goes that makes others laugh and smile.”

Abby shared her admiration for her new husband, saying, “I love his empathy and the way his big heart shows up in everything he does. His kindness and laid-back, go-with-the-flow nature make life feel calmer and more joyful.”

Following the Palm Beach celebration, the newlyweds went on a two-week honeymoon in Australia, beginning their next adventure together as husband and wife. From balmy palm trees in West Palm Beach to kangaroos “down under,” the Copelands are hopping off to a good start.