Morgan and Jacob’s Wedding Blossoms from Family Roots

Matches can be made in heaven and apparently even in Tampa, where Atlanta relatives conspired with Floridians to introduce early intervention teacher Morgan Dubrof to Tampa native Jacob Linsky.

On June 12, at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, 235 guests in black ties watched as ten groomsmen and ten bridesmaids in black strapless mermaid dresses led the procession fit for a princess. Mini goldendoodle Wrigley was on his best behavior.

Photos by Adam Linke and Jess McGowan, The Decisive Moment // Morgan and Jacob with mini goldendoodle Wrigley.

Under the chuppah, Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Samantha Shabman Trief remarked, “May you travel the world, and build a family and a house full of doodles, may you try new restaurants, cook new recipes, and have many events to get dressed up for. May you entertain tons of friends in your home, and enjoy quiet moments watching reality TV, cuddling with Wrigley. May you retain your individuality.”

Looking back, the bride told the AJT, “The first time Jacob and I met was when I was visiting my grandparents in Tampa, where my mom grew up and Jacob was living. Shortly after, we discovered that my great-grandmother Mildred and Jacob’s great-grandmother Eva were the best of friends in Tampa.” The ceremonial kiddush cup was brought to America by Mildred around 1922. It had been buried in Poland to avoid confiscation and continues to be used at family occasions.

Photos by Adam Linke and Jess McGowan, The Decisive Moment // Great-grandmother Mildred Cohen Moskowitz’s Kiddush cup (circa 1920) from Russia.

Morgan’s dress was a three-dimensional strapless gown with layers of floral appliqué and cathedral train by Eve of Milady from Bridals by Lori. Mogran changed into a deep v-line beaded reception dress, and an afterparty dress by Retrofete. The bride carried a bouquet of white peonies, while the white centerpieces were composed of hydrangeas, roses, and peonies. The cake was a frosted pumpkin four-tier white layer cake with gold accents matching the wedding invitation.

Dealing with COVID-19, Morgan said, “My most stressful moment was March 2020 at beginning of the pandemic with uncertainty and confusion, having to decide whether we should make an early decision to postpone. At that point, we already had a long engagement and had been patiently waiting, so the thought of postponing another full year was tough. Once we made the decision, we felt at peace, and even more so when June 2020 came around, and we were still in a pandemic. Even without COVID, there were highs and lows throughout our two-and-a-half-year engagement, and in the wedding planning process. Jacob and I constantly leaned on each other.”

Photos by Adam Linke and Jess McGowan, The Decisive Moment //
Three generations of beauty: grandmother Dorothy Moskowitz Haskins (far left), and mother Jodi Karlin pose with Morgan

Mom Jodi Haskins Karlin weighed in, “From the beginning of the engagement, I wanted them to have the wedding of their dreams and have them involved in the process. I can’t say that it was all ‘stress free’ because COVID added another layer. When the design team opened the ballroom doors for our first peek, Morgan and I looked at each other, hugged amid tears and said, ‘We did it!’ It was a dream come true.” Jodi’s dress was made by New York City designer Rubin Singer. She was over the moon about it, exclaiming, “The dress was even more than I expected. Comfortable, couture and classic!”

Photos by Adam Linke and Jess McGowan, The Decisive Moment //
Morgan is honored to call stepdad Scott, “Dad.”

Morgan was accompanied down the aisle by her stepdad and was sentimental about the role he has played in her life. “Over the past 16 years, Scott Karlin has been in my life and consistently gone above and beyond to be present. Through good times and bad, Scott’s unwavering selflessness, unconditional love has proven that DNA doesn’t make a parent. Scott chose to be a dad and role model, and for that I am eternally grateful. It’s only fitting that the man who taught me the most walk me down the aisle and pass the baton from one man I love to another.”

Jacob, director of capital markets at TriBridge Residential, had the last word: “The most unexpected piece was how beautiful the room looked. I knew it was going to be amazing, but was truly blown away walking in. I really felt like I was in a movie. The most special part is cliche but true — being able to have all our family and closest friends present is really a priceless gift. Being able to look out while Morgan and I were under the chuppah and seeing everyone is a picture I will never forget.”

The honeymoon? Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico, of course!