Jillian Bajaksouzian, a senior human resources business partner at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., and Austin Stahl, the director of development at PowerStack Microgrids, met on Hinge in 2020. Both Ohio natives, Bajaksouzian had been in Columbus since 2017 while Stahl had just moved from Austin, Texas. On their first date, Stahl introduced Bajaksouzian to his dog, Pastrami. “He knew I’d be his mom the first time we met!” says Bajaksouzian. They incorporated him into their wedding with napkins and a “dog of honor” photo at their head table.
Stahl proposed in September 2023 on a walk from Antiques on High—where they had their first date—followed by a quiet champagne toast at Cento and a larger dinner at Hudson 29 for their immediate families.
Special wedding day touches included Diamond Cellar making a custom necklace and set of earrings out of Bajaksouzian’s grandmother’s opal ring, a hand-painted black floral lace veil by Debra Moreland, and DJ Zach Messina, who kept guests dancing for “three hours straight.”
The couple and Pastrami live in Italian Village.
The Details
Date: Sept. 20, 2025
Photographer and videographer: Vivere Visuals
Ceremony and reception venue, catering and rentals: The Fives
Florist: Lef Floral & Botanical
Cake/dessert: Love Riley Cakes
DJ: DJ Zach Messina with Josh Staley Productions
Bride’s gown: Dany Tabet from La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection
Groom’s tuxedo: The Black Tux
Rings: Diamond Cellar
This story is from the Fall 2026 issue of Columbus Weddings. Sign up for our newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Dog of Honor and Repurposed Ring Made a Columbus Wedding Extra Special
Reporting by Lucy Clark, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucy Clark, Columbus Monthly | USA TODAY Network
