PHOTOS BY HOLLAND PHOTO ARTS MARAN KAJFEZ
& ROB GARLAND January 7, 2012
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV
Him: owner and teacher, Rob Garland Photographers Her: Database administrator with Albemarle County schools Our love story: We have been friends for a very long time, meeting years ago at Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, where our families vacationed. Maran was in NYC for 9 years and during that time Rob was traveling to NYC often for business. We always would catch up for dinner, but were always simply friends. One weekend Rob was in the City and Maran was supposed to work the entire weekend, but ended up free at the last minute. We spent the weekend spending time in New York together, enjoying a wonderful dinner and fine wine. We have been inseparable ever since! The Proposal: Christmas Eve 2010 Rob surprised Maran by bringing a puppy home for Christmas! Little did Maran know it was a nice distraction for another surprise plan for Christmas that year. After a Christmas dinner with Rob’s parents and the Christmas Eve midnight service at Christ Episcopal Church, Maran was ready to call it a night. Rob adamantly wanted to exchange gifts. Rob opened his first, completely distracted, but Maran did not think much of it. Then Maran opened her gift, and at first could not believe it was an engagement ring! Rob got down on one knee, in front of the Christmas tree, and asked Maran to marry him. It could not have been a more perfect scenario. “Couple Personality”: Complimentary, travelers, family-oriented Design Inspiration: We chose a winter wedding, in the mountains, on purpose! We had snowflake table place card holders, snow covered greenery for our centerpieces. Our wedding party carried bouquets and wore boutonnieres of greenery. We took a sleigh ride between the wedding and reception. Biggest Splurge: After the wedding, we spent some additional time at The Greenbrier and planned a day of spa treatments and a fabulous dinner at Prime 44 steakhouse, owned by former Los Angeles Laker and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West. It was a great way to soak in the events of the weekend and have time to relax together. Family traditions: For family weddings, Maran’s family has a collection of DIY centerpieces for the reception. We chose a design created by Maran’s aunt. Our invitations were designed by Rob’s aunt and Hampden Sydney Dean of Admissions, Anita Garland-- Anita has done invitations and the like for many Virginia governors and it was an honor to have her involved with the process. The groom’s job: Rob was in charge of wedding reception entertainment-- and without question, the photography.
“Funnest” thing to plan: Everything about planning the wedding was wonderful! We had so much fun in the planning process. We are so glad we took a year to plan and enjoy! Advice for the newly engaged: Have fun with the process and always remember what is really important. Enjoy the wedding weekend and let the professionals involved do their thing-- everything else comes together.
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thehook | WEDDINGS
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