Tina had no idea that “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” host Monte Durham would surprise her when she put on her wedding dress this summer day. She was told her husband-to-be, Adam, was sending her a gift. She immediately became concerned and said, “We agreed not to get each other a gift. I didn’t get him anything.” I reassured her that it was something small and not to worry. We had her cover her eyes while we brought Mr. Durham into the room. The is her reaction. She is such a big fan of the show and was absolutely thrilled to have that experience.
Tina grew up in Petersburg, WV and Adam grew up in Barboursville, WV.
From Adam: “The first time we met (2009) was at college while attending West Virginia University. We met in chemistry class and helped each other succeed in the class. We became friends while studying and starting dating shortly thereafter. After college, Tina decided to attend Veterinary School at Auburn University in Auburn, AL and I decided to stay at WVU for medical school. The long distance (750 miles) was tough for 4 years, but we were quite busy and the time flew by. We both graduated our respective schools in May 2016 and I will be pursuing a pediatric residency at Arnold Palmer Children’s hospital in Orlando, FL (Im going to Disney World!!) and Tina will be a small animal veterinarian in Winter Haven, FL. In our final year of school, I proposed to Tina in Dec 2015 at her mom’s house in Petersburg, WV. I had her mom take her out for a “girl’s day” while I went to her house and set up her proposal. Tina loves all things Titanic and she has an indoor pool at her house. We drained the pool so that I could hide inside of it and surprise her when she came home. There were many Titanic themed decorations including her two dogs, Louis and Winston, who begrudgingly wore life vests for the occasion. Luckily for me, she said yes!!”
The Omni Homestead is a special place for us – my Grandparents used to take us there every Easter while they could, a tradition that had to come to an end in 2009. The Omni Homestead invites all guests to enjoy its wonderful grounds and newly reconstructed family atmosphere with a pool, tennis courts, golf, the casino, bowling, arcades, and wonderful meals throughout the day. Anyone that spends time at the nations oldest hotel is sure to remember the experience. We’ve enjoyed documenting many weddings over the years at The Homestead and continue to enjoy its timeless appeal and wonderful locations for wedding related activities. Many people begin their wedding day at The Spa, enjoy a lunch, tea time in the afternoon, and a dinner of the highest standards. You cannot stay at the Homestead without experiencing their WONDERFUL breakfast buffet. It’s simply AMAZING and in my opinion, the best in the state. Guests were, until recently greeted by Woodrow “Woody” Pettus, who sadly passed away this past year. He was a wonderful man and worked on property longer than most, fifty eight years!
Weddings at The Homestead provide a wonderful experience. Not only do guests have the ability to stay entertain all weekend (……all week if you extend), but working with Rachel, Cali, and the staff has been one of our greatest joys in the profession. Their exception professionalism and laid-back demeanor is constantly appreciated. Our time on property has been rewarded both personally and professionally and we couldn’t ask for a better place to call a second home.
There are many options at the resort, from a small intimate, private dinner in the Tower Suite to a lavish affair in the Grand Ballroom and Grand Ballroom Foyer. Other locations that have been of use to people would be the Casino Lawn for wonderful outdoor weddings and the Crystal Ballroom for an stunning inside reception.
Enjoy!
Rob Garland is the owner of Rob Garland Photographers, an award winning Charlottesville wedding photographer that specializes in wedding photojournalism and fine art printing. Rob prides himself on a classic, intuitive, heartfelt documentation with the utmost in visual integrity. He has documented many destination weddings throughout the U.S. and abroad as well as Charlottesville weddings at many of our outstanding local venues. Rob loves imagery that fails to go in and out of style and personal touches that make each wedding unique.