The setting was Syracuse University, and from the start, these two exchanged quick-witted banter—Haniya, a feisty gal from New Jersey; Jake, a coiffed lad from Connecticut. When they first learned that they came from differing commuter states, the jabs at New Jersey and Connecticut were reminiscent of middle-school teasing. Little did they know the teasing would evolve into a strong friendship. Eventually they started dating during Chanukah 2015, Judaism’s most romantic candlelit holiday. After graduation, the pair decided to put their relationship to the ultimate test: a monthlong road trip, side by side for thirty days living out of Jake’s Hyundai. They learned every quirk about each other and had a blast doing it.
Come the Covid lockdown, and Jake bought a ring and booked a cabin in upstate New York to celebrate their five-year anniversary. While on a hike, he proposed on an outcrop overlooking the Hudson Valley.
Rabbi Elliott Tepperman officiated at the ceremony at Le Chateau in South Salem, New York, where the reception followed. For the couple, one of the most memorable moments of the wedding was saying their own vows—adding a personal touch and, of course, a little humor.
The bride, daughter of Denis Orloff and Amy Wax of New Jersey, graduated from Montclair High School and Syracuse University. She is an architect in New York.
The groom, son of Rich and Jill Granoff of Old Greenwich, graduated from Masters School, Syracuse University and is currently attending graduate school at New York University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in real estate development. He is an architect for Granoff Architects in Greenwich.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Greece. They call Brooklyn home.
Photographs by Matthew Rigby of Justin Pedrick Photography
