Try to use BA Avios (Amex MR transfer to Avios) for the NYC-ORF piece. It's just 4,500 Avios + $5.60 per person and works on any AA flight (would have to fly out of JFK or LGA). Currently on 8/29, JFK-ORF at 3:55pm and LGA-ORF at 3:10pm are available with Avios and both have 4-across seating.

Then you can book the rest as a single trip:

9/5 ORF-ATL-AUA
returning 9/12 AUA-JFK
all on Delta, $690 per person
all flights, including ORF-ATL, have 6-across seating

Total cost for 2 passengers: ~$1400 + 9,000 Amex MR