- Bride: Carly Meeks | Kindergarten Teacher | 27
- Groom: Tony Luffman | Firefighter | 27
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Location: Martinsville, Virginia
- Guest Count: 150 guests
Sweet and Simple
Tony and Carly’s love story began in Danville, the small Virginia town they both called home. Although they grew up just miles from one another, the couple didn’t connect until adulthood when they started dating after encountering each other online. After several sweet years, Tony decided to propose.
He popped the question on a cozy morning over coffee in bed. “We share an interest in simplicity and decided together that we did not want a large proposal,” said Carly. “[It] being just the two of us with no cameras, no audience and no production, well, that is what made it so ‘us’ and so special.”
A Change of Heart
Carly and Tony initially planned to elope. But when Carly’s father faced health issues, the couple had a change of heart. “We decided to have a larger wedding to be able to celebrate with all of our loved ones,” said Carly. “It was then that planning became exciting and intentional.”
The Details
The couple chose The Legacy at Hatcher Farm for their venue. Taqueria La G catered, and Caitlin Allred at Bright and Bloom Photography captured photos of the wedding day. The couple enjoyed Caitlyn’s kind communication and thoughtful approach.
Carly’s dress came from Amanda’s Touch in Roanoke, Virginia. Tony hoped to cherish his wedding suit for years to come, like Carly would do with her dress. So, he went suit shopping in North Carolina, with his aunt Larua, to find the perfect outfit.
He selected a navy suit and a white tie. To compliment Tony’s look, the groomsmen wore navy suits with navy ties. Carly’s bridesmaids wore sage green dress.
The Day
The couple’s special day overflowed with personal touches, like a display Tony built to showcase notes from Carly’s kindergarten students about the meaning of love.
The couple’s beloved Golden Retrievers even made an appearance at the ceremony.
In keeping with their sweet and simple style, the couple opted for private vows. “Tony and I aren’t big criers, but this part had us completely vulnerable, and I don’t think I have ever felt more loved than I did standing back to back, hand in hand with my now husband,” said Carly.
The wedding emphasized family. Carly shared her father-daughter dance with her twin sister. “As I mentioned earlier, my dad was a huge reason why we decided to have the big wedding,” the bride said. “Sharing the dance with my twin sister made it all the more special.”
Carly also included a special tradition passed down by her best friend, who she considers family. During the song “Darlin” by the Beach Boys, everyone linked arms and sang together.
To cap off the beautiful day, Carly’s parents surprised the couple with fireworks. The couple explained that they were “in awe” and considered the display one of their favorite moments from the wedding.
Truly Ours
When asked what advice they would share with other couples planning a wedding, Carly and Tony pointed out that perfection shouldn’t be the goal. “Our wedding wasn’t perfect. Several things didn’t go exactly how we wanted them to, but it was our day and we’d relive it over and over again if we could,” they said.
Wedding Ingredients
● Ceremony Site: The Legacy at Hatcher Farm
● Reception Site: The Legacy at Hatcher Farm
● Photography: Caitlyn Allred at Bright and Bloom Photography
● Videography: Ray of Light Photography + Film
● Consultant/Planner: I Do Crew, Connor Haskins
● Officiant: Daryl Campbell at Mill Creek Community Church, Chatham, VA
● Gown: Amanda’s Touch, Roanoke, VA
● Veil: Amazon, Foyte Cathedral Veil
● Shoes: Amazon, Ankis White Pu
● Hair: Jennifer Bagbey at Cheuvux Salon
● Makeup: Erin Plemons at MakeupXGlow
● Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
● Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse
● Invitations: VistaPrint
● Flowers: Hobby Lobby
● Catering: Taqueria La G, Javier Hernandez
● Music: Matt Crowder
● Entertainment: Francisco Display Fireworks, LLC
● Cake: Caitlin Clark at Sweet Cravings
● Favors: Etsy, CustomPrintGoodsShop
● Honeymoon Accommodation/Destination: Puerto Rico
Virginia Weddings features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.
