On April 10, 2013, Whitestone had the privilege of being involved in a very special surprise vow renewal.

The Plot

Four months earlier, Alisha Massengill, a Kingston wedding photographer, had friends Tony and Amy Workman on her mind when she felt led to put together a vow renewal for their 20th anniversary. She ignored it a little while, then talked to her friend Stacey Wilson, and they agreed she should call Tony. He was at first silent. He finally said that he’d been praying for two weeks because he really wanted to surprise Amy with a vow renewal but didn’t know how to pull it off. That’s all it took for Alisha, Stacey, Karen Wilson, and dozens of other friends to create a closed Facebook group, start meeting at Gondolier, and getting plans made.

Why would this group be motivated to do so much for this couple?

The Couple

Twenty years ago, a young man from Ohio and a Tennessee gal married at Kingston First Baptist Church. Tony and Amy have spent their 20 years of marriage improving the lives of those around them. Tony brought Upward Sports to Roane County and has influenced countless lives through donating time working with children in sports. They have worked with youth and been active at Kingston First Baptist Church. Amy has touched many lives (including Alisha’s) as a physical therapist. They have two gorgeous teenage children.

The last two years they have lived out their vows as Amy has battled cancer with what those around her say is a huge amount of strength and faith. Tony wears a bracelet that says, “No one fights alone,” and it is evident by the number of people who came together to create a beautiful surprise for Amy. It is also very apparent to me that they are very special people to be surrounded by such generous friends.

The Planning

For 4 1/2 months this group of people planned. A dress was made for bridesmaid, Emily (Tony and Amy’s daughter). They even got Amy to try on a dress when another friend needed a dress for an event. She tried on the dress in navy and twirled and grinned and said she loved this dress. Tony asked her where she would wear a dress like that, and she said that if she had a dress like that, she’d wear it to McDonald’s. (They got her the dress in white without her knowledge.)

On another occasion, Alisha had to keep a straight face when they were eating at Big Ed’s pizza and Amy questioned her about the weddings Alisha had coming up. Alisha responded by talking about a lot of fall weddings. Amy said she wanted to get together a photo shoot for her upcoming 20th anniversary…little did she know she was getting more than just a photo shoot!!

The BIG Day

Tony said he wanted to relive the happiest day of his life, and on April 10th he and Amy did. It was a beautiful day full of laughter and smiles as many friends used their professional skills (listed below) to create a lovely ceremony. Pastor Sonny Works performed the ceremony, and Tony read a touching letter to Amy.

The reception that followed at Kingston Community Center was complete with a cake that replicated their original wedding cake, food donated by friends, an Ohio State groom’s cake, and music from a song list assembled by Tony and played by DJ Mark Ellis.

While Whitestone donated the facilities, we were blessed to witness this event, the generous group of people who put it together, but most of all the love of this amazing couple.

Happy 20th anniversary Tony and Amy Workman!

Photography: Captured Memories by Alisha & Kelly Brewer Photography

Ceremony Venue: Whitestone Country Inn

Flowers: Oran’s Flower Shop – Tammi Cribbs

News Special: WBIR reporter Mary Scott

Tuxes: Kristy Oran-Oran’s Flowers

Hair: Stacey Wilson

Makeup: Michelle Cash-Mary Kay

Dress: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dress: Made by Karen Wilson

Cake: Tammy Brewer

DJ: Mark Ellis

Food: Lots of friends

Groom’s Cake: Tracy Waldrop of Sweet Tooth Custom Cakes

Reception: Kingston Community Center