Katherine Elizabeth Locke and Cody Walker Tharpe were united in marriage in a service at 5:00 o’clock on September 3, 2016.  The double ring ceremony took place at Farmville United Methodist Church, and was officiated by The Reverend Sara Dumas Locke, sister-in-law of the bride.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. “Ned” Locke, Jr. of Drakes Branch.  She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Locke, Sr. of Drakes Branch, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henry Reich, Sr. of Clemmons, NC.  She is a graduate of Randolph-Henry High School and Longwood University.  She is employed by Southside Virginia Community College.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W. Tharpe of Drakes Branch.  He is the grandson of Mrs. Margaret G. Tharpe and the late Curtis W. Tharpe of Drakes Branch.  He is also the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Randolph P. Walker of Cullen.  He is a graduate of Fuqua School and Longwood University.  He is employed by CWT, Inc.

Katherine was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents.  She was attended by her maid of honor, Ms. Annathen Lacks.  Bridesmaids were Mrs. Erika  MacCormack, Ms. Terri Kerr, Mrs. Erica Shelley, and Ms. Taryn Coullier.  Flower girls were Lilah Keaton, Khloe Cox, Elizabeth Smith, and Caroline Smith, cousins of the bride.  Mr. Tharpe was his son’s best man.  Groomsmen were Cameron Tharpe and Collin Tharpe, brothers of the groom, Joseph Locke, brother of the bride, and Steven Matney, friend of the groom.  Ring bearers were Joseph “Jed” Locke and Charles Locke, nephews of the bride.

Mrs. Elizabeth Davis served as mistress of ceremonies.  Lauren Kunath and Brandy Tharpe were readers.  Music was provided by Dickie Gunther, Joseph Davis, Dr. Gordon Ring, Erika MacCormack, Annathen Lacks, and Taryn Coullier.  The guest book was attended by Casey Tharpe, Lindsey Kunath, and Curstan Tharpe, cousins of the groom.

A bridesmaids’ luncheon was held at the home of the groom’s parents on Friday, September 2.  The groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Charley’s Waterfront Café in Farmville.  A dinner and dance wedding reception was held at the banquet room of the Farmville Municipal Golf Course, with fireworks graciously provided by the Town of Farmville. 

After a farewell breakfast with family and friends, the couple departed for a Sandals, St. Lucia honeymoon, and now resides near Drakes Branch.  They just celebrated their first wedding anniversary.