Wedding (1859)

Post date: Apr 24, 2012 4:28:51 PM

Extract from the Blackburn Standard of 9th March 1859:

WATERINGBURY.— FASHIONABLE WEDDING.

Our usual quietude was, on Thursday last, pleasantly broken by the marriage of J. Thwaites, Esq., of Troy, near Blackburn, to Miss Ada Jane Prudence Evans, second daughter of R. M. Evans, Esq., of Orpines, Wateringbury. An unwonted stir in the village, and numerous small knots of gossipers early indicated that something of interest was on the tapis, and as the morning advanced a stream of well-wishers to the happy pair, dressed in holiday attire, wended their way to what was evidently the centre of attraction, the village church. An arch of evergreens spanned the entrance gate, and the path leading from thence to the church was laid down with crimson carpet, and fringed on either side by a line of neat and happy school children, each with a bunch of spring blossoms. Passing into the church, a triple arch of flowers, surmounting the communion rails, attracted attention; the centre compartment was occupied by a device representing the arms of the bridegroom, encircled by his motto, " Ferui et fixit," and on either side were the initials of the bride and bridegroom.

A joyous peal from the bells announced the approach of the bridal train, which arrived in eight carriages. As the party entered the church, the fair bride of course was " the observed of all observers," her youthful beauty being rather illustrated than enhanced by the elegance and simplicity of her attire-

No fold or fashion of her dress

Her beauty did not sanctify.

It consisted of white moire antique, with a double skirt, the upper skirt being trimmed round with puffings of tulle, orange blossoms and myrtle, tulle veil, and wreath to correspond. She was attended by a bevy of blooming bridesmaids, consisting of the Misses Kate Evans, Ann Thwaites, Alice Thwaites, Fanny Maris, Ann Muggeridge, Gould, and Palmers. They wore pink dresses of glace silk, two flounces looped with snowdrops and narcissuses, white tulle veils and wreaths to match. The soft and mellow light which pervaded the building toned down and blended the rich dresses of the ladies into one harmonious whole, and the coup d'oeil presented, when all had taken their places near and around the communion rails, was exceedingly beautiful.

The Rev. H. Stevens, the respected vicar of the parish, performed the service in a most impressive manner, so that even the most volatile realised in some degree the mysterious solemnity with which the life-long union of the wedded pair are described as typifying the indissoluble bond which unites Christ and His Church. The 128th Psalm ("Beati omnes") was sung in a manner which did credit to the choir. Mr. J. C. Evans officiated as " best man" to the bridegroom. At the conclusion of the ceremony, on their return to their carriages, the path of the newly-married couple was profusely strewed with flowers by the children.

They drove off, amidst hearty cheers, to the residence of the bride's father—a beautifully situated mansion commanding a splendid view of the rich valley of the Medway, with numerous glimpses of the river itself as it creeps slowly and tortuously from south to north. At the entrance gate waved a banner bidding the happy guests " Welcome," and the hall was lined with flags wishing health and happiness to the bride and bridegroom. A small tree, on the branches of which were suspended a number of ornaments, and also some pretty little banners containing appropriate inscriptions and verses of poetry, were much admired. It was the gift of the inhabitants of the village, and marked their affectionate well wishes for the fair benefactress they were about to lose. The wedding breakfast, supplied by Mr. Craft, of Maidstone, was of the most elegant and recherche description, and the bridal cake was a marvel of artistic design.

Amongst the company, in addition to the family and the bridesmaids, were the Rev. H. Stevens, Captain G. Innes, Captain Percy lnnes, A. Pellatt, Esq. (late M.P. for Southwark), Mrs. Pellatt, and the Misses Pellatt; W. Palmer, Esq., and Mrs. Palmer; T. Lund, Esq., and Mrs. Lund; R. M. Muggeridge, Esq., C. Muggeridge, Esq., and Mrs. Muggeridge; J. Woodbridge, Esq., aud Mrs. Woodbridge; J. Field, Esq., and Mrs. Field; R. J. Whiting, Esq.; W. Foster, Esq., and Mrs. Foster; T. England, Esq.; H. M. Gould, Esq.; &c, &c. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed, in appropriate terms, by the Rev. H. Stevens, and was most cordially drunk in a bumper of sparkling champagne. The company afterwards adjourned to the lawn, and indulged in a dance to the music of an excellent quadrille band. About four o'clock the happy couple drove off amid repeated volleys of cheering, while the joyous music of the band burst forth in an appropriate strain of valediction. They proceeded that afternoon to Tunbridge Wells, and were to go from thence to the continent to spend the honeymoon.

The hospitality of the Orpines was not confined to the relatives and friends of the family. The grounds surrounding the mansion having been thrown open to all, were thronged with visitors from the neighbouring villages, and the scene presented was of a most animated description. The day was beautifully fine, and the sun shone forth with so much power and brilliancy that it required some effort to realise the fact that, according to the almanac, it is yet midwinter. The old folks of the village were feasted to their hearts' content, and the children of the schools were plentifully regaled with plum-cake, &c, passing the afternoon in the sports most congenial to their temperaments. The rejoicings were brought to a close by a ball, which was given to the tradesmen of the place, when happiness reigned supreme, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till a late hour the following morning