MARRIAGE OF THE MISSES WHITAKER

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 300, 24 August 1865, Page 3

MARRIAGE OF THE MISSES WHITAKER

[From the New Zealand Herald, August 16.] Yesteudav was solemnized at St. Paul’s Church a double wedding, in which the daughters of E. Whitaker Esq., were the brides, and two officers of her Majesty’s Eorces occupied the enviable position of bridegrooms. This event, we trust we commit no breach of decorum in calling it—this double event —had been sometime the subject of speculation with those happy persons who are accustomed to forecast the happiness of others. Although everything was arranged to be as private as such occurrences can ever possibly be, still conjecture, which in those cases makes an excellent guess, had fixed very accurately upon the day. The consequence was that at an early hour yesterday, the church and neighborhood of St. Paul’s, presented a very animated, because a highly expectant appearance Ladies richly dressed were fiocking into the church j and gentlemen, who were in possession of the secret, folio wed with scarcely less interest and curiosity. Passers by, who were not privileged, but whose eyes are exceedingly quick at discovering a matrimonial alliance, gathered in groups at the corner, while the usual number of small people—boy sand girls—were just as eager as their elders to look at a pair of brides and bridegrooms, in happiest smiles, and turned out “jjspan new” by the Minister. At ten o’clock two carriages drew up to the church containing a “happy pair.” The brides and bridegrooms were not anxious to gratify the curiosity of the crowd, and having alighted hastily entered the church. Other vehicles conveying the bridesmaids and other friends followed in attendance. The interior of the church was shortly before ■eleven o’clock crowded with ladies and gentlemen connected with the leading and most influential families in this city. Thera was, as migut have been expected, a large sprinkling of the military element. A lew minutes before the appointed time, the Rev. J. F. Lloyd made his appearance at the alia . The bride Miss Whitaker, with her bridegroom, Er.deriek S. Armfelt, Esq., (43rd Eight infantry;, and Miss E. E. Whitaker, with

her bridegroom, Charles Goring Minnitt, Esq. (18th Royal Irish), were in attendance, surrounded by their attendant bridesmaids. The spectacle was exceedingly bright, and we trust, of happy omen for the principal parties concerned. The brides were dressed in flowing robes of rich white silk, covered with iulle , and veils of tulle The bridesmaids of Miss Whitaker were robed in dresses of white tarlatan, trimmed with red; the bridesmaids of Miss E. F. Whitaker were arrayed in dresses of white tarlatan, trimmed with blue. The effect was exceedingly light and pleasing. We must mention a feature in the marriage procession which attracted no less attention than interest. This one feature gave a most interesting variety to the whole group. The youngest son of Mr Whitaker in full Highland costume, marched up the nave bearing his little sisters on either arm. This pretty trio were “ the observed of all observers.” The marriage having been solemnised, and the brides and bridesgrooms having signed their names to the register, the bridesmaids signed theirs. The following are the names of bridesmaids. Attendant on Miss Whitaker:— Miss Forbes Shepherd, Miss Goriug (and two children), Miss A. Minnitt, Miss Alice Lloyd. Attendant upon Miss E. F. Whitaker: —Miss Caroline Whitaker, Miss J. Mould (and two children), Miss Emily Whitaker, Miss Florence Whitaker. The ceremony havingconcluded, theorgan played Mendelsohn’s Wedding March, and the happy couples repaired to their respective destinations. Mr and Mrs Minnit to the North Shore. The following gentlemen were groomsmen to Mr Armfelt: —Lieut. Leir, M.T., Mr Cattell, Commissariat Department. To Mr Minnitt:—Mr Butts, 18th Royal Irish, Major Rook, R.E., Master Bulkely. There were present—Mrs Shepherd Mr Shepherd, Mrs O’Rorke, Col. and Mrs Chapman, Mjs Minnitt, Mrs Goring, Mr Heale, Mr Bree.