WEDDING BELLS.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 737, 11 May 1894, Page 6

WEDDING BELLS.

Another merry ringing l took place on Wednesday, when the bell of St Paul's ( Presbyterian ) Church was heard in the chorus of congratulations offered to Mr Frederick Workman and Miss Olive Sankey on the occassion of their marriage. The event attracted a very large number of spectators, the church being crowded to witness the ceremony. The choir seats and the organ were very prettily decorated with flowers. The bride was sufficiently behind time (2 p.m.) to make the bridegroom a little anxious and to increase the interest of those assembled. The appearance of the Rev Mr McAra in his Geneva gown was succeeded by Miss Davidson, at the organ, filling the Church with ihe strains of a joyous march (‘MoonI light on the Lake’) which heralded the advent, of the bridal party, the bride being escorted by Mr Wm. Davidson (who gave her away), accompanied by seven bridesmaids. The bride wore a gown of ruby velvet, her veil being a handsome one with sprays of orange blossoms, she carried a beautiful bouquet, the gift of Miss Mabel Parsons. Miss Alice Workman, sister of the bridegroom, was the chief bridesmaid, and wore black velvet, trimmed with pink chiffon, and a very pretty veil. The other bridesmaids were the Misses ' Sarah, Tottie, Ellie, Annie and Clara i Workman, and Bertha Davidson. Their cos'iimei. were, chteflv, pink, each of iba maids having n similar veil. Mrs Wm. Da-i.tson aunt of the bridegroom, w .re a tiliu-k satin gown, the front of he bodice being cream satin, with a black lace skirt front. The bridegroom : had Mr Robert Workman, his cousin, as his attendant. The marriage ceremony was impressively performed, in accord with the prescribed mode of the Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Mr McAra. On the pronouncement of • husband and wife ’ and the giving and i receiving of the ring, the ‘ best man ’ proved himself the smarter by neatly ; securing the first kiss. During the signing of the register, and the exit of rhe spectators, Miss Davidson played am ther selection, ' Marche aux Flambeaux ’ The bride and bridegroom proceeded, amidst huzzas and a shower

of rice, to a carriage, in readiness, in which they were driven off to the Masonic Hall, where afternoon tea was partaken of by about a hundred guests. At the head of the hall, which was tastefully decorated with native shrubbery and flowers, the words ‘ Come and Welcome ’ had been artistically arranged, ihe lettering being done in small sprays of ferns, picked out with crimson buds. The hospitality of Mrs Davidson, as hostess, having been appreciatively partaken of, the guests retired until 6 o’clock, when they reassembled almost in, literally, redoubled force (for nearly two hundred attended) to participate in the marriage feast. A sumptuous banquet was spread, Mr W. Davidson presiding, with Messrs Paap and Renuer acting as Vice Chairmen. The good things provided having been duly discussed, the Chairman briefly proposed, ‘ The Health of the Bride and Bridegroom,’ whose joint happiness was heartily ‘ toasted,’ the bridegroom replying in suitable terms. Mr Renner proposed ‘The Bridesmaids,’ Mr Robert Workman responding thereto; the Rev Mr McAra gave ‘ The Host and Hostess,’ Mr W. Davidson acknowledging ; Mr Paap concluded the toasts with, ‘ The Old Identities,’ to which Mr John Mclnnes and Mr 8. Workman (grandfather of the bridegroom) replied. T he seats at the tables were vacated by the occupants thereof, and twice refilled. Thereafter the bull was cleared, and dancing 1 engaged in right heartily, though under crowded conditions, until well towards daylight; songs were given by a number of the guests during the evening. A brighter and more sociable function has not been held in Kaikoura than that of Wednesday, and few have been equally enjoyable. Mr and Mrs Fred Workman were the recipients of about one

hundred handsome and useful presents, and the hearty congratulations of ail. Mr and Mrs William Davidson were highly complimented upon the generous hospitality extended to their guests. In the evening the bride wore a pretty costumes ; the bridesmaids very neat frocks; and Mrs W. Davidson a becoming after dinner gown.