A Fashionable Wedding in Melbourne. Marriage of Mr Rupert Clarke.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 187, 15 January 1887, Page 7

A Fashionable Wedding in Melbourne. Marriage of Mr Rupert Clarke.

An exceedingly large gathering, including the most wealthy and aristocratic Victorian colonists, assembled at tho Scots Church, Collins-street, Melbourne, to witn«se the solemnisation of the marriage between Me RupoitT?. A Clarko, the eldest son and heir of Sir William Clarke, Bart , M.P., of; Sunbury, Victoria, with Miss AmyMary Cummings, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Cummings, of Waratah, Toorak,, The day was perfect, and it is probable the nun never shene more brightly on a handsomer or happier bride or a prettier group of bridesmaids than on this occasion. let Toorak theevent evoked a widespread interest? the respect entertained for the bride and her family and the popularity of the bridegroom being testified by the crowds which lined the road to Toorak, while the church and its approaches were crowded with spectators. Tho ceremony was appointed for 2 o'clock, and long before that hour the church was 1 besieged by strangers anxious to gain admission ; but so many guests being expected, only a small proportion were successful in their object. The bridegroom, accompanied by his best man, Mr Wilson Robertson, of Colado, arrived shortly before the time, proceeding at once to the vestry. The church decorations exceeded anything hitherto attempted in Melbourne, and reminded one of a lovely conservatory replete with tho choicest of white flowers against a. background of palms and ferns. From post to post hung garlands of greenery studded with Christmas lilies, the same pretty decorationsadorning many pillars of the church, filling the air with delicious perfume Thie, together with the magnificent structural^ suitability of the church, combined to increase the brilliant effect of the grand tableau produced by this charmingly effective wedding ceremony. The rite was performed by the Rev. John Ewing, and hia assistant, the Rev. Carrier, who was the officiating clergyman at the nuptials of the bride's parents, ShorMv after 2 o'clock the marriage hymn, " Both Jesus was called and hisdiscipiestothemarriage," was sung, at the conclusion of which iM uves were turned t© the handsome bride as she walked up the. red-carpolod aisle leaning on the arm of her father, followed by a pretty bevy at bridesmaids. The brMo, who was given: away by her father, wore a magnificent; bridal toilette, compared of rich ivory satin duchesao, with a 10-' pr elegant train, the latter having a deep flounce of rich and rare old Honiton poir.r lace. Ou on 3 side was a panel of exquisite soed pearls and satin bafids, finished >iith a cascade of the same priceless lace (which was specialljr tnade in Exoter for th^ occasion to the order of Sir W. J. Clarke, as 'i gift to his future daughter-in-law), the lone being caughtbacfc with tiny spraysof orange flowers tha* rivalled nature in all but pcnnt ; the side finished, with numberless lon^ floats of ribbon ; tha ' bodice, which was high nocked, was trimmed with narrow lace. She wore a superb reviere composed of G5 Jargp-sized diamonds set in silvor, the gift of Sir W. J. Clarke, Bart. On her head, was a sm-ill wroarh of orange flowers, over which floated an illusion veil of unheccmed tulle, fastened an one point with a magnificent star of diamonds, the gift cf Lady Clarke, and & butterfly composed of diamonds, th 9 gift o£ the bridegroom. On tho other side the veil was secured by a triple crescent of diamond*, the gift of the Meaferg Chirnside, of Wei'ibeo On her ami. were four diumun' bangles (one set), with unusually largo sized gem", being a present from the bir' -'s uncle, Mr Georg© dimming, of 'Mount; Violet, Darlington. In her hand she carried, in a holder of patin and lace, one of rhe most beautiful bouquets ever fabricated in Melbourne. The handsome brido -irui her party of bridesmaids made a charmingly picturesque group, ptanding under a perfectly shaped ra^rriajre boll, composed entirely oIE whito marguerito 5 . The four bridesmaids woro the Misses Bl tnche and Ethet Clarke, sifters of the bridegroom and daughter* of Sir William J. Clarke, Bart ; Mis" Chirnsi-ie. daughter of Mr Andrew Chirnside, of Werribee, and Mi«* Palestine Stevenson, daughter of Mr Geo. Stevenson, of Toorak. Their dresses, whi jfa> were much admired, were cornpoped of soft Indienne zephyr e>lk, doep cream colour, panelled crystal bonds', edged on either side with a cascade of duchesso point, draped with straw-liko draporios of the same lovely soft silk, trimmed also with duches-e point laco. Tho bodices, which wero high-necked, woro finished with Connanght collars of crystal, and all woro extromely pretty hata in tho Rubens shape, softened with cloudliko trimming of tulle and feathers. In their hands they carried exquisite and uncommon bouquets, composed of white lilies and maidonhair fern. At tho conclusion of the service the happy pair, bridesmaids, aud groomsman, together with Sir W. J.and Lady Clarke, MrandMra Cumming and Lord Deerhurst, passed intothe vestry to sign the registry. Shortly afterward* the newly married couple returned to the church, passing down the aisles to the well known strains of Mendelssohn** " Wedding March " to their carriage, followed by over 360 cuests, who were entertained by Mr and Mrs T. Cummings afr their residence, Waratah, Clendon Road, Toorak, where a garden-party was held.. The guests were received in the ballroom, which was decorated with festoons and baskets of flowers, presenting a most attractive appearance. Tho verandah, carpeted witht baize, was ornamented with small flagtr. The enormous refreshment marquee found its resting on the asphalted lawn-tennis court, the interior presenting a particularly pleasing appearance, with its wreaths of flowers and evergreen tables, placed down both pides and one end, the space in the centre beiner utilised by a., large cake weighing 2601ba. , being the finest* pioce of confectionery art even seen in Victoria. The cako was of 24 tiers, the bottom one being divided by a 3tn. mirror, on which serenely floated little swing boats, filled with liquids. The catering waa under the superintendence of Mr Christie. During the afternoon Herr Flock's band waa in attendance nnd discoursed sweet music. At two o'clock Mr and Mrs Rupert Clarke left for Goelong, for Mount Violet, Darlington, the reeidenco of Mr George Cumming, where the happy pair purpose spending the first week of their honeymoon ; Mrs Rupert. Clarke wearing a well-cut tailor dress, grey cloth vest and cuffs, and sapphire blu&~ velvet hat trimmed with sapphire velvet* tan boots and grloves.

"Do you know the prisoner, Mr Jones ¥*' " Yes, to the bone " What ia his character ?" Didn't know that he had any.** 4 " Does he livo near you ?" "So nea 'thai* he has only spent five shillings for firewood! in eight yeai»." iToote onoo asked a man without a sensfeoi tune in him, "Why are you for ever humming that tune?" because it haunteme," was the reply. "No wonder," saiA Foote, " you are for over murdering it' 1