WEDDINGS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 March 1940, Page 8

WEDDINGS

GILLIONS—RALPH. Masses of hydrangea and autumn tunings formed a picturesque setting for the wedding of Lilian Edith, daughter of Mr W. A. Ralph, West Coast, to John Reginald, son of Mrs C. Gillions and the late Mr T. C. Gillions. Brixton Hill, London, at St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony, which was fully choral, was performed by the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, Mr Miller Hope presiding at the organ. The bride, who was escorted by her brother, Mr G. Ralph, of Waipukurau, chose a gown of lace over magnolia satin, cut on slim fitting lines, with a long train. Her veil was caught up with a tiara of orange blossom, a sheaf of pale shades of gladioli completing her toilette. Mrs Harry Conway, of Palmerston North (sister of the bride), who was matron-of-honour, and Miss Jean Nicol, of Masterton, bridesmaid, wore cream georgette over satin, with deep shirred waistlines and short, full, sleeves, with heart-shaped necklines. They wore bandeaux of montbretia and carried sheaves of gladioli to tone with their dresses. Mr Albert Daysh was best man, the duties of groomsman being carried out by Mr Frank Gillions, of Masterton. The ushers at the church were Messrs Max Nicol and W. Emmerson. As the bride was leaving the church, she was presented with a lucky horseshoe by Anne Nicol. The reception was held at the Parish Hall, where the many guests from, all parts of New Zealand were received by Mesdames C. Gillions (mother of the bridegroom); A. Jordan, Nelson (sister of the bride), and W. R. Nicol, Masterton. Mrs Jordan was attired in floral, with a navy blue coat, and carried a bouquet of peach gladioli, Mrs Gillions wearing navy blue and white and carrying a cyclamen bouquet, while Mrs Nicol wore navy blue. A feature of the reception was the beautiful massed effect of huge bowls of dahlias, gladioli, etc. (the artistic work of Mrs J. B. Carruthers) around the hall. The following musical programme was thoroughly appreciated by those present: Pianoforte duet, Mr end Mrs Miller Hope; solos, Mrs H. C. Grace, Dunedin (sister of the bridegroom) and Mrs K. Palmer, Wellington; recitations, Mrs Harry Conway. A large number of congratulatory telegrams were received, there being one from the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society, of which Miss Ralph was a prominent leading player for many seasons. The bride’s travelling dress was black, with petrol green trimmings and coat with assessories to tone. Mr and Mrs J. R. Gillion’s future home will be al New Plymouth. The bridegroom’s presents to the attendants were Richeleau pearls. The large number of cheques and presents received were an indication of the popularity of Mr and Mrs Gillions. After the reception all relatives met at Mr and Mrs W. R. Nicol’s beautiful home in Chapel Street, where an enjoyable time was spent, followed by a garden party on Sunday. HEDLEY—BURNS] Knox Church, Masterton, was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Saturday evening last, the contracting parties being Elizabeth McFarlane, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J. L. Burns, Masterton, and Alexander George, younger son of Mrs and the late Mr W. Hedley, Masterton.' The Rev J. Davie was officiating minister.

The bride, who was piped into the church by Piper Murdoch McKenzie, accompanied by her father, made a charming picture in a frock of rose white satin, with a fully gathered skirt falling to the back in a train. The bodice was softly shirred and formed a pointed corselage. A sprig of white heather specially sent from the hills of Mormond, Scotland, finished the neckline. Her embroidered veil was worn with a halo and orange blossom, and she carried a bouquet of white lilies, stephanotis, and pale pink carnations. As the bride left the church she was presented with a silver horseshoe by little Clare Thornton. The bridesmaids, Misses Hazel Bell and Jessie Thornton, of Masterton, wore dianthus-shaded frocks of satin taffeta, the bodices and sleeves being pleated and the full skirts formed a slight bustle effect. They wore gold necklaces, the gift of the bridegroom, and on their heads lemon halos fronted with tiny flowers to tone with their frocks. Their bouquets were of lemon gladioli, cyclamen, zinnias and dahlias. Mr John Burns, Wellington, carried out the duties of best man, and Mr Stewart Foster, of Levin, was groomsman.

After the ceremony a reception was held in the Masonic Hall, where Mrs Burns, the bride’s mother, who wore a frock of navy embroidered crepe-dc-chene with accessories to tone and carried a bouquet of pink carnations and red roses, received the guests. She was assisted by the bridegroom’s mother. Mrs Hedley, wearing a frock of Tahiti rose sheer, with matching threequarter coat and hat, and carrying a bouquet in autumn shades of gladioli, roses and dahlias.

The flowers for the bouquets and the table decorations were sent from Levin. and were the gift of Mr and Mrs C. W. Foster, uncle and aunt of the bridegroom. Mr and Mrs A. G. Hedley later left for a motor tour of the North Island, the bride wearing a model frock of royal blue riptide with embroidered coatee and navy accessories. A fur necklet, the gift of the bridegroom, completed the ensemble. Later in the evening many young people were present at a most enjoyable dance. Guests were present from Hawera. Wellington, Pihautea, Levin, Otaki. Hawke’s Bay. and Palmerston North.