Foxton Wedding

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 125, 30 May 1944, Page 2

Foxton Wedding

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Palmerston North, was the scene of a very charming wedding on the evening of April 11. when Ina Florence, eldest daughter of Mrs. R. E. and the late Mr. L. A. Smith, of Avenue Road, Foxton, was united in holy matrimony to Francis Henry, son o>f Mrs. K. and the late Mr. R. G. Harris, of Gisborne. Entering the church on the arm of her brother, Cpl. F. Smith, R.N.Z.A.F., the bride made a breath-takingly beautiful picture in her bridal gown of heavy white slipper satin fashioned with a softly folded cowl neck, a yoke of lovely Brussels lace which extended a short way into the upper part of tho long pointed sleeves, and was edged completely with small ivyshaped hand-made satin leaves. At the back, the gown had a long line of tiny self-covered buttons descending from the yoke to the waistline and then It fell in gleaming graceful folds to a full train. The beautiful tulle veil (loaned by the bride’s sister-in-law (Mrs. F. Smith) was exquisitely embroidered with true lovers’ knots and was held in place by a coronet of orange blossoms. The bride carried a most artistically arranged bouquet of white hothouse flowers, sprays of orange blossom and maiden-hair fern. The frocks of the two bridesmaids were of similar styto with heart-shaped necklines, shon putted sleeves, high waist and full ankle length skirts. The frock of the chief bridesmaid, Verna (sister of the bride) was of Marina green taffeta with shoulder spray and bouquet of pink carnations and gerbia. The second ’maid’s frock was of orchid mauve taffeta with shoulder spray and bouquet of toning chrysanthemums. Each wore a smart cap of rucked silk tiec at the back with a bow. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. W. Coker, of Palmerston North and the groomsman was Cpl. S. Boocock, of Wellington, the officiating priest being Rev. Father Hughes. The wedding music was supplied by Miss Teresa Foote and during the signing of the register, Miss Pat Lyons sang “Ave Maria.”

As the bridal party left the church, the bride was presented with a lucky horseshoe by little Laurie McDonald. At the reception at the Jade Rooms of the P.D.C., the guests were received by the bride’s mother, Mrs. R. Smith, assisted by Mrs. K. Harris, the mother of tho bridegroom, the former wearing a navy blue ensemble, smart navy hat and furs with shoulder spray of scarlet carnations and fern. The latter wore a navy model frock, navy hat and furs with a shoulder spray of deep red carnations. The toastmaster was Mr. G. F. Smith, of Foxton, and the usual toasts were honoured. Many messages and telegrams were received and were read out by the best man. One message was from the bride’s brother, Alan, who is on active service in Italy. A dance followed the reception and when the bride left for the honeymoon which was spent in Napier, she wore a costume of hydrangea blue, a navy hat with veil and golden pheasant feathers* and all accessories to tone. The beautiful bouquets which were greatly admired were ma.de and presented by the bride’s aunt, Mrs. M. Dudson, of Foxton. The bridal couple were the recipients of numerous wedding gifts among which were several cheques. One evening prior to the wedding. Miss Smith w'as the guest of honour when Mrs. D. McDonald gave a kitchen tea at her residence, 115 Ferguson Street, Palmerston North. Guests from many parts of the district were present and a very pleasant evening was spent with competitions and dancing. At supper time, Mr. F. H. Harris thanked Mrs. McDonald for her kindly gesture and the many friends present for the varied and useful array of gifts.