A FASHIONABLE WEDDING IN MELBOURNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1834, 14 January 1887, Page 32

A FASHIONABLE WEDDING IN MELBOURNE.

MARRIAGE OF MR RUPERT CLARKE. *

The Sydney Daily Telegraph publishes the following telegraphic account of a wedding in high life in Viotoria :--•- • ' [ An exceedingly large gathering, including the most wealthy and aristocratic Victorian colonists, assembled at the Scots Church, Collins street, Melbourne, to witness the solemnisation of the marriage between Mr Rupert F.A. Clarice, the eldest son and heir of riir William John Clarke, Bart., M.P., of Sunbury, .Victoria, with Miss Amy Mary Oummings, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Cummings, of Waratah, Toorak. The day was perfect, and it is probable the sun never shone more brightly on a handsomer or happier bride, or a prettier group of bridesmaids than to-day. In Toorak the event evoked a wide-spread 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.

The ceremony was appointed for 2 o'clock, and long before that hour the church was besieged by strangers anxiouß 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 Colac, 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 the 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 decorations adorning many pillars, of the church, filling the air with delicious perfume. This, 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 Kwing, and his assistant the Eev. Cerrier, who was the officiating clergyman at the nuptials of the, bride's parents. Shortly after 2 o'clock the marriage hymn •• Both Jesus was called and his disciples to the marriage" was sung, at the conclusion of which all eyes were turned to the handsome bride as she walked up the red-carpeted aisle leaning on the arm of her father, followed by a pretty bevy of bridesmaids. The bride, who was given away by ' her father, wore ' a magnificent bridal toilette, composed of rich i vory satin duchease, with a long elegant train, tho latter having a deep flonnce of rich and rare old Honiton point lace. ' On one side' was a panel of' exquisite seed pearls and satin beads, finished wish a cascade of the same priceless lace (which waa specially madft in Exeter for the occasion to the order of Sir W. J. Clarke, as a gift to his future daughter-in-law), the laco being caught back with tiny • sprays of orange flowers that rivalled nature in all but scent; the side finished with numberless long floats ' of ribbon : the bodice which was high-necked, was trimmed with narrow lace, khe wore a superb review composed of 65 large-size diamonds set in silver, the gift of Sir W. J. Clarke, Bart. On her head was a small wreath of orange flowers, over .which floated an illusion veil of unhemmed tulle, fastened at one point with a magnificent star of diamonds, the gift of Lady Clarke, and a butterfly composed of diamonds,' the gift of the bridegroom. On tho other .side the veil was secured by a triple crescent of diamonds, the gift of the Messrs Chirnside, of Werribee. On her arms were four diamond bangles (one set), with unusually large-sized gems, being a present from the bride's uncle, Mr George Cumming, of Mount Violet, Darlington. In her hand she carried, in a holder of satin and lace, one of the most beautiful bouquets ever fabricated in Melbourne. The handsome bride and her party of bridesmaids made a charmingly picturesque group, standing under a perfectly : shaped marriage bell, composed entirely of white marguerites. The four bridesmaids were the Mi.-.sfs Blanche and Ethel Clarke, sisters of the bridegroom and daughters of Sir Wm. J. Clarke, Bart ; Miss Chirnsido, daughter of Mr Andrew Chirßsifip, of Werribee, and Miss KmesJ in* 1 Stevenson, daughter of Mr (Jeo. Stevenson, ni Toorak. Their dresses, which were, much admired, wove composed of soft Indiciiue zephyr silk, deep cream colour, panelled crystal beads, edged on either side with n cascade of duchesse point, draped with straw-like draperies of the same lovely soft, silk, trimmed also with duchesse point laof . The bodices, which were high-necked,' were finished with Connanght collars of crystal, and all wore extremely pretty bats in the Rubens sh-tpe, softened with cloud-like trimming of tulle and feathers. In their hands they carried exqui-ile and uncommon bouquets, composed of white lilies and maidenhair fern.

At the conclusion of ihe service the happy pair, bridesmaids and groomsman, togethei* with Sir W J. and Lady Clarke, Mr and Mrs Cumming and Lord Deerhurst, passed into tho veslcy to ?ign tho registry. Shortly af terwards the newly-Married couple returned to the church, passing down tho aiale to the well-known stiaine of Mendelssohn's ''Wedding March " to their carriage, followed by over 360 guests, who were entertained by Mr and Mrs T. (Jumwings at th?ir vefeirleuoe, Wafaihh, Clendoxi road, Toorak, whet© a

garden party , was .held. (J The. guests -were received in the ballroom, which wasf decorated with festoons and baskets of flowers, present" ing a most (attractive/ appearance. 1. The-j verandah, carpeted with blaze, was oraa,mented w,ith small flags. ■ The eriormous refreshment marquee<found its resting place on , the asphalted lawn .tennis court, the | interior present ing. pleasing appearance, with its wreaths of flowers and ■ evergreen tables, placed' down both aides and one end, the space in the sentre being utilised by a large cake weighing! 2W3lbs,: being the finest piece of confectionery art even seen in. Victoria. .The cake was of ,24 tiers; -tho* bottom one being divided .by a ilin • mirror, > on which serenely floated .little swing boats filled with liquids. 'The catering-was under , the superintendence o£ Mr, Christie.'. During the afternoon Herr Hock's-- .band 'was in attendance and discoursed sweet music.

At 2, o'clock Mr and Mrs ,Rup*ert, Clarke left forGeslong for Mount Violet, Darlington, the residence 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 cults and sapphire blue velvet hat trimmed with sapphire velvet, tan boots and gloves. , , ' •