Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-04-24

A Dazzling wedding I'm Calvary
Church-The Marriage OF William
H. ~VanderbIlfs SOn-Silks, SatIns,
Flowers and Diamonds.
New York sun, April q.
The largest and certainly the grandest
wedding witnessed in this city for many
years occurred yesterday afternoon al Cal
vary Church, Fourth ven and Twenty
first street. The bride was Miss Alva,
daughter of Murray u. Smith, and the
bridegroom Gr. Wm. Il. Vanderbilt, jr.,
son Of W. II. Vanderbilt, and grandson Of
Commodore Vanderbilt. For several days
past this wedding has been the topic upper
most in conversation in fashionable circles,
and everywhere the greatest interest was
manifested in the event. Fifteen hun
dued cards Of invitation were issued.
Long before the time announced for the
ceremony, , O'Clock, the church was com
pletely filed. So great was the crowd that
many Of the invited guests were obliged to
60 into the side aisles and gallery, and a
large number stood in tire vestibGie and on
the sidewalk, unable tOget inside the doors.
The blockade Of carriages was immense,
the line extending for twelve blocks north
and south. TIE church presented IN I'M
commonly brilliant scene, more than half
the assemblage being in full dress.
Among the company were Commodore
and Mrs. Vanderbilt, Mr.. and Mrs. w. II.
Vanderbilt, Col and Mrs. Elliott Shepherd,
Mr. and Mrs, Clarence Collins, Mr.. ana
Mrs. Jafiray, Mr.. and Mrs. Cornelius Van
derbilt, Jr., Nj. and Mrs. LOrillard, Mr..
and Mrs. Archibald, Mr.. and Mrs. Peabody,
Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel Terrence, Mr.. and
MIS-. John Russell, Mrs. Belmont, Mrs.
Cross, Mr. and Mrs. Cutting, Mr. and Mrs.
Sloane, Dir. and Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Dix,
and hundreds Of others prominent in sOci-
ETY. in this and other cities.
The altar and chancel rails were deco
rated with flowers. The Crganist rendered
a beautiful selection Of music, introducing
appropriate operate airs.
The bridal party arrived soon after the
appointed hour, and after a little delay in
I the lobby, entered the church. The pent
/ up excitement Of the immense thrOng of
/ spectators then burst forth. Everybody
stood up, and there was a good Geal Of
/ fashionable pushing and squeezing, several
young ladies being especially anxious to
I see the wedding party. The procession
/ fled slowly up the centre aisle, the OTganiSt
F. performing q grand march with the full
power OF the organ. First came eight
usEers, then eight bridesmaids (tWO
abreast), then the bridegroom and the
brides aunt, and Mr.. Murray Smith escort
Ing the bride. i was q beautiful and brill
liant sight.
The bride, who is a remarkably beauti-
fUl Young lady, appeared in a dress Of white
six, trimmed with pCint lace louDces. She
wore a very long white Jgl.e vel and the
usual wreath of orange flowers. All the
bridesmaids wore white, but each dress
was of different material and made and
trimmed differently. There was one Of
white satin, another of white gross grain,
covered with white roses and green leaves,
another of India muslin, with a corset
waist Of white satin, another Of white lace
studded with white jet, and still another
Of white cluny lace over gross grain. They
all wore white wells and the same cOlOred
roses (damask) in the hair, forming a sort
of cap.
The Rev. DR.. Waslburue performed the
ceremony, but il was difficult to hear the
words Of the service, so great was the hum
and buzz OccasiOned by the advent Of the
bridal party. The service was intOued by
the -OTEalist in the most impressive man
uer.
The ceremony at the church was followed
by a reception atthe residence of the brides
father. zI5 West Forty-f0urth street. From
3 until g o'clock over Two thousand people
ale said to have participated in this elegant
entertainment, which created a profound
sensation among lLe GeuiZaDs Of Murray
Bill. The house was thr0an open from
basement to roof, profUsely decorated with
flowers, and brilliantly illuminated. The
parlors were transformed into a bower Of
roses. the bride and bridegroom receiving
under o canopy OF flowers. There was
q standing collation., music and dancing.
The brides presents formed q grand dis
I play, and it is current gossip that they rep
/ resent half a million IN money. Al six
[ o'clock Ar. Vanderbilt and bride started on
/ tlei- wedding journey. They had a special
palace car ag lteIr disposal, and the night Of
wy along tie line. They were escorted
4 O. Che dep1, hy q number Of relatives and
/ friends, ard ,ha traditional old shoe was
feug after the brides carriage for good
4 luck.