The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-11-07
"A HAPPY EVENT.
Brilliant Marriage Mt ST. PauI's Last
Night.

1TaAsAauS sAhEEAssfsS hs 81 A.ssuA . SLaSS
Night.
AR. GEORGE .. McADAMS AND MISS SAL
LIE BRANCH UNITED IN THE HOLY BONDS
uF MATRIMONY-THE CHURCH EXQUIs-
ITELY DECoRATED-soa1E INFORMATION
ABOUT THE DRESSES OF THE BRIDE AND,
BRIDEsMAIDs-PREsEN AND RECEP-
TIoN.
Richmond has presented an active field
for Hynen this season, and SaUdnts whis-
per OF many more engagements likely to be
consummated on his altar this winter. A
great number OF our ga!lants aud fair ones
have already thought it proper to quit this
life OF single loneliness for one OF joyous
quiet and uninterrupted responsibility, and
last evening another was added to the list
OF marriages predicted for this season. It
was the happy union Of Mr.. George Brock
McA dams, the step-son OF George
Esq.,, and Miss Sallie Read
Branch, daughter of Mrs. NJ. l.. Branch,
the widow of Meior James K. Branch.
This event, SO anXiously looked for, and
one which has furnished so fruitful 4
topic Of conversation amongst fashionable
immense number. OF friends and relatives
OF the contracting parties, and famous St.
PauFs presented scene OF beauty and love-
illness it is seldom our pleasure to chronicle.
THE DECORATIONS.
The floral decorations in the church were
beautiful and costly, and the amount OF
taste displayed in their arrangement showed
that they were the work Of al accomplished
artist.
On entering the church the chancel pre-
sented the appearance OF Il lovely flower.
garden, and most prominent to the eye
were two handsome and graceful arches
thrown over the main aisle at intervals, and
constructed OF pampas grass interSperscd
with knots OF immorteiles, which impaired
to them light silyery character.
A pure white cloth extended the entire
length OF the middle aisle, and where it
ended, just in front Of the railing was
placed Il knecling- cushion, and covering
and surrounding which was 4 piece OF rich
white silk, bordered with fringe-balls. The
chancel-railing was covered with white
fringcd cloth, over which was strcwn ivy
and runnng-cedar. The reading desks,
situated on each side Of the chancel and to
the front, were decorated with autumn
tinted vines, surmounted by huge bouquets
of evergrecns, ferns, etc.; amongst which
calla-lIieS were freely intcrs rspersed, while
in the extreme right and left corners were
grouped chrySanthemums and scarlet sage
in pI IofIlsion. On the chancel-floor imme-
diatcly in front OF the pulpit, and back OF
where the rector stood, was 4 mound
OF eycrgreenS, rare eXot!cs, and cala-
lilies. On each side OF the pulpit were
handsomely-arranGcd evergreens, inter-
mingled with foliage-p plants, carnations
i'll bloom, SALIVA, abuti'on, etc. Sur
mounting the pulpit (Which itself was
beautifully decorated with green and au-
tumn-tintcd running-vinesj was 4 Tyre, at
the foot OF which was 4 representation OF
the symbolical bow and arrow OF Cupid,
constructed OF pink and white flowers,
tastefully arranged, and presenting in
original expression for such an occasion.
Pendant above the whole, and dropping at
length from the chandelier, was Il beautiful
opcn-work OF evergreen and parti-colorcd
leaves, at the lower extremity Of which was
an elaborate ornament OF calla-liles and
carnations, contrasting beautifully in color.
AT THE CHURCH.
The invitations to the church issued to
the large circle OF friends Of the two fami-
lies seemed to have all been accepted. The
building was crowded. Not 4 seat was to
be had after O'Clock, and standng-room
was very scarce. The ladies, and the gen.
tlemen too, were kept in state OF delight
full expectation for about hall an hour be-
yond the appointed time.
In that interval the organist OF the occa-
sion, Or. CowGn, treated them to variety
OF musical selections, which were well rem
dered and highly appreciated. Every time
the doors to the middle aisle were opened
hundreds OF eager eyes were turned in
that direction. About half-past S the sol
emn and inspiring notes OF grand we'd
ding march broke with pleasing assurance
upon The hearing. There was 4 tlutter OF
excitement, straining OF necks, and much
tip-toing. The doors were opened, and
the wedding party entered.
The walters were so arranged in couples
that each alternate gentleman was to the
right OF his lady. and each alternate lady to
the right Of the gentleman. With stately
step they moved up near to the chanccl,
and there separated-the one on the right
to the right, the other to the left. By this
plan, instead OF the gentlemen being all to
the right and the ladies all to the left OF the
chancel. as they stood in line around the
chanccl-railng, there was first 4 lady and
then gentleman, and so on. The effect
was very fine, and the movement was made
with Il precision and nicely which reflects
credit upon those who managed it,.
The bridal couple (and their juvenile at
tendants) were the last to enter. 1t is almost
useless to say that they were the observed
OF all observers. Such was the fact in an
eminent degree. The bride looked very
lovely. The elegance of her attire was the
subject OF raptllrous communication Oil tie
part OF the ladies. AS for the men folks, it
was enough that they could appreciate the
beauty OF the fair lady.
The marriage services were conducted by
the Rev. Dr.. Minnigcrodc. The ring was
used. Major Thomas Branch, Of Augusta,
Ga, uncle OF the bride, gave the bride
away.
After the two had knelt and received their
good pastors blessing, and had been de-
clared man and wife, Mrs. McAdams was
kissed by tue reverend Doctor.
So ended the ceremonies. The bridal
party left tue church in the reverse OF the
order OF entrance.
The great crowd slowly wound its way
out, and many were the good wishes uttered
for the neWly-married couple as the car
riage containing them ratified Oft up the
street towards the residence OF Mrs. Branch.
THE WATERS.
There were thirteen bridesmaids and
groomsmen and six ushers. They were
Miss Loulie Drockenbrough and Mr. Daliam
,Barksdale, Miss Mamie Leary and Or.
George Ben. Johnston, Miss Belle Perkins
and Mr.. Thomas McCaw, Miss La Fonde
Palmer and Mr.. Thomas Christian, Miss
Sallie Lathrop and Mr.. John Booker, Miss
Ellen McCaw and Mr.. Furman Tupper,
Mice Fmi1u Glocpory and Mr. Charles Da.