Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-09-10
An OUTDOOR WEDDING.
Brilliant Marriage at Waiiswhatoola, tn
Ccunty-Scst or Mr.. Lancaster.

Couuy-Scst or Mr.. Lancaster.
ICorrespondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.
MILLBoRo', BATH COUNTY, VA,
September 8, 1885.
II is so rarely the case that we'd
ding is included among the attractions
offered to sojourners at any of our
mountain resorts that we must be par
doned if we feel inclined just now to
boast Of the advantage Of this kind that
we have enjoyed beyond anything that
has been offered to visitors at other
places. On Wednesday last Wallawha-
toola. the hospitable and beautiful sum-
mer residence Of Mr.. X. A. Lancaster,
OF Richmond, was the scene Of one of
the most unique and charming weddings |
that it has ever been our good fortune |
to witness. The contracting parties were
DIR. Charles e. Lancaster, of Florida,
ard Miss Maggie E. Patteson, the niece
Of Mr.. Lancaster. and the ceremony
was performed by Rev. Charles ii.
Read, assisted by Rev. Thomas Drew,
both Of the Grace-Street Presbyterian
church. Of Richmond. The hour of
the marriage was o'clock =. NJ, and
as we, OF the few invited guests among
the visitors at the ncighboring water
ing-plsces, passed over the pretty sus-
pension bridge which spans the Cow
pasture river about one hundred yards
from the dwelling, we enjoyed a land
scape Of rare beauty, which can be but
imperfectly described. AS one stands
on this bridge looking down the river,
which here takes southwcsterly
course, TO the left rises sharp-pointed
hill of considerable size, along whose
steep side. at a height Of twenty-five
or thirty feet above the water, is cut a
rustic pathway leading to the noted
alum well. To the right and in rear Of
the dwelling rises half-wooded, half |
cleared hill almost to the dignity Of a
mountain, and in front, for the distance
Of half a mile, stretches a beautiful |
meadow several hundred yards in
width, around which the river takes its
course, disappearing down the valley,
leaving the eye to look over ridge after
ridge Of hills, until il reaches the smooth
outline Of the Warm. Springs mountain,
fourteen miles distant. Turning from
this lovely picture, we descended the
steps and stood ON the lawn beneath
the shade Of magnificent elm, whose
wide-spreading branches must extend
Mt least fifty yards in width. AS
We advanced up the lawn we found
rustic seats arranged Immediately
in front Of the porch, and OWNED
that here the ceremony was to
be performed. The parlor, hall,
and porch were beautifully decorated
with arches and wreaths of evergreen
intertwined with bright autumn leaves
and golden rod, while a profusion Of
lovely flowers interspcrsed here and
there combined to make the scene one
Of such rare brightness and beauty that
it will not soon be forgotten.
Soon after our arrival the notes of
the wedding march were heard. and
from the front hall emerged eight
groomsmen, two by two, who, marching
through the porch and down the steps,
separated at the foot and formed a line
on either side Of the broad walk, which
was covered with light cloth. Behind
them came Mr.. and Mrs. Lancaster,
leading their two lovely little boys,
and followed by eight bridesmaids.
who separated and formed lines in front
OF the groomsmen on the lawn.
Then came the bride and groom. who
took their stand at the foot Of the
steps, and the ministers, advancing.
completed the circle. At the conclu-
sion Of the beautiful and impressive
ceremony congratulations were heard
on every side, and after short time
spent in pleasant conversation on the
lawn and IN the porches and psrlor the
guests were invited into the dining
room, where q tasteful aud bounteous
repast awaited them, and where the
time-honofed customs Of drinking TO
the health Of the pewly-wedded pair
and Of cutting the brides cake were
observed in . most enlivening manner.
Amer leaving the dning-room the
guests enjoyed rare treat in listening
TO some exquisite music rendered by a
lady Of great talent from Louisville. and
just at twilight the bride and groom were
escorted TO the station by fifteen attend
ants and followed bya shower OF rice,
horseshoes, and various other accom-
psninents supposed to insure good for
tune In new career, as well as by the
unspoken wish Of many q loving heart
that God would bless and guard them
in the journey Of that new life on which |
they were just entering and bring them
In peace and safety to its close.
NJ. l..