The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-16
Brilliant Wedding.
Special to the Advocate.

special 10 the Advocate.
HAGERsTowN. MD., Oct. 18th, 1SS6.-One
of the most brilliant and fashionable weddings
that has occurred at Hagerstown for some
time, and one especially notable for the num-
Der of persons from IA distance in attendance,
was solemniZed this evening at St. John Pro-
testant Episcopal Church, the contracting
parties being Miss Eleanor Fisher Reese, step
daughter of Admiral Fairfax, of this city, and
Mr.. ]. Milton Reifsnider, promising young
lawyer of Westminster, and son of John L..
Reifsnider, ESQ.,, one of the wealthiest and
best known citizens of that place.
The ceremony was performed by the Rev.
James W. Reese, of Westminster, assisted by
Rev. Walter Mitchell, rector St. Johns, in
the presence of a large assembly of guests,
including many citizens of this place, and
others from New York, Washington, Balti-
more, and Westminster, representing the most
fashionable society of the places named.
Those in attendance were guests by invitation
and were in full evening dress, the toilettes of
the ladies in most instances being simply
grand, the dresses all having the striking court
trains.
The chancel of the church was gorgeous
with blooming flowers and plants, whose
beauty and fragrance lent an enchantment to
the surroundings.
Promptly at 7.30 o'clock the bridal party
entered the church, the bride-elect escorted
by Admiral Fairfax, and preceded by six
bridesmaids and six groomsmen, with Mr..
L. L. Bilingslea, of Westminster, as ''best
mani to the prospective groom, moved slow
ly to the chancel to the tune of the "Lohen-
grim march, performed by Prof. Fred. Hahn,
of Hagerstown, on the organ. AT the chancel
the happy couple that were to become man
and wife, joined arms, stepped forward to the
altar, the attendants took their positions and
the impressive ceremonies proceeded. AT
the conclusion the party retired and were
driven to the City Hotel, which was ablaze
with lights and gorgeous with decorations.
At the hotel the bride and groom held re:
ception for several hours, and banquetted
their guests in elegant style, caterer having
been brought up from Baltimore especially
for the purpose, and who was assisted by
James Hopes, of Westminster, whose polite
services are usually called in requisition
whenever wedding or reception occurs in
which Westminster plays an important part.
The spacious parlors of the hotel were thronged
with guests, many of whom participated IN
dancing.
The bridesmaids were Miss Susie Smith,
of Geneva, N. Y; Miss Josie Reese, Miss
Lena Reese, Miss Jennie Reese, Hagerstown;
Miss Van Rensselaer,, of Washington; and Miss
DetIle hellSulueT, vi w tothlhsleI' lnS SAoOu!o
men being Mr.. Carroll Poultney, DR.. A. f.
Dulin, and Frank Sterling, of Baltimore;
Percy H. Shriver, of Avondale; and Frank
E. Cunningham and John NJ. Roberts, OF
Westminster.
Mr.. John Van Rensselaer,, of Washington;
Mr.. Geo. Yer Planck, of New York; Mr.. VIM.
McNeal Fairfax, of Hagerstown; and Mr.:
Beauregard Howard, of Baltimore, performed
the duties of ushers with grace and ease.
Masters Smith Reifsnider and John Reitsni-
der. of Westminster, were pages.
The happy couple were the recipients OF
many costly presents, some of which came
from abroad. They leave on brief northern
visit, business engagements ofthe groom pre-
venting an extended bridal tour.
The bride was dressed in white silk with
train, overdress of Escurial crepe lisse, loop
ed with flowers, tule veil with wreath-orna
ment diamond pendant. The bridesmaids
dresses were of satin, with overdress o
tulle-two of blue, two of lemon and two Of
pink