The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-08-25
Summer Palace Transformed
to Floral Bower.
White and Pink Prevailed in the
Scheme of Decorations.
Reception and Breakfast Followed Cere-
mony-The Guests Present.

NEWPORT, Aug. 25.-Tbe wedding
OF Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt, oldest
daughter OF Mr.. and Mrs. Cornelius Van
derbilt, TO Mr.. Harry Payne Whitney,
Oldest son OF the former Secretary OF the
Navy, lillian C. Whitney, was elebrated
at noon today at "The Breakers" the
Vanderbilt summer villa, and although
quiet affair it will occupy q place
among the grandest weddings OF the
country, 1t having taken place in a
palace which for beauty OF architecture
and decoration is excelled nowhere, and
yet the splendor OF 1t was enhanced by
profuss and artistic floral ornamental
tion. Although the affair has been
watched fer with great interest, II was
in way, disappointment to the ex-
elusive set in society here because it was
strictly for the family.
This was necessarily so, on account
OF the state of Mr.. vanderbilt's health,
his physicians thinking it unwise for
him TO undergo anything but the quiet
est ceremony. Therefore, outside or the
Immediate bridal party onIy about so
persons were present.
White and pink were the prevailing
colors i'm the whole floral plan. The
more elaborate decoration was In the
grand hall through which the bridal
party passed on their way to the gold
room, in which the ceremony was per-
formed.
The gold room Is at the north Of the
grand hall. Here the decorator had dis
tributed his work with lavish hand.
Huge vases, brimmiBg over with longi-
forum lilies, Augusta Victoria roses ana
Encharis Amazonia were set in the
spaces between the groups of twin coll
umns which form the slcove at one end
of the room. Vases of pink aHd white
cut flowers of the most rare species were
scattered about the room.
The legal marriage ceremony was per-
formed by Rev. George +. Magill, ID. d.,
pastor of Trinity Church, OF which Mr..
Vanderbilt is a member 1t was origi-
nally intended that Bishop Potter should
act in t his capacity, but Rhode Island
laws forbid clergyman frcm another
form wedding ceremony. Therefore,
the plan was changed and Bishop Potter
Off ijciated in the ritualistic ceremony.
The bride and her attendants Assem- bled
in the upper hall and preceded down the
grand stairway. The bride entered the
room on the arm of DIR. Chauncey NJ.
Depew and proceeded to the Priedieu,
where she was met by the groom. Miss
Vanderbilt was given away by her father,
who was wheeled into the room on re-
clining chair, and the words which
joined the young people for life were
quietly spoken.
Miss Vanderbilt's gown, as well as
those of the bridesmaids were from Paris.
The brides costum was OF white satin,
trimmed with old lace which has
been in the family for years. She
wore her mot hers bridal VEIL She car
ried a bouquet of stephanotis and garde-
Mas. The bridesmaids wore mousseline
de sole over white silk ruflles OF Queen
Valenennes lace headed, with insertion of
the same. Tine waists were of Valenciennes
insertion with putlings OF the same
material and Van Dyke col lars. rhe
sleeves were full length, with cuffs OF
Valenciennes insertion and small puGs at
the shoulders. Shaded rose colored belts
lent a pleasing touch OF color to the
costumes. Miss Gladys Vanderbilt,
sister OF the bride and Miss Dorothy
Whitnty, sister OF the groom, were
the maids OF honor. They wore
organdie nuslIns with fluffy collars
of Valencienues lace. The brides gift to
the bridesmaids were forget-me-not
brooches of diamonds and pearls. Mr..
whitney's gifts TO the best man and
usbers were pearl and diamond stick
pins. Mr.. Whitney wore n boutonniere
Of garoenias, the bes. man white
orchid on the lapel OF his coat, and the
ushers small sprays OF liiies of tho
valley. The five bridesmaids boquets
were Of Nine. Testout roses and lilies OF
the valley, caught with broad pink satin
RIBBON upon which were embroidered
lille, of the valley.
The bridesmaids were the Misses
Sloane, Shepard, Gerry and Taylor.
Mr.. Payne whitney, who has just re-
turned from Europe, was the best man