The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-15
WEDDING BELLS RANG MERRnY.
brilliant NuDtiaIs of MIR. james
sexton and Miss Margaret Branch.

seAtOh anu MISS margaret branch.
The bells of st. John rang out
merrily last night on the occa-
sion of the marriage of Miss Mar
garet Dickerson Branch, daughter of Mr..
and Mrs. Hamilton McDevit Branch. ana
Mr.. James Lester Sexton of Charlotte,
n. C.
The wedding was one of the prettiest
ever celebrated in Savannah, and the dec
orations were particularly effective. The
chancel was brilliantly lighted, and on the
altar were vases of Easter lilies. Tall.
waving palms formed an arch, beneath
which the ceremony was performed.
Around the lectern and pulpit were ar,
ranged smilax and potted plants and the
organ was concealed behind palms, inter
laced with bamboo.
AT 7:9O O'Clock the church was filled with
a large assemblage of relatives and
friends, and the interval OF waiting was
pleasantly enlivened by selections of music
played by Prof. Spencer NJ. White
As the bridal party entered the church
the march from 'Lohengrin' was played.
The ushers and groomsmen came first,
walking in the following order: Mr. Ed
ward +. c. Habersham, Mr.. It. Newell
West and MIR. George Freeman, Mr.. Ham
ilton Branch, Jr., and Mr.. II. j. Gregg of
Charlotte, N. c.. Mr.. A. c. Haskell, Jr.,
of Charlotte and Mr.. ]. Adger Smyth of
Pelzer, S. c.; Mr. d. p. Mcpherson of
Gettysburg, Pa, and Mr.. b. T. Black OF
Norfolk, Va.
They were followed by the
bridesmaids. who wore the daintiest
frocks of white organdie, trimmed with
insertions of Valenciennes lace and white
satin sashes, and who carried great round
bouquets of double white carnations. Miss
Jane SerDel of Norfolk, Va. walked
alone. followed by Miss Georgia Charlton
and Miss Georgia Freeman; next came
Miss Alice Serpell alone, and then Miss
Nina Pape and Miss Mary Savage Jones.
The maid of honor, Miss Alethea Serpcu,
Immediately preceded the bride, who, lean
ing on the arm of her father, approached
the altar. where the groom and his best
man, Mr. Burr Kneeland Chandler of Mill
waukee, awaited them
The bride wore a gown almost regal in
it's elegance, and as unique as 1t was beau
full. The petticoat, of richest ivory satin,
was embroidered in seed pearls in a de-
sign of flowers which had the most
charming effect. The square cut bodice
was trimmed with Venetian point lace and
the guimpe of chiffon was drawn up
around the throat by white satin collar
fastened with a sunburst of diamonds. The
full court train of brocade hung from the
shoulders, and veil of tulle, fastened
with a coronet of orange blossoms COM
pleted all The bridal bouquet was of lilies
of the valley.
During the impressive ceremony, which
was performed by Rev Charles IL. Strong,
assisted by Rev. Mr.. Porter, Mendels-
sohns Spring Song was play
ed on the organ, and at the
march.
A reception followed at the brides home
on York street and here lovely decorations
of flowers and rare plants adorned the
rooms About 100 guests were present, and
among those from out-of-town was Mrs.
T.. C. Sexton, mother of the groom, who
wore a beautiful gown of gray satin and
Duchesse lace, Mr.. and Mrs. Ellison
Smyth of Pelzer, S. c.; Mr.. and Mrs.
Kneeland Flint and Mrs. Walter Chandler
of Milwaukee,; Miss Susan Smyth of
! Charleston, and Mr.. George Bait of Nor
folk, Va.
Mr.. and Mrs Sexton left during the
evening on their bridal tour, after which
| they will so to their home in Charlotte. N.
| c. Mr. Sexton is In business there with
| secretary and treasurer. He is a young
! man of great ability and character, and
! worthy of the lovable woman that he has
| won The many friends of Miss Branch
! regret that she is leaving Savannah. but
/ all rejoice in the happiness that lies be-
| fore her.