The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-11-28

Historic old Grace church-tne s.v"~ Of
many a brilliant wedding in the past
surely. in all it's history, never presented
a more beautiful picture than was Wit
messed this afternoon.
II was the marriage OF Helen A. Pearce,
daughter of Mr. anu Mrs. Henry Pearce.
OF this city. TO Mr.. Edward Bruce Merri-
man. son OF Mr.. Charles H. Merriman.
Long before half after three tthe hour
set for the wedding. the church was fill-
ed with an expectant throng who. while
they waited. had opportunity 10 behold.
10 their hearts desire. the magnificent
aecorat tions OF the church
A word picture is entirely inadequate
10 portray the beauty OF the scene as one
entered the portals OF the church. The
-sfrst Thought wEs rhat II vrrttabtp trUpf=
cal forest had suddenly sprung into View.
The great pillars OF the church were
twined from the floor half way 10 the
roof with masses OF Georgia smilax,
clnging sort OF vine, similar TO the smi-
lax In common use, save that the leaves
are much larger.
The great stained glass windows OF the
church were banked high with huge palm
leaves based with quantities OF the same
Georgia smilax, which was extensively
Used throughout the church.
The choir loft. az the rear OF the church
was almost hidden by the same decora-
tion OF smilax leaves and branches.
But the chancel and its Immediate sur
roundings were tho eliminating point up
on which all eyes were riveted Here was
a perfect metamorphosis which suggested
almost a dream OF Paradise. The walls
cf the chancel were completely hidden
with great palms and Georgia smilax 60
a height reaching almost to the roof.
The stained glass windows at the rear OF
the chancel were banked with palm
branches and smilax The reading desk,
too. was almost hidden meath a wealth
of green. as was also the altar and rail-
ing most graceful effect was pro-
duced by the great festoons or ropes of
spruce. which were suspended from the
roof of the church and brought together
at the rear of the chancel. Just outside
and above the chancel hung group OF
marriage bells. made OF white satin and
decorated with smilax
At intervals, down the centre aisle. on
either side OF the same. were placed high
standards covered In green. These stand
ards each contained vases filled with
massive pink and white chrysanthemums.
At the entrance 10 and inside the chan
eel these same standards, with their
vases OF chryssnthemums were placed
while huge bonuets OF the same adorned
the altar. The effect OF these beautiful
chrysanthemums in all their pristine
freshness. mingled with, the green, was
at once slngularly artistic and beautiful
BRIDAL PARTY ARRIVES.
Into all this wealth OF color and or
beauty came the bridal party at just the
appointed hour.
FIRST came the ushers as follows; Mr..
Harry Pearce the brother OF the bride.
Mr. Isaac Merriman. the brother of the
groom. MFR. Harry Weston Sackett, Mr..
Harold Congdon, Mr.. Gordon Reed. Mr..
Thomas DOW. Dir. Daniel George all OF
Of New York.
Following the ushers came the maid OF
honor Miss Mary Hovey of Boston and
then the bride, herself, attended by her
father.
The bride. a tell and graceful brunette.
was strikingly lovely in "A wedding gown
OF unusual beauty. The gown. a creation
OF Parchor or Boston, was heavy white
English brocade with a very fun skirt
and long court train with vide lace
fiounces caught with bride roses. The
bodice was formed entirely OF pofht ap-
plaue lace over the brocade. The sleeves
were OF the brocade coming down over
the nand 40 that no gloves were worn
The deep brocade eirdle was caught al
80 With bride roses at the belt.
The bridal veil was fastened with bride
roses.
The bride wore no jewelry except a
gold chain and pendant heart OF dis-
monds. the gift OF the groom.
She carried "a silver prayer book. the
gift of her mother.
The bridesmaids gown was most
beautiful creation OF white silk fish net
over rink silk.
The bodice was decorated with rich.
wide lace and embroidered silk roses. IA
Pink shades.
with a wide lace nounce and shirrinEs 81
chiffon and Also A decoration OF the
same richly embroidered silk roses
Touches OF black and a big black velvet
bow upon the bodice gave the same an
odd and effective look. while the elbow
sleeves and black Md gloves were IN
Keeping with the whole The hat was OF
black tulle, turban shaped, and crowned
with big pink rose and rose buds Miss
Hoxey- carried a ~f1ftr jafnsborO1gh lat
dIied with pink and yellow rosos. some
of which fell with shower cnCct. over
ier gown.
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
The bride was met at the altar by the
,room with his best man. Mr.. Charles NJ
Nerriman. his brother
-.