Newspaper Article 1931 – Naval Wedding – Holmes-Russell

NAVAL WEDDING

HOLMES – RUSSELL.

Much interest was taken in the picturesque naval wedding which took place in the old wooden portion of St. Matthew’s Church this afternoon, the bride, Nancy Russell, being a daughter of well known residents of Hawke’s Bay, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Russell, ‘Little Flaxmere’) Twyford, and the bridegroom Lieutenant Henry Holmes, Royal Navy, of “H.M.S. Philomel,” son of Mrs. and the late Mr. H. Holmes of ‘“Matakiwi,’’ Masterton.

The church had been decorated by friends of the bride, (Misses Scannell, G. Nelson and W. Williams), with a wedding bell and clusters of greenery and hydrangeas.

The Rev. G. T. Robson M.C. assisted by Canon Mortimer-Jones officiated, the organist, Mr. C. B. Spinney L.R.A.M., playing special wedding music, and also, by request, “The Bells of St. Mary’s.”

As the bride entered the church, escorted by her father, Mr. H. Russell, and followed by three attendants, the wedding hymn “How Welcome was the Call’ was sung.

The bride looked very graceful in a long softly flared English gown of deep cream satin, mounted on shell pink. The bodice was draped slightly to a V, and caught at the back with satin chrysantemums [chrysanthemums] on the narrow belt, the latter being clasped in front with an exquisite buckle of brilliants. A brooch of brilliants finished the neck in front, and handsome square brilliant buckles were on the cream satin shoes which were worn. A very long oblong veil silk tulle embroidered at the hem (lent by Lady Price, aunt of the bride) was caught to the head with a novel halo of fine crystal flowers and leaves, and fell in voluminous folds forming a train. The bridal bouquet was of deep cream and roses and carnations tied with a soft bow of ribbon.  The three bridesmaids, Misses Sally and Molly Russell, sisters of the bride, and Miss Sally Holmes, sister of the bride-broom, were attired in long frocks of deep periwinkle-blue chiffon, made with fluted flared skirts falling to the ground from long very finely tucked bodices.  Quaint little bolero coatees of deeper blue chiffon-velvet were worn.  Pretty parchment tinted straw hats were trimmed with narrow blue ribbon, the latter forming a little bandeau bow in front under the brim.  Carnations and roses to match the hats were carried as bouquets, and blue shoes toned with the frocks.  All wore the bridegroom’s gifts – naval crown brooches.

Lieutenant R. Ryan, Royal Navy, of “H.M.S. Diomede” was best man.

As the wedding party left the church Mendelsohn’s wedding march [missing words]

This afternoon about 150 guests were entertained at ‘‘Little Flaxmere.” In the spacious hall the guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Russell, the latter wearing a charming gown of black ninon and lace, with a lace coatee and black hat, and a bouquet of deep pink carnations and roses.

The bridal party received the congratulations of their friends in the drawing-room, where in an alcove above them hung a wedding bell, and hydrangdeas [hydrangeas] and delphiniums were arranged in bowls about the room.

The “breakfast” table was also decorated with blue flowers, and the large wedding cake had as favours horse shoes, ships and anchors, and a model sailing ship on top.  Mr. J. D. Ormond, of Wallingford, proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, and the wedding cake was cut by the bride and her husband’s sword.  The usual toasts were honoured.

The many beautiful and useful presents were displayed in the smoking room, where the flowers chosen were in autumn colouring.

The bride and bridegroom are leaving by car for Masterton, and later will reside in Auckland, the bride’s “going away” ensemble being a Lido blue tweed frock, with smart vestee and collar of white pique and a pleated skirt, worn with blue French shoes, and a small blue closely-fitting hat in which is clasped a naval crown brooch of platinum and diamonds.  The dress is covered by a long coat of the same tweed, with an upstanding collar of real grey caracul fur.

The bridegroom’s mother Mrs. Holmes (Masterton) wore a picturesque coat and frock of wine coloured georgette, with a becoming black hat.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Holmes, Masterton, the former a brother of the bridegroom, were present.  Mrs. J. C. Holmes wearing a very smart black and white ensemble.

Mrs. F. J. Fox, who arrived from England a few days ago, wore a charming dress of black and white chiffon, with a black hat.  Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Russell, (Dannevirke) the latter in a brown ensemble with hat and shoes to tone.

Lady Bell (Lowry Bay) the bridegroom’s god-mother, and also the bride’s god-mother, Mrs. J. E. Lane (Havelock North) were present, and also a large gathering of relatives and friends.