Friday, September 12, 2014

Anniversary time

I'm squeaking this in a bit late, but here are some interesting facts on 1953's 'Wedding of the Year'........

Research by Steven L. Brawley, PPB editor-in-chief
Note: (the site www.pinkpillbox.com is currently under construction)
Date: September 12, 1953
Church: St. Mary’s, Newport, RI
Officiant: Archbishop Cushing
Blessing by: Pope Pius XII
Music by: Tenor soloist Luigi Vena from Boston sang Gounod’s Ave Maria.
Church guests: 800
Reception guests, 1,200
Reception location: Hammersmith Farm
Invitation: black ink on a cream colored paper
Menu: Fruit cup in pineapple, creamed chicken, ice cream in flower molds
Cake: five tier by Plourde's Bakery
Orchestra: Meyer Davis
Bride’s dress design: Ann Lowe
Bride’s dress detail: ivory tissue silk, with a portrait neckline, fitted bodice, and a bouffant skirt embellished with bands of more than fifty yards of flounces
Bride’s veil: rosepoint lace, worn first by her grandmother Lee, was draped from a tiara of lace and orange blossoms
Bride’s accessories: a choker of pearls, a diamond bracelet that was a gift from the groom, her mother's lace handkerchief, and a blue garter
Bride’s bouquet: pink and white spray orchids and gardenias
Photographer: Toni Frissell
Best man: Robert Kennedy
Matron of honor: Lee Radziwill
Maid of honor: Nina G. Auchincloss
Bridesmaids: 10
Ushers: 9
Engagement ring: square-cut 2.88 carat diamond and a 2.84 carat emerald with tapered baguettes from Van Cleef & Arpels
Wedding ring: 24 carat gold band
Wedding night: Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City
Honeymoon: Mexico and California
Length of marriage: 10 years