A while ago, ok, an absolute age ago, I said that I would show my wedding dress collection off, and I have decided today, ( OK, now it’s yesterday-oops) would be a rather good day to start. Why? Well, 64 years ago today (yesterday), 26th Jul 1947 , this beautiful wedding dress of white crepe was worn by the equally beautiful Betty, and she was to marry her ‘Doug’ at St. John
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St. John the Baptist church, Halesowen |
This wedding dress was very kindly gifted to me by Betty last year while I was exhibiting some of my collection at a local event. I absolutely adore it, not only because it’s soooo unbelievably beautiful, or because of it being given to me, but because it’s also the only wedding dress I own where the date and owner is known. For me, this makes the dress come alive- however fanciful my imagination can be with the past lives of my unknown wedding dresses (and believe me I can make up quite a story!) it’s just not the same as placing the garment to a real person and to an exact date in history.
I was amazed and somewhat overwhelmed by this gift as it’s not everyday you get given something so precious and so personal- I couldn’t wait to get home that day I can tell you!!! It was like Christmas and even more so when I discovered her silk veil, which Betty originally thought was no longer with the dress! Wow- lucky or what!!! Betty also gave me some photos, which I scanned and posted back!
Well enough of my babble, here is Betty, Doug and their cake!
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1. The Cake. 2. Betty and 'Arber'. 3. Doug, Betty and their Nephew.
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2. Betty with Arthur Johnson ‘Uncle Arber’, neighbour of Mona’s.
She wrote on the back that her father died in 1938, and that Eric, her brother in law took ill in the night so ‘Arber’ did the honours!
Betty carried a prayer book, and she told me that her sister wanted a bouquet so she (Mona) made one upon a tin foiled covered potato!
3. Bride and Groom- Betty and Doug and their Nephew. Unfortunately both the nephew and Betty’s Doug are no longer alive.
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| Details of Betty's wedding dress. |
Betty’s dress of white crepe was made by her sister, Mona (I think Mona was 13 years her senior… I can’t quite remember- oops!).
Her Silk veil was sent from Canada
Now on to something less pretty... one crumpled wedding dress being worn by tickety here! I must say it's a must to try everything in ones collection on at some point, and I mean EVERYTHING.... shoes that are too small or too big, hats, mens wear-yes, even a pair of woolly long johns have I donned all in the name of....hmm, not sure what for actually- probably just because I could!
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| May look crumpled, but my hair is pretty good- if I do say so..... |
So there you are Betty's beautiful wedding dress- Happy belated Anniversary, Ducky!
Tickety x
