It can be the social event of the year. It can be a simple family gathering. It can be something private that no one knows about until after it happens. Every bride has a style and every couple’s wedding story is unique. The “Something Old - Something Brew" event married wedding traditions with the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church annual tea party on Saturday April 11th.
Guests arrived for a social gathering that allowed time for viewing dozens of wedding items on display around the fellowship hall. In addition to the many bridal gowns, there were pillows and christening outfits and floral bouquet wraps lovingly made from dresses. Decorations, napkins, invitations and flowers were scattered among photos while bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses added pops of color.
Seated guests were welcomed by former church pastor, Bishop Regina Hassanally who offered a devotion on love and said grace before the meal. Tables were adorned with linen tablecloths and napkins, flowers, and intricate favor boxes holding mints. Ribbon sandwiches of egg and ham salad, wedding pasta garnished with lettuce, a rose radish, carrot and a pickle and of course, tea were on the menu. Music was provided by pianist, Judy Safe and wedding cake served by young ladies in bridesmaid dresses stylish in their time.
Karen O’Reilly and Sharon Buck, who organized the event along with Bev O’Reilly, served as emcees for the fashion show that followed the luncheon. The women recruited family members, friends and church goers to wear the clothing, often modeling selections from within their own family. Models entered through the wedding arch and moved through the crowd showing off dresses from oldest to most recent. Outfits included headpieces, bouquets, bridesmaid and flower girl gowns.
Display items and fashion show gowns were lent by ladies of the congregation and told stories of their families and the history of bridal traditions dating back at least a century. Photos and memorabilia from Art and Amanda (Lohman) Reese’s wedding on September 13, 1924 accompanied her dress. Robert Gadient married Berdell (Buck) on November 28, 1945. The buttons from the back of her gown were used on her daughter, Bonnie’s wedding dress in 1968.
Murphy and Marcy (Luhman) Buck’s daughter, Cindy also wore her mother’s dress when she married Dave Ryan in 1979. Brenna Buck, great-granddaughter of Marcy and great grand-niece of Cindy modeled the dress at the tea. Murphy and Marcy decided on Wednesday to get married, told their parents on Thursday and got married on Saturday, April 14, 1945. The following Tuesday, Murphy returned to base in California and would deploy to Japan by May. He returned to Marcy 18 months later and they remained married for almost 61 years. Dave and Cindy have been married for 46 years.
These and so many more stories were shared over the course of a fun afternoon. Tickets to the event help fund kitchen items, the congregation’s community outreach, and youth mission trips. Organizers would like to thank everyone who helped plan, provide displays, and offer service of any kind including Sharon Duden, photographer.
