"The word prompt for the 14th Edition of Smile For The Camera is Wedding Belles. Historically, couples married in the month of June to honor Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. Others did it to time conception so births wouldn't interfere with harvest work. And brides in the 15th century chose to marry in June because it coincided with their "annual bath" - that's right - ensuring a relatively sweet-smelling honeymoon. Show us a photograph of a wedding, a wedding party, a bride, a groom, the reception, or even the honeymoon. Bring them to the carnival and share. Admission is free with every photograph!"
What I have above is a picture of a married couple. I have no idea who they are. A couple weeks ago I was pondering what kinds of pictures I should collect (as if I don't collect enough things already!). I finally decided on group pictures, like at formal dinners or parties, black and white, pre-1950s.
That idea came from a find from a few years ago in an antique shop in Gettysburg, PA. I found this framed picture from March 6, 1915, it was the Annual Banquet of the Sons of the American Revolution, the New Jersey society. I loved it. I think it reminded me of the picture that is shown at the end of The Shining. Thanks to ebay, I have a copy of that picture as well, framed and hanging on my wall, my own little inside joke. So I realized that I like these group shots from formal events.
Anyway, back to the story, I was shopping around ebay seeing if I could find the next formal party photo when I came across this wedding photo.
They are so serious for their picture, and I know you had to stay still for a long time for these types of photographs, but truly, so stiff and formal! But if you look closely, you see that she is reaching over with her right hand and holding on to a couple fingers from his left hand. I thought this was just the sweetest thing ever. So now it's mine.
The photographer is W.K. Call from Manchester, New Hampshire. The back has some handwriting in pencil but the person's script is really sloppy and I simply can't make a thing out. So for now, they are a mystery!
They are a very sweet looking couple, Leah. I love her dress - it looks as if she might have made it - insertion and lace. It would have taken her a long time. She looks a little younger than he does to me. Good luck with your collection. Do you ever search for these kinds of photos on Etsy.com? Thomas MacEntee mentioned he had found photo cabinet cards there. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteCheck out his mustache. Curving it up like that is VERY difficult. It takes a lot of wax and a lot of time, and you have to balance the sides... I can't imagine what it would be like for her to kiss it in full waxiness. :->
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