The Civil War era wedding re-enactment was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2001 at the Century Memorial Chapel located in the Naper Settlement Village.  We were warmly greeted at the Pre-Emption House where we received a packet of information for our adventure into romantic history. 

The grounds of the Naper Settlement are lovely!  Tall noble trees shade the sidewalks where guests had the opportunity to see the actors in historical costume embellish their roles before the wedding ceremony.  As the re-enactment is between a southern belle and a Union soldier, the distress of the bride's mother was amusing.  Her tearful upset for her daughter marrying a "Yankee" brought smiles from the guests.  She was dressed entirely in black as she was in mourning for her deceased husband.  The color of her attire mirrored her feelings about her daughter's imminent marriage to a Northerner.

The Century Memorial Chapel

We entered the chapel at 2:00 p.m. to ensure a front seat!  The afternoon sunlight enhanced the deep red, blue, yellow, green, and gold of the stained glass windows throughout the old church.   Rich organ music floated through the church.  The musical selections were Civil War era pieces that would have been played at a wedding.  Daisies and wild purple flowers were tied together and attached to the hardwood pews with twine. The stage was set for the bride and groom to arrive.

The Wedding Ceremony

Little girls dressed in period costume and boys donning short pants and suspenders walked to the front of the church and sat by the organ.  The Victorian ladies sitting in the front pews wore attractive day dresses, some holding fans, others wearing snoods to keep their hair in place.  The groom and best man each wore the blue uniform of a Union solider. Each had a colorful sash about his waist, the groom in blue, the best man in yellow.

The mother of the bride walked down the center aisle crying, dabbing her tear-stained eyes with a white handkerchief trimmed with black lace.  Two young bridesmaids dressed in white, their headpieces decorated with flowers and white ribbons, tossed red and white rose petals from their baskets.  

The moment came for the guests to see the bride.

The bride wore a lovely white gown which lay smoothly over crinoline. A cameo was pinned at her throat.  Delicate white flowers and a long white veil made up her headpiece.  The organist played "Here Comes the Bride" as she walked down the aisle to her groom.  The bride's bouquet was a colorful assortment of flowers that she held in her arms.

The guests chuckled once again when the tearful mother cried out in an authentic southern accent, "Where is my brother?" during the ceremony.  (Supposedly wishing for his interference.)

The bride and groom faced each other, holding hands while they exchanged their vows.  The minister passed the ring to the groom to place on his bride's finger.  The ceremony was completed after the minister recited The Lord's Prayer.  The bride's new husband escorted her down the aisle into the summer sunshine.

The guests were invited to a reception following the ceremony.  The festivities were held in the basement of the church. Cake and lemonade were served.  The Victorian wedding re-enactors mingled with the crowd, allowing guests to ask questions and take photographs.

We had a delightful day to experience the romance of a Victorian wedding.

The Victorian Era:  The Wedding

Family Heritage Days & the Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement Photo Gallery

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