There are a number of good descriptions of 18th-century Virginia weddings in letters, diaries and journals. One of the best I've come across concerned the wedding of Maria Beverley and Richard Randolph as recorded by a visiting English traveler, Robert Hunter, in his book entitled "Quebec to Carolina in 1785-1786" Being The Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter Jr., a Young Merchant of London." He also mentioned other weddings or newly married couples but this particular one was written in great detail. Wedding events often lasted more than a day. I hope you find this helpful. "We were now shown into the drawing room and there had the pleasure of seeing Miss [Maria] Beverley and Mr. [Richard] Randolph joined in holy matrimony. The ceremony was really affecting and awful [awe-inspiring]. The sweet bride could not help shedding tears,which affected her mother and the whole compnay. She was most elegantly gressed in white satin, and the bridegroom in a lead color, lined with pink satin. After the ceremony of saluting, the ladies retired. At four we joined them to a most sumptuous and elegant dinner that would have done honor to any nobleman's house in England. We were about a hundred in company. ...those I recollect...Miss Carey, Mrs. Bird, Miss Betsy Randolph. ...after dinner we danced cotillions, minuets, Virginia and Scotch reels, country dances, jigs, etc. till ten o'clock. ...after supper, which was as elegant as the dinner- it's vain to attempt describing it- we continued dancing until twelve. We rose to an elegant breakfast, at ten, consisting of tea, coffee, chocolate, cold ham, fowls, hashed mutton, and other dishes. The bride came, beautifully blushing, into the room soon after in an elegant undress, and looked mre amiable thenever. The fright of yesterday had taken away all her color, which now returned with a double glow. The bridegroom looked completely happy. I think him a most agreeable young man. He with several of the gentlemen took a ride after breakfast." -----Original Message----- From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Albert Louis Zambone Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 3:53 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: 18th Century VA Weddings I have been brooding a bit over a letter from William Byrd II to Daniel Parke Custis written 23 Sep 1742. Here's the entire thing: "Your kind present of sorers came in good time, when we had a vast deal of company. Among the rest was Colonel Harrison and his fair family. The reaon of their coming, was upon my invitation on account of a certain marriage I hope made in heaven, that was solemniz'd no longer ago than yesterday. If you will come before Sunday, you will be time enough to wish the partys joy, and eat a piece of the bride cake. Nothing ever fell out more suddenly that this affair, none of us thought any thing about it at ten in the morning, and by three the Gordian knot was tyed. When you come you may hear more, and see two happy persons. I am/ my dear cousens/ most obedient servant/ W Byrd." Byrd is referring to the wedding of his 15 year old daughter Maria to Landon Carter on the day before. This reads much like some descriptions I've come across of early 19th century Virginia weddings. What is the best described 18th century Virginia wedding, if there is any such thing? Also, the letter indicates that Landon and Maria were engaged rather quickly. Has anyone looked into the length of engagements in colonial Virginia? Regards, Al Zambone To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html