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May 1957. "Smith Wedding." Found 35mm Kodachrome. View full size.
I wonder if the Smiths ever saw this seemingly candid shot of their most important day. It seems so much more personal than the more common posed wedding pictures.
I agree that it's about a 51 or 52 Buick. Since this is 1957, though, the car is at least five years old, and therefore not expensive if they just bought it.
Based on one-piece windshield, trims and center mounted antenna, this car is a 1951 or 1952 Buick, so not a cheap car at all. A great picture full of motion and hope.
A toast to the Smiths: I hope they are still enjoying a long and happy marriage.
Usually I share BdgBill's optimism, and he does make a point. However, you can hardly guarantee a happy marriage based on the money spent on the wedding or the vehicle used to whisk them away. Whether it be too much or not enough, over the top or understated; money and vehicles have nothing to do with marriage and love.
Just my two cents.
Back in the day, it was considered in poor taste to hold a wedding that wasn't in keeping with one's station in life--imagine that! So, many happy couples wedded at the bride's church or home, enjoyed a reception in the church basement or dad's social hall, and left in their own car to begin their life together. Anything "more" would have been putting on airs and making the guests uncomfortable. I've got a number of old etiquette books and the formula is immutable in them: a wedding is a celebration given by the bride's parents in the style to which they are accustomed.
Some of the most charming weddings I've ever attended followed this good advice, and I always got the impression that the sensible couple involved was going to be alright. I hope the Smiths have enjoyed a long, happy marriage!
that is a great photograph! color, motion blur, subject . . . . . what a gem, thanks!
Wow, remember when it was still respectable to jump into your own car after your wedding?
Now, not only the bride and groom but the parents of both are expected to show up in stretch limos (Bentleys and Rolls Royces are quickly becoming the norm).
Maybe the secret to a long happy marriage is not going 100k into debt on the first day?
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