Love and Marriage

 "In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future."  --Alex Haley

St. Mary's, Arnold, present day--the picture below was taken in front the
arched side doors

left to right--Joseph Shelton, Emily Shelton, Mary Peck, Joe (?), Frank Shelton,
Joan Shelton, Albert  Strutt, Molly (Marian Ivy) Strutt, Hannah Strutt

     "We were married Saturday, June 28th., 1947, 10 am, at St. Mary's Church, Arnold.  I made my own dress and Molly's and Mary's, too.  Mine was white lace over a satin under slip.  It had a dropped waist at the front, a square neckline, and was trimmed with sequins.  I had to save and beg and borrow clothing coupons off family to get enough material for my dress because we were still under rationing in 1947. 

     We had a family only lunch reception including a traditional double-tier English fruit cake with marzipan and royal icing.  For the wedding cake, I had to beg and borrow ration coupons from my mam and Frank's mam, especially for butter.  A local baker on Front Street in Arnold baked and decorated the cake.  

     After the reception, Frank and I traveled by train to Portsmouth and then by ferry to the Isle of Wight for a brief honeymoon." --Joan Shelton, Sept. 2011

Bit of history:  Before, during, and after WW II, "the Ministry of Food" (wouldn't you like to be the minister of food?) instituted a system of rationing. To buy most rationed items, each person had to register at chosen shops, and was provided with a ration book containing coupons.  The shopkeeper was provided with enough food for registered owners.  Purchasers had to take ration books with them when shopping so the relevant coupon or coupons could be cancelled.  Traditionally after a wedding there was a seated luncheon called a wedding breakfast. "

Frank and Joan Shelton, age 20, 1947

Pay careful attention to the "bouquet" Dad is holding.  Note the rolling pins, wooden spoon, and horseshoe (don't want your luck to run out)!  Is it significant that Dad is holding it and not Mam?

     "Traditionally photos were taken outside the church immediately after the ceremony, or inside if it was raining.  While photos were being taken, relatives and close friends presented the bride with wedding souvenirs--horseshoes, wooden spoons, rolling pins, all decorated with lace and ribbon."

The newlyweds on their way to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight