A Baroque Wedding

Contributed by: Caroline

Greetings to all, this is my first blog entry and a celebratory one at that! I would like to give you the dish on Katherine and Kerry’s nuptials that occurred on Monday, August 15th, 2005. It was a beautiful, yet simple ceremony which took place on the grounds of the Belvedere Mansion in Staatsburg, New York. Katherine’s dress was absolutely beautiful. She wore an 18th century-inspired gold brocade corset with a matching skirt and a 19th century-type bustle. And her shoes! She special ordered a pair of 18th century ballroom shoes (in the same fabric as her dress) from Menkes. She topped the entire ensemble off with a white feather in her hair. The groom was quite dashing himself in his traditional Scottish kilt. My only disappointment lay in the plaid boxers he wore underneath!
The mansion, which was built in the 1760’s, was the perfect setting for a couple’s first menuet as husband and wife! We chose the G minor menuetto II from Handel’s Water Music. It was just the right length and feel. Unfortunately, I was changing into my costume when Katherine and Kerry gave what I am sure was a memorable performance, and indeed, a thoughtful gift to their families and friends.

Upon finishing their dances with their mothers and fathers, I made my entrance to Purcell’s Nymphs and Shepherds. After giving them my offering of poetry and wishes (in an attractively decorated basket of dark brown with green ribbons, topped with a delicate green bird….) I continued the dance. It was indeed an intimate space, I noted to myself, as I proceeded to perform a menuet from Purcell’s When I have often heard young maids complaining, flirting with the guests who su