WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Beneath a canopy of green, banked with ferns, Scotch heather and orchids, President Woodrow Wilson and Mrs. Edith Bolling Galt were married at 8:30 o'clock this evening. The ceremony simple but impressive, was performed in the parlor of the bride's home by Rev. Herbert Scott Smith, pastor of St. Margaret's Protestant Episcopal Church, which church the bride attends. Rev. James H. Taylor, pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, the President's place of worship, assisted.
About the couple were grouped only their immediate relatives and a few most intimate friends. There was no shimmer of military braid and no clanking of swords worn by attaches, aides or other officials. Military Washington was absent and only the evening clothes of the men present and the handsome gowns of the women lessened the informality of the service.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson left soon after the ceremony for a two weeks' honeymoon at Hot Springs, Va. Their private car was attached to a special train leaving the capital for Hot Springs shortly after 11 o'clock tonight.
Shortly after 10 o'clock the President and Mrs. Wilson entered a waiting White House automobile and motored to Alexandria, Va, across the Potomac, to take their private car there and avoid a crowd at the railroad station in this city.
The President and Mrs. Wilson boarded their special car at Alexandria at 11:40 P.N. and began their journey to Hot Springs.
At Hot Springs Mr. and Mrs. Wilson will live at the Homestead Hotel until after New Year's day, unless some development should necessitate the President's earlier return to the capital. Two of the White House automobiles have been sent on ahead and the couple expect to spend their honeymoon motoring, golfing and walking over the mountain trails. Besides the secret service guard the party was accompanied by one stenographer. The President will keep in touch with the White House over special wires.
Arrangements perfectly carried out
Because the hour of the wedding was known to comparatively few persons there was not a large crowd in the vicinity of the bride's home, although a large police guard had been provided.
All arrangements for the wedding ceremony were carried out perfectly, the President arriving at his bride's home soon after 8 o'clock, and the remainder of the wedding party, which numbered less than 30, following soon after. The ceremony was begun, as had been arranged, at 8:30 o'clock and was followed by a buffet luncheon.
Mrs. Wilson was married in the traveling gown she wore to the train.
Exactly at 8:30 the President joined Mrs. Galt at the top of the stairway. They descended slowing to the lower floor. No music marked their approach and a hush fell over the little group assembled as they took their places before the minister.
Reflected in mirror
The wedding bower was a mass of farleyense and maiden hair fern, extended from the floor to the ceiling as if growing naturally. Overhead the canopy of green was arranged in the form of a shell, the inner side being of Scotch heather. A mirror, framed by orchids, was placed in the center of the background, reflecting the entire bridal party. Above the mirror a spray of beautiful South American orchids was arranged across the background of ferns and rare orchids such as the Dendrodium, Phalenopsis and Vanda Coerulea were caught on the corners of the canopy. Sheaves of long stemmed American Beauty roses decked the sides. The prieu dieu was ornamented with clusters of orchids on both sides.
Tall and erect the President stood with his bride in the beautiful arbor.
Black silk velvet gown
Mrs. Galt's costume drew an audible catch of breathing from the guests. It was of black silk velvet. The skirt was of walking length, cut in full and elegant lines. The waist was richly enhanced by a silken embroidery of wonderful blues, shading from the deep tones of royal blue to the delicate shades of pastel and threaded throughout with silver. it was made on new and original lines, the lower part being of the same beautiful embroidery of finest black net over a band of silver in design of lilies which extended from under the arm to the front.
The deep and snuggly fitting girdle of black velvet outlined the figure to perfection and came well up to the embroidered band above. The sleeves also were of fine black net fashioned in tiny tucks with long, bell-shaped cuffs of embroidered velvet which came well down on the hand and extended to the elbow in a lily sheath point. The collar, high and upstanding in the back, was of rare lace. The only jewelry worn by the bride was the gift of the President, a beautiful brooch of diamonds.
