
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 6, 1994                   TAG: 9402180351
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING                    PAGE: YW-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By BECKY HEPLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

SELECTING A THEME GIVES WEDDING A PERSONAL TOUCH

Southwest Virginia could be called a hotbed of traditionalism, even with weddings. If fact, that is part of its appeal. Using time-honored ceremonies and traditions add to the meaning for people. That is not to say, however, that you don't find some individuality peeking through at a wedding or the reception, something that gives a clue to the individuals taking this momentous step.

Christiansburg resident Marc Sumner is a history buff and has been an active participant in Civil War re-enactments for the last four years. In September of last year he met his soul mate, Vicki Franklin of Roanoke, and they discovered their mutual interest in these events. When they started talking wedding plans, it seemed only natural that the event should have a Civil War flavor, and the nuptials in December did.

The costumes were period reproductions, the ceremony taken from one in 1863, done at Linda Lorraine's, a bed-and-breakfast in Pearisburg. The ceremony included several old customs, such as hanging the wedding rings from the chandelier on a ribbon, which was cut during the vows to symbolize cutting old family ties to create new ones.

The bride and bridegroom prepared a program, explaining their lives as if they were living at that time. Marc was with the 24th Virginia Infantry, Vicki, worked at the hospital, tending wounded soldiers.

The other reenactment soldiers in Sumner's troop executed an honor guard, drawing their swords to make an arch under which the couple walked on their way in and out. Wayne Linkous, who plays the part of the chaplain at the reenactments, performed the ceremony.

"A lot of my mother's friends who attended the wedding were really impressed with the ceremony," Sumner said. "When word got around that we were going to recreate a 1863 ceremony, there were lots of people who weren't invited that wanted to come anyway."

A wedding needn't be this elaborate to make it mean something special for the bride and bridegroom.

Diane Whitehead of Terrific's/Catering Unlimited, Inc. in Radford said for one of the first weddings she did, she was able to add a very special touch. The bridegroom was a pilot, so part of the reception decorations included a propeller from a World War I plane as well as several antique model planes and a toy plane atop the cake.

Marla Kemsey, co-owner of Chantilly Lace in Blacksburg said she is seeing a trend toward what is sometimes called the "black and white" wedding, black-tie formal weddings, emphasizing elegance and champagne. These are held in the evenings and guests are decked out in formal wear as well.

Whitehead said she is seeing a similar trend. One couple whose wedding she catered did add a whimsical touch. After decorating the University Club in a very formal manner for the ceremony, the reception was graced with several pieces of pink flamingo yard art. Whitehead said this same couple hosts the Flamingo Fling Croquet open every year, decorated in the same manner.

"If you're going to adopt a theme, it obviously has to have meaning for you," she said. "You don't want to go overboard, though. Just a few cute touches."

The something with meaning can be in a seemingly insignificant detail. Whitehead recalled one bride who wanted to use her grandmother's antique tablecloth and napkins. That was the inspiration to go with a completely antique decorating scheme for the reception.

The cultural background of the participants also blends itself to a thematic approach for the reception, especially in the choice of reception food. "Any cross-cultural touches you can add that shows you're trying to be inclusive will be noticed and appreciated," Whitehead said.

Another popular theme or trend is the country wedding. "We live in the country, so can you really count that as a theme?" said Whitehead. Nevertheless, it is a style that some people enjoy. Tuxedo shops are now offering the "cowboy tuxes," which include black jeans, bolero ties and cutaway jackets, all worn with cowboy boots. Receptions center around barbecues or picnics and the decorating scheme is anywhere from old-fashioned laces to cotton prints such as gingham or calico.

Kemsey said she has helped design some receptions with a nautical theme, centering on a "captain's wheel," and touches of the sea. This can be quite an effective theme, especially if it's held aboard a boat.

Irene Robinson of the The Wedding Center in Pulaski said her partner, Mildred Layne, who handles the catering, worked a reception on the Pioneer Maid, the paddle wheel boat that plies the waters of Claytor Lake.

If you're interested in a completely colonial wedding, consider having it at Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg. The historic setting is available now for public use such as weddings. Small weddings can be held inside the house, while larger ones can use the lawn and the surrounding acreage.

The thing to remember about theme weddings is to make sure the theme means something to you, the active participants in this event. This is the bride and bridegroom's day and whatever you want (and can pay for) is what you will get.

by CNB