Miss Frances Charlotte Gibbons May – Mr Seaburne Rayner

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser – Wednesday 20 January 1909

Interesting Wedding at Staplegrove

MISS FRANCES C. O. MAY AND MR. S. RAYNER.

An interesting and pretty wedding took place at Staplegrove Parish Church on Tuesday, the bride being Miss Frances Charlotte Gibbons May, daughter of Sir. and Mrs, Agnew May, of The Firs, Staplegrove, and the bridegroom was Mr. Seaburue Rayner, son the late Mr. E. W. Rayner, of Liverpool, and Mrs. Rayner. The bride, who was given away by her father, who was charmingly attired in a dress of rich , Duchesse satin, with flouncings of Brussels lace and silver trimming, the vest and sleeves of tucked chiffon and silver. She wore a tulle veil, falling over a wreath of orange blossom and jessamine, and carried a shower bouquet of lilies of the valley, carnations, and white heather. Her only ornament was a gold aud diamond locket, the gift of the bridegroom. The bride was attended two bridesmaids, her sister (Miss Carrie May) and her cousin (Miss Constance May, daughter of the late Rear-Admiral May). They wore dresses of cream cloth, trimmed with silver guimpe and cording, yoke and sleeves of lace and net, with cerise sashes. They had large black picture hats, trimmed with ostrich feathers and tulle, also touch of silver and cerise. Their bouquets were of cerise-pink carnations and fern, and their ornaments were gold foil bangles, gifts of the bridegroom. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. B. Gurney, uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev, Dr. P. Harris, rector of Staplegrove, who also delivered an impressive address. Captain Bryan Kayner, of the Royal Fusiliers, brother of the bridegroom acted as “best man.” There was large congregation at  the church, many members of the families of the bride and bridegroom being present. Among those present on the bride’s side were Deputy-Inspector-General A. W. May, R.N., and Mrs. May, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Mav (uncles and aunts), the Misses F. and E. Gurney (aunts). Lieut.- Colonel and Mrs. Baldock, Mrs. Frampton May and the Misses May, Mrs. H. Martyn, and Mr. K. Kyton Peek ; and the bridegroom’s side his mother, Mrs. E. W. Rayner, Admiral Sir Wrn. and Lady May (uncle and aunt), Mrs. Lorraine (sister), and Mr. Thornewill (brother-in-law). The bride’s mother wore gown of grey brocaded silk, trimmed with lace and Paris net, and large motifs of aluminium lace and tassels ; a toque match, with drooping shaded feathers. She carried bouquet of lilies of the valley and violets, tied with grey silk ribbons, and wore a lovely pearl necklace. The bridegroom’s mother was attired in a handsome cloth drees, relieved with white and gold embroidery, and wore magnificent diamonds. Her toque was of velvet, with mauve feathers, and she wore sable furs, and carried a bouquet of pink roses and fern. After the ceremony a largely-attended reception was held by Mrs. May at The Firs, friends from the neighbourhood and from a distance being present. Shoals congratulatory telegrams were received by Mr. and Mrs. Seaburne Rayner before leaving for their honeymoon, which they did during the afternoon with every good wish. The bride’s travelling dress was of beetroot red coat and skirt handsomely braided, and with blouse to match of chiffon and lace. This was worn with toque of velvet the same colour, bordered with fur and having a big silver chou. She also wore an astrachan stole and muff. All the bouquets were gifts  ofthe bridegroom. The happy couple were both the recipients of large number of beautiful and useful presents. The wedding cake and refreshments were supplied by Messrs. Maynard Son, of the Borough Restaurant, Taunton, and nearly all the trousseau was procured in the town. The church was very prettily decorated by Mr. Vincent Slade, of Staplegrove Nurseries. 

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