1895 - Belmont College scene of Magnificent Wedding

Belmont College last night was the scene of a very pretty wedding, when Miss Ida M. HUNTER pledged her vows to Mr. William Marvin LEFTWICH, Jr., of this city.  The bride is the only daughter of Mrs. Mary Collier HUNTER, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has been for three years with her cousin, Miss Hood, pursuing special studies at the college.  The grand old mansion, which lends itself so beautifully to such occasions, as though it had not forgotten the witchery, was ablaze with light and odorous with flowers, while pines, stately palms and smilax from the magnificent college conservatories were used throughout the house.

Promptly at 6 o'clock Dr. R.A. YOUNG, the college Regent, accompanied by Rev. W.M. LEFTWICH, the father of the groom, advanced to the bay window of the grand salon so famous in the past history of Belmont Place.  Around the fountain were grouped the members of the "Boom Camp," A social organization of which the bride and groom are loved and valued members.  Closely following came Miss Mary Lee LEFTWICH, who was met at the foot of the stairs by her attendant, Mr. Walter G. KIRKPATRICK.  The bride entered with her maid of honor, Miss Neva Sharon STEWART, meeting on the way the groom and his best man, Dr. Harry S. VAUGHN.

After the ceremony, all returned to the parlors for congratulations, after which elegant and elaborate refreshments were served in the spacious dining hall.  Many costly and tasteful gifts from many points attest the popularity of the young couple and the warmth of their many friends.

The bride was robed in an exquisite Duchesse satin, with rare old lace, which set off to fine advantage her fair blonde beauty.  The bridesmaids wore pink organdie, and carried La France roses.

Mr and Mrs LEFTWICH left at once for Atlanta and the East, and after their return will be at home to their friends at 2016 West End Avenue.
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This clipping was found among the papers of  Fannie MORAN however she and her sister Ida both attended Belmont College in Nashville so it's very possible that both of them attended and perhaps were even part of the ceremony of Ida Mary Hunter to William Marvin Leftwich Jr on December 26, 1895.

It's also interesting to note that the grooms sister, Alice Kavanaugh LEFTWICH was a teacher at Belmont and an accomplished pianist graduating from the Beethoven Conservatory in St. Louis.  She was also a pupil of Arthur FOOTE and B.J. LANG of Boston and she spent three years in Paris with M. MOSZKOWSKI and Wager SWAYNE.

Adelicia Acklen

I think it's very interesting that the author of the article mentioned "witchery" in connection with the Acklen Mansion which became Belmont College in the late 1800's.  I'm not sure if they are referring to the feminine "witchery" of Adelicia Acklen the chatelaine of the mansion or if they are referring to the "witchery" after her death.  There have been reports and sightings of her ghost at the mansion through the years.