Parlor Picture, Formal Gown, Unknown Woman, turn of the century

We don't who the fashionably dressed woman is but we do know the setting.  This was taken in the front parlor of Moran Place in Dresden TN sometime around the turn of the century.

Trousseau Pieces, ca. 1911, Dresden TN

Like many well-to-do young ladies Virginia Shumate assembled a trousseau as part of the preparations for her November 22, 1911, wedding to James Henderson Moran III.  Trousseau's could be exceedingly extravagant and contain custom made day and evening dresses for the newly married woman as well as new accessories including shoes, hats, gloves and the myriad of undergarments that a lady would wear.  Or, for those less well off stores offered  inexpensive ready to wear trousseau sets. These pieces are all that remain of Virginia Shumate Moran's  trousseau: a basque, one cap, and a blue sash.  

Basque, frontview

Basque, closeup of neckline

Basque, sideview

Basque, backview

Basque, backview open

Cap

A Victorian Wedding Portrait, Fannie Moran and James Ezzell 1897

Updated September 27, 2013 - If you look at enough photographs eventually it becomes clear.  This is the wedding portrait of Fannie Lemira Moran and James B. Ezzell.  They were married in Dresden TN on October 19, 1897.

Original post:

I cannot be certain that this is a wedding portrait but the elegance of the dress certainly has many of the elements of a Victorian wedding dress.  It is modest with a very high neckline and long sleeves. There is a lot of ruffling at the neck and across the bust and on the skirt for extra detailing.  The waist is cinched tightly and the dress has a long train.  If you're interested in learning more about the different parts of Late 19th Century dresses and terminology a trip to the 19th century dress glossary would be in order!  For more detailed information about Victorian weddings no trip is complete without visiting Literary Liaisons Victorian Wedding Preparation and the Ceremony and Reception.

This picture was taken by Giers Art Gallery in Nashville, TN.  We haven't been able to ascertain if the couple were simply friends of the Moran's or if they are part of the Moran extended family.  The search continues.