'Gerti' Gertrude Agnes McCarthy

Gertrude Agnes Herrick, married Bert, Herbert Joseph McCarthy, at the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middle Park, 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 1916. The Rev. V. Willis (cousin of the bride) assisted by the very Rev. Prior Kindelan, O.C.C, conducted the marriage and a Nuptial Mass.

The bridegroom Captain H. J. McCarthy, A.I.F.,[6th Battalion, returned] was eldest son of the late Sub-Inspector of Police, Timothy McCarthy, who had died in 1910, and Margaret McCarthy[born Magee], of Albert Park,

The bride, Gertrude Agnes Herrick, was the third daughter of Margaret Mary Herrick [born Willis], of Canterbury-road, Middle Park. Her father Joseph John Herrick, having died 29th March, 1912 at the former family home, "Lerwick," No. 74 Harold-street, Middle-park.

During the signing of the register, Gounod's "Ave Maria" was sung by the grooms’ sister, Nellie McCarthy, with Miss Morrisey at the organ, the violin obbligato played by brides’ niece, Alma Palmer, a professional musician. Gertrude, carrying a bouquet of La France roses, was given away by Robert Hodgen (her brother-in-law). She wore a necklet of pearls (gift of her mother) and pearl earrings (gift of her niece, Alma Palmer). Her ivory satin gown was veiled with ninon. The embroidered veil was held with a spray of orange blossom and a diamond clasp. The veil fell to the hem of the true lover's knot trimmed train.

The bridesmaids all wore picture hats of black panne velvet and carried pink and blue posies, and the grooms’ gift, aquamarine necklets. Each was individually dressed, Sara Willis (bride’s cousin) was in shell-pink ninon, Alma Palmer (bride’s niece) wore a white lace frock. The groom’s sisters, Daisy McCarthy wore pale blue crepe de chine and Nellie McCarthy was in white ninon.

The best man was Lieutenant Meikle, and groomsmen were Reg. Ross (groom’s brother-in-law), John Herrick (brother of bride), and Eric Willis (cousin of bride).

70 friends were entertained at a reception and wedding breakfast at the Vienna Café, the room decorated with patriotic flags and colours. Margaret Herrick in a saxe blue hat, was gowned in soft black satin, with ivory ninon vest and collar. Margaret McCarthy wore a black hat with white feather her dress of a grey crepe de chine. Guests, Fr. V. Willis and Senator Needham made speeches proposing the health of the bride and bridegroom, and supporting patriotic themes.

For going away the bride wore silver-grey crepe de chine, decorated with diamond brooch, the gift of the groom, and smart hat. The groom, sporting his gift from the bride, a gold hunter watch, left for the honeymoon with Gertrude, by the express to Adelaide.

The presents received were numerous and costly.

Main ref: 1916 'Family Notices', Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), 23 March, p. 9. , viewed 02 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146642449