1913: Peter & Maria's wedding in America

It was 1913 and the newly married couple was having their portrait taken with the wedding party. They and the couple seated (and more than likely the others in the party) were new American immigrants, having arrived from Zala County, Hungary within the previous decade. What a beautiful celebration for these couples who had left all that they knew to start a new life in America!

Wedding of Peter & Maria Gres (circa 1913)

I couldn't resist sharing this portrait as my contribution to the Belles & Beaus edition of footnoteMaven's I Smile for the Camera carnival. The bride and groom, Maria and Peter Gres, look so purposeful as they begin their married life (although she does appear to be a bit younger than her new husband). The most beautiful "belle" in the portrait (in my opinion) is the woman seated at left, my great-grandmother Ilona. She looks so elegant as she celebrates the wedding of the bride, her cousin. She and my great-grandfather Ferencz, seated at the right, provided the flower girl and ringbearer for the occasion, who also make quite a charming couple, don't you think?

For more "Belles & Beaus", see footnoteMaven's 2nd edition of I Smile for the Camera.