Summary

Coloured bridal party portrait taken on the wedding day of Arthur William '(Bill') and Norma Burns. They were married at the Methodist Church in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. He was serving in 3 Corps of Signals in World War II (service # # VX109455), and had received advice that he was about to be transferred to a combat zone in New Guinea.

Norma recorded her recollection of their wedding day on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary: 'Met Bill 9am Monday at Catanagh's - bought wedding ring. Left Bill, met Doris (Bill's sister) and Grandma Green (Bill's mother). Went to Mantons, bought wedding dress, going away dress and bridesmaids dress. To Preston Motors to tell them I wouldn't be in tomorrow because I was being married that afternoon. Hair appointment 2pm, JP appointment 4pm. Married 5.30 pm. Busy day'.

Norma wore a wedding dress with a long white veil, pearls and a fabric-covered horseshoe. After her wedding she carefully put aside her outfit and preserved her dress and horseshoe all her long life.

After the war ended, Norma and Bill had a single son, Rob. Bill worked for the AWA's beam wireless service (later part of OTC - Overseas Telecommunications Commission). He rose to become shift controller of its Melbourne Operating Room. He and Norma also renovated properties, and ran dairy farms with her father.

Description of Content

Studio portrait of four people in a bridal party. The bride wears a long white dress and a veil with elevated headpiece, and holds a bouquet of flowers and horseshow decoration. She stands next to a woman in a darker dress, also holding flowers and with a smaller headpiece. The groom is dressed in military uniform. Beside him is a man dressed in a dark suit. A curtained window can be glimpsed behind them.

Physical Description

Portrait mounted on grey card.

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