What St. Therese's Parents Wore on their Wedding Day

What did the parents of St. Thérèse Martin wear? Of all the things to ponder about their life, why clothing? Because when we discuss the garments of the Saints, we remind ourselves of their humanity, frailty, and that we too are called to be saints in our ordinary circumstances. Clothing is relatable (and rather intimate) so we are also reminded of the nearness of the Saints when we get dressed with their stories in mind. The Saints surrendered all things to Christ that even their garments reflect their virtue, mission, and vocation.

St. Zelie’s wedding dress would have been black per the custom of the time. A white wedding dress was still seen as a statement and took some time to catch on after Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress at her 1840 wedding to Prince Albert. It seems fitting that her wedding dress was black since their marriage was an act of dying to self, death to the world, and ultimate surrender to Christ.

Beyond all else, they sought the Lord’s will.

In addition to her ring, she was given a wedding medallion which was custom in France. St. Louis had hers inscribed with the story of Sarah and Tobias from the Book of Tobit: “At the moment they exchanged their vows, the priest blessed the medallion. Louis slipped the wedding ring on the finger of Zelie's right hand, and then placed the medallion in her left hand, saying ‘Receive the symbol of our wedding promises’” (source). St. Louis Martin would have likely worn a top hat with a long suit jacket and slacks made of wool, (possibly like this one) with a high collar and tie styled as a cascade or a la Byron (see examples here). I love that his suit would have likely been made of wool since he shepherded his daughters to Christ in all things, especially after the death of St. Zelie.

A few accessories have been preserved that belonged to St. Zelie. She wore a simple gold wedding band, gold geometric woven bracelet, simple gold chain necklace, along with a gorgeous paisley shawl in a fabric of emerald, scarlet, icy blue, and bright yellow. She enjoyed wearing beautiful things! The jewelry she wore was simple. The consistency of her gold jewelry causes one to think of the passage: “So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). St. Zelie truly was tested and purified by fire in her vocational discernment, maternity, and physical ailments.

To tangibly recall their feast day, enjoy accessorizing by wearing bits of lace and chains to reflect

their ordinary work through lacemaking and watch repairs.

Introducing the Zelie Scarf and Louis Tie:

Veronica designed the Zelie silk scarf to depict a delicate lace overlay interwoven with the pocket watch and chain as a sign of Sts. Zelie and Louis communal love in shouldering all things together. St. Louis surrendered his watch business to support St. Zelie in her successful lace work. The violet coloring for the scarf reflects their penitential life of sacrifice and surrender. They loved without counting the cost. Together, they grieved the loss of four children, simultaneously, reveled in the abundant joy of their daughters’ lives. Their love was the fertile ground for saints.

The Louis Tie is navy blue as a sign that they entrusted all their children to the care of Our Blessed Mother. Because Louis worked with watches, he must have pondered the essence of time and life, how nothing can be taken for granted. The tie is decorated with a watch chain, watch face, and piece of lace as a sign of their complementarity: the sturdy watch and soft lace. The diagonal chains are also reminiscent of their meeting on the bridge.

We hope you enjoy these complimentary pieces as much as we delighted in crafting them! We hear it makes for a really precious Catholic wedding gift.