Celebrating June Brides - Part 1

I was looking through my vast collection of dolls when a small 10" American Character Toni doll caught my eye.  She is a gorgeous doll and looks radiant in her bridal gown and veil.  It got me wondering, with June fast approaching, why so many weddings are celebrated in the month of June - what makes it so special?  Then I mentally started counting up all the brides that were in my collection and was surprised to find that I had pretty close to two dozen.

After a little bit of surfing on the internet, I discovered that the tradition of a June wedding can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome.  The month of June was dedicated to Juno, the goddess of marriage.  The ancient Romans believed that getting married in June would bring prosperity, happiness and protection under Juno's blessing.  Fast forward to today, where June has maintained its reputation for being the month linked to romance, keeping the tradition of a June wedding alive and well. 

Like all of you, I love a good wedding and without realizing, had amassed a large collection of bride dolls! I especially love some of the bridal gowns produced for dolls over the last couple decades.  My favorites being produced in the 1950s.  To kick off, the celebration of June Brides, I would like to share some of my favorite dolls produced by the American Character Doll Company.
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This is a 20" Toni Bride doll produced in 1959.  Her dress has a satin lined bodice above a scalloped lace apron skirt adorned with white velvet bows, over a layer of pleated tricot ad ruffled satin.  Under the dress is a hoop petticoat, lace-trimmed panties, high heels, and stockings.  She is wearing an embroidered bridal cap with lace trimmed tulle that falls just below her waist.  She original came with a ring and is holding a bouquet of flowers. 

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Next is the lovely little 10" Toni Bride that got me started on this celebration of June Brides.  This doll and outfit were produced from 1958 to 1960, and the outfit is appropriately named "Bride."  This is a lovely taffeta and satin gown with nylon tricot ruffles, cowl neck and a large satin bow.  She is wearing a lace and tulle veil held in place by a white/silver embroidered headpiece.  She holds a bouquet of flowers.  White shoes and nylon stockings were also included. 
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The third and last American Character bride is a 14" Toni wearing "Bride #406."  She is wearing a long white gown with short cap sleeves and a V-neck with collar.  Her veil is long and the cap is adorned in faux pearls.  She carries a bouquet of flowers, wears high heels, and nylons.

JOIN US NEXT WEEK FOR PART 2 - VOUGE BRIDES

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