It was a beautiful, sunny day on August 26, 2023 for the nuptials of Martha Belle Tudor and Rufus Bennett. The bride (originally named Miss Daisy Belle) was designed by Tasha Tudor for her 1990s company, the Jenny Wren Press and subsequently acquired by Pacific Northwest Chapter co-leader Diane Bennett in a recent auction. In the spirit of Tasha’s male doll, Captain Crane, Diane concocted plans for a male doll of marriageable eligibility. Diane had been researching her husband’s genealogy and found out his great-great-grandfather, Rufus Bennett, was part of a group who were the bodyguards of General Washington. Diane and her husband, Alan, inquired if Tasha’s daughter-in-law, Marjorie Tudor, could make a doll in a Revolutionary War style. She created an absolutely stunning fiancé for Martha Belle.
In 1955, Tasha Tudor staged a magical and inspiring doll wedding on her farm in New Hampshire. This event was covered by noted photographer Verner Reed of LIFE magazine and was a spectacular event that doll lovers still dream about (See Tasha Tudor Society Journal 15 for more information.) It was one of two events that inspired the event. The second was Tasha Tudor Society member Melinda Mull’s 2019 recreation of the 1955 doll wedding which was held in Tasha’s Vermont marionette theatre. Diane was delighted to attend and be part of the ceremony.
The Pacific Northwest Tasha Tudor Society events often include the chapter members’ dolls. The dolls have their party as the adults enjoy theirs. At one of the events, fellow member Joyce Maloney, suggested they have a west coast wedding. Diane was hesitant, knowing the amount of work it would require. Joyce and fellow members agreed to help and plans were set in motion. Joyce served as the wedding coordinator and the parties agreed to have the wedding at the Bennett farm in Naselle, Washington.
As an unexpected surprise, Vermonters Melinda and Pete Mull, were able to attend. Through the world of Tasha, the Mulls and Bennetts met previously and had become great friends. Melinda was bringing her doll, Atticus, as the best man, and Daisy Belle as matron of honor. Atticus was also made by Marjorie and Daisy Belle is another of the limited edition dolls created by the Jenny Wren Press. It was decided that she is the sister of Diane’s Martha.
Marjorie loaned a wedding gown from her collection. Joyce’s doll was bridesmaid and member Holly Kraus brought the flower girl. The crow minister was made by Joyce and operated by Alan. Similar to what Tasha did, the dolls were adorned with strings under their arms and affixed to wreaths which were held by the people, in the manner of a marionette. The wedding party walked through the grass to the wedding arch and the waiting crow minister. With the help of various adults the doll ceremony was a delight to all who attended.
After the ceremony, the doll tables were set up and the dolls had a fantastic meal, and so did the adults with local, fresh salmon. The afternoon concluded with the dolls exchanging presents and lots of visiting and laughing.
Soon it was time for Rufus and Martha Bennett to leave for their honeymoon. Fiddler Charles Ingalls drove the wagon.
Many people helped make this event happen. Linda Colantino made wreaths and many extras to decorate. Joyce Maloney and Sue Holt came a day early to help set up. Lily Holt made a delicious cake. Melinda Mull put lots of effort and time into the event as well. Abigail Bennett took photographs.
It was a special day that all those who were there will never forget.
Written by Diane Bennett
Photos by Abigail Bennett