The
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August 31st 1980, was a very warm, brilliantly sunny day, and our hearts were filled with a matching warmth as we were about to witness the marriage ceremony of a very special couple . |
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As the four hundred and fifty four guests were ushered to their seats in the Crystal Room of the exclusive Beverly Hills Hotel in California, the delicate strains of organ music played, and the atmosphere felt as sacred as any wedding chapel or church. |
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The magnificent decor was specially designed to simulate a 1950's wedding in an olde English garden setting. Every window and pillar in the room was covered with silver foil-backed trellises, interwoven with white orchids, gardenias, violets and lemon leaves. |
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Huge baskets of orchids were suspended from the ceiling, and another trellis heavily laden with purple stocks(to simulate wisteria)and lemon leaves, was positioned above the custom built altar, framing the bridal party. |
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Prior to the service, Richard appeared in gray morning coat to take his position at the piano, where he accompanied the 40 piece Tom Bahlor Chorale, as well as Earl Dumler on oboe, and Gayle Levant on harp. The renowned English orchestra leader Peter Knight flew from his home to make his contribution to the music for Karen's wedding, and conducted the choir. As the maestro and choir floated serenely into a medley of Carpenters hits and other love ballads as only Richard can articulate with his superb arrangements, it was difficult to keep a dry eye! |
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Dr. Robert Schuller, Pastor of Garden Grove Community Church, and frequent preacher on televised services, officiated at the wedding ceremony. He escorted the very handsome groom and his best man (brother Richard) to the altar. |
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The bridegroom's parents headed the bridal procession, Mrs. Burris looking very elegant in a pale green chiffon gown with a matching lace re-embroidered jacket, and a matching picture hat trimmed with pale green silk gardenias. |
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Richard left the piano for a few moments to escort his mother down the aisle. Mrs. Carpenter looked equally elegant and happy, wearing a gray satin stripe over lavender chiffon gown, trimmed with lavender lace embroidery at the neckline and cuffs. Her picture hat consisted of lavender chiffon with lavender posies of forget-me-nots. |  |
| As the music faded out, a momentary pause, then Karen's crystal clear voice conveyed her personal message to her bridegroom with an awesome recording entitled Because We Are In Love. Richard composed and arranged this masterpiece in commemoration of Karen's wedding, in coordination with his longtime writing partner John Bettis who wrote the lyrics. What a moving moment to precede the nuptials. |  |
The bridal path (aisle) was lined with custom built white gardenia topiary trees, and large woven baskets of pink chrysanthemums, making a perfect setting for the bridal procession as the tiny flower girls scattered the petals dutifully. Their charming Victorian style gowns of white Swiss embroidered cotton were bloused at the hips with white silk taffe sashes. Their hose and patent leather shoes were also, white, and their purple straw hats were ringed with lace and violets. |
| The smaller flower girl's twin brother (Karen's godchildren) was the ring bearer. Looking adorable in a white satin knickerbockers outfit with lace ruffles and white silk cummerbund, white hose and patent leather shoes, carrying the unique ring pillow. |  |
This pillow was specially created by designer Bill Belew, who used remnants of material from all the gowns he had made for Karen over the years for her many televised Carpenters performances. |
 Sandy Holland and Rick Burris |
The procession of ten bridesmaids, each on the arm of a morning coated usher, followed by the matron-of-honor was a picturesque scene. Their waltz length gowns of lavender chiffon over crepe-de-chine slips featured double tiered cape sleeves and sweetheart necklines. |  Frenda Leffler |
 Karen 'Itchy' Ramone and Casey
Kasem
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Their waistlines were accentuated with emerald green sashes adorned with a posy of lavender silk violets, and each carried a sheaf of deep purple dendrobin orchids, tied with emerald green satin bows. |  |
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Now the moment we had all been waiting for. As the opening chords of The Bridal March warned us of the imminent appearance of the bride all heads turned as Karen emerged on the arm of her proud father, looking absolutely exquisite and radiantly happy. |  |
| Her gown was modeled after an 18th. century riding ensemble. Made of white mausseline-de-soie, the long sleeved jacketed gown with a long train featured a floral design of iridescent seashells and sequins. Fifteen yards of material were used for this work of art! |  |
The bride's silk elusion veil cascaded
from a white chiffon detachable brimmed picture hat, fashioned with
a Juliet cap crown embroidered with sequin-studded flowers.
Lilies-of-the-valley was Karen's choice for the bouquet she carried,
interwoven with wired loops and streamers of tiny white pikaki
petals which gave a lace effect. |
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As the Bride met her Groom at the altar, both smiled broadly and the service began. |
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After Richard sang a very moving version of The Wedding Prayer, and the couple exchanged marriage vows (loud and clear!) and they exchanged rings. The pastor proclaimed Tom and Karen "Husband and Wife" at the completion of the service. |
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All eyes were glued on the happy couple as they returned down the aisle. |
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