John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier’s Wedding

On September 12, 1953, John F. Kennedy, then a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, married Jacqueline Bouvier in a ceremony that captured the public’s imagination and marked the beginning of a partnership that would become iconic in American history.

The Ceremony

• Location: The wedding took place at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island, a historic and picturesque setting befitting the high-profile nature of the event.
• Officiant: The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Richard Cushing, a close friend of the Kennedy family, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.
• Attendees: The wedding was attended by over 750 guests, including prominent figures from politics, society, and the media, reflecting the couple’s high social standing and political connections.

The Reception

• Venue: Following the church ceremony, a lavish reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the Bouvier family’s estate in Newport. The estate provided a scenic backdrop for the celebration.
• Guests: Approximately 1,200 guests attended the reception, enjoying a day filled with music, dancing, and fine dining.

The Couple

• John F. Kennedy: At the time of the wedding, Kennedy was a rising star in American politics, having been elected to the U.S. Senate in 1952. His charisma and ambition were already evident, setting the stage for his future presidential run.
• Jacqueline Bouvier: Jacqueline, known for her elegance and intelligence, was a former debutante and a graduate of George Washington University. Her background in journalism and her fluency in French added to her allure as a public figure.

Historical Context and Significance

• The marriage of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier was not just a union of two individuals but also a merging of influential families. The Kennedys were a prominent political family, while the Bouviers were well-established in American high society.
• The wedding was widely covered by the media, with Life magazine featuring it prominently, which helped to cement the couple’s status as American royalty.
• This union would later play a significant role in shaping the image of the Kennedy presidency, with Jacqueline Kennedy becoming a beloved First Lady known for her style, grace, and cultural contributions.

Aftermath

• The couple’s marriage lasted until John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. During their decade together, they had three children: Caroline, John Jr., and Patrick (who died shortly after birth).
• Jacqueline Kennedy’s role as First Lady from 1961 to 1963 was marked by her efforts to restore the White House and her promotion of the arts and culture, leaving a lasting legacy.

The wedding of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier remains a significant event in American history, symbolizing a moment of hope and glamour in the post-war era.