10 Surprises About the Day JFK Married Jackie

On a sunny day in September 1953, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and United States Senator John F. Kennedy were married, marking the beginning of what would become an iconic partnership. While their wedding has been immortalized in countless publications, there are many lesser-known details that add depth to this historic event.

1. Ivory Elegance: Jackie’s Dress Choice

Jackie’s wedding dress was a masterpiece designed by Ann Lowe, an African American designer who was not publicly credited for her work until after her death. The ivory dress, made of tissue silk, featured a fitted bodice, short sleeves, a portrait neckline, and a bouffant skirt with over 50 yards of flounces. Despite its beauty, Jackie later revealed she wasn’t fond of the dress, feeling it accentuated her flat chest.

2. Disaster Strikes: The Flooded Dress Shop

Just days before the wedding, a pipe burst in Ann Lowe’s New York City atelier, destroying Jackie’s dress and all the bridesmaids’ dresses. With limited time, Lowe and her team worked tirelessly to recreate the gowns, ensuring the wedding could proceed as planned.

3. A Strictly Catholic Ceremony

Held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island, the wedding included a full Catholic mass. This was fitting given the couple’s strong Catholic backgrounds and the religious significance to the Kennedy family.

4. Blessed by the Pope

Archbishop Richard Cushing, a close family friend, officiated the wedding. He was assisted by four other priests, including the former president of Notre Dame and the head of the Christopher Society. Adding to the ceremony’s significance, a special blessing from Pope Pius XII was read before the mass, emphasizing the importance of the event within the Catholic community.

5. Rose Kennedy: The Papal Countess

In 1951, Rose Kennedy was honored with the title of “Papal Countess” by the Vatican for her exemplary motherhood and charitable works. Her strong Catholic faith played a crucial role in the Kennedy family dynamics and was evident during the wedding, as well.

6. Reception by the Numbers

The lavish reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the oceanfront estate owned by Jackie’s stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss. The event hosted an astounding 1,200 guests, reflecting the considerable social status of the Kennedy family. The estate’s 300 acres provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration.

7. A Musical Tribute: Their First Dance

Music at the reception was provided by the Meyer Davis Orchestra, who played “I Married an Angel” for JFK and Jackie’s first dance. Interestingly, this same orchestra had performed at Jackie’s parents’ wedding and would later play at Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball in 1961, symbolizing a full-circle moment in her life.

8 A Towering Cake

The wedding cake, crafted by William Paul from Plourdes Bakery, was an impressive 4 feet tall. This towering confection was a highlight of the reception, showcasing the grandeur of the event.

9. A Drunken Conspiracy

Jackie’s mother Janet Auchincloss drove her ex-husband, “Black Jack” Bouvier, towards heavily drinking the night before the ceremony to prevent him from attending their daughter’s wedding. On the wedding day, Janet deemed him unfit for his fatherly duties and replaced him with Jackie’s stepfather, Hugh D. Auchincloss II, to walk her down the aisle, leading to Jackie’s lifelong resentment. To avoid scandal, the family told guests that Bouvier was absent due to the flu, concealing his drunkenness.

10. A Secretive Engagement

Details of JFK and Jackie’s engagement remain shrouded in mystery. Some stories suggest JFK proposed at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, while others claim it happened at the Omni Parker House in Boston. Regardless of the exact location, the engagement was followed by a quick wedding planning period, with the couple tying the knot just a few months later.

The wedding of JFK and Jackie was a remarkable event, blending personal touches with public spectacle. Each detail, from the dress designer’s perseverance to the Pope’s blessing, contributed to the legacy of this iconic union.

References: 13 Little Known Facts About the Wedding of JFK and Jackie | 13 Secrets You Never Knew About JFK and Jackie Kennedy’s Wedding