the wedding

On September 12, 1953 John and Jackie were wed at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. 

The entire wedding was paid for by Joe Kennedy, Jack's father, because as he saw it this was the perfect event to help further Jack's political career. 

Jacqueline later said how she would have much preferred a simple ceremony, in a crisp A-Line gown, to compliment her tall trim figure instead of the one the Kennedy's had chosen for her. One that she told a friend made her "look like a lamp-shade." 

Although the gown itself was quite beautiful, with over 50 yards of ivory silk taffeta, she knew style, her body, and how well suited the dress was - for someone else.

The wedding was large, ornate, and not without it's problems. Jackie's father was too drunk to walk her down the aisle. Instead Hugh D. Auchincloss Jr., her stepfather did the honors. 

With the grace and dignity she is known so well for, Jackie never let on how much her father's actions had disappointed her.

The reception took place at Jackie's childhood home in Rhode Island, and it included over 800 guests. The wedding cake was over four feet tall.