George Boyle
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier got married on September 12, 1953, at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The wedding reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the 300-acre oceanfront estate of the Auchincloss family, including Jackie's mother and stepfather. The guest list for the wedding ceremony was limited by the church's capacity, but more people were invited to the reception, resulting in a large crowd of well-wishers. The newlyweds shook hands with 900 guests, and the event was described as just like a coronation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of wedding | 12 September 1953 |
| Location of wedding | St. Mary's Church, Newport, Rhode Island |
| Bride | Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy |
| Groom | John F. Kennedy |
| Bride's dress | Ivory tissue silk with a fitted bodice, short sleeves, a portrait neckline, and a bouffant skirt |
| Bride's veil | Rose-point lace |
| Jewellery | Pearls |
| Guest list | 600 diplomats, senators, social figures, politicians, writers, movie stars |
| Number of guests | 750-900 |
| Number of guests at reception | 900-1200 |
| Location of reception | Hammersmith Farm, the Auchincloss family oceanfront estate, Newport, Rhode Island |
| Music at reception | Meyer Davis Orchestra |
| First dance song | "I Married an Angel" |
| Wedding cake | Four feet tall |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the Auchincloss family estate
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's wedding reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the Auchincloss family estate. Hammersmith Farm was the summer home of Jackie's mother, Janet Auchincloss, and her stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss Jr. in Newport, Rhode Island. The 300-acre oceanfront estate was the perfect setting for the grand spectacle that the groom's father, Joseph Kennedy, had envisioned for his son's wedding.
The guest list for the wedding ceremony was limited by the church's capacity, but more people were invited to the reception, resulting in a total of 1,200 guests. The newlyweds took two hours to shake hands with their guests, and the media closely followed the event. The reception was a grand affair, with music provided by the Meyer Davis Orchestra, who played "I Married an Angel" for the couple's first dance. The wedding cake, ordered by Joseph P. Kennedy, was an impressive four feet tall.
The wedding of JFK and Jackie was a significant event that helped create a path to the White House for the couple. It was a union of two prominent families, with powerful guests from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and Boston in attendance. The event was described by an enthusiastic guest as "just like a coronation", reflecting the grandeur and significance of the occasion.
Hammersmith Farm holds a special place in the history of the Kennedy family, as it was not only the site of their wedding reception but also served as a backdrop for other memorable moments. The estate witnessed the joy of the wedding celebration and, years later, became a place of solace during a difficult time. In November 1963, following the tragic assassination of President Kennedy, Hammersmith Farm was where Jackie sought comfort, retreating from the public eye to grieve with her children.
Overall, the choice of Hammersmith Farm as the reception venue contributed to the grandeur and significance of JFK and Jackie's wedding. The estate's expansive grounds, oceanfront setting, and association with the Auchincloss family added to the memorable nature of the occasion, making it one of the most notable weddings in American history.
Key Details: Choosing Your Dream Wedding Venue
You may want to see also
Explore related products
900 guests attended the reception
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier got married on September 12, 1953, at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The wedding ceremony was attended by 600 diplomats, senators, and social figures, while 2,000 fans cheered outside. The reception that followed was a grand affair, with 900 guests in attendance. The guest list included powerful people from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and Boston. The reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the 300-acre oceanfront estate of the Auchincloss family, who were related to the bride through her mother and stepfather.
The guest list for the wedding ceremony was limited by the church's capacity, but Jacqueline's stepfather, Joseph P. Kennedy, invited more people to the reception. This resulted in a large crowd of well-wishers, and it took the newlyweds two hours to shake hands with all 900 guests. The reception featured music by the Meyer Davis Orchestra, who played "I Married an Angel" for the couple's first dance. The wedding cake was an impressive four feet tall, ordered by Joseph P. Kennedy, and it was cut by the happy couple.
The wedding of JFK and Jackie was a significant event, not just because of the number of guests but also because of the couple's prominence. Even before their marriage, they were considered superstars, and the wedding helped create a path to the White House for both of them. The event was described by one guest as "just like a coronation", reflecting the grandeur and importance attached to it.
The guest list for the reception included politicians, well-known writers, and movie stars. The wedding party itself had more than 20 people, with the groom's brothers, Ted and Robert, serving as best man and groomsmen, respectively. Jackie's attendants included her sister, Lee Bouvier, as matron of honor, and her future sister-in-law, Ethel Kennedy. The massive guest list and the presence of influential individuals from various industries made the reception a notable gathering.
The reception at Hammersmith Farm was a fitting conclusion to a wedding that had captured the public's imagination. The bride and groom's families played a significant role in planning the event, with the Kennedys, in particular, pushing for a grand spectacle. Despite Jackie's initial vision of a small, intimate ceremony, her future father-in-law, Joseph Kennedy, saw the wedding as an opportunity to boost his son's political profile. This resulted in an extensive guest list and a reception that accommodated 900 guests, making it a memorable celebration for the couple and those in attendance.
Garage Wedding Reception: Decorating a Unique Space
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$222
The reception featured a four-foot-tall wedding cake
The wedding reception of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier was a grand affair, with a guest list of over 900 people. The reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the oceanfront estate owned by the Auchincloss family, Jackie's mother and stepfather. The farm spanned 300 acres, and the reception was held on its terrace. The event was so large that it caused a human traffic jam around the bride and groom, with the couple taking two hours to shake hands with their guests.
The wedding and reception were a far cry from the intimate ceremony that Jackie and her mother had initially envisioned. However, Joseph Kennedy, JFK's father, insisted on a grand spectacle, recognising the good publicity that a lavish wedding could bring. The guest list included powerful people from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and Boston, with politicians, writers, and movie stars in attendance.
The wedding cake was not the only impressive feature of the reception. The Meyer Davis Orchestra performed under a huge canopy, adding to the elegance of the event. The reception was a joyous celebration, with guests cheering the newlyweds and showering them with rose-petal confetti and rice as they departed for their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico.
The four-foot-tall wedding cake truly stood out as a symbol of the grandeur and extravagance of the reception. It represented the scale and opulence of the entire wedding celebration, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of JFK and Jackie.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Venue in Italy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The newlyweds left the reception for a honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico
On 12 September 1953, Jacqueline Bouvier married John F. Kennedy in Newport, Rhode Island. The wedding of the senator and his bride, a photographer, was a grand affair with 600 diplomats, senators, and social figures in attendance at the ceremony, and 900 guests at the reception. The reception was held on the terrace of Hammersmith Farm, the 300-acre oceanfront estate owned by the Auchincloss family—Jackie's mother and stepfather. The newlyweds left the reception for a honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico, amid a shower of rose-petal confetti and rice.
The Kennedys' wedding was a huge event, with more than 800 guests in attendance, including politicians, writers, and movie stars. The bride and groom had initially planned for a small wedding, but John's father, Joseph Kennedy, had other ideas. He saw the good publicity a wedding offered and wanted to take advantage of it to further his son's political career. The guest list was extensive, with powerful people from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and Boston invited.
The wedding ceremony took place at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, where the Archbishop of Boston performed the rites and read a special blessing from the pope. The reception was a lavish affair, with music provided by the Meyer Davis Orchestra, who played "I Married an Angel" for the couple's first dance. The wedding cake was an impressive four feet tall, and the newlyweds cut it together.
The newlyweds, John and Jacqueline Kennedy, left their wedding reception at Hammersmith Farm and headed to Acapulco, Mexico, for their honeymoon. The bride and groom were showered with rose petals and rice as they departed, and they were cheered on by well-wishers as they began their new life together as husband and wife.
The Kennedys' wedding was a memorable event that marked the beginning of their life together. Their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico, was a chance for the couple to celebrate their marriage and enjoy some time away from the public eye before returning to their lives as public figures.
Managing a Wedding Venue: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Meyer Davis Orchestra provided music at the reception
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's wedding reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the oceanfront estate owned by the Auchincloss family (Jackie's stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss). The couple's first dance was to "I Married an Angel", played by the Meyer Davis Orchestra. The orchestra performed under a huge canopy, and the couple cut a four-foot-tall wedding cake.
The reception was attended by more than 1,200 guests, with some sources placing the number at 900. It took the newlyweds two hours to shake hands with all their guests. The guest list included politicians, well-known writers, movie stars, diplomats, senators, and social figures. The wedding and reception attracted media attention, with one guest describing the event as "'just like a coronation".
The Meyer Davis Orchestra was a popular choice for society weddings in the early and mid-20th century. Led by band leader Meyer Davis, the orchestra was known for its elegant and sophisticated sound, providing the perfect backdrop for glamorous celebrations. The orchestra's repertoire included a mix of popular songs of the day and classic standards, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.
For the Kennedy-Bouvier wedding, the orchestra created a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Their performance of "I Married an Angel" for the couple's first dance set the tone for the rest of the evening, and the orchestra continued to provide a delightful soundtrack as the guests mingled and danced. The orchestra's music added to the magical ambiance of the reception, creating lasting memories for the couple and their guests.
The choice of the Meyer Davis Orchestra for the Kennedy-Bouvier wedding reflects the family's desire for a grand and spectacular celebration. With their elegant and refined sound, the orchestra helped to create an unforgettable evening that lived up to the high expectations of the guests and the public. The orchestra's performance contributed to the overall joy and happiness of the occasion, making it a truly memorable event in American history.
Launching a Wedding Venue in Australia: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The wedding reception was held at Hammersmith Farm, the oceanfront estate owned by Jackie's stepfather and mother, the Auchincloss family, in Newport, Rhode Island.
The guest list for the wedding ceremony had been capped by the church's capacity, but more people were invited to the reception, totalling 1,200 guests. The guest list included politicians, well-known writers, movie stars, and other powerful people from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
The reception was a grand affair, with music provided by the Meyer Davis Orchestra, who played "I Married an Angel" for the couple's first dance. The wedding cake, a four-foot-tall cake, was cut by the newlyweds. The reception lasted two hours, during which Senator and Mrs. Kennedy shook hands with their many guests.
The invitations were printed in black ink on cream-colored paper. They stated: "Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Dudley Auchincloss request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Mrs. Auchincloss' daughter, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, to the Honorable John Fitzgerald Kennedy, United States Senate, on Saturday, the twelfth of September at eleven o'clock, Saint Mary's Church, Spring Street, Newport, Rhode Island."
