When: September 21st, 1996
Where: Cumberland Island, Georgia
John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette had such an unbelievably intimate wedding. I admired Carolyn in her simple, elegant dress with her handsome new husband kissing the back of her hand. That is the image that will forever be in my head anytime I am reminded of the couple.
Talk about embracing “Less Is More“. 40 People. Tiny wooden candlelit chapel. Need I say more?
The Engagement Ring
The theories that surround this ring are numerous (yes, a “ring” that has theories – leave it to the Kennedys). One is that it was a gift from the jeweler, Maurice Tempelsman, who was Jackie’s final life partner. Another is that the ring was a 10th wedding anniversary from President Kennedy to Jackie. What does seem consistent, though, is that the ring is referred to as the Swimming Ring. There are a few pictures with her wearing it, but nothing like a full-hand shot showing the bling. You can’t even associate the word bling with Carolyn Bessette. She didn’t wear bling, In fact, she never wore anything flashy. Once married, she was rarely photographed having the engagement ring on, just her simple gold wedding band. Seems even this ring was “too much” for her taste.
So, the ring is actually NOT the same one as Jaqueline’s. According to Vogue, “Bessette-Kennedy reportedly told the journalist (a friend whose husband Anthony Radziwill was Jackie’s nephew), at the time that her engagement band, featuring round-cut sapphires and diamonds on a platinum band, was “a copy of a ring [John’s] mother wore”.
The actual engagement was another story. Reportedly, Carolyn made him wait three weeks after he proposed on a Martha’s Vineyard fishing trip to agree to marry him. Definitely, something the world’s sexiest bachelor was not used to.
Photo credit: Robin Platzer/Twin Images/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
The Dress
Designed by Narciso Rodriguez, the gown was not what you would expect of a Kennedy bride. Although, it is exactly what you would expect from minimalist, Carolyn. It was a simple, full-length sleeveless slip-style dress made of silk-crepe fabric with an elegant low-draped neckline. The back of the dress was just as stunning showing her bare back with the dramatic draped look. The accompanied long sheer gloves that matched her hand-rolled veil completed the elegant, minimalist look. Barely seen were her beaded satin Manolo Blahnik sandals and a hair clip belonging to Jackie. This iconic style set the precedent for bridal gown styles for years to come.
There just isn’t a decent photo out there with a full view of her dress, so I found this. This was the best I could do. 🙂
Let’s not forget the groom. He wore a Gordon Henderson midnight blue single-breasted wool suit paired with a white vest and pale blue tie. As Carolyn wore a sentimental hairpiece, JFK Jr. wore his late father’s wristwatch.
The Location
Cumberland Island is off the coast of southern Georgia which was once partly owned by the Carnegie family. It has no bridge access, no paved roads, no telephone lines, and NO Wi-fi. This seventeen-mile island has protected salt marsh dunes where endangered Loggerhead turtles nest, fields of wild horses, and dense collections of oak trees that act as a natural barrier from the harsh salt water.
Seclusion and security were a must for a Kennedy wedding, although not the typical elaborate affair. The secrecy was so important to the couple that island residents and all staff had to sign confidentiality agreements that even permitted them from talking on their cell phones about the event. Invitations were not given until four days prior to the Saturday event. Guests arrived by private planes landing in grassy fields or shuttled by boat to a private dock. One of the country’s most famous couples managed to pull this wedding off with zero paparazzi which was rarely escaped.
The ceremony was held in the tiny wood-framed Brack Chapel of the First African Baptist Church. The couple got married by candlelight, and kerosene lamps lit the inside of this quaint, whitewashed chapel. The inside consisted of eleven weathered pews and a stick and string cross at the altar. The ceremony was short but didn’t lack any sentiment as scriptures were read by family members and gospel hymns “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “Amazing Grace” were sung a capella by gospel singer, David R. Davis.
The reception was held at Greyfield Inn, built in 1900 for Margaret Carnegie. Sixty years later her daughter, Lucy R. Ferguson, turned it into the Inn. Today it is considered a secluded romantic luxury getaway that is all-inclusive. Rooms start at $695 and include all meals, ferry transportation to the island, cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres, and guided wildlife tours of the island.
