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Thursday, September 12, 2019

"I MARRIED AN ANGEL"

JACK-JACKIE WED IN NEWPORT

Newport, Rhode Island (JFK+50) On September 12, 1953, Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier exchanged wedding vows at St. Mary's Catholic Church here in Newport.  750 guests crowded into the church where Richard Cushing, the Archbishop of Boston, conducted the ceremony. 

The bride was accompanied down the aisle by her step-father Hugh D. Auchincloss.  Jackie wore an ivory silk gown made by African-American designer Ann LoweThe gown required fifty yards of material and two months of work.

Jacqueline also wore a choker of pearls and a diamond bracelet that was a gift from the groom.  The bride's bouquet was of pink and white spray orchids and gardenias. 

Jackie's sister, Lee Canfield, was the matron of honor while her half-sister, Nina Auchincloss, was maid of honor. Robert F. Kennedy, the groom's brother, was best man.

Ushers included brother Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy, brother-in-laws Sargent Shriver and Michael Canfield as well as close friends Lem BillingsRed FayTorbert McDonald, Senator George Smathers and Charles Bartlett.

After the wedding ceremony, 1300 guests gathered at Hammersmith Farm overlooking Naragansett Bay for a luncheon reception.  The newly weds danced to the Meyer Davis Orchestra playing "I Married An Angel".

SOURCE

"The Kennedys:  America's Emerald Kings," by Thomas Maier, Basic Books, New York, 2003.