A Secretive Affair: The Inside Scoop on JFK Jr.'s Wedding
The Secret Wedding of John F. Kennedy Jr.: A Glimpse into a Life of Privilege and Passion
It's one of the most infamous secrets in celebrity history – but now, 29 years after the fact, the story behind John F. Kennedy Jr.'s low-key nuptials to Carolyn Bessette is finally being told.
On September 21, 1996, the world's most eligible bachelor, scion of the iconic Kennedy family, tied the knot with his fashion designer sweetheart in a secretive ceremony on the tiny, isolated Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia. Only 40 lucky guests were invited to witness the union – and many of them had no idea they'd be attending the most newsworthy event of the decade.
RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr.'s former executive assistant, and journalist Liz McNeil have combed through intimate interviews with those closest to the couple to recreate the magic of that special day. And what emerges is a fascinating portrait of love, loyalty, and the Kennedy family's infamous penchant for secrecy.
The Wedding Party: A Who's Who of Kennedy Clan Members
Sasha Chermayeff, JFK Jr.'s close friend and former college roommate, recalls the guest list was strictly "Kennedy-approved." Only Caroline (John's sister) and her family made the cut, along with a few select relatives, including Bobby Jr. and his wife Mary Richardson.
But one notable absence stood out: Lee Radziwill, John's aunt. According to Chermayeff, John had a blunt explanation for snubbing his aunt: "He just didn't give a sh*t." When asked if he'd considered inviting his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (who passed away in 1994), Chermayeff speculated that JFK Jr. would have taken her counsel, but without her guidance, he simply didn't feel the need to include her.
The Wedding Dress: A Labor of Love and Worry
Carolyn Bessette's wedding dress was a masterpiece of fashion design by Narciso Rodriguez – but its creation was nothing short of chaotic. Gogo Ferguson, owner of the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island (where the couple stayed), recounts that it took an hour to get the designer dress on Carolyn's petite frame.
"We had to pour cream over her body," laughed Ferguson. "It was like fitting a calla lily into a vase." Rodriguez himself had to make last-minute adjustments, opening and re-closing the neckline to accommodate Carolyn's sleek hairdo.
The Wedding Day: A Recipe for Disaster
As the big day dawned, disaster struck. John forgot his late father's cufflinks – prompting Gogo's husband Dave to embark on a high-speed dash down the beach to retrieve them. Meanwhile, Carolyn was getting dressed in Ferguson's pickup truck, carefully positioned to avoid wrinkling her gown.
But just as things couldn't get more complicated, George Kyriakos (Carolyn's hairdresser) spotted a hapless reporter trying to sneak onto the island via alligator-infested swamps. The intrepid journalist surrendered, pleading for arrest – but was instead gently ushered away by security.
The Ceremony: A Joyous Celebration
Finally, with Carolyn resplendent in her Rodriguez gown and John looking dashing in his tailored tuxedo, the ceremony took place at the First African Baptist Church on the north end of Cumberland Island. Gogo Ferguson recalls that "everyone was very quiet inside" – but erupted into applause when the couple exchanged their vows.
"We all sang along to 'When the Saints Go Marching In,'" remembered Ferguson, beaming with happiness. The newlyweds were driven back to the inn compound in a cavalcade of pickup trucks, each decorated with candles and white paper sandbags.
The Reception: A Kennedy Family Affair
As night fell, the reception got underway – complete with a DJ, dancing, and even a rendition of the Macarena taught by JFK Jr.'s niece. But despite its carefree atmosphere, there were hints of tension beneath the surface.
Sasha Chermayeff felt that Carolyn's inner circle was underrepresented at the wedding – a sentiment echoed by RoseMarie Terenzio, who noted that Carolyn's close friends were largely confined to those she'd met through her fashion career. "It was just kind of a weirdly John-centric wedding," Chermayeff observed.
The Gift-Giving: A Kennedy Family Tradition
As the festivities wound down, gifts were exchanged – with one particularly...interesting offering from Robbie Littell, an old college friend of JFK Jr.'s. It seems that Littell presented each guest with a pair of silk boxer shorts adorned with their initials (on purpose or by accident, it's unclear).
RoseMarie Terenzio dryly observed that "I'm guessing that was Carolyn's idea." Meanwhile, Littell himself confessed to being baffled by the gift – which, as it turned out, was two sizes too small.
The Aftermath: A Kennedy Family Tradition of Secrecy
Back in New York, JFK Jr. dropped a bombshell on his staff when he revealed that he'd married Carolyn just days before. "Well, while you were all here toiling away, I went and got myself married," the note read. "I guess you'll all have to call me Mister now."
The morning after their honeymoon return, John arrived at work wearing a gold wedding band – beaming with joy and sporting a distinctly grown-up air.
As we delve into this fascinating chapter of Kennedy family history, it's clear that love, loyalty, and secrecy are woven deep into the fabric of this iconic American clan.
