Key Highlights
- John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s wedding was held in 1996 on Cumberland Island.
- The Greyfield Inn served as the venue for their simple yet romantic ceremony.
- Ryan Murphy’s series “Love Story” recreated the iconic couple’s fairytale wedding.
- Production designer Alex DiGerlando built a replica of First African Baptist Church in Rockland County, NY.
The Real Deal Behind Kennedy’s Fairytale Wedding
You might think this is new, but… the story of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s and Carolyn Bessette’s 1996 wedding has been making waves again in pop culture. Ryan Murphy’s Love Story series recently brought the couple’s fairytale to life on screen. Yet behind all the glamour and glitz, their wedding was a testament to simplicity and privacy.
Simpler Than Expected
The Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island off the southern coast of Georgia served as their venue. Mitty Ferguson, who managed the property with his wife Mary, remembers, “We only had three months’ notice.” Simple yet romantic, the couple chose a modest chapel with no electricity or AC for their ceremony. The Greyfield Inn itself was largely unchanged but featured a tent on its front field.
“John and Carolyn seemed to like simplicity,” Mary Ferguson recalls. “There is so much natural beauty surrounding Greyfield and on the island.” That beauty, combined with the privacy of Cumberland Island, made it an ideal spot for their intimate celebration.
A Private Fairytale
The ceremony itself took place at the historic First African Baptist Church a few miles away. According to production designer Alex DiGerlando, “Everyone was like, ‘we’ll find a church.’ You’re not just going to find that.” So they built a replica on a horse farm in Rockland County, NY, ensuring it was fire retardant for safety reasons.
The set captured the dusky candlelit glow of the original church, a detail that adds authenticity to Murphy’s recreation. DiGerlando wanted to make sure this picturesque moment was just right, as it’s become one of the most iconic images from their wedding weekend.
Behind the Scenes
The couple approached the Greyfield Inn via Gogo Ferguson, who spent summers in Martha’s Vineyard with John and Carolyn. The inn’s remoteness and privacy were major selling points for them. Only 30 to 40 guests were invited, and they reportedly only learned of the wedding a few days in advance.
Very few pictures have been made public over the years, but those that have emerged show reserved floral displays organized by Kennedy family friend Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. The image of JFK Jr. kissing the hand of his new bride as they step out of the weathered chapel immortalizes the romantic irreverence of their weekend.
“They’re kind of unfussy and unpretentious in their tastes,” DiGerlando concludes, “It’s them, right?” A reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can be the most memorable.
