In Photos: The Kennedy Romance

They met over asparagus at a dinner party in 1952: future commander-in-chief John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy, a 35-year-old congressman from Boston, asked Jacqueline “Jackie” Bouvier, a 23-year-old photographer from Newport, out on a date while leaning across the table, ostensibly in search of the vegetable.

She thought he was “charming [and] handsome[,] but a hopeless flirt.” But John didn’t give up hope in his pursuit of Bouvier, and ultimately proposed a year later.


Senator Kennedy and then-fiancé Jacqueline Bouvier being interviewed for a LIFE magazine story while on vacation at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. June 1953.

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The pair pose on a sailfish boat in Hyannis Port on their engagement weekend. June 1953.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The couple poses on a tennis court during their engagement weekend in Hyannis Port. June 1953.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The couple on the beach while on vacation at the Kennedy compound. June 1953.

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The couple go sailing while on vacation at the Kennedy compound. June 1953.

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The couple sit knee-to-knee while on vacation in Hyannis Port. June 1953.

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The couple sit together in the sunshine at Kennedy’s family home in Hyannis Port, not long before their wedding. June 27, 1953.

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The couple stand at the altar during their wedding at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island. September 12, 1953.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The couple cut their wedding cake.

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John and Jackie join hands as they continue to cut the cake.

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The bride is escorted by her groom down the hill at Hammersmith Farm at their wedding reception.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

John and Jackie pose for photos on their wedding day.

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John and Jackie pose for photos along with their wedding party.

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The newlyweds admire the sailfish landed by Senator Kennedy during their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico. September 1953.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The couple in a car on their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico. September 1953.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Then-Senator Kennedy poses with Jackie for LIFE magazine. October 1955.

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Senator Kennedy cuddling his baby daughter, Caroline, who is smiling as mother Jackie looks on in delight. March 25, 1958.

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The couple in formal wear at the Senate Office Building. Date unspecified.

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The family returns to Washington from Palm Beach. February 4, 1961.

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The couple walks down Main Street in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. February 16, 1960.

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The pair departs for a trip to India and Pakistan. March 8, 1962.

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President Kennedy and his family in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. August 4, 1962.

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President Kennedy and the First Lady watch the first race of the 1962 America’s Cup from aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. September 15, 1962.

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Family weekend in Hyannis Port. August 14, 1963.

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President and Mrs. Kennedy are shown on the South Lawn of the White House just prior to a performance by the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment. November 13, 1963.

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