With approximately 800 guests present, John (36) and Jackie (24) were married on September 12, 1953 in Newport, Rhode Island at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Their wedding officiant was Archbishop Richard Cushing of Boston. John and Jackie received a special blessing from Pope Pius XII. Robert Kennedy was best man, Lee Bouvier Canfield, sister of Jackie, was matron of honor. Jackie's step-father, Hugh D. Auchincloss, walked her down the aisle.