Inspired by Grace: The Lasting Allure of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Wedding.
With anticipation building around American Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s new series exploring the romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, all eyes are once again on one of the most quietly captivating weddings of the 20th century. At Ambrym Estate, where every wedding is designed to reflect the couple’s personal story, we can’t help but be inspired by the effortless elegance and deeply intimate nature of their now-iconic day.
On September 21, 1996, in a candlelit chapel on Cumberland Island, Georgia, John and Carolyn exchanged vows in a secret ceremony attended by just over 40 guests. Far from the glare of public life, the occasion was striking in its simplicity, a deeply personal affair that stood in stark contrast to the grand pageantry often associated with the Kennedy name.
Carolyn’s wedding gown, a minimalist silk crepe slip dress by then-emerging designer Narciso Rodriguez, changed bridal fashion forever. Paired with a sheer silk veil and a bouquet of lily of the valley, her look embodied modern refinement and quiet confidence. It wasn’t just what she wore, but how she wore it, gracefully, authentically, and entirely her own way.
It’s this same spirit we embrace at Ambrym Estate. Our secluded setting invites couples to celebrate their love in a way that feels honest and effortless. Whether you imagine walking through the manicured gardens, exchanging vows by the water, or dancing beneath the stars beside our resort-style pool, your wedding here is not about following tradition, it’s about creating one.
As American Love Story brings this timeless romance to life on screen, we invite you to reflect on what made their wedding so memorable: not the celebrity, but the intimacy. Not the spectacle, but the soul. At Ambrym Estate, we believe that kind of love, the kind that doesn’t shout, but simply is, will always be in style.
