A Look Back at Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis's Wedding

Sure, when we think of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and wedding, the former first lady's perfectly classic wedding to president John F. Kennedy is the first thing that comes to mind. Jackie's sweet off-the-shoulder Ann Lowe dress, and heirloom lace veil, have served as iconic inspiration for brides-to-be for decades. But what about Jackie's other wedding day? On October 20, 1968, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy became Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis (aka Jackie O.) when she married Aristotle Onassis, and she did it in impeccable style! We're looking back on the first lady's historic island wedding day for a little dose of perfect fashion.

Both Natalie Portman and Katie Holmes gave Jackie the on-screen treatment in recent years, in their respective projects 2016's film Jackie and 2017's miniseries The Kennedys: After Camelot (we even saw the former Mrs. Cruise recreate Jackie and Aristotle's wedding day look). But what about the real wedding of former first lady Jackie Kennedy to Greek shipping heir Aristotle Onassis?

The Engagement

Five years after the tragic death of JFK, Jackie shocked the world by announcing she was engaged to longtime friend Aristotle Onassis, who was 23 years older than her. To celebrate their engagement, Onassis gave Jackie a 40-carat Marquise cut Lesotho III diamond ring from Harry Winston—which she kept in a bank vault. After she passed away in 1996 the ring was sold at auction for $2.59 million.

The Wedding

It was a "Big Fat Greek Wedding" for Jackie's second time down the aisle! On the groom's private island of Skorpios, Greece, Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis said "I do" in an intimate Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony surrounded by family—and a little bit of rain. Her children, JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy, participated in the big day by holding candles during the ceremony, and Jackie's sister Lee Radziwill served as matron of honor. Around 40 guests (close friends and family) witnessed the 45-minute ceremony. As the new Mr. and Mrs. exited the tiny chapel they were showered with rice (for fertility), and sugared almonds (for happiness). After saying "I do" to her new husband, Jackie told a pool of reporters: "We are very happy." The couple then boarded the groom's yacht "Christina"—which hosted Grace Kelly's honeymoon—for an intimate wedding reception.

The Dress

Leave it to the woman who set fashion standards for decades to rock the perfect '60s mod look for her wedding day. In a knee-length ivory lace dress designed by Valentino, the new Mrs. O was the picture of a stylish bride. The dress featured a mock turtleneck, a nice demure touch, long bishop sleeves—a trend that we've seen come down the bridal runways since—and a pleated skirt. Topping the look off was a sweet white ribbon accessorizing the bride's iconic bouffant style that set the standard for 1960s hair trends.

These nuptials go down in history as one of the most trendsetting celebrations of love ever, wouldn't you say so? We do!