Over the weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent for Jacqueline Kennedy while John F. Kennedy was president. He was also the Secret Service agent who jumped onto the back of the car that the Kennedys were in when JFK was assassinated. After decades of silence on the subject, Mr. Hill has written an intimate memoir, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, with Lisa McCubbin, who is a friend of my family. While in Houston over the weekend on their book tour, Mrs. McCubbin and Mr. Hill came over to my parents’ house, and I was thrilled to be able to go home and meet with them. I read the book just a few weeks ago and was overwhelmed by how heartbreaking and charming it is, all at the same time. It made me admire Jackie Kennedy more than ever, and I truly cannot recommend it highly enough! Meeting Mr. Hill was such a wonderful experience, and my whole family was touched by what an extraordinary gentleman he is.
There’s a line in the book from when Mr. Hill visits Hammersmith Farm, where Jackie Kennedy grew up. He says, “I could just imagine how it must have looked on September 12, 1953, when twelve hundred people attended the wedding reception for Jack Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. It must have been spectacular.” Of course, I jumped online right away to look for pictures, and I must say, I think this is the wedding that will forever be one of my biggest inspirations.
Isn’t it just exquisite? The picture of her alone with her veil blowing in the wind is one I know I’ll refer to continually for blogging inspiration, and someday for my own wedding inspiration as well. Let’s just say that if I get married in Amsale’s Dahlia, no one should be surprised!
Be sure to check out the book, Mrs. Kennedy and Me, if you’re looking for an amazing summer read. Let me know if you love it as much as I do!
Love,
Lisa
All wedding pictures by Lisa Larsen from the LIFE archive, via Retronaut
