JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes

Released by TLC in 2019, JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes is a captivating retrospective documentary based on arguably one of the most iconic couples of the late 20th century – John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette. This hour-long program leverages a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage to take you behind-the-scenes of the highly secretive and grand wedding that took place on the secluded Cumberland Island, Georgia, on September 21, 1996. It provides a rare and intimate look at the mysterious couple, their beautiful albeit intensely private ceremony, and the world that was, at large, outside of the knowledge or reach of the media and the public eye.

The entire program is a riveting deep-dive into the powerful, private, and at times, peculiar life of JFK Jr. — the only son of the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy — and his bride, Carolyn Bessette, a former publicist for Calvin Klein. They were each a force to be reckoned with in their own right. While JFK Jr. was one of America's most eligible bachelors with countless admirers, Carolyn was a fashion icon known for her chic and minimalist style that resonated with women around the world.

The footage pieced together in JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes reveals the intricate details of their secretive wedding day, right from their trip to the church under the shroud of twilight to their escape into the sanctity of wedded life via a candle-lit dinner. Notable personality and close friend of the couple, Billy Noonan, recorded these magical moments. Initially, this footage was intended to be an intimate token of their most significant day. However, after more than two decades since their tragic demise in a plane crash in 1999, the footage has now been made available as a tribute to the enduring legacy and enigma of this intriguing couple.

In the documentary, the audience is privy to various facets of the nuptial practices of the day, including indelible moments such as Carolyn's stunning Narciso Rodriguez dress, her bouquet of lily of the valley flowers, JFK Jr.'s unmistakable charm, and the guests' evident joy. Interspersed between these beautiful clips are heartwarming and insightful interviews with close friends and family, making the viewing experience richer and more profound. The family's royal chaplain Reverend Charles O' Byrne, who officiated the wedding, provides insightful commentary about the couple's dynamic and their wedding ceremony.

Viewers also get to understand the painstaking lengths taken to ensure utmost privacy – a considerably difficult feat given the high-profile status of JFK Jr, further amplified by the iconic legacy he inherited. All aspects of the wedding, from the location to the guests, were meticulously arranged to avert unwanted media attention and paparazzi circus, a constant companion of Kennedy’s life. The island was chosen for its remote location, and the wedding itself was a small, intimate affair. To avoid any leaks to the press, even the 40 invited guests were kept in the dark until the very last minute about the wedding's location.

Nonetheless, it isn’t just the wedding that this program delves into. JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes also touches upon the dynamics of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's relationship outside their wedding. It aims at humanizing these larger-than-life figures, shedding light on their world far removed from the glistening public eye. Through snippets of their lives together, viewers gain a clearer understanding of their beautiful yet complex relationship.

In conclusion, JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes is more than just a walk down memory lane. It’s a significantly detailed homage to the couple who managed to capture the nation's imagination—a must-watch for history, fashion, and Kennedy buffs alike. It teaches its viewers to reminisce, be nostalgic, and share in the celebration of love and loss, all from a truly intimate perspective.