Presidents and their children- Marriages through the years

Since I was a very little girl, I was fascinated with two things: The White House history and weddings. I still haven't been to the White House (sigh) but I've seen and planned numerous weddings along the way including mine 35 years ago! College sweethearts and still in love!


For this Wedding Party, let's take a look at some of my favorite weddings of Presidents or of their children:

Eleanor Roosevelt married her 5 cousin Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1905. She was given away by her Uncle Theodore Roosevelt. Here's a brief description of her dress from the New York Times: 

The bridal gown was a white satin princess robe, flounced and draped with old point lace, and with a white satin court train. The bride's point lace veil was caught with orange blossoms and a diamond crescent. She wore a pearl collar, the gift of the bridegroom's mother, and a diamond bowknot, the gift of Mrs. Warren Delano, Jr. Her bouquet was of lilies of the valley.

Above: The wedding of Theodore Roosevelt's oldest daugher Alice. Quite a story about this family but would take way too much space to tell. This wedding was in 1906. Gorgeous dress!


Below: Jessie Wilson, daughter of Woodrow Wilson. The White House had gone without a wedding for many years to her wedding was quite an event. I"m fascinated with the hats/crowns on her bridesmaid's. It makes me think of the Statue of Liberty for some reason.

Now let's move along. One of my favorite presidents to read about is Harry Truman. He was quite the romantic and wrote many many love letters to Bess all through their marriage. They married in 1919.

Gerald Ford and Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Bloomer Warren Ford in 1948. This was not her first marriage so was more subdued. I think she looks very chic and glamorous don't you?


Ronald Reagan married Nancy Davis in 1952. Recognize the Best Man? yep, that's William Holden (so handsome).

We will never forget the wedding dress of Jacqueline Bouvier when she wed JFK in 1953. Classic for sure. She admitted later she never liked the dress but the Kennedy's insisted on the lavish design. She said it made her "look like a lampshade"!!

I thought the next wedding was so interesting. This is the wedding of Pres. Truman's only child Margaret in 1956. Look at what the bridesmaid's are holding instead of flowers.

Luci Johnson, daughter of LBJ married in 1966 in a large wedding. Interesting: pink net veils on the bridesmaids.

Her sister, Lynda Johnson married in 1967. She had dated the actor George Hamilton but ended up with Charles Robb.

We move along to Tricia Nixon. I always thought she was so cute. She married in 1971. I thought her dress was lovely. She married in the Rose Garden. Lucky girl.

Susan Ford, daughter of Gerald, married in 1979. What was she thinking with that veil? Just not flattering.

Truly one of my favorite dresses was worn by Caroline Kennedy in 1986. The top looks like clusters of flowers...gorgeous.

I haven't included any presidential sons yet but JFK Jr.'s wedding in 1996 just can't be bypassed. Remember how her dress set off a wave of the slip dress? Could he be any more handsome?

In 2008, Jenna Bush married and I thought her dress was stunning and flattering.

Our last presidential daughter is Chelsie Clinton in 2010. Beautiful bride in a Vera Wang dress. Quite an aisle she walked down. 

Just for fun...here's some of my favorites through the years:
Elizabeth Taylor in "Father of the Bride". Love this movie!

Shirley Temple, only 17, married John Agar.

Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias

As pretty as all these were, I have a very favorite to share with you. Can you guess?

OnlySon finally got married (oh dear, did I say "finally"?)...He was a typical man with little input in the planning except to say "No wedding during LSU Football season".  

Fortunately Miss E is a huge fan too. Whew. We thought we might have to purchase this for the cake!

I had fun looking at so many wedding pics. Maybe Mr. Dumpling would like to do it all again?