Discovering the Real Jackie: The Untold Story of How Jacqueline Bouvier Met JFK

romanticize it while it was happening.”

Martha Bartlett’s memories of that fateful dinner party in 1951 shed light on the early days of Jackie Kennedy’s relationship with John F. Kennedy. While many assumed that Jackie’s life only became interesting after she married JFK, those who knew her well knew that she was already a fascinating and ambitious woman.

Author Carl Sferazza Anthony, in his book “Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy,” explores Jackie’s life before she became the first lady. Jackie had dreams of becoming a writer and was willing to start at the bottom. She took a job as the “Inquiring Photographer” for the Washington Times-Herald, where she would ask strangers on the streets of Washington their opinions on various topics.

It was during this time that Jackie’s friends, Charles and Martha Bartlett, saw a potential match between her and JFK. They organized a dinner party in May 1951, hoping that the two would hit it off. Martha Bartlett, now 97 years old, vividly remembers that night and the uncertainty she felt about whether Jackie and JFK would get along.

Despite her initial doubts, Martha Bartlett admits that she and Jackie shamelessly tried to get the two together. Jackie even canceled plans with her European friend to spend time with JFK. It seems that Jackie was determined to pursue him, even going so far as to visit Joseph Kennedy, JFK’s father.

Shortly after Jackie’s visit to Joseph Kennedy, the gossip columns began linking the names Jackie Bouvier and John F. Kennedy together, predicting a wedding in the near future. While Jackie may not have been head over heels in love with JFK, she saw the potential for an adventure that could lead her to the White House.

The Kennedy-Bouvier wedding in 1953 was a grand affair, but Martha Bartlett remembers that Jackie was not a happy bride. Her father, who was supposed to give her away, had gotten intoxicated the night before and couldn’t make it to the wedding.

Martha Bartlett’s memories of the Kennedy saga evoke mixed emotions. While she played a role in bringing Jackie and JFK together, she can’t help but feel a sense of sadness when looking back on their relationship.

The story of how Jackie met JFK is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of their relationship. It shows that Jackie was not just a flawless figurine, but a strong and ambitious woman who pursued her own dreams and took risks to achieve them. The rest, as they say, is history.ver said, ‘I’m not interested in him,'” Anthony clarified. “And I think that’s a very important distinction. She was not interested in just any marriage. She was not interested in just any man. But she was interested in John F. Kennedy.”

And eventually, Jackie got what she wanted. On September 12, 1953, she married John F. Kennedy in a lavish ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island. The rest, as they say, is history.

But it’s fascinating to look back at the early days of their relationship, when Jackie was just a young woman with big dreams and ambitions. And it’s even more fascinating to hear the stories from those who were there, like Martha Bartlett, who played a small but significant role in bringing Jackie and JFK together.

As for Jackie, she once wrote, “I want to live my life, not record it.” But thanks to the memories of those who knew her, we can catch a glimpse of the real Jackie Bouvier before she became Jackie Kennedy, the woman who would captivate the nation and leave a lasting legacy.

So the next time you see footage of Jackie Kennedy touring the White House or hear her iconic voice, remember that behind the camera-ready image was a young woman who had her own dreams and ambitions, and who found love in the most unexpected of places.

What challenges did Jackie Kennedy face in her marriage to JFK, and how did she handle them?

Known for his philandering ways, had already caused her distress leading up to the wedding. Despite this, Jackie remained committed to her marriage and the life she had chosen to pursue with JFK.

Martha Bartlett fondly recalls the way Jackie and JFK looked at each other during the ceremony, a glimmer of excitement and love in their eyes. It was clear to those present that they were embarking on a great love story, a journey that would captivate the nation.

As the Kennedy presidency began, Jackie’s role as the first lady allowed her to showcase her natural elegance and grace. She brought a sense of style to the White House, effortlessly setting trends and captivating the public with her fashion choices.

But behind the scenes, Jackie faced challenges that tested her resilience and strength. From JFK’s well-documented infidelities to the immense pressure of being the face of a nation, Jackie dealt with it all with poise and dignity. She became a pillar of support for her husband, standing by his side during the most turbulent times.

Their love story, though often clouded by the tragedies that befell the Kennedy family, remained an enduring symbol of resilience and devotion. They navigated the treacherous waters of political life together, united in their commitment to each other and to the American people.

Looking back now, Martha Bartlett recalls those early days with Jackie and JFK as a time of hope and excitement. It was a time when anything seemed possible, and their love was in its purest form.

The story of Jackie and JFK’s romance is a reminder that even amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life, love can prevail. Their love story became larger than life, a timeless tale of passion and determination.

In the end, Martha Bartlett’s memories paint a portrait of a young couple who defied the odds and changed the course of history. Jackie’s ambition and JFK’s charisma created a powerful bond, one that continues to captivate generations to come.

So, let us romanticize the beginning of Jackie and JFK’s love story, a love story that would shape the destiny of a nation and leave an indelible mark on history.