Love Story Captures JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's Bittersweet Wedding

Director Gillian Robespierre breaks down the haunting Atlantic moment and why it had to feel 'bittersweet' in the FX series.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In an exclusive interview with Collider, Love Story Episode 6 director Gillian Robespierre reveals how she approached capturing the wedding of JFK Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon). Robespierre explains how she wanted to balance the romance and intimacy of the ceremony with the looming tragedy that surrounded the couple, including the haunting aerial shot of them floating in the Atlantic Ocean. The director also discusses the subtle visual cues, like having the newlyweds 'levitate' during their first dance, that convey the sense of the couple being on a 'different planet' from everyone else.

Why it matters

Love Story's wedding episode lives inside one of the most photographed and romanticized events of the 20th century. Robespierre had to find a way to capture the essence of the private ceremony while acknowledging the public scrutiny and image management that was a constant presence in the couple's relationship.

The details

Robespierre says she approached the wedding episode with 'trepidation and fear' but ultimately leaned into what she loves most - 'love, romance and trying to capture it with the camera.' She worked to create 'visual poetry' rather than a literal reenactment, using tight close-ups, a wider lens, and subtle visual cues like the couple 'levitating' during their first dance. The most striking moment is an aerial shot of JFK Jr. and Carolyn floating in the Atlantic Ocean, which Robespierre describes as 'bittersweet' and 'haunting' - a parallel to their later tragic fate.

  • The episode opens with the Battery Park incident sparking news and tabloid headlines.
  • JFK Jr. and Carolyn decide to move forward with their wedding despite the public pressure.
  • The wedding takes place on Cumberland Island.
  • The couple wakes up on the beach and goes skinny-dipping before the ceremony.
  • The episode ends with JFK Jr. and Carolyn boarding a small plane after their wedding celebration.

The players

Gillian Robespierre

The director of Love Story Episode 6, who was tasked with capturing the essence of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's private wedding ceremony.

Paul Anthony Kelly

The actor who portrays JFK Jr. in the FX series Love Story.

Sarah Pidgeon

The actress who portrays Carolyn Bessette in the FX series Love Story.

Donal Logue

The actor who plays Uncle Teddy in the FX series Love Story.

Grace Gummer

The actress who plays Caroline in the FX series Love Story.

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What they’re saying

“I love love, [and] romance and trying to capture it with the camera, trying to capture it with as little dialogue as possible.”

— Gillian Robespierre, Director, Love Story Episode 6 (Collider)

“It's really sad. It's bittersweet. I think ultimately we wanted to show their closeness and how they'll, it's sort of how they'll eternally live in that moment as an image, as a haunting image.”

— Gillian Robespierre, Director, Love Story Episode 6 (Collider)

What’s next

The series Love Story continues to air Thursday nights on FX, chronicling the relationship and tragic fate of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

The takeaway

Love Story's wedding episode captures the romance and intimacy of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's private ceremony, while also acknowledging the public scrutiny and looming tragedy that surrounded the couple. Director Gillian Robespierre's use of visual poetry, including a haunting aerial shot and subtle visual cues, conveys the bittersweet nature of their happiest chapter.