But Reception Tent Is Large Enough for Small Circus : Caroline Kennedy Weds in Tiny Church

Caroline Kennedy, who captured America’s heart as a little girl romping through the White House, on Saturday married Edwin A. Schlossberg, a New York businessman and artist.

Kennedy, wearing a tulle veil and carrying a small bouquet of white orchids, waved shyly as she emerged with her husband from the tiny country Church of Our Lady of Victory in Centerville, five miles from the Kennedy family compound.

A crowd that started appearing at dawn lined the long church driveway and was estimated by police at more than 1,000 when the ceremony ended.

Gray Skies Greet Couple

Gray skies greeted Schlossberg, 41, and Kennedy, 28, the only daughter of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the late President John F. Kennedy.

The bride, guests and wedding party arrived in a stream of black, blue and silver limousines and a fleet of minibuses. They had no words entering or leaving the church for the spectators, but the crowd had plenty of enthusiasm for their favorites.

Best man John Kennedy Jr. drew squeals of delight from women. When Onassis appeared, spectators cried, “Jackie, Jackie.”

Onassis, who appeared to be biting her lower lip to hold back tears, left the church hugging the arm of her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who had given the bride away.

Brother Blows a Kiss

John Kennedy blew a kiss to his sister as she and her husband entered their silver limousine.

Among the guests in the church were columnist Art Buchwald, Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith, historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr., former Sens. Abraham A. Ribicoff (D-Conn.) and John C. Culver (D-Iowa) and singer Carly Simon.

Caroline Kennedy’s grandmother and Kennedy family matriarch Rose Kennedy, who turns 96 on Tuesday, was too ill to attend the wedding.

Father Donald MacMillan, who officiated at the wedding, said that the bride was calm during the hourlong rehearsal for the Roman Catholic ceremony Friday and that Schlossberg “was probably the most excited.”

Runs Design Firm

Schlossberg is president of Edwin Schlossberg Inc., a New York City company specializing in the design of museum interiors and exhibitions.

About two hours before the wedding, family spokesman Brian Delaney announced that Caroline Kennedy planned to retain her current name after marriage. But, after checking with her, he said: “She doesn’t want to go into that.”

At the Kennedy compound, a white tent big enough to accommodate a small circus covered a reception area for 400 guests.

The tent was decorated by New York florist Robert Isabell with the help of Rachel Lambert Mellon, who designed the White House Rose Garden and is a friend of Onassis.

Old Friends Show Up

The guest list included Kennedys and old family friends, including Theodore Sorensen, a speech writer for John F. Kennedy, and McGeorge Bundy, the late President’s national security adviser.

President and Mrs. Reagan sent a congratulatory telegram to the couple, the White House announced.

The bride’s gown of white silk organza, with a long waist, short sleeves and plain organza skirt gathered into a long train, was designed by Carolina Herrera.

Schlossberg’s blue linen suit, worn with a silver linen tie and stephanotis boutonniere, was designed by Willi Smith.

Cornflowers in Hair

Two flower girls had white organdy pinafore dresses with pale blue sashes. Seven bridesmaids, including cousins Sydney Lawford McKelvy and Courtney Kennedy Ruhe, wore two-piece ankle-length dresses of lavender and white silk, sashed at the hip. Cornflowers were in their hair and hands, Delaney said. Kennedy’s cousin, Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger, was matron of honor.

The 10 ushers wore blue linen blazers, white linen trousers, gray linen ties and cornflower boutonnieres.

Waiting outside the church Saturday, Maureen Montee, 36, said she had arrived the night before from New York City. She said her family understands why she wanted to catch a glimpse of the wedding of the daughter of the nation’s only Catholic President.

“They live in a house with 100 Kennedy books and Kennedy plates on the wall. So, they understand this quest,” she said.

“They know this is like going to Our Lady of Fatima,” she added, referring to the Portuguese shrine to the Virgin Mary.