March 23, 1985
Christie Brinkley & Billy Joel

It was on this day in 1985 that famous supermodel Christie Brinkley and musician Billy Joel walked down the aisle in possibly one of the more romantic places one ever could get married – on a yacht. Specifically, one sailing down the Hudson River.

The upper-class girl and the working-class boy first met in 1983 on the Island of St. Barts in the Caribbean. Brinkley’s long-term boyfriend, racer Olivier Chandon de Brailles, had recently died in a race car crash and, though they had not dated for a few months, she was still heartbroken over it. Joel provided comfort and solace in her time of need.

Now Brinkley’s dad, Don, was walking his daughter down the aisle, right before Joel and Brinkley would share a passionate pre-I do kiss. She wore a Norma Kamali high-necked white satin gown overlaid with ivory lace and gold tulle, accessorized with the 50 long-stemmed white roses she carried in her hands. The wedding itself included 175 guests, including Paul Simon, Brian Setzer, and Isabella Rossellini, and lasted only seven minutes.

Not only was the boat a romantic place to get married–it was a great way to exchange vows without the paparazzi invading. However, it didn’t stop them when the newlyweds finally reached the New York Harbor to head for their reception!

Christie & Billy