Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Traditions & Rituals F. Scott Fitzgerald Marries "The First American Flapper" 95 Years Ago Today On April 3, 1920, the writer and Zelda Sayre exchanged vows at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City in what would become one of the most iconic weddings of all time. Here, the story behind their love story. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Their marriage started with a novel. When First Lieutenant F. Scott Fitzgerald met Southern socialite Zelda Sayre while stationed in her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, he was instantly smitten with the Charleston-dancing beauty (whom he would later dub "the first American flapper"). He dedicated the next few years to writing his first novel, This Side of Paradise, in hopes of making enough money to marry her. To prove his love, he rewrote the lead character of the novel, Rosalind Connage, to be more like Zelda herself. In order to marry her sooner, he even convinced his publishers to push up the release date of the book, which became an instant best seller. With the novel a success, F. Scott and Zelda became husband and wife on April 3, 1920, inviting eight attendees to join them for an intimate ceremony at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Everett Collection/REX USA Read a Love Letter From Zelda to F. Scott Fitzgerald Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit