On Saturday, President Biden’s granddaughter Naomi Biden, 28, wed Peter Neal, 25 — the 19th White House wedding, and the first for a presidential family member held on the grounds since the Clinton era. The bride and groom shared their vows in front of approximately 250 guests outdoors (brr) with the South Portico as an impressive photo backdrop. The ceremony was followed by an intimate luncheon in the State Dining Room and, later that evening, a dessert and dancing reception for several hundred more friends. To answer the question immediately posed by critics — “Who paid for all of this?” — the answer is the Biden family, not taxpayers, according to the first lady’s spokeswoman.
The groom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner Friday evening at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Naomi wore a pleated tulle cape covered in lace flowers for the rehearsal and then changed into a tailored jacket, according to designer Danielle Frankel.
The next morning, through their telephoto lenses and binoculars, the media could see green-and-white floral garlands festooning the South Portico, and — hmm, let’s squint a little harder — is that two officiants? Three bridesmaids? The president making his entrance?
Yes, yes, and yes, according to an accounting of the weekend’s events by guests who spoke to The Washington Post, along with a glimpse at the printed program.
Security was tight, with a large police presence at both Lafayette Square and the Ellipse, which were cordoned off with yellow tape and metal barricades. Guests had to go through background checks and get a coronavirus test. It was clear but chilly — 39 degrees — and guests, who had to check their cellphones at the door, were given hand warmers and white scarves for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
First, President Biden escorted the groom’s two grandmothers, each using a cane, then turned around, jogged back up the aisle, and returned to the altar with first lady Jill Biden. Then came the bridal party: Naomi’s sister Finnegan, 22, was maid of honor, and the groom’s brother, Robert, was best man. The bridesmaids — who wore matching blazers to keep warm — included Naomi’s other sister, Maisy, 21, and her new sister-in-law, Katherine “Betsy” Neal.
Naomi made her entrance from the White House’s Diplomatic Room in a lace-sleeved ball gown with a notched high neckline that channeled actress Grace Kelly’s famous wedding dress. Her dramatic lace-edged veil trailed several meters behind. The groom, in a three-piece navy suit — also Ralph Lauren — wore a floral brooch as a boutonniere. The first lady wore a teal silk chiffon dress and matching belted wool crepe coat by designer Reem Acra, who also dressed her for the most recent Kennedy Center Honors and the 2009 presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.
The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, Hunter Biden, and mother, Kathleen Buhle, to the tune of “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by the Verve. Though the president did not speak at the ceremony, Ashley Blazer Biden — Naomi’s aunt and the president’s daughter — read “God is Love” from the New Testament. Another part of the ceremony included a reading of “I Carry…
Read More: More details from Naomi Biden’s White House wedding
