The president’s granddaughter wore a stunning Chantilly lace gown on the big day.
By Lilly Blomquist
Published on 11/21/22
HANDOUT / GETTY IMAGESOn November 19, 2022, Naomi Biden married Peter Neal on the South Lawn of the White House, making it the first wedding held at the presidential residence in almost a decade. Their wedding venue wasn’t the only show-stopping detail that gained media recognition: President Joe Biden’s granddaughter donned an outfit for her big day that made bridal fashion history, and everyone took note.
The blushing bride radiated timeless elegance in a custom long-sleeve Chantilly lace wedding dress with a mock neck and organza floral embroidery made by Ralph Lauren. Although her dress resembled the bridal silhouettes that Nicky Hilton, Pippa Middleton, and Grace Kelly wore, what really took her ensemble to the next level was a sweeping cathedral-length veil made of silk organza, featuring a custom Chantilly lace border and embroidery. The bride kept it simple with her accessories, which included Tiffany & Co. diamond and pearl drop earrings and a wedding band by the same jewelry designer. A bouquet of white blooms and greenery gave her outfit the perfect classic touch.
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Prior to the big day, there was a lot of speculation about which designer Biden would select for her wedding. The quintessential American fashion designer has been a staple for the bride, which made it a natural choice. According to Forbes, Biden wore the iconic designer to her grandfather’s inauguration in January of 2020. She also attended the designer’s Fall 2022 runway show during New York Fashion Week. Ralph Lauren has also been a favorite with countless celebrity brides, such as Lily Collins, Priyanka Chopra, and Jennifer Lopez, Forbes reports.
To celebrate their granddaughter and her new husband, the president and first lady shared a joint Instagram post, which showcased the bride’s stunning getup. “Congratulations Naomi and Peter!” they wrote. “We love you.” For his attire, the groom donned a dark blue three-piece suit with a Tiffany & Co. brooch.
For her rehearsal dinner at the Renwick Gallery, Biden wore an outfit by another bridal designer, tapping Danielle Frankel to create a custom look. "This is a White House wedding, so there’s regard for the White House and for our country but also for the sanctity of the wedding,” the designer says. “We wanted to pay tribute to all of those components while still showcasing who Naomi is: respectful but sophisticated with a tinge of femininity. She’s young and cool. Wearing the cape and the tulle is reminiscent of wearing a gown but has an ethereal quality that creates something grand and a sense of importance in that moment. For the rehearsal dinner, she’ll swap out the cape for the jacket, which is a more tailored, commanding, clean look. We wanted to create a different moment and shift into the evening."
On the big day, the bride's parents, Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle, escorted their daughter down the aisle while a band played “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve, according to Elle. Biden's sister Finnegan James Biden stood by her side as the maid of honor, and her other sister Roberta Mabel Biden and Katherine Elizabeth Neal served as her bridesmaids. During the ceremony, the duo traded personalized vows that they wrote themselves. To keep warm in the brisk weather, the 250 guests wrapped themselves in blankets, CNN reports. Once the ceremony ended at 11:50 a.m., the wedding party celebrated at a luncheon. The rest of the guests returned later in the evening for a reception, filled with dancing and dessert.
Esteemed event planner Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events helped orchestrate the couple’s dream day, which included a green and white color palette. One standout decoration was a cascade of white flowers and greenery that adorned the Truman balcony. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to bring Peter and Naomi’s vision for their wedding day to life and to work in this historic house once again,” Rafanelli wrote on Instagram. “As with every private celebration, we have worked closely with the couple and their families to create a beautiful and elegant celebration reflecting their story while highlighting the rich history of the White House.” The planner also organized Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and designed White House state dinners and holiday dinners during the Obama administration, Vogue reports.
Biden first met the Columbia Law School graduate in 2018 through a mutual friend. After three years of dating, she announced her engagement in September of 2021 with a selfie of the duo. “Forever 🤍,” she captioned the post. The shot captured her breathtaking diamond sparkler, which includes Neal’s grandmother’s engagement ring band, the White House told People in April of 2022.
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