Wedding Inspiration: 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Who here watched the 2013 Presidential Inauguration?  I did!  And, I might add, from the pleasure of my own home--best seats I could ask for!

To me, this inauguration was a lot more fun than the last one.  Don't get me wrong, President Obama's 2009 inauguration was a monumental and exciting event that I will never forget.  But I appreciated that this second time around for the Obamas had a faster, more celebratory feel to it.  It was less of what I would call a stuffy, political pomp and circumstance, and more of a hopeful celebration of the future.  In fact, it was so lighthearted and positive that I actually began to think of it as a wedding.  Call me crazy if you want, but I believe yesterday's inauguration could have easily have been a wedding!! Nuptials level: Presidential!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Becky J, President Obama's 2nd inauguration yesterday was definitely not a wedding!  It was an important, time-honored tradition of our country's prestigious history!"  And you are absolutely correct!  But let me re-show you the Inaugural Ceremony and Ball in Becky J Vision (with the help of The New York Times and Getty Images), and show you how it might inspire a wedding design.

The Happy Couple: POTUS & FLOTUS

Barack and Michelle.  You already know them.  Now look at them.  Just look at them!  Happy, proud and classier than a cat wearing a bow tie and monocle.

Alex Wong / Getty Images / January 21, 2013 / Link

THE CEREMONY (THE INAUGURATION)

The Venue

No glamourous wedding is complete without a stunning venue and backdrop.  The Capital building is a  perfect choice (historical, beautiful, dramatic, spacious, plus it can accomodate hundreds of thousands of guests on The Mall...) 

The Bridal Party

Imagine for a moment that Michelle is the bride and her gorgeous daughters are actually her gorgeous bridesmaids.  Fuchsia and violet are lovely bridesmaids colors!  And the "mother of the bride" looks lovely in peach, don't you agree?

Obligatory selfies of the bridesmaids for Facebook proof that you're officially Team Newlyweds.

The Processional

Enter the "grandparents of the groom" if you will.

The "best man"

The "groom"

And finally the beautiful "bride" in a stunning designer dress.  A little avante garde in a dark navy dress inspired by a men's tie, but a still a knockout with the right accessories!

The Special Guests

Among a high-profile guest list of important political figures were a few show-stoppers who took part in the ceremony--not unlike in a real wedding ceremony when close friends or family members give a reading or lead in the singing of the American National Anthem*... wait, what?

*So what if she lip-synced?  She still sang that recording didn't she?  And the impromptu version for the press a few days later.  I mean, even Whitney Houston's famous rendition was a recording.  At an event this highly televised and publicized every detail has to be perfection, so why risk it?  Let's cut Queen Bey a little slack.

The Vows

Swearing to do your duty as husband or commander in chief aren't really that different, are they?

The Presentation of the New Couple

Look at those smiles!

THE RECEPTION (THE BALL)

The Decor & Venue

You can't tell me that these tables setting could not easily be taken from an issue of The Knot.  Look at the spectacular tablescapes: the orange flower centerpieces, the velvety blue tablecloth, the elegant tableware and escort cards.  Not to mention the beautiful setting of the Statuary Hall in the Capital.  It's all so stunning to behold!  I would have loved to have been there.  I wonder what the food was like...

The Costume Changes

Ceremony dress? Check! Reception dress? Check! Out-do last time's dress (that really looked like a wedding dress)? Check!!!

The First Dance

Now that's what I call a custom floor monogram ;)  In all sincerity, whoever designed this room with the official seal bump-out on the floor/stage, the blue and purple lighting on white drapery and the US flags behind, and the three panels of screens--it's superb.  Dazzling and romantic, yet oh-so-presidential.

The Music

While I'm usually a fan of DJ's for weddings (listening to covers of songs is a pet peeve of mine), I would expect nothing less than the finest talent at an even this glamourous.  In the photo above, Jennifer Hudson is serenading the Obama's.  Alicia Keys also performed, as well as Country star Brad Paisley.  I'd happily take any or all of them at my wedding!

The Love

One of my top reasons I adore the Obamas, besides being intelligent, morally-sound, exemplary leaders, is that they visibly love each other.  This also happens to be my number one reason I love weddings.  To me, there is nothing more important in this world than love--except for maybe celebrating the love we have for others.

That's all, folks!

Well, what do you think?  Did I convince you?  Can you see the same invisible wedding I saw while watching the Presidential Inauguration yesterday?  Have you been inspired to take your wedding plans to a presidential level?  Tell me what you think in the comments!