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Wedding bells were ringing over the weekend for Naomi Biden, the eldest granddaughter of President Biden, who married Peter Neal at the White House on Saturday, Nov. 19. For her nuptials, Biden wore an elegant and sophisticated Ralph Lauren gown inspired by Grace Kelly’s classic bridal look. “Like every little girl, I had a vision in my head — it was Grace Kelly’s dress I loved,” she told Vogue in an exclusive bridal feature that covers the January/February 2023 digital issue. Crafted from Chantilly lace and embroidered with hand-placed organza petals that shimmered across the bodice, sleeves, and skirt, the custom design also featured a high neckline and delicate, wavy trim. The dress is certainly reminiscent of the one Kelly chose for her 1956 wedding, although Biden’s look did not feature buttons down the chest.
It’s no surprise Biden selected Ralph Lauren for this special moment, as she also wore the iconic American brand on Inauguration Day, and attended the label’s fall/winter 2022 runway show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City this past March.
The 28-year-old law associate complemented her wedding dress with a silk organza cathedral-length veil, replete with similar lace detailing that trailed far behind her as she made her way down the aisle on the South Lawn; Tiffany & Co. pearl drop earrings; and a new diamond wedding band beneath her emerald cut engagement ring from Shah & Shah Distinctive Jewelers. Her makeup was relatively understated, with a glossy, pink-toned lip and peachy glow. She wore her hair in a timeless low bun with a middle part. As for her new husband, 25-year-old Neal opted for a three-piece navy blue suit with a double-breasted vest and matching tie, and he pinned a floral brooch to his lapel.
The couple’s 250-person wedding, which is the 19th to ever take place at the White House, was orchestrated by Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events, and culminated in a black-tie reception, for which Biden first changed into a strapless ivory silk Mikado Reem Acra dress, with her grandmother Roberta Buhle’s pearls sewn into the train; followed by a beaded fringed Markarian minidress for dancing. She accessorized with a Tyler Ellis Eloise clutch in Pegasus white satin.
Prior to their wedding day, there was a rehearsal dinner on Friday night, for which Biden wore a custom Danielle Frankel four-piece set, consisting of a bustier, tailored jacket, and trouser in satin, and pleated tulle cape appliquéd in flowers that she eventually swapped out for the more polished jacket as the evening progressed. She finished this ensemble with a custom Mark Cross Grace box clutch embossed with the couple’s initials, “NP.”
“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,” Frankel told The New York Times of her approach in constructing the transitional outfit. “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.”
Ahead, see photos taken by photographer John Dolan of the bride and groom, along with images from Biden’s Vogue cover, lensed by Norman Jean Roy. Then, see Neal’s Instagram documentation of the duo securing their marriage license prior to the ceremony, plus an outfit selfie Biden shot of herself in an ivory, ostrich-adorned Lapointe dress, as she kicked things into bridal gear one month before tying the knot.
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