Obama's Wedding Move: A Presidential Dance-Off

Former US President Barack Obama made a wedding move, but not in the way you might think. In December 2014, Obama's golf game in Hawaii forced a military couple, Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue Jr., to relocate their wedding a day before their planned nuptials. The couple, both US Army captains, were informed after their rehearsal that they would need to move their ceremony from the 16th hole of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course as the President would be playing through. Despite the last-minute change, Obama called the couple to apologise and congratulate them, making their big day even more memorable. Interestingly, Obama also officiated the wedding of Dana Remus and Brett Holmgren, both of whom worked with him at the White House.

Obama officiates a wedding for former staffers

Former US President Barack Obama officiated the wedding of two of his former staffers, Dana Remus and Brett Holmgren, in Washington, DC, on 21 January 2018. Remus, a general counsel for the Obama Foundation and Obama's personal office, married Holmgren, a former special assistant to the president and senior director for intelligence programs on the National Security Council. The couple decided to invite Obama because he was "such an important part of our lives". They also asked him if he could officiate the wedding, to which he was "intrigued" by the idea.

Obama reportedly obtained a temporary officiant's license through the District of Columbia and signed the couple's marriage certificate. The former president gave a speech after the bride's walk down the aisle and made a brief appearance at the reception, where he chatted with guests and took pictures with the wedding party. The wedding took place at the District Winery in Navy Yard with about 120 guests.

Holmgren's mother, Mary, told The Washingtonian that Obama gave "very sincere remarks" that "came from the heart". She added that he personally commended the kind of people they were and complimented their work.

A military couple moves their wedding for Obama's golf game

A military couple, US Army Captains Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue Jr., were forced to relocate their wedding ceremony at the last minute when President Barack Obama decided to play golf at the same venue. The couple, both stationed in Hawaii, had chosen the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, a military course with ocean views, as the setting for their big day. However, after their rehearsal, they were informed that they would need to move their ceremony away from the 16th hole, as the President and his friends planned to play through.

Heimel's sister, Christie McConnell, shared that the couple took the news in stride, despite the unexpected change of plans. She described them as "pretty even-tempered and planners", and although the alteration may have caused some stress, they adapted gracefully. Fortunately, the new location offered even better views than the original spot, and some guests were even treated to a glimpse of the President on the golf course.

The story took an even more memorable turn after the ceremony. The wedding planner asked the couple for permission to give the President their cellphone number, and soon enough, Obama called them. With the phone on speaker, he chatted with the newlyweds, asking how long they had been together, talking about golf, and apologising for the disruption. The bride, Natalie Heimel, later commented that they knew the President's presence could impact their wedding plans, and she was sure his staffers hadn't informed him about the event.

Although it may have been a stressful situation, the couple took it in their stride, and the personal call from President Obama undoubtedly added a unique and special touch to their wedding day.

The couple relocate to a nicer venue

Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue Jr.—both US army captains stationed in Hawaii—were set to tie the knot at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, a military course with ocean views near President Barack Obama's rented vacation home in Kailua. However, their plans were unexpectedly derailed when they were informed that they would need to relocate their wedding ceremony just one day before their planned nuptials. The reason? Obama and his friends intended to play golf at the same venue, specifically at the 16th hole where the couple had envisioned exchanging their vows.

Understandably, this last-minute change could have induced significant stress for the couple, especially with their wedding rehearsal already completed. Yet, they demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of this unexpected challenge. The wedding organizer, Naile Brennan, swiftly sprang into action, ensuring the ceremony was relocated to a "much prettier and much nicer venue."

The new venue was described as more secluded, offering an upgraded experience free from the potential distractions of enthusiastic golfers. This relocation not only provided a more aesthetically pleasing setting for the couple's special day but also ensured a more intimate and tranquil atmosphere. While it may have been a deviation from their original plan, the couple's willingness to embrace this unexpected twist of fate speaks to their flexibility and positive attitude.

The relocated ceremony took place without a hitch, and the couple exchanged their vows in a more secluded and serene setting. The change of venue not only offered better views but also ensured that the couple's wedding day was even more memorable. The bride, Natalie Heimel, had wisely acknowledged the possibility of presidential interference when planning her wedding near the President's vacation spot. This foresight, coupled with the couple's adaptability, contributed to the smooth handling of the situation.

Obama calls to apologise and congratulate the newlyweds

Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue Jr., both US Army captains, had to relocate their wedding ceremony at short notice. The couple, who were due to be married at the 16th hole of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course in Hawaii, were informed they would have to move because President Barack Obama would be playing golf there.

The couple had just finished their rehearsal and were shocked to learn of the last-minute change. They had invited the president to their wedding but had received a no-show letter in response. After the disruption, Obama found out what had happened and personally called the newlyweds to apologise and congratulate them.

Obama asked how long the couple had been "going out", chatted about golf, and apologised for disrupting their plans. The groom's sister, Jamie McCarthy, described the call as "wonderful", and the bride said there were no hard feelings about the move. She told NBC News:

> "We knew there were two things that could mess up the wedding. One was the weather and the other was the president. I'm sure that his staffers didn't let him know there was a wedding."

Obama's phone call made the wedding all the more memorable for the couple and their guests, some of whom even caught a glimpse of the president as he played golf.

In another instance, Obama officiated the wedding of Dana Remus and Brett Holmgren, who worked with him at the White House.

The couple hold no hard feelings and Obama's call makes their day

A military couple, Natalie Heimel and Edward Mallue Jr., were forced to relocate their wedding ceremony at the last minute to make way for a game of golf by none other than President Barack Obama. The couple, both US Army captains, had originally planned to tie the knot at the 16th hole of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, located on the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii, near Obama's vacation rental. However, after their rehearsal, they were informed that they would need to move their ceremony as the President's golf game would be taking priority. Understandably, this caused some stress for the couple, but they took it in stride and found an even better venue with gorgeous views.

Despite the initial inconvenience, Obama made sure to make it up to the happy couple. After the ceremony, Obama personally called Edward Mallue Jr. to apologise for the disruption and even chatted about golf and how long they had been together. The President's phone call added a unique and memorable touch to the couple's special day, and they held no hard feelings towards him. In fact, they were well aware of the possibility of last-minute changes due to the President's presence and knew it was a risk they were taking.

The bride, Natalie Heimel, told NBC News, "We knew there were two things that could mess up the wedding. One was the weather and the other was the president. I'm sure that his staffers didn't let him know there was a wedding." The White House also clarified that they were not aware the couple was being asked to relocate and had not authorised the request.

Obama's thoughtful gesture of calling the couple to apologise and congratulate them turned a potential disaster into a heartwarming story. The couple's understanding and good-natured response showed their resilience and appreciation for the President's efforts. This unexpected interaction between the leader of the free world and a military couple is a testament to the power of empathy and adaptability, ensuring that their wedding day was still a memorable and joyful occasion.

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