Obama Declines Newlyweds’ Invitation to Open Bar Wedding Reception
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Pete Souza / The White House(HONOLULU) — Newlywed Army Capts. Natalie and Edward Mallue took an apologetic call from President Obama on their wedding day after the couple had to relocate their ceremony on short notice because the president was playing on the golf course where they were getting married.
The Mallues planned their wedding Sunday on the 16th tee box at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. Hawaiian wedding blogs portray the 16th tee box as a popular venue for wedding ceremonies, but guests are told that all plans are subject to change when the president is in town, sources said.
“Listen, congratulations on your wedding. I feel terrible,” the president told the couple. “Nobody told us and that had they mentioned they were going to have a wedding on the 16th hole we would have skipped the 16th hole. But I hope the wedding went OK anyway.”
Natalie said, “It was just above the 16th hole. So we were watching you golf.”
“Well, that must have been kind of painful,” Obama joked, telling the newlyweds he shot an 84. “But if I had skipped the 16th hole I would have shot a 79.”
A video of the phone call was shot on cellphone by Natalie’s sister, Christie McConnell.
After asking the couple how long they have known each other (since 2011) and where they plan to honeymoon (“We haven’t figured that out yet”), the president politely passed on their invitation to the reception.
“You’re more than welcome to come to our reception at the officer’s club,” Edward said, as Natalie added, “There’s an open bar.”
“You know what,” the president responded, “you don’t want me at the reception. Everybody would have to be magged. Congratulations and thanks for your service.”
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