Happy Birthday, Mr. President! Looking Back at Barack and Michelle Obama's Wedding Photos

barack obama wedding photos

Photo: Getty Images

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! As President Barack Obama celebrates his 55th birthday, we’re of course taking the opportunity to reminisce about the Obama’s endearing love story. These two are always giving us #MarriageGoals — whether it be gushing each other on Twitter, or sharing sweet romantic moments in the White House (fist bumps, flirting, and dancing galore!). And while we love ogling the First Lady’s every fashion choice, now it’s time to look back on Barack and Michelle Obama’s gorgeous October 3, 1992 Chicago wedding day.

How They Met:
Barack and Michelle met in 1989, while the future President was a summer associate at a Chicago law firm. Michelle, then Michelle Robinson, was his advisor. At first Michelle refused to accept a date from Barack, but fate took over. Their first date itinerary? A picnic, long walk, tour of the Art Institue, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, and a movie — Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.

“We clicked right away…by the end of the date it was over…I was sold,” Michelle has said about their first date.

The Proposal:
The couple dated for two years before Barack proposed at Gordon’s restaurant in Chicago — where they were celebrating finishing the bar exam. “And he got me into one of these discussions again, where, you know, he sort of just led me down there and got fired up and it’s like you’ve got blah blah blah blah, and then dessert comes out, the tray comes out, and there’s a ring!” Michelle told the New Yorker.

obama wedding photos

Photo: Polaris

The Wedding:
On October 3, 1992, Michelle and Barack said “I do” at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The bride’s brother walked her down the aisle, while the groom’s brother served as best man. After the vows, a reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center. Of course, self professed Stevie Wonder super fan Michelle chose the singer’s “You and I” for their first dance as husband and wife. After the wedding the couple took off for a California coast honeymoon.

obama wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Obama via Instagram

The Dress:
Way before she wowed us with her spot on fashion sense (Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez, Christian Siriano!), First Lady Michelle Obama was a picture perfect 90s bride. Wearing one of our favorite resurrected 90s trends, the future First Lady was lovely in an off-the-shoulder long sleeved gown, pouffy veil, and statement drop pearl earrings. One a fashion maven, always a fashion maven.