maureen_umeh's Blog

Oh what a day! My first ever State Dinner at the White house. The excitement. The anticipation. The sheer joy. I started the day by getting my dress for the event altered. It's a beautiful black brochade gown with a satin bottom. I had it shortened to cocktail lenght, because I thought it would be a more approriate lenght for a working journalist to wear.

Anyway, I covered the gown in a plastic garment bag and brought it to work. I had my shoes, make-up, and hair accessories too. The plan was to change when I got to the White House. I was gonna look great. I was convinced that I would get to go to the dinner and see, if not mingle with some of the invited guests. I know. I know. Silly me.

So, I get there, and right away, it's clear my plan is shot. There really won't be any chance to change given our time constraints. Not only that, but we are stationed on a bleecher in front of the White House north portico with a throng of other reporters and photographers. As if that wasn't bad enough, I'm stuck behind one of the huge pillars. The only way to see anything is to crane my neck and basically block people's shot with my head.

Well, that's exactly what I did. From my perch, I was able to see the first couple when they came out to wait for the Queen. President Bush was all smiles. Mrs Bush looked great in her aqua gown.

Then the Queen and Prince Phillip arrived. I couldn't see much, until the President and First Lady escorted them back up the stairs. The Queen had on a cream colored gown and a blue sash with what looked like some metals attached to them. She also wore a beautiful diamond tiara I understand was given to her on her wedding day by her grandmother. The Queen was carrying an oddly shaped silver purse. I thought it was pretty ugly.

Anyway, I was able to snap off a few pictures with my digital camera. The Queen, Prince Phillip, and the Bushes seemed to really enjoy what was going on. I did too, even though I never made it inside. I joked about it with Brian during my 10 and 11pm live shots Monday night. I even held up my dress. All in all, it wasn't the day I imagined, but it was still pretty special. My brush with royalty at the White House.