You probably saw the headline. Or maybe a grainy thumbnail on your feed. It’s early 2026, and the internet is still buzzing about the wedding of the youngest White House Press Secretary in history. Karoline Leavitt isn't exactly someone who does things by the book. Whether you're a fan of the current administration or you spend your evenings yelling at the news, you have to admit the girl knows how to make an entrance.
When those white house press secretary wedding photos finally hit Instagram in March 2025, people lost their minds. It wasn't just the dress, which, let’s be real, was a stunning beaded long-sleeved gown. It was the timing. And the groom. And the fact that she was back behind the podium basically three days later.
The Wedding at Wentworth by the Sea
The ceremony went down in January 2025, just days before the second inauguration of Donald Trump. Honestly, the logistics of planning a high-society wedding in New Hampshire while preparing to take over the most scrutinized communications job on the planet sounds like a literal nightmare. But they pulled it off.
Leavitt married Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer, at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. It’s a classic choice—very New England, very "old money" vibes even though the couple themselves are modern political firebrands.
- The Look: Karoline went with a classic updo. No messy buns here. The dress featured intricate beading and a long train that looked incredible against the winter backdrop.
- The Vibe: It was private but not secret. She waited a few months to share the personal shots, famously captioning them that she "finally found some time" to post.
- The Crowd: While the guest list was kept relatively tight, it was a who’s-who of the New Hampshire GOP and the inner Trump circle.
The Elephant in the Room: That 32-Year Age Gap
You can't talk about these wedding photos without talking about the comments section. It was a war zone. Nicholas Riccio is 60. Karoline is 28.
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People have a lot of opinions about a 32-year age gap. Leavitt has been pretty blunt about it, though. In her interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, she called their love story "atypical." Kinda an understatement, right? But she credits Riccio as her "rock" and her "biggest supporter."
There’s a practical side to it that most people overlook. Riccio has already built his real estate empire (Riccio Enterprises). He’s not climbing a corporate ladder anymore. That means he’s the one at home with their son, Niko, while Karoline is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue dealing with a room full of reporters. In a weird way, the age gap is what makes her high-octane career possible.
Why the Timing Sparked a Firestorm
The reason the white house press secretary wedding photos went viral wasn't just because they were pretty. It was because she posted them during a massive week for the administration's immigration policy.
Critics called it a "distraction tactic." Supporters called it "humanizing."
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Either way, it worked. The photos shifted the conversation from policy memos to lace sleeves for a solid 48 hours. This is the new era of the Press Secretary—part government official, part political influencer.
A Quick Timeline of the Romance:
- 2022: They met during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire. He owned a restaurant where she was holding an event.
- December 2023: Engagement. He popped the question on Christmas Day.
- July 2024: Their son, Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio, is born.
- January 2025: The wedding.
- December 2025: Leavitt announces she’s pregnant again—the first sitting Press Secretary to be pregnant.
Looking Back at Karine Jean-Pierre and Jen Psaki
It’s wild to see how much the "Press Secretary" brand has changed. Remember when Karine Jean-Pierre shared her split from longtime partner Suzanne Malveaux in Vogue? That was a massive moment for representation, but it was handled with a very different kind of polish.
Then there’s Jen Psaki. Her wedding to Gregory Mecher back in 2010 was a much quieter affair. Back then, the Press Secretary was a person who spoke for the President and then went home. Now, thanks to social media, we’re looking at their floral arrangements and wedding registries.
What This Means for 2026
As we move through 2026, the fascination with these photos hasn't dipped. Why? Because Leavitt is currently pregnant with a baby girl due in May. The "wedding photos" are now the "origin story" for what she calls a "pro-family" White House.
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If you're looking for the photos yourself, you won't find them in a formal government archive. You have to head to her personal Instagram. That’s where the real "press briefing" happens these days—between the policy updates and the family portraits.
Actionable Insights for Following Political Figures:
- Verify the Source: When "leaked" wedding photos pop up, they are usually just recycled posts from the official’s own social media. Check the timestamps.
- Separate Policy from Personal: It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of a White House wedding, but remember that these are public servants. The aesthetic shouldn't distract from the actual work being done at the podium.
- Watch the Narrative: Notice how wedding and family imagery is used to soften a political image. It’s a classic PR move that’s been used for decades, just updated for the TikTok era.
The White House has always been a stage. Karoline Leavitt just happened to bring a photographer and a very expensive dress to the party. Whether you think it’s "atypical" or just the new normal, it’s clear the line between "Press Secretary" and "Public Figure" has officially vanished.