Photo: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg/Getty

US First Lady Jill Biden, from right, US President Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, and wife Brigitte Macron at the Grand Staircase of the White House ahead of a state dinner in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Biden said he wouldn’t apologize for a new climate and tax law that European leaders say unfairly subsidize American companies, threatening to overshadow a visit by his French counterpart Macron. Photographer: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The first State dinner of the Biden administration took place on Thursday.

PresidentJoe Bidenand First Lady Dr.Jill Bidenwelcomed French PresidentEmmanuel Macronand his wife, Brigitte Macron, to the White House in the first state visit since 2021.

At the event, the first lady dazzled in acustom hand-beadednavy crepe floral gown that touched on the night’scolor themeof red, white and blue, representing both the United States and France’s flags. Brigette also honored the night’s theme of unity in a long-sleeved, ivory-colored dress with silver embellishments.

The presidents chose to wear similar black tuxedos to the event, where they spoke about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and ways to better an international partnership between France and the United States.

“I’m extremely happy and honored to be here for the first state visit of your administration. And this is, for me, the best evidence of this, indeed, very long-term friendship and partnership. And this is exactly the basis of — of our relation,” said President Macron during the presidents’joint remarks.

Drew Angerer/Getty

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 1: U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron make a toast after speaking at the state dinner on the South Lawn of the White House on December 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. President Biden is hosting Macron for the first official state visit of the Biden administration. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Special guests were treated to a prestige menu that included butter-poached Maine lobster, American Osetra caviar, and award-winning American cheeses, per the White House. The dessert menu featured French twists on American classics via orange chiffon cake, roasted pears with citrus sauce and crème Fraiche ice cream.

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In attendance were notable figures in media, politics and the entertainment industry.

Nathan Howard/Getty

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: Comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert arrive for the White House state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on December 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. The official state visit is the first for the Biden administration. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Late-night talk show hostStephen Colbertand hiswife Evelyn McGee-Colbertsmiled as they made their way into the temporary pavilion that the dinner was held in on the White House South Lawn.

Violet Affleck and Jennifer Garner.Nathan Howard/Getty

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: Actress Jennifer Garner and her daughter Violet arrive for the White House state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on December 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. The official state visit is the first for the Biden administration. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

The mother-daughter duo wore matching ensembles. Violet shined in a black v-neck dress as sherang in her birthdaynext to her mom in a black form-fitted dress.

Chrissy Teigen, whocelebrated her 37th birthdayon Wednesday, attended the event alongside her husbandJohn Legend.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: John Legend and Chrissy Teigen arrive for the White House state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on December 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. The official state visit is the first of the Biden administration. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

The expectant mother was pretty in pink in an off-the-shoulder dress that she accessorized with black gloves.

Sheshared an imagefrom the event on her Instagram Story. Red roses and white irises are seen next to a dinner plate setting with the presidential seal. While speaking about the dinner, the first lady said theflowers representthe interwoven history of France and the United States.

source: people.com