Stephen Colbert Marries Off Couple Whose Wedding Was Scratched by Government Shutdown—Watch!

Faux pundit saves the day for young couple by officiating their nuptials

By Josh Grossberg Oct 04, 2013 8:06 PMTags
Stephen Colbert, WeddingFacebook

For Stephen Colbert, the word of the day was…wedding!

After Mike Cassesso and Mailien Le had their nuptial plans at the Jefferson Memorial dashed by the government shutdown, on Thursday night's The Colbert Report, the funnyman helped make up for it by—that's right—marrying them off on national TV!

For the uninitiated, Colbert isn't just everyone's favorite fake newsman—he's also a real-life ordained minister since 2011. So it was with great joy and fanfare that he announced "The 2013 Government Shutdown Wedding of the Century," and brought the groom and his groomsmen out on stage.

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"First things first, guys. Bachelor party!" said Stephen, at which point a stripper dressed like a cop delivered the group shots.

As Mike's Best Man couldn't be there, Colbert called on old pal Smokey Bear to stand in since he was available after Tea Partiers in Congress put him temporarily out of work.

The bridesmaids each got a shot as well, after which Colbert gave the bride a good pep talk (along with her own shot) and the ceremony got underway with a little assist from Mandy Patinkin, star of Showtime's Homeland (and less we forget Yentl), who was on hand to offer a "nondenominational Jewish blessing" and a plug for his hit cable series.

After Cassesso and Le sealed the deal with a kiss, the twosome enjoyed their first dance to the tune of Billy Idol's "White Wedding," sung by Tony winner Audra McDonald.

A big tip of the hat to you, Mr. Colbert. Next time, perhaps he'll get Daft Punk to DJ.