Vice President Kamala Harris is known for her political acumen and dedication to public service, but on October 14, 2023, she embraced a deeply personal role as the officiant at her stepson Cole Emhoff’s wedding. This event, held at the Catholic Cathedral of St. Vibiana in Los Angeles, was more than just a union between two people; it was a celebration of the coming together of families, underscored by Harris’s heartfelt involvement.
A Momentous Occasion: Kamala Harris Officiates the Wedding
For Vice President Kamala Harris, being asked to officiate Cole Emhoff’s wedding was a profound honor. At 59, Harris has spent her life in the public eye, yet this occasion allowed her to step into a role that was both intimate and deeply meaningful.
As she stood before Cole and his bride, Greenley Littlejohn, both 28, she wore a Dior dress, symbolizing not just her style, but the significance of the moment. “It meant so much for so many reasons,” Harris shared with PEOPLE, reflecting on the day. “It was so wonderful that the kids asked me to do it.”
Harris, affectionately known as “Momala” to Cole and his sister Ella, emphasized that the wedding was not just about the couple but about the merging of two families. “For us, we think of marriage as being not just between these two people, but the coming together of families,” she said. This sentiment resonated throughout the ceremony, making it a true celebration of love, unity, and family.
The Advice of a Vice President and Stepmother
In addition to officiating the wedding, Kamala Harris also imparted valuable advice to the newlyweds. Her words were not just those of a political leader but of a loving stepmother who genuinely cares for the happiness of her family. “Pay attention to your marriage. Pay attention to it and be purposeful and intentional about nurturing it,” Harris advised. This counsel reflects her own commitment to her marriage with Doug Emhoff, whom she has been married to for nine years.
Harris also emphasized the importance of daily connection, regardless of the challenges life may present. “I gave them a piece of advice, which is that at the end of every day, find some way to check in, no matter how tired you are or how many miles apart you may be, even if it’s just at the end of the day, and say ‘I love you.’” This practice of regular “check-ins” is something she and Doug Emhoff have made a priority in their own relationship, a small but significant act that strengthens their bond.
Cole Emhoff: A Glimpse Into His Life
Cole Emhoff, the groom, has lived much of his life away from the political spotlight, but he has gradually become a familiar figure due to his stepmother’s prominence. Born on September 15, 1994, in New York, Cole has pursued a career in the entertainment industry. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado College in 2017, he shifted his focus to the world of entertainment, where he has since thrived.
Cole’s professional journey began as an assistant at WME, a major talent agency, where he worked for nearly two years. In November 2019, he joined Plan B Entertainment, a production company co-founded by Brad Pitt. His work in the entertainment industry reflects his passion for creativity and storytelling, a path that diverges from the political careers of his parents but one that he has embraced fully.
The Wedding Day: A Union of Love and Tradition
The wedding of Cole Emhoff and Greenley Littlejohn was a joyous occasion, filled with love, tradition, and the warmth of family. Held at the historic Catholic Cathedral of St. Vibiana, the ceremony was steeped in tradition yet infused with the modern spirit of the couple.
Greenley, a University of Texas graduate and global product development manager for Brand I.D., has been a beloved addition to the Emhoff-Harris family. Her relationship with Cole has been marked by a deep connection and mutual respect, qualities that were evident on their wedding day.
Cole and Greenley had been together for several years before they decided to tie the knot, having gotten engaged in May 2022. Their wedding was a culmination of their shared journey, celebrated by family and friends who had supported them along the way. Greenley’s father-in-law, Doug Emhoff, expressed his pride and joy for the couple, saying, “Greenley’s going to be a great part of our family, we love her, we love him. And we couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Kamala Harris’s Reflections on Family and Marriage
In the days following the wedding, Kamala Harris shared her reflections on the event and the importance of family. For Harris, the wedding was a reminder of the value of love, support, and the bonds that tie families together. “I love my husband. I love our marriage,”
she said, expressing her deep affection for Doug Emhoff and the life they have built together. “I want for those two [Cole and Greenley] to have a loving marriage where they are best friends and they know that it’s not just them against the world, that our family supports them.”
Harris’s words underscore her belief in the power of family as a source of strength and support. Her role as “Momala” is one she cherishes, and she takes great pride in the relationships she has built with her stepchildren. These bonds have only grown stronger over the years, and the wedding of Cole and Greenley was a testament to the love and unity that define their family.
The Blended Family: A Story of Love and Acceptance
The Emhoff-Harris family is a shining example of the beauty of blended families. When Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff on August 22, 2014, she became a stepmother to Cole and Ella, a role she has embraced with open arms. Their family story is one of love, acceptance, and the blending of different backgrounds and experiences.
Cole and Ella were both teenagers when their father met Kamala Harris, and the transition to a new family dynamic was not without its challenges. However, Harris’s genuine care and effort to connect with her stepchildren helped build a strong foundation of trust and love.
Cole has spoken fondly of the impact Harris has had on his family, particularly noting how she brought them closer together. “In 2014, Kamala became Momala. She took over Sunday night dinners and taught Doug how to actually cook,” Cole recalled in a video shared during the Democratic National Convention.
Conclusion: A Wedding That Celebrates Love and Unity
The wedding of Cole Emhoff and Greenley Littlejohn was more than just a beautiful ceremony; it was a testament to the power of love, family, and unity. With Vice President Kamala Harris officiating, the event was imbued with a sense of purpose and meaning that resonated deeply with all who attended. As Harris reflected on the day and the advice she gave the newlyweds, it was clear that this was a momentous occasion for her and her family.
In a world often divided by differences, the Emhoff-Harris family’s story is a reminder of the strength that comes from embracing love, acceptance, and unity. As Cole and Greenley embark on their journey together, they do so with the full support of their families, guided by the wisdom and love that Kamala Harris has shared with them. Their wedding day will be remembered not just for its beauty, but for the deep bonds it celebrated and the new chapter it marked in the life of a remarkable family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cole Emhoff’s Wedding
1. Who officiated Cole Emhoff’s wedding?
Vice President Kamala Harris, Cole Emhoff’s stepmother, officiated his wedding to Greenley Littlejohn on October 14, 2023. The ceremony took place at the Catholic Cathedral of St. Vibiana in Los Angeles.
2. What advice did Kamala Harris give to the newlyweds?
Kamala Harris advised Cole and Greenley to “pay attention to your marriage” and to be “purposeful and intentional about nurturing it.” She also encouraged them to check in with each other daily, no matter the circumstances, to express their love.
3. What is Cole Emhoff’s professional background?
Cole Emhoff works in the entertainment industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado College and has since worked for companies like WME and Plan B Entertainment, a production company co-founded by Brad Pitt.
4. How did Kamala Harris become close to her stepchildren, Cole and Ella?
Kamala Harris became close to her stepchildren, Cole and Ella, by actively participating in their lives and building a strong, loving relationship with them. She embraced her role as “Momala” and made efforts to connect with them through family traditions and shared experiences.
5. What significance does Kamala Harris place on family in relation to marriage?
Kamala Harris believes that marriage is not just a union between two people but also the coming together of families. She emphasizes the importance of family support and unity in building a strong and loving marriage, a value she holds dear in her own life.