Sen. Tim Scott Swaps Political Deals for Wedding Bells
Sen. Tim Scott, 58, and interior designer Mindy Noce, 47, tied the knot at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on Saturday, with political VIPs and former President Trump sending virtual high-fives.
Marking a historic moment in both love and politics, Sen. Tim Scott and Mindy Noce exchanged vows in a ceremony brimming with political heavyweights. The guest list read like a who's who of American politics, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Sen. Lindsey Graham. Officiated by Pastor Greg Surratt, the event received a digital thumbs-up from former President Trump, adding a layer of bipartisan blessing to the union. First meeting through mutual friends at the same church in 2022, the newlyweds declared their commitment on social media, promising to 'cherish and nourish' their marriage for a lifetime—words that may not pass Congressional review but certainly won over the wedding guests.
The couple's journey to the altar began in 2022, when they met through mutual friends at Seacoast Church, an institution well known for matchmaking and modern spiritual guidance. It was a whirlwind romance that defied the pace of filibustering, culminating in a beachside proposal at Kiawah Island in January. Perhaps this is where Scott's filibustering techniques came in handy, managing to keep the proposal a secret until the last, dramatic moment.
Sen. Scott revealed the joyous news to an eager public via his personal X account, ensuring his followers were among the first to know. 'We promised to cherish and nourish our marriage for the rest of our lives,' he announced, a vow that drew cheers online and, presumably, a tear or two in Washington. Some speculated on whether the terms 'cherish' and 'nourish' might soon find their way into legislative jargon, but for now, they remain endearingly personal.
Adding to the day's significance, former President Trump extended his congratulations to the happy couple on his social media platform, Truth Social. Known for his pithy and, at times, controversial commentary, Trump's simple well-wishes seemed almost quaint. It was a rare bipartisan alignment, if only in spirit, as attendees from both sides of the aisle gathered to celebrate the nuptials.
The ceremony itself was held at Seacoast Church, a venue that provided a meaningful backdrop given its role in the couple's introduction. Pastor Greg Surratt, the founder of the church, officiated the wedding, bringing things full circle for the lovebirds. The decor, likely influenced by Mindy Noce's professional eye for design, struck a balance of elegance and charm befitting a Southern wedding. It was a beautiful event that lingered in Southern charm—bless their sweet tea hearts.
The guest list was a veritable catalog of political power brokers and influencers. Alongside former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Sen. Lindsey Graham, the wedding was graced by Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Sen. John Barrasso of Pennsylvania, former US Rep. Mark Walker, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, and former South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy. It's safe to say that Charleston hasn't seen such a bipartisan gathering since possibly never.
Standing by Sen. Scott’s side was his brother Ben, who served as best man—a familial touch in a ceremony filled with political gravitas. Likewise, Noce's best friend, Joni Blair, took on the role of maid of honor, balancing the scales with some much-needed personal support. The couple's first public outing had been at the third GOP Presidential Primary debate in November, though their relationship at the time was only speculative fodder for pundits.
While the ceremony was a private affair, the digital world was abuzz with snippets and congratulatory messages. In contrast to his usual policy-heavy posts, Scott's announcement message was notably devoid of any mention of fiscal budgets or Senate bills, proving that even U.S. Senators can prioritize love over legislation on special occasions.
Residents of Charleston, along with attendees, reported that the wedding's ambiance was as warm as a South Carolina summer. There's nothing quite like the scent of political alliances mingling with magnolia blossoms. Mindy Noce's background as an interior designer no doubt played a significant role in ensuring the decor of the day had guests feeling both inspired and a bit envious of her talent.
After the vows were exchanged, guests indulged in a reception that boasted fine Southern cuisine, a staple in Charleston culture. If political negotiations were happening at the dinner tables, they were disguised well among the plates of shrimp and grits and sweet tea. It was a rare respite from the usual battlegrounds of Washington, D.C.
Sen. Scott’s entrance into marital life may very well complement his political career. Only time will tell if managing a household has any similarities to orchestrating a Senate debate.
In the meantime, we extend our congratulations to Sen. Scott and Mindy Noce. May their marriage be as fulfilling as a well-debated bill and as enduring as their shared faith. Stay tuned for potential interior design tips from Noce, or perhaps a new bipartisan initiative inspired by love and compromise — because in politics, as in marriage, it's all about finding common ground.