Washington Post: Adieu, Ambassador Delattre

Last week I photographed the goodbye party for Ambassador François Delattre for The Washington Post. Three hundred politicians, lobbyists and diplomats gathered at The Society of the Cincinnati at Anderson House in Dupont to celebrate the French National Day and bid adieu to Ambassador of France François Delattre and his wife Sophie L'Helias-Delattre as they prepare to move to New York City to begin work with the United Nations. Their warm and welcoming personalities gave the party a light-hearted vibe, and old guard Washington mixed with the new to wish them farewell. 

You can check out the feature in yesterday's Washington Post, and the online feature HERE. 

With the French ambassador's residence closed for a three year renovation, guests flooded into Dupont's historic Anderson House ballroom for the French Ambassador's send off party, co-hosted by The Society of Cincinnati.

Ambassador Delattre's wife Sophie L'Helias-Delattre (left) received guests that included Mooring Financial CEO John Jacquemin (center) and Dr. Susan Bloomenthal, a leading health policy expert and wife of Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts.

Top military brass from the international community were in attendance, including Spanish Air Force Bregadier General Angel Valcarcel, Netherlands Defense Attache Commodore Ralph W. Reefman, and German Brigadier General Bird Backen to wish the Ambassador adieu.

Ambassador of Gabon Michael Moussa-Adamo and his wife Brigitte (far left and left center) and Ambassador Maman Sidikou and his wife Fatima joined representatives from many countries at the party.

Party guests included diplomats and members of the international intelligence community, who were happy to be photographed but not to share their names. 

Gueta Mezzetti, left and interior designer John Vardas cheers at the French Ambassador's farewell party. Vardas designed the Ambassador's temporary residence on Foxhall Road while the permanent is being renovated, and will help the Delattres with their new New York City home as well

The French Ambassador Delattre thanks Senate French Caucus co-chair Senator John Boozman of Arkansas for all his help on the Hill. 

Democratic lobbyist and DC power player Heather Podesta poses with Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.

Current Chief of Protocol Peter Selfridge, left, talks shop with former Chief of Protocol Lucky Rossevelt. The pair shared stories and commisserated about their mutual position in a rare look at the passing of the torch in DC politics.

Defense Attaché Général Bruno Caïtucoli (left), entertains Colonel Constantin Iacobita and his wife Madalina.

Renowed political journalist Elizabeth Drew, left, warmly chats with Aniko Gaal Schott as John Peters Irlan samples the canapes.

Members of the media elite joined politicians and diplomats for the evening.

British Ambassador Peter Westmacott (left) listens intently to CSIS Director Arnaud de Borchgrave (right) with Alexandra Borchgrave (center) at the send off party. After arriving fashionably late, Westmacott made a beeline for Delattre to wish his colleague congratulations, but settled for a wave over the crowd's heads until later in the evening.

Synchrony Public Affairs President Jerry Ray and Lisa Brockway didn't let the steady drizzle stop them from enjoying the party outside on the terrace.

Sophie L'Helias-Delattre, wife of the French Ambassador, with her dear friend Becher Atasi, Chief Counsel to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The ornate sunroom at Anderson House served as a perfect place for guests of the French Ambassador's send off party to mingle, relax, and enjoy a cocktail as they watched the rain that persisted throughout the evening.

Ambassador Delattre graciously received congratulations at his party.  

Colorful macaroons brought the French Ambassador's send off party to a chic and tasty close.