The days leading up to the inauguration were a three-ring circus of red-carpet ragers. And though some of the most anticipated balls were scheduled for Tuesday, no procession of boldfaced names could distract from the evening's true stars, the First Couple. Jesse Jackson likened the festivities to a wedding that would be followed by the challenges that come with marriage. The Obamas—from the floating train of Michelle's ivory Jason Wu gown to their first tender turn on the dance floor at the Neighborhood Ball—made a strong case that this new union will be a happy one. Vice President Joe Biden did his part, joking after a spin with his wife, "I may not be able to dance, but I sure like holding her." And the love fest continued at the Mid-Atlantic Ball, where Marc Anthony admired his main squeeze, Jennifer Lopez—"man, she's cute," he said. Across town, Susan Sarandon, Alan Cumming, and Ron Howard headed into the Creative Coalition Ball, but numerous other celebs were no-shows. Our guess? The good vibrations got the better of them, and they preferred to savor the sweetness of the day from the comfort of a cozy hotel room.

— Colleen Clark