The invitation said summer chic, and it certainly was Tuesday at the Washington wedding reception for Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) and retired Army Col. Jack Einwechter. As HOH first reported, the couple tied the knot July 16.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Dean of the House John Dingell (D-Mich.), along with his wife, Debbie, mixed and mingled at Esther Coopersmith’s schmancy home.

Sanchez’s sister, Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), was there with the hit of the party, her 2-year-old son, Joaquin.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta created quite the buzz when he came out on the patio.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif) brought his wife, Rhonda, and their adorable triplets. He didn’t seem to mind Pelosi was introduced to the crowd by Coopersmith’s daughter, Connie, as “Speaker.”

Pelosi, Hoyer and Brig. Gen. John Miller, a longtime friend of the groom, offered toasts.

Hoyer told Einwechter that his marriage would be a success if he just said “yes” to whatever it was his bride wanted.

Earlier in the week Sanchez’s staff was worried that lawmakers might not make the party with the debt ceiling vote hanging over their heads. But the wedding reception gods cooperated, the vote was Monday night and the Sanchez friends stayed in town for the festivities.

Dena Bunis contributed to this report.