Retired Judge Ron Chapman and his wife, Sally, attended the most prestigious Christmas party of the year -- one hosted by President Barrack Obama and the First Lady.

Chapman, a longtime Democratic Party supporter, received an invitation to the White House Christmas party thanks to an influential friend who wanted to reward him for his many years of support, according to his wife. They received the invitation about a week before the event on Dec. 11 and immediately scheduled a five-day trip to the nation's capital city.

She described the party as elegant, exciting and beautiful. "It was amazing," she said. "I was overwhelmed."

About 750 guests attended the exclusive party so the Chapmans only got to observe the Obamas from a distance. Still, they will always treasure the memory, she said. "It was a big deal," she said.

The guests had access to the entire first and second floors of the White House. Every room featured a Christmas tree designed like a ball gown.

A 50-foot long buffet table featuring every type of food entertained the guests, along with a Marine band and a chorale group. The President and First Lady danced during the event.

While they were in town the Chapmans toured as many sites as they could in the city. They both will remember it as one of their most spectacular Christmases ever, she said.

"It was something I never dreamed about getting to do," she said.