Stephen Colbert Gives Couple Dream Wedding After Government Shutdown Ruins Plans (VIDEO)

Ordained minister and talk show host Stephen Colbert took matters into his own hands on Thursday night and married a couple after their original wedding plans were ruined by the government shutdown.

Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le planned to wed near the Jefferson Memorial until their wedding site was closed by the shutdown. As Colbert pointed out, they are one of many couples whose wedding plans were ruined.

"Well, Nation," Colbert said, after explaining the couple's story, "I promised you on night one of the shutdown that as leader of the Colbert Nation and Earl Lord of the Afterscape, I would provide all canceled government services, and that includes weddings."

Colbert then proceeded to marry the couple.

Mandy Patinkin, star of "Homeland," sang the Shehecheyanu, and Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald performed Billy Idol's "White Wedding" for the occasion during a very special "Colbert Show" segment (see above).

The government shutdown has affected many services, stopping scientific research, closing wildlife refuges and national parks, and furloughing workers.