Originally published Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Jenna Bush wed privately
It may have been the greatest wedding those in Crawford never saw. Just seven miles outside of town past the Secret Service, the roadblocks...
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
CRAWFORD, Texas — It may have been the greatest wedding those in Crawford never saw.
Just seven miles outside of town past the Secret Service, the roadblocks and the gates, first daughter Jenna Bush, 26, and Henry Hager, 30, stood by a lake, in front of a Texas limestone cross and altar, and took their wedding vows right before sunset.
The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, of Houston, officiated.
It was a historic moment, as Jenna Bush became the 22nd daughter of a president to take vows while her father was in office.
The president and the bride picked "You Are So Beautiful" for their father-daughter dance, according to band leader Tyrone Smith. Smith and his 10-piece party band, The Tyrone Smith Revue, were asked to do "Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes" by Taj Mahal for the newlyweds' first dance.
White House officials said they might release a photo or two from the festivities at the president's 1,600-acre ranch today.
The bride wore a white Oscar de la Renta gown with matte beading and embroidery.
Jenna's twin sister, Barbara, was maid of honor and 14 other women were in her "house party." Barbara wore a long, moonstone-blue dress with a low-cut back.
The best man was the groom's brother, John "Jack" Hager. Also part of the "house party" were 14 ushers.
While most Texans weren't among the approximately 200 invited to the private ceremony, many wanted to get as close as possible to it.
"Even though you can't see it, you can breathe the same air they are breathing," said Mary Wood, who drove from San Antonio to spend the day in this small town. "I just had to be here to say I was here for it."
Hundreds of others felt the same way, crowding into the one-traffic light town that has a population of about 700.
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On Saturday, before the wedding, the groom's family hosted a barbecue lunch in Salado, about an hour's drive south of Crawford. Later in the day, buses believed to be carrying wedding guests took the back route to the ranch, avoiding Crawford.
But those in town wished the newlyweds well.
Souvenir shops were running out of mugs, key chains, mouse pads and other wedding memorabilia, with many having to take special orders for the merchandise.
The couple reportedly plan to honeymoon in Europe. After that, they plan to live in a two-bedroom, two-bath town house on the south side of Baltimore.
She plans to return to teaching, and he will work for Constellation Energy, a power supplier based in Maryland.
Material from The Associated Press is included in this report.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
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