(photo by Shealah Craighead / White House)
First Daughter Jenna Welch Bush wed Henry Chase Hager, son of a prominent Virginian Republican, Saturday evening on the Bush family ranch, despite threats of a tornado in the area.
The nuptials took place just before sundown on President George W. Bush's 1,600-acre Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. It marked the first time the first daughter of a sitting U.S. president has married in 16 years.
Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell presided over the ceremony, which took place in front of a 4-ft. limestone cross and altar, which President Bush said will be a permanent landmark to remember the occasion.
"This is a joyous occasion for our family, as we celebrate the happy life ahead of [Jenna] and her husband, Henry," President Bush said during his Saturday morning weekly radio broadcast. "It's also a special time for Laura, who this Mother's Day weekend will watch a young woman we raised together walk down the aisle."
The president walked the Oscar de la Renta-clad bride down the aisle, where she was joined by maid of honor and twin sister, Barbara.
Dinner and dancing was held under tents, and the wedding singer was Nashville-based Tyrone Smith, also known as Super T, a southern frat party favorite.
Hager met the first daughter when both were working on her father's re-election campaign in 2004. The two reportedly plan to live in Baltimore, MD., where they just bought a townhouse.