Sunday, May 18, 2008

Jenna and Henry ... and First Father-in-Law John Hager

"Our little girl Jenna married a really good guy."
--President George W. Bush

As Jenna, 26, and Henry Hager, 30, honeymoon in Europe, the world is able to catch a glimpse into their wedding at the ranch in Crawford, Texas, and to catch up with Virginia's own First Father-in-law, John Hager. In photos that have been released we see Chairman Hager with the wedding party and watching the ceremony. He reportedly hit the dance floor early and was out there all night ... and was seen dancing with First Lady Laura Bush throughout the evening.

While many in the country would love to have had a White House wedding, that was not in Jenna's plans. You have to admire her for wanting the simplicity of a wedding more to the liking of herself and her groom. In keeping with that, there was a sunset ceremony by the lake at the ranch followed by dinner and dancing.

Some fun-filled facts from the wedding weekend:

Bridesmaid (house party) luncheon: Salado's Inn on the Creek, Salado, TX

Rehearsal dinner: B&B in Salado hosted by Maggie and John Hager

Number of Wedding Guests: 200

Groom Henry's nickname from George W (who is fond of nicknaming everyone he comes in contact with -- I was once dubbed one of the "Gail Girls" with my two sisters including the one named Gail who worked for him): "Hank"

Wedding music for Jenna and the President while walking down the aisle: "Trumpet Voluntary" played by a San Antonio mariachi band

Wedding readers: Former President George Bush and Former First Lady Barbara Bush

What they read: From the book of Corinthians in the Bible ... "Love is patient, love is kind...."

Newlyweds first dance: "Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes" by Taj Mahal

Father-daughter dance: "You Are So Beautiful"

Band: "Super T"

How long the President lasted at the reception: 1 am

How long the other guests lasted dancing at the reception: 3:30 am

Honeymoon: Europe

Where they will live: Baltimore



The Menu

Fried oysters on toastadas, pork flautas, mango fresco, shrimp Mexicali

Lump Gulf crab parfait, layered with avocado and heirloom tomatoes, with fresh basil olive oil

Grilled Rio Grande ranch flat iron steak with roja sauce with arbo chilis; potatoes with poblano pepper gratine; spinch sauteed with pine nuts

Bride's Cake: Tres leches

Groom's Cake: Chocolate

Late-night snacks: Churros with chocolate, chips with chili conqueso, breakfast burritos

Congratulations to Jenna and Henry. Congratulations to the President and Mrs. Bush ... and congrats to our own Maggie and John Hager.

A toast to all!

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