Bush Daughter Marries in Rites at Camp David : First Family: She weds for the second time. Her husband is a former Democratic aide.
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WASHINGTON — President Bush’s only daughter, Dorothy, said “I do” on Saturday with former Democratic congressional aide Robert (Bobby) Koch in a 23-minute ceremony in the Maryland countryside, the White House said.
The late-afternoon wedding attended by 130 people was held at the secluded presidential mountain retreat, Camp David, about two hours outside Washington.
In a ceremony presided over by Navy Chaplain Jonathan Frusti, Bush’s daughter, marrying for the second time, changed her name from LeBlond, the name of her former husband, William LeBlond, to Koch.
Media coverage was strictly forbidden and the White House provided few details, including the price tag for the nuptials. Mrs. Bush’s press secretary, Anna Maria Perez, had said earlier that the Bushes, not the taxpayers, were picking up the tab.
Four people from the White House residence staff volunteered their time to serve the guests, she said.
Bush and his wife, Barbara, along with assorted family members flew to Camp David by helicopter late Friday night following a black-tie rehearsal dinner at the White House for about 60 people.
Of those on the exclusive guest list, most were family members and close friends of the bride and groom. Koch, a former top aide to House Majority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.), is one of six children from a Washington family. The bride’s four brothers and their families, flying in from around the country, also were expected.
It was the first marriage for Koch, who left Gephardt’s staff last week to head the Washington office of the Wine Institute.
The President planned to walk the bride down the aisle. Her children, Sam, 7, and Ellie, 5, were to attend her.
The bride wore a floor-length gown of peach chiffon and lace, according to a statement.
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