Wedding of Rep. Kennedy, Aide Attended by Exiled Haiti Leader

As wedding guests offered a rousing chorus of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-Mass.) walked down the aisle Saturday with his bride, Beth Kelly.

Among the family, friends and politicians who turned out for the civil ceremony at Kennedy’s Boston home was exiled Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Kennedy’s uncle, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), spoke briefly after the 21-minute ceremony.

“Our joys are your joys, our love is your love. Congratulations, Beth and Joe,” he said.

“Let’s have a round of ‘God Bless America,’ ” the groom said. He then turned to Aristide and toasted: “Aristide back in Haiti.”

Aristide extended his hand, saying: “We hope to welcome you one day, Joe and Beth, to Haiti.”

Flanked by her five sisters as bridesmaids and her mother, Claire, as maid of honor, the 36-year-old Kelly--a member of the Democratic congressman’s Washington staff since 1987--walked down the stairs to a harp and flute rendition of Wagner’s wedding march.

Kennedy, 40, is the eldest son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy.

The service was performed by Robert Thornton, a justice of the peace. The couple had wanted a Roman Catholic service, but Kennedy’s first wife, Sheila Rauch, has objected to an annulment of their marriage, which Kennedy has sought.