Jenna Bush Weds Henry Hager

Jenna Bush and Henry Hager met during her father’s 2004 re-election campaign.   Families describe the two as soul mates. Henry Hager is the son of John Hager, a former lieutenant governor of Virginia and assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education under President Bush, who now serves as the chairman of the Virginia Republican Party.

Henry Hager and Jenna Bush

Henry proposed to the first daughter in August after asking President Bush’s permission for his daughter’s hand in marriage. During a hike on Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park, Mr. Hager proposed to Jenna with a modest and tasteful antique style engagement ring, which has been set with a diamond center stone that is flanked by two blue sapphires.

      

 

The ring features Hager’s great grandmother’s diamond which has been reset in a platinum mounting with a sapphire to either side. The setting is very reminiscent of the 1920’s and has round brilliant cut diamonds pave set on the shank.

      

The couple exchanged vows May 10, 2008 in an informal ceremony at the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas. Jenna told Vogue that she considered a White House affair, but felt it was too formal. “Henry and I are far less glamorous than the White House.” Citing her and Hager’s love of the outdoors, she also told Vogue, “It means a lot to Henry and me to be outdoors. We wanted something organic and low key.”In order to avoid the hot Texas sun, 200 guests gathered just before sunset at 7:30p.m.

White House photo by Shealah Craighead