Bush clan converges for Jenna's wedding

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush stuck out his right elbow yesterday, jokingly demonstrating how he'll escort his daughter down the aisle at her wedding this weekend.

He made the gesture at Andrews Air Force Base before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Texas, where Jenna Bush will be married tomorrow before about 200 guests at the family's secluded ranch. Asked if he was excited, the president smiled and gave a thumbs-up.

"He's looking forward to it," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters aboard the plane as it flew from rainy Washington to sunny Texas. "He's excited like any proud father is to see one of his daughters get married."

"I think he's also going to make sure he gets a good night's sleep tonight so he can stay up late the rest of the weekend and enjoy all the activities."

Laura Bush is already at the ranch getting ready for their daughter's outdoor wedding on the 1,600-acre spread in central Texas. Jenna, 26, is tying the knot with longtime boyfriend Henry Hager of Richmond, Va., who turns 30 today.

The young couple opted for a low-key affair, thinking a White House wedding would be too stuffy. More than 200 friends and family are converging at the ranch for the wedding.

The White House says it will be a closed event. No details are expected to be made public, although White House officials say the family might agree to release a photo or two of the wedding on Sunday.

"This is really a private event for the family," Johndroe said. "I think the activities of the weekend are going to be really a private celebration for Jenna and Henry's family and friends."

Marvin Bush, one of the president's brothers, and his family flew to Texas with Bush on Air Force One. The group, along with White House advisers, hopped on the Marine One presidential helicopter with the president, who hurried them up with a wave and a smile.