Michelle Kwan Marries Coast Guard Lt. Clay Pell In Rhode Island Ceremony [PHOTOS]

January 21, 2013 3:39 PM GMT

Michelle Kwan has skated into the heart of Coast Guard Lt., Clay Pell; the couple married Saturday at the First Unitarian Church of Providence, R.I., E! News reports.

Approximately 240 guests were in attendance at the affair where the bride wore and ivory Vera Wang gown and the groom donned the Coast Guard dress uniform. They received a sword salute as the exited the church.

Guests included Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and his wife, Stephanie; and Catherine T. Taylor, director of the state Department of Elderly Affairs and her husband, lawyer Robert K. Taylor as well as Olympic champions Brian Boitano, Dick Button and Dorothy Hamill.

News of the wedding remained particularly mum until Kwan was spotted with her bridesmaid leaving The Hope Club just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Providence Journal.

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Uniformed police officers stood guard outside as they made their way to the church across the street.

According to People magazine, the bride cried as she was escorted down the aisle by her father, Danny Kwan.

The Olympic bronze medalist and nine-time US national figure skating champion incorporated the song “Fields of Gold” that she famously skated to at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, into her ceremony. She and Pell also shared self-written vows.

Still overcome with emotion, the couple reportedly kissed just short of usual direction by the minister.

“A few minutes later, the minister said, 'And for their second first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Clay Pell,' and everyone laughed,” a quest told People.

An hour later, the bride and groom emerged from their ceremony among their guests that held giant sparklers in celebration and headed back to The Hope Club for their reception.

"You could feel the love Michelle and Clay have for each other," the guest said. "They are truly a perfect match."

Kwan spoke to People magazine in September, upon announcement of her betrothal, detailing that she always knew Pell was “the one.”

“I never was one who believed in love at first sight, but I have to admit it happened for us. I felt there was a magnetic connection between us. I thought he was the one from the beginning,” she said.

Now retired, Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in American history. She now works as a senior advisor for public diplomacy and public affairs; her husband is the director for strategic planning on the National Security staff at the White House.

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader

Michelle Kwan Marries Coast Guard Lt. Clay Pell In Rhode Island Ceremony [PHOTOS]

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