Deputy Attorney General Hal Christensen went to work as usual Tuesday but entered into a somewhat unusual legal contract there - marriage.

Someone even changed the sign on the door of his conference room that usually says "meeting in progress" for one that said, "marriage in progress."Then with about 50 friends, family and co-workers looking on, Christensen - the Utahn who is the No. 2 man in the Justice Department - wed Jacquita Corry, the former assistant dean of the University of Utah Law School.

Standing and smiling broadly in the front were Christensen's old boss, former Attorney General Edwin Meese; his current boss, Attorney General Richard Thornburgh; and the man who helped Christensen obtain his current job, Sen. Orrin Hatch.

Standing nearby was U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor - a friend of the family - and U.S. Solicitor General Charles Fried.

A classical guitarist began playing "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" as the bride entered the room wearing a simple off-white suit and corsage. She walked to Christensen and stood by his side.

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Chief Judge Howard Markey of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia started the ceremony by reminding the couple that they were entering a legal contract - which may not have been necessary, considering the parties involved.

Markey said he usually gives a short speech to people being married for the first time on how to make their marriage a success. But he said both had already been architects of happy marriages - and both had their adult children looking on. Christensen was a widower with three children.

Markey told them, "Your true love can make it all joy." Then had them repeat their vows, with each saying "I will" - with Christensen flashing a quick smile to his bride as he did - instead of the more commonly expected "I do."

Markey pronounced them husband and wife, and shook each of their hands before they could kiss each other. They then hugged and kissed as the crowd roared with applause. They both looked up red-faced, and enjoyed the clapping of hands.

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