Chelsea's big day finally at 'small village'

Rhinebeck: Chelsea Clinton was poised to marry her longtime boyfriend yesterday at an exclusive estate along New York's Hudson River after weeks of intrigue, secrecy and buzz that has caused hundreds to crowd into this small village hoping to catch a glimpse of a former president, a secretary of state or their publicity-shy daughter.

The 30-year-old daughter of Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton was expected to wed her boyfriend, investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, at a ceremony yesterday evening with 400 to 500 guests.

Details of the wedding were kept fanatically close to the vest, with shopkeepers, innkeepers, vendors and restaurateurs sworn to secrecy.

Roads were closed, the skies were closed over the estate and inconvenienced neighbours were soothed with a complimentary bottle of bubbly. As police, private security and Secret Service prowled the town of 8,000, curious residents and tourists alike craned their necks to try to spot an A-list guest, a notable politician or, best of all, a Clinton. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel where many of the guests are staying were rewarded on Friday night when the Clintons exited a van arm-in-arm outside the Beekman Arms Hotel.

Shortly before 11pm (0300 GMT), the former first lady, wearing a long, green dress, waved to the cheering crowd waiting behind metal barricades and quickly went into the hotel. The couple left about a half-hour later. Earlier in the day, the former president made an appearance around lunchtime, walking a few blocks, greeting people on his way to a restaurant.

Looking fit and relaxed in blue jeans and a black knit shirt, he gave easy answers to questions shouted by well-wishers and reporters.

How are you?

"We're all fine."

"We love it here," he said. "Chelsea loves the area as well."

And what do you think of Mr Mezvinsky, Mr President?

"I like him very much," Clinton said. "I really do. I admire him. Hillary feels the same way."

The sight of an ex-president captivated many in the crowd. "We thought it was great that he walked down here," said Carol Chestney, of Rhinebeck. "He could have parked right outside. He looks great."

After lunch, Clinton slowly wound his way out of the restaurant, taking time to shake hands with the kitchen staff and customers, who took pictures of him with their cell phones. The restaurant's owner said it would be impolite to reveal what he had for lunch.