Labor Secretary Alexis Herman Weds Physician, Charles L. Franklin Jr

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman and noted Silver Spring, MD, physician Dr. Charles L. Franklin Jr. recently exchanged wedding vows during a private ceremony at the Bethlehem Chapel in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Herman was radiant in a Vera Wang white, silk satin dress with a cathedral train.

The happy couple wed February 12th, two days before Valentine's Day.

The bride was given away by her uncle, Battiste Broadus of Mobile, AL. The groom's son, Charles Franklin, 5, served as the best man and the groom's two daughters, Michelle Franklin and Shari Franklin Smith, were the "best women."

The matron of honor was Paulette Norvel Lewis and the man of honor was Bernard Broadus.

President Clinton attended the private ceremony and read from the famous Biblical verses found in I Corinthian which states that love is patient and kind and conquers all.

Clinton also gave the first toast at the private wedding reception dinner held at the home of Mrs. Alma Brown, widow of U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown.

The wedding was officiated by Dean Nathan Baxter, dean of the Cathedral, who was assisted by the Rev. Barbara Williams Skinner and the Rev. T.J. Baltimore, of The People's Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring, MD, where the groom is a member.

Ms. Herman's longtime friend, Joycelyn Carter of Mobile, AL, sang Ave Maria, To God Be the Glory and The Lord's Prayer during the ceremony.

Secretary Herman returned to work almost immediately after the nuptials to prepare for a national labor convention.

The newlyweds will honeymoon in March and will host public receptions, including one in her hometown of Mobile, AL.