Bounty Hunter Duane 'Dog' Chapman Weds Day After Daughter's Death
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Duane "Dog" Chapman, star of A&E's reality show "Dog the Bounty Hunter," has married his longtime sidekick, Beth Smith.
The sunset ceremony on the Big Island took place Saturday, a day after the death of Chapman's daughter. Barbara Katy Chapman, 23, was killed in a car accident near her home of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Chapman gathered with his 10 surviving children — two of whom he had with Smith — and discussed whether to proceed with the wedding.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"They all decided unanimously they should celebrate the wedding and her life," said Michael Feeney, senior vice president of A&E television network.
The wedding will be featured in an Aug. 8 episode of the show, about Chapman and his tattooed crew of fugitive-finders, which is now in its third season.
The self-proclaimed world's best bounty hunter and Smith have been together for 16 years.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I've already been cuffed and shackled by Beth anyway," Chapman, 53, said before the ceremony. "She's Italian and tough."
Besides his trademark mullet, Chapman wore white jeans to match his white leather vest, boots and American Indian jewelry, representing his heritage. Boris Krutonog, the show's co-executive producer, was his best man.
Smith wore an off-white lace gown with nude backing designed by Eduardo Lucero.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Favors include dog tags with the inscription, "Dog & Beth. Captured. May 20, 2006."
The wedding and reception were held at the sprawling Hilton Waikoloa Village. The couple had planned to honeymoon in Fiji, but may postpone their plans because of the death of Chapman's daughter, Feeney said.