On August 23, 1969, President Richard Nixon was on a working vacation at the Western White House (La Casa Pacifica) in San Clemente when he decided to play a round of golf with his friend (and Attorney General) John Mitchell. The two choppered to Century City to tee off at the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club. Once at the golf course, Nixon learned that Ben Hayes and Terry Lee Russell had their wedding scheduled to take place that same day at the private country club. Rather than have the nuptials and reception moved, rescheduled or cancelled, Nixon instead was happy to personally meet with the bride and groom, then he and Mitchell enjoyed their round of golf while Ben and Terry Lee enjoyed their special day.

Bride Terry Hayes, her new husband Ben, and Terry’s father Fred Russell meet with President Nixon at Los Angeles Country Club on their wedding day.