Manhattan Beach Wedding at the Beautiful Ayres Hotel
We’ve been lucky enough in our short career to have photographed weddings all over California, Mexico, and even the US Virgin Islands. So when Becky and Wes hired us to shoot 
their wedding at the beautiful Ayres Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California, we were extremely excited.
The Hotel was designed with gorgeous European influences, with a breath taking; cascading stairwell that greeted you as you entered the Hotel.
As Jodi and I were scoping out the venue for potential locations, we ran into Becky and her bridesmaids having Mimosas on the balcony. All the ladies were all wearing tops that read “Becky’s Bitches” and right away I knew that this was going to be a fun group.
I took a couple shots of the girls when all of a sudden Becky’s mother jumped up and said to me, “wait here, I have something I want you to see” and immediately ran to her room. When she returned moments later, she had the biggest smile on her face. Mom said “Becky, you should have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, so, here is something old I want you to have.” It was something from Becky’s father who had sadly passed away years prior. “I found it in one of your dad’s old cigar boxes” her mother pronounced.
I was ready with camera in hand to capture the mystery gift. As she opened it, Becky let out a joyous laugh. It was an old handkerchief her father must have picked up in Okinawa Japan when he was in the service. The funny thing is…on one side of the handkerchief was a pattern various intimate positions drawn out. A totally unexpected pattern, to say the least! And everyone had a great laugh. It was a moment of true emotion and I am honored to have been part of it.
There were a couple moments of panic prior to the ceremony as a light rain started to fall, but in true California form it immediately stopped and the sun came out. It was a beautiful
ceremony. Becky and Wes looked amazing and their vows were heartfelt and touching. The reception was off the charts fun. Everyone got up on the dance floor and danced all night long.
Congratulations to Becky and Wes. We wish you a lifetime of endless love and joyous memories.
~ Bill Kouwe
Bill & Jody, What an AWESOME job! Becky looks so beautiful. I love the bubbles & the doorway with her & Wes. I was also very touched with your story about the hanky – THANKS! When it started to rain that was Becky’s dad letting her know he was there. I can’t wait to see the rest. Hurry up! Becky’s mom