PARK HYATT BEAVER CREEK WEDDING | JEN + BEN

By all rights, this should've been a wedding on bicycles, as J+B (and many of their guests) are world class competitive cyclists. The room had a certain Olympic level air to it. It was fun marathon day in three parts — first, ceremony at Beaver Creek Chapel in the morning light — then, a brunch ski down on the slopes of Beaver Creek— finishing off with high altitude dancing during a Park Hyatt teception.

After a traditional morning wedding, we jumped on skis and a grabbed a 100-400 ultra telephoto zoom to get close to the couple ... even when I was in the next chair away, lol. The sun was bright and added to the euphoric optimism. Everyone else on the mountain LOVES to see a bride on skis. They hoop and holler, even at a buttoned-down mountain like Beaver Creek. Brings out the crazy romantic in them I guess. Areas around the skating ring in the heart of Beaver Creek are prime for bride + groom photos at dusk. We did a tour stopping at some favorite spots, on our way to meet up with the gang back at the Hyatt. Bride and groom got their share of ribbings from fellow athletes who had competed with them around the globe. That sort of competition and adventure makes for some great stories — most of them PG rated. The dancing lasted late into the night. Howling at the moon and all that. Just a walk over to the elevator and up a few floors before passing out.

I'm happy to ski along with any wedding couples who want a slope side memory of their day. A little sun and laughs and it's all good. If you're planning a Beaver Creek wedding, I'd be honored to document it.