Ben and Stacie

As a ski patroller in Alaska you learn quickly that the weather controls everything - including your wedding day. Ben and Stacie, two long time Alyeska patrollers, were hardly even phased when at noon on Aug. 3 - a few hours before their wedding ceremony -the Tram was forced to close down due to severe winds. Ben, Alyeska’s Ski Patrol Director, immediately started doing what he does best, improvising a new plan. Soon he had friends, family and colleagues transitioning the entire event to the base of the mountain. When I spoke with Ben at 1pm - I couldn’t help but laugh. If this had happened to just about anyone else it could have been a disaster, but for Ben it was just another day at work.

I just love the picture in front of the aid room - I think its my favorite. I’m probably bias as I remember when they both started dating years ago. When you work closely with a crew of people you can't help but become close friends and notice when their individual happiness just shines. I knew back then that they had found something truly special. Both Ben and Stacie have been such amazing friends over the years that I was really stoked to be able to photograph their wedding day. Despite the weather and logistics its pretty cool when two really great people discover each other and are willing to share that experience with their friends. Thanks Ben and Stacie.

Andy and Beatrice

Have you ever met one of those couples that you can’t help but feel a twinge of envy because their personalities are so insanely contagious they radiate pure fun where ever they go? That would be Andy and Beatrice.

I met Andy four years ago after he had transferred from Eagle Crest in Juneau to work for Alyeska’s ski patrol. I had returned late January after a little S. American sabbatical to find our record December snowfall had turned into a solid month of below zero temps. Needless to say morale was low. Andy’s enthusiasm was unique and over the next few months he had inspired our rather gloomy team to plan a giant end of the season party called Patrol Olympics. I don’t think any of us really knew what he was talking about, but as each of us stuffed beers into our pockets, jumped onto the chair lift, and followed him through the most ridiculous race course you’ve ever seen, Andy had somehow become everyone’s favorite patroller.

Bea was a bonus! I met her this same winter and was immediately impressed with her ease and wit. Any girl who can snap off a few jokes and then jump onto the Sitzmark dance floor to let Andy swing her around like a little rag doll is pretty special in my book. It’s been fun to get to know these two over the years, and just love the energy they share with everyone.

I was honored to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding this last weekend in their home town of Juneau. This would mark my first visit to Alaska’s capital and my first visit to Southeast. Wow!!! I can’t believe I have never made the journey. What a perfect place... a fun hip city with giant mountains coming straight out of the water, and abundant sealife and nightlife everywhere. And of course Andy and Bea’s friends and family are just like them; generous, stoked on life, and love to party!

Congratulations Andy and Bea!

There's so much more adventure yet to come.