“The hike to the top of Long Shot isn’t too far,” she thought.

Yet Aspen’s thin air took her breath away in a way she’d never imagine. Altitude had nothing to do with it.

You see, he had big plans on top of their favorite Colorado ski run. After he helped her to the top, they rested, snapping a few iPhone photos. When she asked to see the picture, he turned his phone to reveal a photo of her surprise engagement ring. She said yes, and they shared a toast with champagne from his Camelback.

Stephanie and Matt tied the knot with their closest friends and family on Saturday at A’Bulae in St. Paul, MN. How did this colorful, modern wedding make my photographer heart giddy?

I count at least ten ways:

10. Stephanie’s panache for modeling made taking good photographs, well, very easy. And with Matt’s looks, I couldn’t take a bad photo if I tried. Even on an iPhone (wink, wink).

9. Lots of fun surprises. Stephanie surprised Matt and guests with an International Cigars Bar. Smoking on the A’Bulae rooftop = quality male-bonding time. And my new favorite mother-of-the-wedding-day bride, Georgia, surprised Stephanie with carriage ride = quality romantic time to relax on the wedding day. And mother-of-the-groom Gwen Leapaldt at Decorate My Wedding transformed the reception space with amazing crystal decor.

8. Speaking of smokin’, this was the first wedding I used the Broncolor Move 1200L Outdoor Kit… it delivered some inspiring light. And yes, I brought a mini-smoke machine for creative portraits in the bridal suite (you can say things got steamy and smokey). PhaseOne IQ 160 medium format rig continues to offer the very best in image quality.

7. The Minnesota Wild went into overtime Stanley Cup playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche during the reception.

6. My good friend from Denver, Matt Steffens, flew out to second shoot this wedding with me. He was pretty much the only one rooting for Colorado.

5. The A’Bulae wedding venue simplifies the wedding day logistics by having everything in one place. That means more time for fun, social time with guests, and of course, more creative portraits!

4. Their vendors knew Minnesota Nice very well. This was the first time I’ve worked with coordinator Nancy Battaglia at A’Bulae and she sure knows how to make you smile. I enjoyed working with videographer Anthony Begley, a top notch creative who exudes Super Minnesota nice… even though he’s from SD. If he ever chose to move to the Twin Cities, I know he would fit right in. And Andrew Tolzmann at Bellagala DJ kept the energy high on the dance floor.

3. Joe Skogmo, Matt’s cousin, did a wonderful job minting this cute couple. It’s good to know a wedding officiant in the family.

2. Neon glow sticks. Waaaay cool. I day dreamed about Burning Man.

1. I have a dance crush on Stephanie & Matt’s wedding. Guests surprised the bridal couple at the end of the night wearing chicken masks, gettin’ down with the get down. And the father/daughter salsa dance inspired young and old.

Stephanie & Matt: thank you for trusting in me to serve as your Minnesota wedding photographer! Enjoy honeymooning on St. Maarten!

To see more images from this colorful St Paul wedding, CLICK HERE TO WATCH SLIDESHOW and CLICK HERE TO ORDER PRINTS!

PS- “Hank the Tank” stay chihuahua cool.