75 couples say “I do” at Loveland Ski Area

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In true Colorado fashion, couples skied down the mountain at Loveland to get to their marriage ceremony, only accessible by ski or board.

On Feb. 14, 12 couples got married and 63 renewed their vows at the 32nd annual Mountaintop Matrimony mass wedding ceremony at Loveland Ski Area, hosted in the Forest Meadow run area.

Couples attending the ceremony came dressed to the nines, in top hats, veils, wedding dresses and kilts, with bouquets in hand.

Barbie and Ken Leach spend winters in Dillion and are celebrating their 50-year wedding anniversary in July. e couple came to renew their vows for what they said was the fourth or fth time at Loveland.

Barbie and Ken have been skiing together for 55 years and show no signs of slowing down. ey are season pass holders at Loveland.

“We think it’s a really wonderful event,” Barbie said. “Everybody is so happy.”

Lena and John Benisch came to the ceremony to renew their vows as well. e couple has been married for 20 years, but this is their rst time at the Loveland wedding.

“It’s epic,” Lena said. e couple met years ago in an exercise class, where they both immediately noticed each other and John asked Lena on a date. Skiing has always been a hallmark of their relationship.

“John taught me to telemark ski on our rst date,” Lena said. (Telemark skiing is a technique that uses toe-only bindings and combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing.)

After sta at Loveland facilitated a dance party with all the couples in Forest Meadow, the short and sweet ceremony was carried out. Some couples brought rings, others brought candy rings, and some just exchanged promises and kisses with their partner.

After the 75 couples said “I do” and sealed their love with a kiss, they donned their skis and boards and took to the mountain. An aprés ski party was waiting at the base of the mountain for the newlyweds and re-newlyweds.

At the party, sta at Loveland made individual wedding cakes for all the couples and had treats and

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