I’ve always had this weird obsession with Montana even though I’ve never been lucky enough to go there…and now this obsession has reached a whole, new level and I need to get my booty out west pronto! I’m loving each and every detail of this wedding as if it were my own. I love that there were hayrides and horseshoes, s’mores and campfires! What a perfect way to highlight all the things about Montana for all your out of state guests. Nashan Photographers were on hand to capture all the great details and if you’re like me and just can’t get enough of Big Sky Country, click here for more!
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From the Bride…We currently live in Boston, but I grew up in Montana and always knew that I wanted to get married back home. My husband’s entire family is from the Massachusetts area and I was thrilled to be able to give them a glimpse into my upbringing. We choose Moonlight Basin in Big Sky because it is not only a breathtaking venue but we spent time there the first time I brought my husband to Montana for his first “out west” ski experience!
Since the majority of our friends and family were going to have to travel, we wanted to make it a weekend long celebration for everyone, and give those from the east coast a taste of the wild west! We started the weekend out by hosting all guests at a rehearsal dinner at the 320 Ranch. Guests were taken by hay rides down to the river for a BBQ complete with horse rides, horseshoes, live music, and s’mores by the campfire. The weather was absolutely beautiful and made the start to the weekend perfect!
The following day, our ceremony took place at Soldiers Chapel at the base of Big Sky, MT. I don’t think the pictures do this Chapel justice, as the view from inside the chapel is beautiful Big Sky Mountain. My dress, Melissa Sweet Fern (minus the bow in front!), was the perfect style for this country affair with its head-to-toe French lace. Because we had a small wedding party, only a maid of honor and best man, my sister (the maid of honor) was able to pick out a dress that fit her perfectly. We made up for the small wedding party with a quintet of flower girls and a dashing ring bearer!
After the ceremony, guests went back up the mountain for a reception of dinner and dancing at Moonlight Basin Lodge. The centerpiece of the lodge is a massive stone fireplace that our florist and wedding planner decorated with moss, orchids, and over 300 votive candles. Floor to ceiling windows run across the entire back of the lodge and give a panoramic view of the mountain and ski hill. Guests were greeted with a refreshing glass of summer sangria and were invited to leave us a message on chalk boards in our photo booth vs. a traditional guest book. The flowers were a mix of color and texture – with everything from fluffy peonies to bright orchids. I’d like to add a special thanks to my family and my husband’s family for making our special day possible – we couldn’t have done it without them. It was a day that we will remember and cherish forever!
Rehearsal Dinner: 320 Ranch / Ceremony Location: Soldiers Chapel / Reception Location: Moonlight Basin Lodge / Planning + Florals: Fresh Designs / Wedding Photography: Nashan Photographers / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Cabin Ridge / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston Bridesmaid Dress + Flower Girl Dresses: Priscilla of Boston