Classic Black Tie Wedding in Big Sky | Katherine + Leigh

We adore Katherine and Leigh's chic, modern day at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana. With droolworthy white blooms, stunning details, and perfect Big Sky views, we know you'll love it, too. Photography by Montana Bride Vendor Avenue One Photography

"We both attended the University of Georgia for college and first met while in school. A few mutual friends re-introduced us a few years later during the beginning of Covid at a backyard bonfire in May. This is where Leigh fell in love with my 3-month-old golden retriever, June. Shortly after, Leigh announced that he was moving to Big Sky for the summer, but we continued to talk every day until, in late July, Leigh invited me to join him there for a long weekend. A couple hikes, my first horseback ride and a few Montana sunsets later, and we both knew there was something special."

THE PROPOSAL

"Fast forward to Labor Day weekend 2022: I thought that Leigh was planning a trip for us to see my best friend in Fairhope, Alabama. What I didn’t know is that he was planning for my friend to cancel on us last minute. As a 'back-up' he convinced me to book a last-minute trip to Big Sky for the holiday weekend instead. Leigh then took me on a horseback ride at Lone Mountain Ranch, where we had a picnic lunch and he surprised me with a proposal overlooking the valley. To end the ride, we celebrated with a drink at the Horn & Cantle bar where I walked in and was shocked to see my friend who had 'canceled' on us last minute and some of our closest friends and family that Leigh had arranged to surprise me for the engagement."

THE WEDDING

"We knew Big Sky was where we wanted to get married. Our first trip together was in Big Sky and we've spent many summers and winters vacationing there (and got engaged there). Moonlight Basin made the perfect venue to achieve our dreams of a simple and elegant indoor/outdoor experience. We first greeted guests with pre-ceremony cocktails outside while they observed the breathtaking mountain views and sat in their seats facing the valley. Our ceremony was sweet and sentimental. During cocktail hour, we wanted to give our guests a taste of Montana, so we served local Montana spirits, along with huckleberry BBQ bison meatballs and smoked trout tartlets.

After dancing the night away to Paige & the Peoples Band's energetic tunes under the Big Sky, the party continued inside with a surprise silent disco after-party where we served late-night pizza and the guests partied well after the lights were turned on and the cleaning crew tried to move in. Jade Hall from Avenue One Photography captured our day more perfectly than we could have ever imagined. We are so grateful to have these special forever memories!"