Stunning Winter Wedding in Big Sky | Gigi + Tom

We're in love with the gorgeous, purposeful winter wedding for Gigi and Tom in Big Sky at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, featuring a stunning hanging chuppah by The Wild Blume and planning and design by Penny Layne. Photography by Keeley McKay.

"We met on a dating app — my (Gigi) first and only online swipe. Our first date overlapped with the chaotic start of the pandemic and a pair of knee surgeries. One evening of easy chatter and near-instant comfort set the stage for all that came thereafter. Tommy's dedication to friends and family was evident immediately; his black-and-white nature and no-nonsense relationship with time were honorable and refreshing. We laughed, bounced questions and listened intently. No moment felt like an act or a put on. Our first date led to the next — zigzagging from pandemic-era calls to walks from 6-feet apart, navigating a strange, distanced world, but along a linear path toward togetherness. We hunkered down. We found fun and took a dark period and gave it light."

THE PROPOSAL

"Tommy knew that more than anything, I wanted to be surprised when he popped the question. So he devised a clever plot of misdirection, beginning with a planned trip for early 2022 to an undisclosed location. As I speculated that would be the moment, he assured me he would not be asking that weekend.

Ahead of our travel, I suggested a casual winter hike — after we had discussed the activity without putting plans into motion for several weeks running. But because life's what happens while you're busy making plans, a blizzard struck the Denver area the night before the trek. I was more than happy to bail for an alternative, indoor plan, but Tommy stuck, racing out to purchase two pairs of snowshoes to make the adventure happen. We woke around dawn to scurry up the hills for a beautiful Rocky Mountain hike. On the trail, the mood was serene and we chatted easily while traipsing through the new heaps of fluffy white flakes.

But at the frosty water's edge at the end of the route, Tommy suddenly seemed nervous as he aimlessly hunted for a spot to set our belongings and take in the accomplishment of the day. Then, with a steady voice and clarity of purpose, he began sharing his hopes and dreams for our forever together. In what felt like slow motion, he lowered into the pillow of snow to bent-knee, just as I began hysterically squealing. In my giggling fit of shock and wonder, I stumbled over my oversized snowshoe, toppling backwards into the snow, but managing to get out a giant "YES!" all the while.

Tommy's scheme worked. We returned to Denver, greeted by a celebratory collection of our dearest friends to toast and joyfully dance the night away."

WEDDING DAY

"My grandparents skied Big Sky the day the resort enjoyed its first winter season in 1973. Ever since, it's been a striking backdrop for recreation, family gatherings and other special moments. We wanted to make a memory to begin our lives together under the Big Sky, and selected off-season at Rainbow Ranch Lodge as a classic, camp-like setting to gather our favorite people. We remain endlessly grateful for all the effort those friends and family made to join the festivities.

The dream, executed by Layne Kula and her massively creative Penny Layne team, was to craft a weekend of joy and togetherness wherein we could spend meaningful time with the people we love. Many of our guests were able to stay on the Rainbow Ranch property, meaning faraway friends consistently mixed and mingled all weekend long.

For the day of, we longed for — and achieved — ease. Tommy arose early enough to lead an Ousel Falls hike and host a board game gathering to maximize his time with his people.

Scrapping traditional wedding parties, I readied myself with my closest girlfriends and a few family members, including my mom and childhood puppy. The vision behind my look of the day was simple, romantic but recognizable — I wanted to look like myself — and classic. The meant-to-be Lela Rose gown was as effortless. I wore my late maternal grandmother's engagement ring on my right hand and a pair of diamond huggies my mom gifted me for the special day, and carried an all-white floral collection, courtesy of the genius behind The Wild Blume, a bubbly showcase of the butterfly ranunculus.

Tommy, who isn't easily deterred by daring fashion, wanted a distinctive look for the big day. He went with a custom maroon suit and a cobalt blue tie (swoon!).

As we ushered in the new season, winter's initial bite was warmed by the pure magic of the day. The clear panels of the tent let in the majesty of the mountains to set the stage for the procession, officiated by Rabbi Ed Stafman for a traditional Jewish ceremony freckled with audience interactivity, sibling readings and original vows. The hanging chuppah had four illusionary posts designed with dripping hops and hanging aramanth.

The rest, as they say, is history! We boogied post-dinner and speeches to the musical stylings of the Diamond Empire Band, and the dance floor was stuffed to overflow — precisely the celebration we envisioned." –Gigi, the bride