Nashan Photography
Nashan Photography
Why get married in Big Sky? Why not get married in Big Sky is more the question. A couple of friends from Chicago, IL chose Big Sky as their wedding location and destination vacation for over eighty guests, who stayed anywhere from three days to over a week. I joined the party for three days over the wedding weekend, and I will never forget the fun we had.
The weekend kicked off Thursday night, when everybody met for drinks and a new bar in town called Choppers. This new establishment is ideal in Big Sky, since we are such a popular motorcycle destination being right off highway 191, a famous scenic drive. In fact Buck’s T-4 is right on highway 191 and only 100 yards from the impressive beauty that is the Gallatin River, which the highway follows. The Gallatin River is the location in which the movie ‘A River Runs Through It’ was filmed.
I led three men up to Lava Lake, which sits above highway 191 accessible only by a three mile trail that leads directly to an alpine lake surrounded by towering green mountains. The hike is six miles total (three up, and three down) and has an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. The trail can be accomplished by almost anyone; you must navigate your way around some rocks on the trail. The first two thirds of the hike is through dense lodge pole forest, and then you come upon a bridge that leads over a tumbling creek with small waterfalls. The last third of the hike you find yourself among aspen trees and thimble berries. Once at the top, the men jumped off cliffs into the refreshing mountain lake. We swam, laughed and took pictures. I hope that it was an experience they won’t forget.
I can guarantee that the walk (or full out sprint) on the way down is definitely an experience they won’t forget. As we started our descent back to the trailhead the Montana skies clouded up and not only did rain drench us, but for about one minute we were hailed on. The rain continued our entire descent; I laughed, hooted and hollered as we came down. Once back in the car we were all smiles, joking and recounting our experience. It was good to see that everybody was in good spirits and enjoyed the storm. One man commented that it is so invigorating to be able to face a situation that was not a controlled environment, but a pure act of nature and all its unpredictability. They say if you don’t like the weather in Montana, wait 5 minutes, it will change.
That night after we warmed up in the hot tub, we went to Buck’s T-4 for dinner. We had Dungeness crab cakes to start and each ordered something different so we could trade food and try as much as the luscious cuisine Buck’s has to offer. I had the New Zealand Red Deer, one of the most famous and oldest menu items. Other dishes ordered were the Wild Game Composition (quail, elk and bison short ribs), the Bison Tenderloin and the Pancetta Wrapped Pheasant Breast in a mushroom fideo. We chose a Washington Syrah and a California Red Zinfandel to compliment all the meals. Everybody was exceptionally pleased with the meal, and impressed with our menu at Buck’s. We left full and happy.
The following day, many of the eighty out of town guests went whitewater rafting with Geyser Whitewater, on property at Buck’s T-4.
After rafting I met a couple men who had rented mountain bikes from Geyser and we went to Porcupine (just a mile south of Buck’s T-4) and went for a mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is extremely physical, and can be very muddy. It was certainly both this day. Both men impressed me with their dedication to the steep climbs up the hill, and the wildly amusing downhill sections. We returned to the car covered in mud, but our white smiles shined through. I was pleased to hear their exhilaration and they seemed to take great delight in getting utterly filthy.
That night we headed to an elegant wedding under the beautiful Montana skies, thunderheads loomed and threatened in the distance, and three extraordinary rainbows shone brightly in the blue sky. Montana has a wonder all its own, fiery sunsets against grey and purple layered mountains, brilliant rainbows, and the surreal sky with thunderheads and blue sky together all looking down on golden fields and green mountains. I have travelled many places but few ever match the vivid majesty of Montana. I am so glad that this bride and groom chose our beautiful location for their lifeline commitment to one another. I can think of no better place for such a sacred vow.
FYI – Buck’s T-4 is a popular location for weddings, and other events. Buck’s can accommodate groups any size from 10 to 200 people and we have outstanding catering services.
It’s been real,
Erin
