Classy black tie wedding in Three Forks, Montana | Alex + Meshayla’s luxury historic hotel wedding film and photos

wedding
Written By Shayna Lloyd

Classy black tie wedding in Three Forks, Montana | Alex + Meshayla’s luxury historic hotel wedding film and photos

Introduction

Alex and Meshayla had the most incredible classy black tie wedding at the historic Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Montana last fall. This post is allll about how they pulled off the most epic wedding and party, and inspo for YOU to plan your own luxury Montana wedding! 

Alex + Meshayla’s Montana Wedding Video:

Watch Alex + Meshayla’s beautiful wedding film now:

The bride’s reaction to her Montana wedding film:

“Words can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am that Shayna and her creativity and heart exist in this world! As a bride having to make approx. 1 million decisions, the easiest one to make is to hire Montana Diaries for your photo and videography needs! From the beginning Shayna helps you feel seen and understood in your vision and hopes for the day and day of it is a breeze leaning into her leadership and guidance through the structure and timeline for the day. She is like a fly on the wall to all the most precious moments. I felt so present that day and still watching back the videos I have seen countless moments I missed and now I get to cherish them forever. It’s like attending the wedding all over again, in the absolute best way ♥️ We cannot thank Shayna enough for her gracious and intentional spirit and even better product.”

-Meshayla Cox, bride

Alex + Meshayla’s Montana black tie wedding timeline

The timeline for Alex + Meshayla’s wedding was super easy to pull off because everyone got ready on-site at the Sacajawea Hotel. Keep reading to see how they pulled off the best day! 

Getting ready at the Sacajawea Hotel

Meshayla got ready at one of the on-site cabins at the Sacajawea hotel — there are a few cottage-style cabins modeled after the architecture of the hotel itself, and they’re so freaking cute!! The cabins are a great way to enjoy a little more privacy while staying at the Sacajawea while still enjoying the area, amenities, and restaurant. 

Destini French, the owner of Cultured Roots, did an incredible job styling Meshayla on her wedding day! Destini is an ultra-talented hair stylist, specializing in curly + textured hair and braiding in Bozeman, Montana. I HIGHLY recommend her for everyyyy curly client!! Destini did Meshayla’s hair and makeup, opting for a natural style for the hair and a bold red lip, and I’m in loveeee - Meshayla looked STUNNING. 

Alex got ready in a suite in the main hotel with his family and groomsmen. They all enjoyed hanging out all morning before Alex left for his first look. I can’t even begin to tell you my love for the hotel rooms in Sac’s — the lighting is so dreamy, and the combo of wood and tile always has me swooning as a creative. 

First look in front of the Sacajawea Hotel

Alex and Meshayla did their first look in the yard in front of the Sacajawea Hotel and it melted my hearttttt. They opted to do a private vow reading during this time, and I HIGHLY recommend this for all of my couples who want to exchange personalized vows/love letters, but don’t want to do it in front of all of their friends and families. It is such a sweet, intimate moment during an otherwise busy day!! 

Ceremony in the autumn leaves in the courtyard

Alex and Meshayla’s ceremony was in the courtyard behind the hotel, and it was GORGEOUS. They had a stunning floral arch, bubbles were flying everywhere, and the fall leaves showed UP for them. Meshayla was walked down the aisle by her father and Nana, and then Alex and Meshayla’s dear friend Aja Osita. 

Classy Montana hotel wedding portrait inspo 

We did Alex + Meshayla’s couples’ portraits and their friends + family shots around the hotel — we really utilized the iconic front steps/porch area as well as the yard in front of the huge Sacajawea Hotel sign. Later, after Meshayla’s outfit change, we had so much fun doing vibey flash photos for 15 minutes while everyone else continued to party. Ugh, they’re such a vibe!! 

Reception in a tent outside the hotel

The tent outside the Sacajwea Hotel is a beautiful place for a reception — the tent has chandeliers and plenty of space for dining and partyingggg, which Alex and Meshayla’s friends and family did plenty of!! 

Unique black tie wedding details - planning a luxury wedding in Montana

If you’re planning your own black tie wedding in Montana, then take Alex + Meshayla’s details for inspo!! 

Getting married in a historic hotel

A historic hotel like the Sacajwea is perfect for classic, timeless vibes — the combination of wood and old tile, the on-site bar, the awesome location downtown, and all of the amenities are chef’s kiss.

The vibes of a historic hotel just scream black-tie elegance. I mean, you've got this timeless charm and classic vibe going on that fits perfectly with the whole formal affair. The vintage details, grand architecture, and swanky ballrooms create this sophisticated atmosphere that's spot-on for a fancy, dressed-to-the-nines kind of celebration. It's like stepping into a bygone era of glamor, and who wouldn't want that for their big day? Montana is short on ballrooms haha but if you’re after the VIBES then you should consider a historic hotel like Sac’s!!

Alex + Meshayla’s wedding outfits

Meshayla and Alex totally owned the black-tie game at their Three Forks, Montana wedding. I mean, Meshayla rocked this gorgeous gown from Plume Bridal in Bozeman that was straight-up breathtaking. The dress had this classy vibe with all the right details, making her look like a total dream. And then there's Alex, looking sharp in a classic black suit and a slick bow tie. These two were like the poster couple for timeless elegance, nailing the whole black-tie thing in the middle of Montana's beauty. Their outfits were on point, and you couldn't help but feel the formal chic vibes blending seamlessly with the rustic charm of the surroundings. Just perfection.

Custom wedding newspaper

How effing cute are Alex and Meshayla for writing a custom wedding newspaper!? Adding a custom wedding newspaper to a black-tie celebration is like adding a personalized touch of sophistication. It's a unique and memorable way to share the couple's love story, highlight key moments, and even feature messages from friends and family. The newspaper, tailored to the couple's style, becomes a keepsake that guests can treasure, capturing the essence of the special day in a classic and timeless format. It not only adds a touch of charm to the formal setting but also serves as a delightful memento that complements the elegance of a black-tie wedding, making the entire experience even more special and memorable.

Montana live wedding painter

The inclusion of a live wedding painter can elevate the ambiance of a black-tie wedding, adding a unique and memorable dimension to the celebration. The live painting experience captures the essence of the event in real-time, providing a bespoke and artistic representation of the wedding day. This interactive element engages guests by allowing them to witness the creation of a personalized masterpiece throughout the festivities. The presence of a live wedding painter adds a touch of sophistication, reflecting the refined nature of a black-tie affair. The resulting artwork serves as a cherished keepsake for the newlyweds, encapsulating the beauty and elegance of their special day in a one-of-a-kind work of art that can be displayed and treasured for years to come.

A trendy minimalist cake

A trendy minimalist cake can be an excellent choice for a black-tie wedding for several reasons. Firstly, its sleek and clean design complements the sophisticated and formal atmosphere of a black-tie event. The simplicity of a minimalist cake allows it to blend seamlessly with the elegant decor and attire, avoiding any visual clutter. Additionally, the restrained use of decoration on the cake can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, providing a modern and timeless touch. The focus on essential elements in a minimalist cake also aligns with the refined taste often associated with black-tie affairs, making it a tasteful and contemporary choice for couples seeking a stylish and understated dessert option for their special day.

An outfit AND hair change for the reception!

Okay, let's talk about Meshayla slaying the game at her wedding! After rocking this stunning gown from Plume Bridal, she pulled off this awesome hair change with two braids in the front, courtesy of Destini French from Cultured Roots. It was like the perfect combo of glam and party vibes. And get this, for the reception, she ditched the gown for a short party dress, making the ultimate statement. This quick change trend is super popular this year, and Meshayla totally nailed it. It added this fun and playful element to the whole black-tie affair, proving that you can be formal and party-ready all in one epic night. 

Signature drinks

Signature drinks have become the hottest trend in the wedding scene, and honestly, it's pure genius. Couples are ditching the standard bar menu and opting for custom-crafted cocktails that tell their unique love story. It's not just about what's in the glass; it's a personalized experience for the guests. From quirky names that reflect the couple's personality to carefully curated ingredients that match the wedding theme, signature drinks are stealing the spotlight. It's like adding a dash of flair to the festivities, making each sip a memorable part of the celebration. So, if you're planning a wedding, consider jumping on the signature drinks bandwagon – it's the trend that's here to stay, and your taste buds will thank you. Cheers to that! 🍹🎉

Telephone guest book

The latest wedding trend that's making waves? Ditching the traditional guest book for a telephone version! Couples are setting up a cool station where guests can leave heartfelt voice messages instead of the usual written notes. It adds this personal and intimate touch to the reception, capturing the genuine emotions and well-wishes in the guests' own voices. It's like a trip down memory lane you can revisit whenever you want. Plus, let's be real, who doesn't love hearing those heartfelt messages? It's a unique twist on a classic tradition that's becoming a must-have at modern weddings. 

Encourage guests to show up in *fits*

Listen, I knowwww it’s like pulling teeth sometimes to get Montana guests to dress up for formal weddings. Make sure you specify “black tie” on your invitations and give specific examples for what that means — like, you might literally instruct people to ditch the Wranglers and cowboy boots for a night if that’s your goal haha!! You can also request that ladies wear floor length dresses or tailored pant suits. :) 

All about the Sacajawea Hotel

How to get to the Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Montana

The Sacajawea Hotel is located in downtown Three Forks, Montana. You can fly into the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive 25 min (24.0 mi) via I-90 W. 

Weather info + best time of year to get married in Three Forks

For outdoor weddings, the best time of year to get married in Three Forks, Montana is during the summer. Montana has longggg winters, meaning unpredictable falls and springs. HOWEVER, if you’re cool with an indoor wedding as a backup, then you can feel safe planning a Sacajawea Hotel wedding at any time of the year because they have indoor options! 

Where they stayed + other nearby places to stay

Alex and Meshayla stayed at the Sacajawea Hotel during their wedding, but there are quite a few accommodations in the area! Here are a few faves:

Sacajawea Hotel Wedding Venue Info

You should definitely consider the Sacajwea Hotel for your venue if you love timeless style, amazing food, on-site accommodations, and access to a ton of beautiful nature for an adventure session!! 

Permits, passes, & legalities for getting married in Three Forks, Montana

If you’re looking to get married in Three Forks, Montana buttttt you don’t really know where to start with the official/legal stuff — I’ve got you!! 

Montana State marriage laws/license info

  • How do you get a marriage license in Three Forks, Montana?

  • How much does it cost to get married in Three Forks, Montana?

    • The fee for a marriage license is $53.00 and may be paid in cash or by debit or credit card. Checks are not accepted.

Montana luxury black tie wedding vendors

Alex and Meshayla’s vendor team crushed it for them!! It was so fun to work alongside the ultra talented Jessie Walker to document their wedding, and the amazing team at Sac’s. Be sure to check out the entire vendor team for your Montana wedding:

Your Montana-based wedding photographer and videographer for the adventurous and laid-back

Meet your Montana luxury wedding photographer and videographer

Hiii, friend! I’m Shay, your Montana luxury wedding photographer and videographer. You might be here because you were searching for inspo for your black tie wedding or trying to find a beautiful hotel with historic charm to get hitched — andddd you found me, the person who will document the beginning of your marriage with story-driven photos and videos! I can’t wait to hear all about your vision and how I can serve you best, so head over to the info + pricing page to get to know me a bit better and fill out the contact form so we can jump on a call and fall in love. :) 

Shayna Lloyd http://www.shaynalloyd.com
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