Montana is well known for its gorgeous natural landscapes and scenic beauty, so it was no surprise that Sandra L. Martin chose it as the setting for Finding Love in Big Sky, her Hallmark movie directed by Sandra L. Martin.
Hedy Nasser and Jonathan Stoddard star as Helene and Jax, respectively, in this drama film; Supernatural actor Jensen Ackles also appears as sheriff.
Josh Lake
Josh was raised in a Christian home by parents who appreciated Jesus and His Word. Josh and Bethany share the deep conviction that the Gospel offers hope to those suffering worldwide and in our communities. Both enjoyed attending Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – experiences that continue to imprint their ministry today.
Josh is the founder and lead guide of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, which he established upon earning his Masters of Jewish Education. As such, he guides wilderness trips, develops curricula, and trains professionals for Jewish camps, youth groups, synagogues, and day schools – believing that hands-on spiritual work combined with nature creates profound transformation in individuals and communities.
Paisley Sheridan inherits her grandfather’s ranch, but it requires restoration. When her grant request to do so was denied, she reluctantly asked an old high school crush for assistance – only for them both to kiss under the mistletoe!
After his car breaks down from Big Sky to Sun Valley to visit family, Josh stops at a Big Sky cafe and encounters Paisley. She attempts to avoid him, but Josh overhears her name despite her best efforts at dodging him and learns she is in charge of Bright Star Ranch. Rather than leave for Sun Valley until his new alternator arrives, Josh agrees to stay the night until it comes.
As Josh spends more time at the ranch, he realizes he desires more than a holiday romance with Paisley, but she has other plans that could impede their relationship. Will they reconcile their differences and find a path forward together?
Josh spent five years at Schechter, helping to establish the Shalom Nature Center. Following this experience, he found Outdoor Jewish Adventures, where he continues incorporating nature-based programs with skills and pedagogy learned at Schechter into nature-based programs for kids. Josh brings his love of Judaism and outdoor adventures into camping, hiking, backpacking, and wilderness excursions for Jewish kids.
Paisley Sheridan
Paisley Sheridan inherits Bright Star Ranch in Montana from her grandfather and moves there to turn it into an equine therapy camp for kids experiencing emotional trauma. While not her original plan, Paisley knows God is leading her in a positive direction, but before this project can be finished successfully, she needs help, and that’s where Josh comes in – her former flame!
In Finding Love in Big Sky, Hedy Nasser portrays Paisley Sheridan, an independent country girl who plans to turn her beloved grandfather’s ranch into an equine therapy center for emotionally wounded children. To fund renovation costs, Hedy accepts Josh Lake (Jonathon Stoddard). Her screen chemistry with Jonathon Stoddard was genuinely delightful!
Josh had spent years searching for his ideal woman, but when his fiancee dumped him, he decided to settle for good enough. Life changed dramatically for Josh until he discovered the ranch belonging to Paisley Sheridan, whom he had previously fallen for in high school. When Paisley faced financial difficulty, they offered help together before quickly falling in love.
Angela Ruth Strong, author of numerous Christian romance novels and nonfiction for SpiritLed Woman magazine, as well as helping aspiring authors at IDAhope Writers, won several awards and accolades for her writings, in addition to working on several Hallmark movies and being known for her roles on television.
UPtv has just unveiled the official trailer of Hedy Nasser and Jonathan Stoddard’s Finding Love in Big Sky movie, set during Christmas time and offering audiences a heartwarming story of second chances. Audiences will undoubtedly enjoy this romantic drama!
Hedy Nasser and Jonathan Stoddard exhibit great on-screen chemistry in their trailer for “UPtv,” set to premiere in September 2022. The duo makes the perfect couple; viewers will indeed get drawn in!
Sam Sheridan
Sam Sheridan is an author, amateur boxer, and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who has written for Newsweek and Men’s Journal. In addition, he has traveled the world by sailing a sailboat, worked on a ranch in New Mexico, and been employed as a wildland firefighter. Additionally, his best-selling book A Fighter’s Heart details factors contributing to professional fighting success.
After graduating from New College Oxford in 1979, he refused an invitation by the Vice Chancellor to address graduation but instead traveled as a singer-songwriter – singing alongside Rosie Mulligan and Tanya Chesham-Leigh as part of Donna and the Dynamos band.
Sheridan joined the Merchant Marines, serving aboard USNS Able while washing dishes. Later, he attended Harvard University and studied art at London’s Slade School of Art before beginning various occupations, including professional sailing, wildland firefighting with Gila Hotshots in New Mexico, and working at an Antarctic research station. Additionally, Sheridan has written three books, such as A Fighter’s Heart and The Disaster Diaries.
Finding Love in Big Sky is a charming movie that brings beauty, majestic mountains, and endless sky into one delightful story. Starring Hedy Nasser and Jonathan Stoddard as main protagonists, with other well-known actors and actresses playing key supporting roles, its message of finding true love will resonate deeply. A must-see!
Big Sky Ranch
Montana boasts many exquisite natural landscapes, from snow-peaked mountains to rolling prairies. Montana was, therefore, an ideal setting for filming Finding Love in Big Sky – a romantic drama featuring Paisley (played by Naomi Watts) as she struggles to let go of her past relationships to save her grandfather’s ranch with Josh (Jude Law).
Finding Love in Big Sky was shot with an all-star crew of 150 people from Gateway and Gallatin counties, Montana. Stacey’s Bar & Steakhouse served as the setting for its iconic bar scene, while some outdoor scenes were shot around Gallatin County. The production team spent approximately one month on set while most scenes were filmed on location.
Finding Love in Big Sky, directed and written by Sandra L. Martin and Angela Ruth Strong, features Luke Bryan and Sam Sheridan as ranchers and cattlewomen who come together unexpectedly in Big Sky, Montana. In this romantic drama, an unexpected but sweet love story unfolds between characters with differing backgrounds who finally meet.
Big Sky Movie Ranch, situated in Simi Valley and dating back to 1934, remains one of the oldest and largest movie ranches still operating in California. Over its six-thousand-acre property has served as the backdrop for numerous movies, TV series episodes, music videos, and commercials; some sets were destroyed by fire in 2003, but it continues to serve filmmaking needs today.
Recently, Big Sky Ranch has produced some outstanding thoroughbreds including champion Creator and high-graded stakes winners like Green Plains, Vars Vicky, Prestisimo, and Magic Charm. Furthermore, its history in horse racing dates back to 1883, with the Ellis family founding their farm on which to breed them!
Big Sky Ranch is an iconic destination beloved by both residents and visitors. Its rustic yet charming setting makes it the ideal location for an array of activities, from camping to hiking, as well as taking pleasure in its gorgeous surroundings, rich history, and delectable cuisine.
