A lighting mount assembly and method are disclosed to mount a recessed light fixture in an opening in a wall. The lighting mount assembly includes a mounting frame, and at least two adjustable brackets which are movable relative to the mounting frame. The mounting frame and the brackets cooperate to clamp a portion of the wall from opposing sides. Each of the brackets also includes a resilient member, such as a leg spring, which can be engaged to and disengaged from a portion of a light fixture, such as a groove, to hold or release the recessed light fixture in the wall opening.