Crystal Downs & Crystal Lake Yacht Club Wedding

MR. & MR. HESKETH

August 18, 2018

Allison & Joey’s Summer Wedding in Frankfort, Michigan | Crystal Downs Golf Course & Crystal Lake Yacht Club Wedding Photographer

Allison and Joey’s summer wedding in Frankfort, Michigan was the kind of Northern Michigan celebration that feels both refined and deeply personal—pairing the timeless beauty of Crystal Downs Country Club with the relaxed waterfront elegance of the Crystal Lake Yacht Club.

For couples searching for a Frankfort Michigan wedding photographer, Crystal Downs wedding photographer, or Crystal Lake Yacht Club wedding photography, this day is a perfect example of how iconic Northern Michigan venues and intentional storytelling come together to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

A Classic Northern Michigan Wedding in Frankfort

Frankfort, Michigan is one of Northern Michigan’s most sought-after wedding destinations. With its small-town charm, proximity to Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake views, and access to world-class private venues, it offers couples a rare combination of luxury and natural beauty.

Allison and Joey embraced everything Frankfort has to offer by splitting their day between two of the area’s most iconic locations:

• Ceremony – Beulah, Michigan Church
• Portraits at Crystal Downs Country Club
• Reception celebration at Crystal Lake Yacht Club

This combination created a wedding day that felt both elevated and deeply connected to the landscape of Northern Michigan.

Elegant Ceremony at Crystal Downs Country Club

Nestled between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, Crystal Downs Country Club is widely considered one of the most beautiful and exclusive golf courses in the country. Designed by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, the course is known for its rolling dunes, sweeping views, and perfectly preserved natural landscape.

Allison and Joey’s ceremony took place surrounded by soft summer light, manicured fairways, and the quiet elegance that defines Crystal Downs.

The atmosphere was calm, intentional, and full of emotion. Guests gathered in a setting that felt private and peaceful—an ideal environment for a meaningful wedding ceremony in Frankfort, Michigan.

For couples considering a Crystal Downs wedding, this venue offers unmatched scenery and a timeless Northern Michigan backdrop for wedding photography.

Wedding Portraits at Crystal Downs

One of the highlights of the day was photographing Allison and Joey across the rolling landscape of Crystal Downs Country Club.

From the tall grasses and dune-like terrain to the sweeping views of the golf course, every direction offered a natural, cinematic backdrop.

The couple’s connection made the portraits feel effortless. Instead of posing for the camera, they focused on each other—walking, laughing, and taking in the significance of the day.

This is where Crystal Downs wedding photography truly shines: soft natural light, open space, and a landscape that doesn’t compete with the emotion—it enhances it.

A Waterfront Celebration at Crystal Lake Yacht Club

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the Crystal Lake Yacht Club, located just outside downtown Frankfort along the shores of Crystal Lake.

The transition from Crystal Downs to the Yacht Club perfectly reflected the flow of the day—moving from quiet elegance to a warm, lakeside celebration filled with energy and joy.

Crystal Lake Yacht Club is one of the most desirable wedding reception venues in the Frankfort area, offering:

• Panoramic views of Crystal Lake
• Private waterfront access
• A relaxed yet refined Northern Michigan atmosphere
• Stunning sunset reflections over the water

As guests arrived, the tone shifted into celebration—cocktails on the lawn, laughter along the shoreline, and an atmosphere that felt effortlessly joyful.

Golden Hour on Crystal Lake

As the sun began to set over Crystal Lake, the light turned soft and golden, creating one of the most beautiful moments of the entire wedding day.

Allison and Joey stepped away from the reception briefly to take in the view along the water. These quiet moments became some of the most meaningful images of the day—natural, unposed, and grounded in real emotion.

For couples searching for a Crystal Lake Yacht Club wedding photographer, golden hour at this location is one of the most magical times for portraits, with reflections that stretch across the lake and soft light that defines Northern Michigan summers.

Why Frankfort, Michigan Is a Dream Wedding Destination

Frankfort continues to be one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in Northern Michigan, offering couples access to both Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake within minutes of each other.

Some of the reasons couples choose Frankfort for their wedding include:

• Access to both inland lakes and Lake Michigan
• Exclusive venues like Crystal Downs Country Club
• Waterfront reception spaces like Crystal Lake Yacht Club
• Walkable, charming downtown Frankfort
• Nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Incredible summer sunsets over the water

It’s a destination that balances elegance, nature, and small-town charm in a way few places can match.

Allison and Joey’s Wedding Story

On an incredibly beautiful summer day, in Northern Michigan, a lovely lady married a very personable gentleman and celebrated their wedding with family and friends at the Crystal Lake Yacht Club.

It was a morning filled with a lot of relaxing time with the ladies and they prepared for the day at Allison’s family summer home in Frankfort, Michigan. For Allison, there was a quiet excitement as she prepared to see Joey for the first time when she walked down the aisle. She had a very relaxing morning styling her hair and getting dressed with her mom and sister.

Joey had a morning filled with jokes and laughter and excited. The gentlemen prepared for the day at the Hotel Frankfort and followed the morning with a few portraits at the Frankfort beach before heading to the wedding at St. Andrews Church in Beulah.

As the wedding began, the room quieted. When Allison walked through the doors smiling with excitement, Joey bursted out in a smile as wide as wide could be.  In front of their family and friends they promised to love and support each other as they pledged to move through life together as husband and wife.

The real fun began after the wedding. We all took a brief trip to the incredible Crystal Downs Golf Course for some portraits and then began the celebration at the Crystal Lake Yacht Club.  The Yacht Club is a sailing club located on the shore of Crystal Lake in Frankfort, just south of Traverse City and a hop skip and a jump from Lake Michigan.

A clear tent was set up with beautiful blue and white decorations, which helped to bring out the beautiful blues of the water and sky. From the humorous toast to the excellent dancing, the night was enjoyed by all. Allison’s parents also managed to surprise everyone with fireworks to close out the evening.

Joey and Allison, you had such a spectacular wedding and celebration. I am so excited for the two of you as you begin your lives together as husband and wife. May you always continue to love and laugh together with whatever you do!  Much love and appreciation.  Rayan

Event Planner: Victorias Floral Design | Getting Ready for Groom: Hotel Frankfort | Getting Ready location for ladies: Family Home | Wedding Ceremony Location: St. Andrews | Wedding Portraits: Crystal Downs Country Club | Wedding Reception: Crystal Lake Yacht Club | Makeup: Post Beauty Bar | Hair: Bride | Wedding Gown: Anna Campbell from Alice in Ivory | Bridal Party Attire: Lulus | Florist: Victorias Floral Design | Caterer: Catering by Kelly’s | Dessert: Phyllis Kittleson | Musicians: Soul Xpress | Invitation: Bayside Printing | Videographer: Anne Raisor