The Inn at Bay Harbor Wedding – Northern Michigan

A Bay Harbor/Petoskey Wedding

June 2022

Victoria and Clayton were married on a beautiful August day at The Inn at Bay Harbor, in northern Michigan. Their celebration was heartfelt and joyous, and it was an honor to photograph their joy.

As a northern Michigan wedding photographer, the backdrop typically becomes an additional subject in my storytelling. People are intentional about their choice to get married along Lake Michigan. For some, this is where they grew up, for others, it is where their families vacation. For Victoria and Clayton, it is where they spend their summers. 

Bay Harbor Inn is just a few miles south of Petoskey, and it offers couples an opportunity to show off the best of the region with its quaint village featuring local food and drink establishments, all a stone’s throw from the water. What could be better than a wedding ceremony in front of the teal-blue water of Lake Michigan and dancing on the porch as the sun sets on the horizon? 

This day had a level of effortlessness to it that comes through in the photos, and I think a big part of that is because of the support that this couple had around them. Because they felt comfortable, present, and fully immersed in the experience, I was able to capture genuine moments as they naturally unfolded rather than directing or interrupting them. While planning their wedding from out of state, family stepped in to help sort out the details, and their closeness with their guests was evident throughout the day. What a joy to step into a space so filled with genuine connection and love. 

My role as a wedding photographer is to tell the story of what I see in front of me. Throughout a wedding day, I am a curious observer, paying attention to the subtleties, and doing my best to record it all. Your wedding day can go by in a flash–even when you work to stay present– but it’s one of those rare days that will be on repeat in your mind for years to come. My goal is to create images that support those memories, that help to anchor you in the way the day feels. Enjoy this glimpse into the feeling of Victoria and Clayton’s day.

Engagement Session: Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore
Wedding Planner: Karleigh Barlough – Tableau Events
Venue: The Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection
Photography: Rayan Anastor Photography 
Stationary: Carleigh Shaefer 
Hair and Makeup Team: Vogue Salon 
Cake: Simply Sweet by Jessica
Music: Casey Rusch – Rusch Entertainment
Videography: Voice Media Collective
Florals: Bloom Florals
Live Painter: Julia McNally