Northern Michigan Summer Tented Wedding in Petoskey

Written By Sydney Marie

Anne and Justin’s tented wedding on the shores of Lake Pickerel, just outside of Petoskey, Michigan, felt like the perfect Northern Michigan celebration. With many guests traveling in for the weekend, they intentionally designed it as a full wedding experience rather than just a single day. The festivities began with a welcome party aboard the Harbor Princess with Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company. Guests enjoyed a sunset cruise across Little Traverse Bay, complete with light bites, drinks, and that unmistakable Northern Michigan summer glow. It was the kind of evening that instantly set the tone. Relaxed, joyful, and centered around connection.

On the wedding day, Anne got ready at her parents’ cottage, tucked along the shoreline. The morning felt calm and meaningful, with lake views and the quiet excitement that builds before everything begins. Anne and Justin chose to share their first look there, followed by portraits around the property before heading to Lake Pickerel for their ceremony. A charming welcome table greeted guests with refreshments and thoughtful thank-you gifts, a reflection of how deeply they value their people. The ceremony itself felt intimate and heartfelt, framed by water and gorgeous greenery.

When I asked Anne about their proposal, she shared this:

“The proposal story starts on May 3, 2024, when Justin had picked the ring up the day before and then drove 8 hours to Louisville, KY to attend Churchill Downs for the races the day before the Kentucky Derby. There was a horse running in the Oaks race named ‘Where’s My Ring’ of course I did not let that one go. Justin carried the ring around for the whole day, only to be prompted by maid of honor Danielle to hold off due to the rain and a few too many drinks.

Fast forward to the end of July, we are spending a few weeks in Michigan. Justin was planning on proposing while on Mackinac Island, but I invited my parents, brother, SIL, nephew, and my parents’ dog. Little did I know Justin did not want anyone around to throw off the plan. A week later, still nothing.

Justin said he wanted to plan a full day on Saturday (8/3/24) before we headed home. I was really fearful he was going to force me on a hike. Instead, he planned a picnic at Harbor Springs Marina Park. After walking through the Harbor Springs Farmers Market, we set up a little charcuterie board and Justin popped the question.”

Their tented reception brought everyone together for an evening that felt both elevated and inviting. After the ceremony, guests moved into cocktail hour, where specialty drinks, passed hors d’oeuvres, and lawn games like croquet and pickleball filled the property with energy. It was the perfect way to soak in the summer evening.

To begin the reception, Anne’s dad gave a heartfelt welcome speech before inviting everyone into the sailcloth tent for dinner. Once everyone was seated, Anne shared a deeply meaningful toast and dedicated her bouquet to her mom, a moment that had everyone reaching for tissues. After dinner, formal dances flowed seamlessly into Bluewater Kings opening up the dance floor, and the celebration carried on late into the night. Just before sunset, Anne and Justin slipped away for romantic rowboat portraits on Lake Pickerel, wrapped in the golden Northern Michigan light.

Photographing these two, from their Traverse City engagement session through their wedding weekend, was such an honor. I can’t thank them enough for trusting me to document every chapter of it.

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Sydney Marie https://www.sydneymariephotography.com
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