inn at bay harbor summer wedding by kari dawson photography

Inn at Bay Harbor Summer Wedding in Petoskey, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson Photography and her team.

Inn at Bay Harbor Summer Wedding0

Their Story…

During Kayte and Charlie’s Engagement Session we talked about how the two of them met. Kayte explained that while living with her family in Colorado, where she is from, there were small steps and chance openings that presented themselves in her life. An application she submitted for a job in Michigan, that she never thought she would get, landed in her lap. That is where she met Charlie. They both describe their meeting as divinely appointed. I laughed during the portraits on their wedding day when I told them they were so good in front of my camera and so natural that giving them direction felt like an interruption. They are so smitten and so in love.

Their First Look…

Most groom’s aren’t very vocal during the First Look. Of course they speak to their bride but usually in hushed tones. There may be tears, there might not be. But when Charlie turned to see his bride she was greeted with the most amazing expression and a resounding WOW! They kissed and hugged and snuggled and called each other baby. They proclaimed how much they missed each other throughout the morning. And they prayed together. And I pretty much tried not to cry through the whole stinkn’ thing.

Their Wedding…

It was a pretty warm September day up north and not many of us were thinking of fall or pumpkins but Kayte so very tastefully found a way to bring them into the ceremony and reception. A mercury glass pumpkin sat just before the ceremony site with paper cones full of flower petals and a framed sentiment so guests knew to grab one. The lawn at the Inn at Bay Harbor, right at the edge of the water, was set with dozens of white chairs. The aisle was lined chair to chair from the first row to the last row with hundreds of fresh rose petals. A cross, hand crafted by Charlie’s father, draped in greenery stood tall at the top of the aisle. The sun peeked over the top of the resort as Charlie and Kayte exchanged vows and rings and promised themselves to God and each other.

The reception was full of warm natural light. The long tables were draped in white linens and lined with white chiavari chairs. A swag of lush greenery ran the length of each table. Dozens of candle sticks provided an elegant glow. Glass squares with calligraphy numbers defined each table. And finally, pumpkin after pumpkin was tucked into the greenery and candlesticks. These weren’t ordinary pumpkins. These were modern, elegant, and sophisticated pumpkins in varying shades of green, gray, and white. You have to see it for yourself.

Charlie and Kayte, you two are among the kindest couples I have ever met. It has been so much fun sharing the last year with you both as you made plans for your wedding. Thank you for not only making me feel welcome and comfortable but like I am a member of the family. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. I look forward to the years ahead! Hugs – Kari

Full list of Wedding Day Vendors provided at the end of this post.

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