bay harbor yacht club wedding

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Intimate Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding | Kelsey & Andrew

Kelsey & Andrew’s Intimate Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding was held on a beautiful day in Northern Michigan. Surrounded by close friends and family they exchanged vows on the balcony of the Bay Harbor Yacht Club.

Kelsey got ready with family at the Yacht Club and wore a gorgeous lace gown and beaded headpiece. Andrew choose a sleek black tux for his wedding day attire making this a truly classic style. 

While the bride & groom were getting ready, Upsy-Daisy Floral of Boyne City set up beautiful floral pieces around the ceremony. Lush white & light pink roses, peonies, and hydrangeas framed the arch. 

The bride & groom opted to forgo a first look. They saw each other for the first time as Kelsey walked down the aisle towards her husband to be! With smiles ear to ear Kelsey & Andrew exchanged their vows with blue skies and the Bay Harbor Marina as a backdrop. The sunny day truly highlighted the vibrant Lake Michigan blues that Northern Michigan is know for in the summer! 

After the ceremony Kelsey & Andrew were able to enjoy cocktail hour on the beautiful balcony conversing about the day with all their guests. Before guests entered the Bay Harbor Yacht Club for dinner Kelsey & Andrew shared their first dance under the the bistro lights on the patio. 

The reception decor displayed beautiful touches spread throughout with thoughtful recognition to some of the couples favorite things! Reception favors included Michigan shaped cookies made by Simply Sweet by Jessica along with a gifts from Sturgeon River Pottery . The Michigan sugar cookies even featured a blue heart over Bay Harbor! Along with the delicious cookies Jessica made a classic white cake incorporating pink & white roses and peonies. 

After dinner Kelsey & Andrew snuck away to capture some life lasting images as husband and wife. As they walked down the steps towards the water and docks the sunshine glistened over the water of Lake Michigan. 

Intimate Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding Photographer: Associate Photographer Emily Morrison

Floral Design by Upsy Daisy | Catering by Bay Harbor Yacht Club | Desserts by Simply Sweet by Jessica | Music by Pete Kehoe | Ceremony & Reception at Bay Harbor Yacht Club

TELEPHONE • (231) 622-8877 [email protected] 704 Bridge Street Charlevoix, MI 49720

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Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding | Ursula + Jack

Following many memorable trips up to Bay Harbor and Jack’s Northern Michigan proposal, it seemed only fitting for Ursula and Jack to have their wedding at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Petoskey. “Every time we would visit the Cauffiel family from Chicago, Ursula would jokingly ask Jack when they were moving to Michigan (which actually ended up happening). Jack knew it was the perfect place to propose and asked me to marry him in a spot overlooking the water of Little Traverse Bay. By the end of that day we knew that this was the special place that we wanted to share with our friends and family for the most important day of our lives.” After months of planning, the morning of July 7th finally came. “We were incredibly excited and couldn’t believe all of our planning was finally coming to fruition. We couldn’t wait to see each other – we knew our nerves would calm instantly once we were together.”

Just before Ursula left to go see her soon to be husband, she shared a beautiful moment with her father. “When my dad came into the bridal suite it was very emotional for me. Everyone close to me knows that my dad is a cancer survivor. There were times growing up he didn’t know if he would be at my high school graduation. For him to be there 10 years after high school graduation – on my wedding day- really hit me when he came into the bridal suite and we had a quiet moment together. We are so close and I couldn’t have imagined that day without him. I’m thankful for every day we have together – and especially now Jack & I’s wedding day.”

The entire day was filled with wonderful, special moments that both Jack and Ursula couldn’t single out just one. “It’s hard to pick an exact moment that stuck out to us the most. The entire day was perfect. The moments we had together – our first look, together at the alter, the boat ride into the reception, and our first dance … were the ones where we were completely lost in one another – and are the times we really will remember most.” Having these moments together will serve as precious memories for Jack and Ursula for years to come! One of Jack’s most emotional moments from the day was seeing Ursula walking towards him at the alter. “I thought the first look would be the most emotional time for me. It was absolutely incredible and I couldn’t believe how beautiful and happy Ursula looked. But even though we were able to spend some time together before the ceremony, when I saw her walking down the aisle with her father wearing the biggest smile in the world, it brought tears to my eyes. It was everything I could have ever imagined.”

No one can describe the day better than the newlyweds themselves, “timeless, blissful, happiness.”

Congratulations Jack and Ursula! May God bless your marriage.

Bridal Gown:  Mira Couture | Dress Designer:  Mikaella Bridal  | Wedding & Engagement Rings: Christopher Duquet | Groom’s Suit:  Nordstrom | Suit Designer:  Hickey Freeman | Accessories: The Tie Bar | Bridesmaid’s Dresses:  Bella Bridesmaids | Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff | Jewelry Designer:  JCrew | Groomsmen’s Suits: T he Black Tux | Preparation Location:  Inn at Bay Harbor | Ceremony Location:  First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs | Reception Location & Caterer:  Bay Harbor Yacht Club |  Wedding Planner:  Fox & Fern | Hair & Makeup:  Inn at Bay Harbor Salon | Florist:  Monarch GFD | Desserts: Sweets by Jessica | Officiant: Pastor Kip Murphy of  First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs | Band:  Michael Walters Orchestra | Videographer: Ever After | Transportation: Bay to Bay | Photo Booth: Happy Snappy | Invitations: Minted

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Petoskey, MI

Michigan is known for its beautiful, rich nature, crystal clear lakes, lush greenery and the longest freshwater coastline in the United States. The state has a number of picturesque towns and makes for a perfectly idyllic wedding destination on the water, no matter if you’re a local or visiting from out of state.

The Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Petoskey, known as the “Premier Club on the Great Lakes”, embodies a truly luxurious maritime lifestyle. With its quaint stone façade, landmark waterfall, pillared arches and marina overlooking the grand Lake Michigan, the club is a beloved venue for weddings of all sorts, both intimate and large. The Bay Harbor Yacht Club delivers a personalized planning experience with customized culinary menu selections, a beautiful ceremony setup, and more. The club is also located near a selection of hotels in the pretty Bay Harbor area of Michigan, making it easy to accommodate guests without the need to venture far out. But the Bay Harbor Yacht Club is not only a stunning venue with spacious indoor and outdoor areas, you can also take advantage of — you guessed it — the yachts. For an extra special touch, gather your guests on the shoreline and make a grand lake entrance with your groom or bride to be. Or, if you want to spend some romantic, quiet moments alone after the festivities, end the night by sailing away into the sunset together.

Let Bianca and Aaron’s dreamy nuptials inspire you to plan your own magical Great Lakes wedding.

Bianca and Aaron had a destination wedding at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Petoskey, MI.  Their life together starts here… enjoy the love.

How did the proposal take place? Lake Tahoe, CA. Aaron flew his sister out from Michigan for 6 hours to set up a surprise picnic and take photographs. Aaron told Bianca they were going to a nice dinner, and making a pit- stop at one of the beaches to take a picture since they’d been in hiking clothes all weekend. Bianca was surprised by a gorgeous picnic setup… and Aaron getting down on one knee.

What was your fondest wedding moment? Our dance floor! Our wedding was mixed cultures and the union of the two cultures and families was absolutely beautiful – seeing Bianca’s side arm in arm with Aaron’s side dancing to the Albanian music! Also hearing and pronouncing our self-written vows was very special and meaningful.

Interesting facts about you and your spouse that you would like to share? Where do you reside and what are your occupations? Aaron is from a large Albanian family with 3 sisters, and Bianca is ½ Italian and ½ Russian with 3 brothers. Aaron is a professional hockey player; drafted by St. Louis Blues in the 2nd round in the 2007 draft. He has played over 450 professional games in the NHL, KHL, and AHL, and was a bronze metal winner in the 2013 World Championships for team USA. Bianca studied neuroscience at the University if Michigan, spent 4 years working at Stanford School of Medicine and personal genetics company, 23andMe, and is currently a medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The couple resides in Washington, DC.

• / A Classic Waterfront Wedding at Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Bay Harbor, Michigan

Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Bay Harbor, Michigan

• Timeless Styles Classic
• Themes Preppy
• Settings Waterfront
• Settings Historic Venue

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Couple's Exit with Sparklers

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Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding

Bay Harbor Yacht Club , Petoskey , Michigan , USA

The first time we met Jennifer, tears were streaming down her face as she struggled to get a heartfelt toast out to her brother John during the rehearsal dinner for Julia and John’s Mayflower Grace wedding in Connecticut. For her own wedding this summer, the tears were flowing again both during the ceremony and reception.

Jen and Will met while opening Firehouse Subs restaurants in Michigan, with Jen as Will’s franchise trainer. Six weeks of training as co-workers and friends ended with a date night, where sparks flew. Jen and Will have now moved to Chicago and are both working in the automotive industry. They say they still love working side by side just as they did when they first met.

Their Petoskey, Michigan, wedding at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club was set in front of the dramatic backdrop of the harbor. Afterward the wedding party took us on a wild, high-speed golf-cart chase for portraits on the putting greens that overlook the bay. Then everyone dined and danced in the yacht club ballroom till midnight. This was a classically beautiful wedding, filled with raw, genuine emotion and a packed dance floor. And for us, it was a new wedding destination, which is always a fun adventure. It was everything we could want in a wedding weekend, and, maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll get back to Michigan for another one soon.

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BAY HARBOR YACHT CLUB

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C U S T O M S  + C U L T U R E

BHYC is your club. There is never a need to feel over or underdressed. But we maintain an atmosphere that's neither stiff nor too casual.

The aim of the Bay Harbor Yacht Club is to be a friendly, caring and welcoming environment for the children and grandchildren of members.

There’s no need to tip at BHYC. In lieu of gratuities, a twenty percent service charge is added to food and beverages.

Member Guests are permitted in dining venues or other facilities only when accompanied by a Member.

David V. Johnson dreamed of transforming this “abandoned moonscape” into the most luxurious residential community on earth. His undertaking became the largest land reclamation project in North America.

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For reservations or more information about any BHYC Program, Activity or Event, contact the Club at 231.439.2100, or [email protected] . You can also make reservations and find more information on our Mobile App! Once downloaded, simply enter your member number and password to learn more!

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Each week you’ll receive an email about BHYC and be able to choose an experience. You can return to this page at any time for information regarding your new membership!

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FALL 2024 DATES STILL AVAILABLE!

A venue like no other .

Bay Harbor is a beautiful wedding destination nestled along Little Traverse Bay with a variety of venues, endless lake views and a Village offering  boutique shops, casual dining and specialty services.  We also offer on-site lodging which consist of both our Village Suites and Penthouses and our Vacation Home Rentals, just steps from the special event venues.  The Bay Harbor staff will provide you with excellent service and be available to always answer all of your questions concerning your memorable event. 

From the privacy of a ceremony on Sunset Beach along Lake Michigan – to the feeling of being “on top of the water” at Observation Lookout your ceremony will truly be something spectacular.  Our lovely reception venues  include a spectacular outdoor reception on the Marina Lawn or indoors in Elevation, our ballroom venue, located on the second floor in the heart of the Village at Bay Harbor.  

Photo Credit:  Kate English Photography

Membership Opportunities

Join our bhyc family, bay harbor yacht club is a private, member-owned social club nestled into the western shoreline of bay harbor lake within the bay harbor community..

Recently named a Distinguished Emerald Award recipient as one of the finest private clubs in the world, the Yacht Club serves over 700 members and their guests.  Serving as the social center of the Bay Harbor Community, BHYC is the perfect destination to enjoy an active and social membership for boaters and non-boaters alike.

Whatever your passion, BHYC has

Something for everyone..

Property ownership is not a requirement for membership and there is a variety of membership categories to choose from, designed to suit individual lifestyle needs. Members enjoy full access to the 63,000 square foot Clubhouse amenities, as well as the Club’s Racquet Sports Center, private beach, and member-only programming and events.  Our renowned Club offers unrivaled fitness, wellness, social and leisure amenities.

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If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of our Bay Harbor Yacht Club family, please contact Membership Services at 231.439.2112 , [email protected] , or complete the membership inquiry.

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Bay Harbor Yacht Club

4300 Vista Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770

231.439.2100 | [email protected]

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