Long before they began planning their Bay Harbor Yacht Club wedding, Mallory and Jackson had a shorthand that other people do not. They met all the way back during their freshman year of high school through mutual friends. They really became close when they ended up with the exact same lunch period, a daily routine where they quickly realized they shared a very similar sense of humor. That easy, uncomplicated friendship grew over the years. Jackson claims he knew almost immediately that she was the one, but the moment it truly solidified for both of them was after graduating from undergrad and moving back home. They realized that the life they wanted to build was one they needed to build together.
By the time the wedding morning arrived in Petoskey, that decade of history felt like a steady foundation for everything. The day started at the Inn at Bay Harbor cottages, where a collection of polaroids sat spread across a wooden table. I love seeing physical snapshots at a wedding. It shows a desire to slow down and hold onto a moment exactly as it is happening. Inside the cottage, the energy was calm but expectant. Mallory’s bridesmaids, wearing classic green Jenny Yoo gowns, had a great, loud reaction when she finally put on her Caroline Castigliano dress. It was one of those entirely unscripted moments where the reality of the day finally hits everyone in the room.
A Historic Ceremony at St. Francis Xavier
The ceremony took place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in downtown Petoskey. It is a beautiful, historic space that feels permanent and grounded. Watching Mallory walk down that long center aisle with her parents, you could feel the true weight of the moment. A church that grand can sometimes feel intimidating, but as Mallory and Jackson stood together at the altar, the space seemed to shrink down. It felt incredibly personal, like they were back in that high school lunchroom, sharing a private joke that only the two of them understood. The ceremony was a sincere, quiet anchor for everything that was to follow.
The second the vows were finished and they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, the formal restraint of the afternoon gave way to pure celebration. The entire bridal party piled into the Sunset Premier Transportation bus, and the energy shifted instantly. Drinks were poured, music was turned up, and the relief of finishing the official steps turned into loud, chaotic joy. This middle part of the day lets everyone finally catch their breath. Away from the strict structure of the timeline, people could just be happy together.
A High-Energy Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding Reception
We made our way over to the reception to begin the Bay Harbor Yacht Club wedding celebration. The late summer light on the water in Northern Michigan has a distinct clarity to it, especially as the afternoon begins to soften. We spent a short chunk of time down on the docks for portraits. Mallory and Jackson are incredibly easy to photograph because they do not need to be coached or directed into looking connected. They just fall into step with each other. They wanted a few minutes to breathe and be present together by the waterfront before the momentum of the reception swept them away.
The outdoor terrace looked spectacular, perfectly styled for a classic Bay Harbor Yacht Club wedding thanks to the thoughtful design by Tableau Events and the vibrant floral work by Sweetwater Floral. But more than the design, the terrace was alive with the energy of two families who have known each other for a very long time. That sense of deep connection goes back to how Jackson proposed. He pulled off a complete surprise in Charlevoix, one of their favorite northern destinations, by arranging for both of their families to be waiting there. After a day spent on Lake Charlevoix, they celebrated with dinner at Grey Gables. That same emphasis on family and shared celebration carried right into the reception.
Once the doors opened and the Bluewater Kings Band started up, the dance floor stayed completely packed. Mallory and Jackson had mentioned that dancing with their friends and family was the single thing they were most excited about, and they did not hold back. From guests joining the band with instruments to everyone with their hands in the air, the room stayed entirely electric.
Looking back at the photographs of the night, what stays with you is not just the beautiful backdrop of this Bay Harbor Yacht Club wedding or the classic styling. It is the reliability of a relationship that has stood the test of time and transitions. When asked what makes them most excited to marry each other, Mallory noted the comfort of always having someone you can completely depend on, through both the good times and the bad. That kind of emotional honesty is exactly what makes these images matter for the next fifty years.
Wedding Planner: Tableau Events
Ceremony Location: St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Reception Location & Catering: Bay Harbor Yacht Club Wedding
Florist: Sweetwater Floral
Hair & Makeup: Vogue Salon
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Videographer: Alpine Media
Bakery: Johan’s Bakery
Transportation: Sunset Premier Transportation
Stationery: Minted Wedding
Bridal Gown: Caroline Castigliano from Ivory Loft
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Ivory Loft
Groom’s Suit: State and Liberty