Mackenzie + Jeff | A Magnificent Micro-Wedding in Northern Michigan | Walloon Lake Inn | Charlevoix, MI

August 28, 2025

Weddings

The ferry slowly crept across the water towards its destination. Although it would only be in motion for a few moments, Mackenzie and Jeff took the opportunity to step outside their car and take in the beautiful views that the north Michigan lake had to offer. In a way, the ferry became a perfect symbol of the wedding day: two people moving from one stage of life to the next. Sadly, the sweet moment lasted only a few seconds, as the ferry arrived at the dock; but Mackenzie and Jeff knew that the celebration for the day had just begun as they rolled back onto the road and off to the rest of their wedding day.

The bells of the drawbridge signaled the beginning of another beautiful morning in Charlevoix. Even though the lakeside town would soon be bustling with patrons preparing for the weekend, the peaceful start to the day was the perfect beginning to Mackenzie and Jeff’s wedding day. A lone white chapel stood in the midst of the town almost like it had been plucked out of a Hallmark movie, ready to be the backdrop for the tenderest of moments as Mackenzie was able to not only share a first look with her father but also her groom. Mackenzie and Jeff both felt the water calling to them throughout their engagement, and they desired to incorporate a “lakeside aesthetic” into their entire day. A stroll down Charlevoix’s public docks before their ceremony gave them time to take in the sights, the sounds, and the memories that composed their story so far, while preparing each other for the excitement of the day ahead. Their best of friends and dearest of family filled the pews of the chapel, as Mackenzie and Jeff shared vows that harkened back to the past and hinted at new and exciting things in the future. With the pleasantries behind them, the adventure could finally begin as bride and groom and guests alike joined the caravan that would travel across the state and convene later in the day at a different lakeside for the reception at Walloon Lake. Their course across Northern Michigan led them right into the water yet again, as a quaint ferry crossing created another moment for Mackenzie and Jeff to pause and take in the entire day thus far. By the time they arrive at Walloon Lake, the pristine lawn was delicately decorated and designed with their guests in mind, as Mackenzie and Jeff moved through the crowds to greet and thank those who had come both near and far to celebrate them. As the sun began to dip into the early evening sky, all were beckoned inside to an intimate dinner where the celebration could joyfully come to a beautiful close.

Mackenzie and Jeff, even though we’ve only known you two for the last few months, we left your wedding feeling like we had just seen two good friends have the happiest day of their life. From our first texts on the day of the wedding to the hugs and goodbyes at the end, we saw a pair of souls who bring love and laughter to all they come across. Even though life is soon taking you both on a new journey, we are already looking forward to the day when our paths cross again, and we can finally spend that evening for a date night in Chicago. Until then, it is our highest honor and pleasure to present your beautiful wedding day!

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.