Sunset Beach

Welcome Party

Bay Harbor Yacht Club Promenade Dock

Wedding Ceremony

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Our Wedding

Photos

Hotels

August is peak season in Northern Michigan. So, we recommend reserving your room as soon as possible. If you have any difficulty or need any more suggestions, please reach out to Jodi Balconi at 248-396-0245 or jodibalconi@me.com

Our room block will be available starting October 14th, and is a two night minimum due to the time of year in Northern Michigan.We will be providing shuttle services from this hotel to and from the wedding venue on August 15th.Balconi/Latham Room Block

Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey at Victories Square

Our room block will be available starting October 14th, and is a two night minimum due to the time of year in Northern Michigan.We will be providing shuttle services from this hotel to and from the wedding venue on August 15th.Balconi/Latham Room Block

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey by IHG

If you are looking to stay in a home during the weekend, please visit the website below for cottages and homes in Bay Harbor. The wedding party will be staying at Bay Harbor Village Suites on the same property. Shuttle Service will be provided from this property to and from the wedding venue on August 15th.

Bay Harbor Rental Homes/Suites

Although we do not have a room block at this hotel, we recommend it as an option. However, shuttle service will not be provided from this hotel to and from the wedding venue.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Petoskey

Airports

The largest airport in Northern Michigan. 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Bay Harbor. Rental Vehicles are available at the airport.

Cherry Capital Airport

Estimated 4-hour drive to Northern Michigan. Rental vehicles available.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Estimated 40 minute drive to Bay Harbor. Limited rental vehicles available.

Pellston Regional Airport

Travel

Welcome to Northern Michigan for our wedding celebration! It means so much to have family and friends together in a place that is so close to our hearts and filled with years of cherished memories. We hope that during your time up north you can enjoy some of our favorite activities and places that have meant so much to us over the years. A special thank you for traveling near and far to be a part of this special weekend.

Lake Life

Enjoy waterfront dining and drinks along with specialty shops and a walk along the boat docks to enjoy the boats and views of the harbor.

Bay Harbor Lake Marina

Relax and enjoy an amazing view of Lake Michigan with soft sand and gentle waves, ideal for a serene escpae for sunbathing and swimming.

Sunset Beach 

The white sandy beach is open to East Grand Traverse Bay and is located&nbsp;just a quick walk to downtown Elk Rapids.

Elk Rapids Beach

Explore Downtown 

Overlook the shores of Lake Michigan, while you enjoy over 170 unique shops and fine restaurants in the famous Gaslight Shopping District.

Downtown Petoskey Shopping District

From the charming boutiques to the great food and drink options...you will find a full and vibrant village ready to welcome you

Downtown Bay Harbor 

Charlevoix is a charming city located between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Activities include boating, fishing and exploring beaches. There are many unique shops and restaurants along the water to enjoy!

Visit Charlevoix & Travel Information

Explore a blend of small-town charm and big-city flavor, featuring unique boutiques, local eateries, and cozy cafes concentrated along Front Street.&nbsp;

Downtown Traverse City 

Wineries/Distillery

Enjoy a glass of wine and coffee on an outdoor patio overlooking 22 acres of lavender fields, a vineyard and rolling countryside.

Petoskey Farms Vineyard. Winery. Coffeehouse. Lavender Farm.

Gypsy spirits is the largest operating distillery under 1 roof in Michigan. The distillery features 2 on site restaurants where guests can order and pick up food at their food stations and can be enjoyed anywhere on property. Our favorite spot is one that overlooks Lake Michigan.

Gypsy Distillery

Sample of variety of northern Michigan wines in the tasting room or explore the vineyard in the rolling hills of Boyne Falls. Enjoy your wine on the patio, lawn or treehouse and listen to music while you take in the views.

Boyne Valley Vineyards

Outdoor Activities 

Zipline through the treetops, take a scenic cart ride around the resort, explore trails on their e-bikes, hike a the ski runs, take a scenic chair lift ride and so much more!

Boyne Mountain Resort

Avalanche Mountain Preserve has 300 plus acres to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a favorite here with beautiful views of Lake Charlevoix.

Avalanche Preserve

Explore the sight, scent and taste of lavender at the largest lavender farm in Michigan. Payton goes every summer to stock up on all things lavender.

Lavender Hill Farm

Enjoy a scenic drive, dune climb and access to a beautiful beach. The sand dunes sit 450 feet above Lake Michigan and are famous for panoramic views.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Golf

Three unique 9 hole courses designed to be very different experiences that combined into unique 18 hole courses. The courses provide beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Crooked Tree Golf Club is carved through century old trees and sits on bluffs high above Little Traverse Bay for amazing views.

Crooked Tree Golf Club

Things to Do

Friday, August 14, 20267:30-10:30Cocktails, Sunset and Bonfire Sunset Beach3750 N Beach StBay Harbor, Michigan 49770

Ceremony

Saturday, August 15, 20265:00-5:30Bay Harbor Yacht Club Promenade Dock4300 Vista DriveBay Harbor, Michigan 49770

Cocktail  Hour and Reception

Saturday, August 15, 20265:30-11:30Bay Harbor Yacht Club4300 Vista DriveBay Harbor, Michigan 49770

Schedule 

When should I book my stay?

August is a busy time of the year in Northern Michigan. Therefore, we recommend booking your stay as soon as possible. Our travel page has hotel suggestions. If you have any difficulty booking a room, please reach out toJodi Balconi at 248-396-0245 or jodibalconi@me.com

Is there a dress code?

Yes, the wedding is black tie optional. We encourage guests to wear formal attire. Formal dress code for women includes floor length gowns, tea length, and midi dresses. For men this includes suits and tuxes.

Will dinner be provided for guests at The Welcome Party?

Due to various travel schedules and ceremony rehearsal commitments, dinner will not be provided at the welcome party. However, we are excited to welcome everyone to Northern Michigan and begin our celebration with all of you! Please plan to join us and please RSVP for the welcome party so that we can plan accordingly for the night. We highly recommended dinner at Brandy's HarborTown, Vintage Chophouse &amp; Wine Bar, Salvatore's Market &amp; Oven or Nomads. Please visit their websites for menus and additional information about each venue. These restaurants are just a short walk to Sunset Beach! Downtown Petoskey also has many dining options.

Can I bring a plus one?

Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited on your wedding invitation. Your name (s) will appear under your name when you RSVP. Thank you for understanding.

Are children welcome?

We love little ones. However, this is an adults only event.

Is there transportation to and from the wedding venue?

Yes, shuttle transportation will be provided from the Inn at Bay Harbor, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn. Please respond "yes" when submitting your RSVP if you would like to use the shuttle service. Due to limited parking at the venue it is encouraged that you utilize the shuttle service.

Q & A

Our Love Story

Our story began long before we ever imagined it would lead to forever. We’ve known each other since kindergarten. Two kids who had no idea that one day they’d be standing side by side at the altar. Through the years, our paths kept crossing, and by high school, that childhood friendship had grown into something truly special. We spent two unforgettable years dancing side by side in guy-girl pom, went to two proms together, and by our senior year, our hearts had found their match. What started as a sweet high school romance quickly turned into the kind of love that only deepens with time. When college took us in different directions, Scotty to the University of Michigan and Payton to the University of Kentucky, we learned what it meant to love across the miles. Weekend visits, game days, and countless road trips kept us connected through every milestone. Even from different states, we were each other’s biggest supporters. After graduation, life led Payton to Nashville to begin her career in nursing, while Scotty returned to Michigan to start his journey in business. Those two years of long distance taught us patience, commitment, and just how strong our love truly was. When Scotty finally moved to Nashville, it felt like coming home to each other. Two years later, on a perfect day hiking in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Scotty got down on one knee, and with tears (and a lot of happy laughter), Payton said yes.We’ve always shared an adventurous spirit . From our favorite summers spent “up north” in Michigan on Torch Lake, Clam Lake, and in Coldwater at Tammy and Paul’s, to skiing the slopes of Breckenridge, and to sunny Florida trips visiting family. No matter where life takes us, our greatest joy has always been simply being together. We are so grateful for the love and support we have had from family and friends throughout our many years together. Our wedding day will celebrate 10 years... And now, after all these yearsfrom kindergarten to forever, we can’t wait to begin the next chapter as husband and wife.

Payton & Scott