Emotion cannot be staged.
It appears in quiet, honest moments: a steadying breath before the ceremony, a familiar hand reaching for yours, the ease that settles in as the day unfolds around you.
Weddings along the Petoskey lakeshore have a way of slowing time. From peaceful harbor mornings to the warm evening glow on Little Traverse Bay, I am there to notice the moments that feel real and naturally yours.
My approach blends gentle guidance with a documentary perspective. I am present when you need direction and quiet when a moment deserves space, creating an environment where you can simply be yourselves.
The images we create will feel heartfelt, timeless, and true to your experience.
Emotive. Timeless. Artfully Unscripted.
the anna beth smith wedding experience
Picture your mother’s eyes softening as the breeze catches your veil. hear the sound of laughter echoing near the harbor at sunset. imagine the way golden light settles over Little Traverse Bay and wraps your entire celebration in something warm and memorable.
These are the moments that stay with you. The ones that cannot be scripted. The ones that become part of your story.
My approach is rooted in presence. I am here to photograph the emotion, the connection, and the quiet in between moments that make a Northern Michigan wedding feel like no other.
I want you to look back years from now and feel everything again.
The best wedding photographs don’t just show how your day looked; they bring you back to how it felt.
When you invite me into your wedding day, you are welcoming someone into a deeply meaningful chapter of your life. I take that responsibility seriously. I am here to help you feel at ease, to create space for genuine moments, and to document your celebration with care and intention.
Full day wedding packages start at $6500.
Your Petoskey Wedding Story
Petoskey and its surrounding lakeshore offer unforgettable wedding settings, each with its own personality. Whether your celebration takes place at a historic hotel by the bay, a lakeside resort, or a private estate, this region is filled with places that bring a sense of beauty and meaning to your day.
Beautiful Petoskey & Northern Michigan Wedding Locations
- Stafford’s Perry Hotel: Historic charm overlooking Little Traverse Bay. I have photographed several weddings here, and the setting always feels warm, inviting, and full of character.
- Bay Harbor: Bay Harbor offers elegant spaces with expansive views of Lake Michigan. Whether you celebrate at the Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor Yacht Club, or another of Bay Harbor's incredible venues, the light and open horizon create a timeless backdrop for your day.
- Walloon Lake: Walloon Lake is known for its calm water, soft light, and welcoming atmosphere. Hotel Walloon offers refined lakeside beauty with thoughtful, intimate spaces. Walloon Lake Inn provides a charming waterfront setting with exceptional food and a warm, personal feel. Walloon Lake Country Club is another classic option with serene views and an elegant, relaxed atmosphere.
- Harbor Springs: A little farther up the coast, Harbor Springs brings a soft and welcoming coastal charm. Its harbor, sailboats, and relaxed atmosphere make it a beautiful place to gather and celebrate.
- Charlevoix: Charlevoix offers vibrant lake views, stone architecture (did someone say Castle Farms?), and stunning sunsets. A wonderful choice for couples who want something scenic, lively, and full of character.
- Private Residences and Lakeside Homes: Many couples choose to celebrate on family property or at a private lakeside home. These intimate settings often create some of the most personal and meaningful wedding days I photograph.
I'm anna
For over a decade, I’ve had the honor of photographing weddings, couples, and families throughout Northern Michigan and beyond. I believe the most meaningful images are made when people feel truly at ease, deeply seen, and free to be fully present in their moments.
If you’re drawn to imagery that feels timeless, honest, and quietly beautiful, and you value an experience that feels calm, thoughtful, and deeply personal, you’re in the right place.
With lake wind in my hair and a heart for what matters most
Hello,
- Chelsea & Jack
"I loved having her there by my side the whole day - the best wingwoman ever!"
kind words
I do! Film has become a meaningful part of my creative process, and I’ll often bring a few rolls with me to weddings when it feels right for the light, the moment, or the story unfolding. It isn’t something I guarantee or offer as an add-on just yet, but when I do shoot it, you can expect those images to blend beautifully with your digital gallery—timeless, nostalgic, and full of character.
That feeling is more common than you might think, and you are not alone in it. Most of my couples share some uncertainty about being in front of the camera.
Guiding you gently and helping you feel at ease is a core part of my work. I will offer simple direction when needed and create space for you to relax into the experience. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully present so your images reflect what is real between you, not what feels forced.
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