Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island | Aislinn + Nick

When you think of a New Jersey coastal wedding, you might imagine soft pastels and muted tones. However, Aislinn and Nick had a different vision entirely. Their Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration burst with life, color, and personality. In fact, this tropical-inspired oasis on the Jersey Shore perfectly captured their vibrant love story.

A Bright, Coastal Vision Comes to Life

From the start, Aislinn’s vision was crystal clear. She wanted bright, airy, and coastal vibes with an explosion of corals, pinks, and yellows. As a result, the couple transformed Bonnet Island Estate into a kaleidoscope of color. The celebration felt both elegant and energetic.

Their floral designer, MDS Floral, created stunning bright flower arrangements. These arrangements served as table runners, bringing tropical energy indoors. At the same time, they maintained the sophistication the venue is known for.

The aesthetic perfectly balanced beach wedding charm with elevated design. This is exactly what you’d want for a Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration or similar destination-style events. Whether you’re getting married on Long Beach Island, at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club in the Hamptons, the Newport Beach House in Rhode Island, or even Mediterranean destinations like Lake Como’s Villa Balbianello, the concept translates beautifully. Similarly, it works for Villa Cimbrone on the Amalfi Coast or the Greek Islands of Santorini.

Long Beach Island’s Premier Coastal Wedding Venue: Bonnet Island Estate

For couples seeking that destination wedding feel without leaving the tri-state area, a Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration is unmatched. Located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, this waterfront venue sits on its own private island. Furthermore, it offers sweeping views of Barnegat Bay. The moment you cross onto the property, you’re transported to a Nantucket-style coastal paradise. Indeed, it’s reminiscent of the grand coastal estates you’d find at Branford House in Groton, Connecticut. Additionally, it evokes the elegant waterfront celebrations at Saint Clements Castle & Marina in Portland, CT.

What sets Bonnet Island Estate apart is its versatility. The estate features the charming Boathouse Chapel—transported piece by piece from New England. This chapel showcases rustic timber beams and a river-stone fireplace. Moreover, barn-style doors open to embrace the bay breezes. It’s the perfect backdrop for couples who want that romantic, intimate ceremony space.

For reception celebrations, the estate offers elegant indoor spaces. These spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light. Plus, expansive outdoor areas provide perfect settings for cocktail hours with water views. Whether you’re planning a classic coastal wedding or bringing in vibrant tropical elements like Aislinn and Nick, this Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island venue provides the perfect canvas.

Why Couples Choose Bonnet Island Estate

Morgan Taylor Artistry has photographed numerous Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebrations. What couples consistently love is the complete experience the venue provides. From luxurious bridal suites to intimate groom’s quarters, every detail is designed with wedding day magic in mind.

The property’s twelve elegantly appointed overnight suites mean your closest family and friends can stay on-site. Consequently, this makes the celebration feel even more special and intimate.

The venue also offers that rare combination of being photo-ready at every turn while still feeling warm and welcoming. The meticulously landscaped grounds, protected wetlands, and waterfront dock provide endless opportunities. As a result, you get stunning portraits—from golden hour shots on the bay to intimate moments in the gardens.

Aislinn & Nick’s Colorful Coastal Celebration

Aislinn and Nick’s day was filled with intentional, heartfelt moments that made it uniquely theirs. The timeline was carefully crafted to allow for meaningful connections. They ensured plenty of time for portraits in the gorgeous August light.

Getting Ready with Joy and Excitement

The morning started with Aislinn’s arrival not before long, she slipped into her stunning Newhite Bridal gown from Lovely Bride. Her mom, Maureen, helped her dress. This tender moment set the emotional tone for the day.

One of the sweetest parts of the getting-ready timeline was Aislinn’s reveal with her six closest girlfriends who were there to celebrate. Their reactions to seeing her fully dressed were pure joy and tears (the good kind). These are the candid, emotional moments that make wedding photography so meaningful.

Meanwhile, Nick’s morning included his brother and his three best friends. The guys brought the energy and laughter while getting ready. This created a relaxed atmosphere that translated beautifully in photos.

An Emotional First Look

Aislinn and Nick shared their first look in the chapel, Just the two of them experienced that perfect moment of anticipation before the ceremony. Nick’s reaction was priceless. You could see the emotion wash over both of them.

These private moments are why couples love doing first looks. It gives you time to simply be together without the eyes of 100+ guests watching.

We then moved into couple portraits around the stunning Bonnet Island Estate grounds. The bright bouquet by MDS Floral perfectly complemented Aislinn’s gown. Additionally, it popped beautifully against the venue’s coastal aesthetic. The afternoon light on the waterfront was absolutely dreamy.

A Ceremony in the Boathouse Chapel

The Ceremony in the Boathouse Chapel was officiated by a close friend of Nick’s. This made the entire ceremony feel even more personal and meaningful. Four Shore Strings provided beautiful ceremony music. Consequently, the chapel filled with elegance and emotion.

MDS Floral transformed the ceremony space with a spectacular floral arch. It featured bright blooms in corals, pinks, yellows, and oranges. This stayed true to Aislinn’s vibrant vision. Against the rustic chapel backdrop with its stone fireplace and timber beams, the bright flowers created a stunning focal point.

Cocktail Hour and Reception Celebration

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour with gorgeous waterfront views. A special touch included Wagner College friends gathering near the Wagner flag flying by the water. This was a nod to where many of their friendships were formed.

Bonnet Island Estate coordinated the reception. Merri-Makers‘ exceptional team provided the catering. The reception featured those stunning bright floral runners Aislinn had envisioned. The tables looked like artwork. The corals, pinks, and yellows created an energetic yet sophisticated atmosphere.

C4 Events kept the energy high throughout the evening. They made sure the dance floor stayed packed. Aislinn mentioned in her planning notes that they love fun photos with family and friends. They got exactly that.

The candid moments on the dance floor captured the spirit of the night. The laughter during toasts and the joy radiating from every corner of the room told the complete story of their wedding day.

Bringing Tropical Energy to a Coastal Wedding

What made Aislinn and Nick’s wedding particularly inspiring was how they infused personality into every detail. This applies whether you’re planning at coastal estates in New England like The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill in Middletown, CT, or Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI.

It also works for luxury Hamptons venues like Oceanbleu in Westhampton Beach or 360 East at Montauk Downs. Even if you’re dreaming of Mediterranean villa weddings at destinations like the French Riviera’s Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild or Spain’s Balearic Islands, these ideas translate beautifully.

They took the classic coastal elegance that Bonnet Island Estate is known for. Then, they dialed up the color and energy to create something distinctly theirs.

For couples considering tropical destinations or beach weddings, Aislinn and Nick’s vibrant palette proves you can bring that same tropical energy to a New Jersey coastal venue. The bright florals, the beachy-meets-elegant vibe, and the focus on celebrating with their closest people created an atmosphere that rivals any destination wedding.

This works whether that’s at luxury Caribbean resorts like Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia or The Shore Club in Turks & Caicos. Similarly, it applies to beachfront Riviera Maya resorts in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It even works for gilded-age mansions like the Haley Mansion at Inn at Mystic in Connecticut.

Perfect for Destination Wedding Photographers

As a New Jersey wedding photographer who also serves New York, Miami, Philadelphia, and destinations worldwide, this is exactly the type of wedding that reminds me why I love traveling for celebrations.

Whether you’re planning an intimate beach ceremony in Turks and Caicos or a luxury resort wedding in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, the approach remains the same. A coastal estate wedding at Connecticut’s waterfront mansions requires similar attention to detail. Likewise, a chic Hamptons celebration at venues like the EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton benefits from the same thoughtful planning.

For European-inspired seaside weddings at Italian villa destinations like Palazzo Avino on the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera’s Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, the key principles apply. Even Greek Island cliff-side venues in Santorini and Antigua’s tropical luxury resorts like Royalton Antigua share common elements. The key is creating an experience that feels authentically you.

Bonnet Island Estate offers that rare combination of accessibility and destination appeal. Guests can easily travel from New York, Philadelphia, or anywhere in New Jersey. Yet the moment they arrive, they feel like they’ve escaped to a coastal paradise. This is similar to the experience you’d have at waterfront estate venues along the Connecticut coast. It also mirrors the refined elegance of a Hamptons wedding venue.

Add in overnight accommodations for up to 24 guests. Suddenly, you’ve got the recipe for a true wedding weekend celebration. It feels as special as a European villa wedding or Caribbean destination event.

Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Cost & Details

For couples considering Bonnet Island Estate for their own wedding, it’s important to note this is a luxury venue. The pricing matches the exceptional experience. The estate offers two rental options.

First, a full estate rental for 24 hours accommodates 24 overnight guests. This option is required for Saturday weddings. Second, a 5-hour venue rental is available for Fridays and Sundays. This includes ceremony and reception space without overnight stays.

Site fees range from approximately $11,000-$32,000 depending on your chosen option, season, and day of the week. Peak season (typically May through October) commands higher rates. Meanwhile, off-season dates offer more budget-friendly options. These fees cover the venue rental but are separate from catering. The venue’s exclusive catering team handles all food service.

While this investment is significant, couples consistently tell us the all-inclusive nature and stunning setting make Bonnet Island Estate worth every penny. The convenience of having everything in one location stands out. The luxury amenities make a difference. Additionally, the fact that it photographs beautifully from every angle contributes to an unforgettable experience.

Working with the Best Vendors

Aislinn and Nick assembled an incredible team of vendors who brought their vision to life:

Photography: Morgan Taylor Artistry

Venue: Bonnet Island Estate

Ceremony Music: Four Shore Strings

Officiant: Matt DeLuca

Florist: MDS Floral

Hair: Hair by Paola

Makeup: Kimberly Dawn Makeup

Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bride

Gown Designer: Newhite Bridal

Videographer: Endless Wave Productions

Band/DJ: C4 Events

Groom’s Attire: B’Spo-Ken

Invitations: Yvonne’s Invitations and Favors

Each vendor brought their expertise and creativity to create a cohesive, beautiful celebration that exceeded expectations.

Planning Your Own Bonnet Island Estate Wedding

If Aislinn and Nick’s colorful coastal Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration has you dreaming of your own event at this venue, here are some takeaways from their experience:

Embrace Your Vision: Don’t feel constrained by traditional coastal wedding colors. Aislinn’s bright, tropical-inspired palette proved that you can be bold while still being elegant.

Plan Your Timeline Carefully: With first looks, family formals, and sunset portraits all on the agenda, a well-thought-out timeline ensures you experience all the moments that matter. Additionally, it prevents you from feeling rushed.

Consider Overnight Accommodations: Having close family and friends stay on-site transforms your wedding from a one-day event into a weekend celebration. Consequently, this creates even more memories.

Trust Your Vendors: Working with experienced professionals who know the venue inside and out makes everything run smoothly. Aislinn and Nick’s vendor team worked seamlessly together. As a result, they brought the vision to life.

Prioritize What Matters: Aislinn mentioned in her notes that she and Nick are very close to their family and friends. Therefore, they wanted plenty of candid and group photos throughout the night. Identifying your priorities helps your photographer capture what matters most to you.

Beyond Long Beach Island: Destination Wedding Expertise

While this Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration took place on the Jersey Shore, the aesthetic and approach translate beautifully to destination weddings around the world. As a photographer serving New Jersey, New York, Miami, Philadelphia, and destinations, I’ve found that couples planning weddings at these locations often draw inspiration from celebrations like Aislinn and Nick’s:

Connecticut coastal mansions & estates: Branford House in Groton, Saint Clements Castle & Marina in Portland, The Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Haley Mansion at Inn at Mystic

The Hamptons & Long Island coast: Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club, Oceanbleu in Westhampton Beach, 360 East at Montauk Downs, EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton

Rhode Island waterfront estates: Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Newport Beach House in Middletown

Caribbean luxury destinations: Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia, The Shore Club in Turks & Caicos, Royalton Antigua

Mexico’s tropical beach resorts: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun beachfront venues

Mediterranean villas & estates: Lake Como’s Villa Balbianello, Amalfi Coast venues like Villa Cimbrone and Palazzo Avino, French Riviera properties including Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

Greek Islands & Spanish coastal estates: Santorini cliffside venues, Mallorca and Costa del Sol villas in Spain’s Balearic Islands

The combination of vibrant colors, coastal elegance, and focus on intimate moments with loved ones works beautifully in all these settings. Whether you’re planning a Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration, a luxury coastal mansion wedding in Connecticut, a chic Hamptons waterfront estate wedding, or a European-inspired seaside wedding at an Italian villa or French Riviera chateau, these principles apply.

Congratulations to Aislinn and Nick – may your marriage be as vibrant, joyful, and full of love as your wedding day celebration!

Get In Touch | New Jersey, New York, Miami & Destination Wedding Photographer

Morgan Taylor Artistry is a wedding photographer specializing in bright, romantic, and timeless imagery. I serve celebrations in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and destinations worldwide.

If you enjoyed reading about Aislinn and Nick’s colorful Bonnet Island Estate wedding Long Beach Island celebration and are planning your own wedding, I’d love to hear from you. Whether at Bonnet Island Estate, another Long Beach Island venue, or a tropical destination, inquire here and let’s chat about capturing your love story!

Whether you’re planning a Jersey Shore wedding, a New York celebration, a Miami beach event, or dreaming of exchanging vows in a tropical paradise, I’d love to document your day. I bring the same care, artistry, and attention to detail that Aislinn and Nick received.