When Jillian contacted me via my Etsy shop, I could tell this design project was going to be something special. J&J wanted a design inspired by modern coastal style, filled with bright wildflowers, artisan hand-painted illustrations, and lots of extra personal touches The result? A luxuriously playful and truly one-of-a-kind stationery suite that perfectly captured their wedding at Bonnet Island Estate.
Photography Credit: Molly Sue Photography
Wedding Stationery Design Service
This was a complete stationery suite, covering everything from the invitations through to signage, menus and escort cards for the wedding day itself. Every piece flowed beautifully, sharing the same lively coastal vibes and rich, painterly aesthetic.
The design featured a series of hand-painted watercolour illustrations, including a view of Bonnet Island Estate, the Chapel barn, fun decorative borders and a fully customised wedding crest that became a signature element. I supplied the crest as a print-ready digital file so the couple could use it creatively - they had it printed onto ceramic key tags to accompany their escort cards (an incredible idea!) and even featured the barn illustration on their matchbox favours. It was wonderful to see my artwork woven into the smallest, most thoughtful wedding details.
Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Invitations
The Bonnet Island wedding invitations included a folded invitation with plenty of space for the ceremony details, plus a weekend events insert and a traditional printed RSVP card. An envelope liner with blue stripes and an airplane which was a nod to the Airforce, complete the look.
In keeping with the coastal theme, the folded invitations were finished with blue shell wax seals. J&J opted for a traditional font, when paired with the illustrations, this was the perfect balance between modern coastal charm and classic wedding stationery tradition.
‘Day-of’ Wedding Day Stationery
On the day itself, everything came together beautifully. I designed escort card tags for a feature wall that the bride’s father built from scratch and lined with bright patterned wallpaper – making it a key piece of décor. The welcome sign featured the custom wedding crest and was printed on poster paper to be framed in an ornate white frame. I also had the crest printed on frosted acrylic to decorate the outdoor bar - a lovely modern twist that reflected their signature motif.
My favourite detail? The couple’s table numbers, which were miniature sailboats that decorated each table - perfectly ‘on theme’ and totally unforgettable!
In the Couple’s Own Words…
Q: Why did you choose Bonnet Island Estate as a wedding venue?
A: The venue really speaks for itself. I grew up spending my summers on Long Beach Island and would drive by the venue getting on the island and always dreamed of getting married here.
Q: Which were your favourite items of stationery?
A: My favorite was the invites and all of the inserts that went with them. We had hundreds of compliments on them.
Q: How did you find the overall process?
You were so easy to work with, timeline was very fast and proofs were exactly how they showed up.
More about Bonnet Island Estate
Set on a private coastal island in Manahawkin via Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Bonnet Island Estate is the definition of seaside sophistication. The venue combines breathtaking water views with classic East Coast charm - windswept grasses, crisp ocean air, and sunsets over the bay that stop you in your tracks.
The estate’s Boathouse Chapel, complete with exposed beams and rustic coastal character, is ideal for ceremonies, while the ballroom offers panoramic waterfront views, making it a photographer’s dream. Couples and guests can stay on-site in the elegant guest suites, enjoying the relaxed, romantic atmosphere that defines this luxurious coastal hideaway.
It’s one of those venues that balances luxury with warmth, it’s effortlessly elegant yet brimming with personality.
Learn more about this incredible venue at weddingsofdistinctionnj.com or follow them on Instagram @bonnetislandestate.
Bespoke Design - The Splendid Swan Way
Every one of my bespoke stationery projects is completely unique, designed from the heart and to reflect each couple’s story, aesthetic and venue. With hand-painted watercolour artwork and a painterly, organic style, no two projects are ever the same.
Working with a wedding stationery designer means you’ll have full creative control and input throughout the process, from the colour palette and motifs to the finishing touches like ribbons, wax seals and envelope liners. And beyond the big day, your stationery doubles as a meaningful keepsake - a tangible piece of your story for guests to cherish.
Although I’m based in the UK, I have clients all over the world. J&J were in the US, and everything ran smoothly throughout the project. We worked together over Zoom and email, carefully refining every detail, and I shipped the finished stationery overseas without any issues. Beautiful design knows no borders, it’s all about collaboration, trust and communication (and a little bit of tracking magic for peace of mind!).
If you’re planning a coastal, destination or luxury wedding and want your stationery to be as personal as your story, I’d love to hear from you, enquire about your own custom suite.