Photos by Ann Coen Photography | Rentals + Styling: Rustic Drift
Long Beach Island has always been a popular beach wedding destination in New Jersey for couples looking to tie the knot at beautiful estates, hotels, or yacht clubs, as close to the Atlantic Ocean or Barnegat Bay as possible. What many couples may be unaware of are the unique venues that exist on this barrier island, like The White Whale Motel in Barnegat Light.
Arguably LBI’s most bucolic town, Barnegat Light is known for its historic lighthouse, sweeping dunes, and quaint fishing village. The White Whale Motel, located on 7th Street, is just two blocks from the beach and half a block from the Bay. With 10 guest rooms and a 50’ x 100’ backyard, The White Whale Motel can accommodate 24 overnight guests and up to 60 people for an outdoor wedding. Looking for an intimate backyard wedding near the beach, with plenty of photo opportunities in any direction? Consider this location!
For this stylish but simple setting, boutique rental company Rustic Drift teamed up with the White Whale Motel and other area vendors (see page 140) to highlight the venue and all its possibilities. Rental items included Rustic Drift’s hand-built birch arbor, 10’ farm tables, reclaimed lumber bar cart, cake swing, boardwalk runners, and their signature rustic lounge setup. Complementing vintage rental items included mismatched chairs and china, a mid-century style dresser for the coffee station, small décor items and four pane doors for the backyard entryway. Custom projects included a hand-lettered chalkboard menu, wedding signage, and bistro-style string light installations. Rustic Drift’s items at the White Whale Motel were the perfect marriage of rentals and space for a backyard wedding on LBI.
