Alison
and
Michael
Please join us for our wedding celebration on
Our Story
How We Met
We met while both living in the southern Connecticut area. As is tradition, Mike took forever before asking Alison out for drinks (and hummus!) and for our first date at The Ginger Man in Greenwich, Connecticut. During our first date we realized that both our families had houses on Long Beach Island. We then continued to see each other a couple times a week (hiking Sleeping Giant State Park, week night dinners at Mike’s apartment, etc.) while learning more about each other. By the time summer came around, we had been together for about 9 months and we were both ready to spend our first summer together with the many trips down to LBI. Here we grew to know each other’s families even more. With the Mills family in Surf City and the Petrillo family in Beach Haven Park, it was easy to hop back and forth between each household.
Proposal
Mike proposed to Alison while on a trip with her family in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. The plan was for Mike to pop the question while everyone was “late” for a family Christmas card photo on the beach. Mike and Alison met up with Liz and Paul for a drink prior to the photos. Mike was visibly nervous, constantly shaking his leg (to those who know Mike well, at a clearly audible level) while Liz was walking around with her purse (which held the ring) noticeably always being held behind her back. After the bar, the couples headed down to the beach to take a few pictures prior to the formal get together. At this point, Mike looked to Liz who handed him the ring before he walked up to Alison who was already positioned in front of the water with the whole family. Mike then got down on one knee and as soon as Alison put two and two together, she began to bawl her eyes out. It wasn’t until Mike reminded her that she needed to give an answer before he could stand up that she gave the YES!
Now
Alison and Michael recently bought their first home together in Greenwich, Connecticut. They decided LBI would be the perfect destination for the wedding given the family history they both share on the island (Alison and her twin sister, Elizabeth, celebrated their first birthday on LBI!). We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding with all of you and hope that you find LBI to be as amazing as we do!
We met while both living in the southern Connecticut area. As is tradition, Mike took forever before asking Alison out for drinks (and hummus!) and for our first date at The Ginger Man in Greenwich, Connecticut. During our first date we realized that both our families had houses on Long Beach Island. We then continued to see each other a couple times a week (hiking Sleeping Giant State Park, week night dinners at Mike’s apartment, etc.) while learning more about each other. By the time summer came around, we had been together for about 9 months and we were both ready to spend our first summer together with the many trips down to LBI. Here we grew to know each other’s families even more. With the Mills family in Surf City and the Petrillo family in Beach Haven Park, it was easy to hop back and forth between each household.
Proposal
Mike proposed to Alison while on a trip with her family in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. The plan was for Mike to pop the question while everyone was “late” for a family Christmas card photo on the beach. Mike and Alison met up with Liz and Paul for a drink prior to the photos. Mike was visibly nervous, constantly shaking his leg (to those who know Mike well, at a clearly audible level) while Liz was walking around with her purse (which held the ring) noticeably always being held behind her back. After the bar, the couples headed down to the beach to take a few pictures prior to the formal get together. At this point, Mike looked to Liz who handed him the ring before he walked up to Alison who was already positioned in front of the water with the whole family. Mike then got down on one knee and as soon as Alison put two and two together, she began to bawl her eyes out. It wasn’t until Mike reminded her that she needed to give an answer before he could stand up that she gave the YES!
Now
Alison and Michael recently bought their first home together in Greenwich, Connecticut. They decided LBI would be the perfect destination for the wedding given the family history they both share on the island (Alison and her twin sister, Elizabeth, celebrated their first birthday on LBI!). We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding with all of you and hope that you find LBI to be as amazing as we do!
Events
Join us for a welcome drink!
8:30 PM, September 24, 2021
Daddy O Hotel
4401 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach Township, NJ 08008
Kick off the wedding weekend with one of Daddy O's unique and delicious cocktails. If you happen to be in town the night before the wedding, come meet us in the garden room/ the main bar after the rehearsal dinner to say hello from 8:30-9:30pm.
Wedding Ceremony
5:00 PM, September 25, 2021
Bonnet Island Estate
2400 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Cocktail Hour
6:00 PM, September 25, 2021
Bonnet Island Estate
2400 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Reception
7:00 PM, September 25, 2021
Bonnet Island Estate
2400 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
The reception will end at 11pm. There will be an after party on the veranda until 1am. Shuttles will run until 1:30am if you are staying at one the hotels where shuttle service is provided.
Brunch
9:30 AM, September 26, 2021
The Arlington
1302 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Brunch will be from 9:30am-12pm. Stop by for breakfast before hitting the road!
Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips
- If you are staying at one of the hotels within our room block please make sure you are given a welcome bag upon check in. Shuttle instructions will be provided on a print out in the bag. Shuttle service starts at 4:30 and guests should be in the lobby of their hotel at that time.
- If you are having trouble finding a covid test and would like to get tested before the wedding please contact Alison (914-500-3148) and she can provide an at home test for you.
- The ceremony & cocktail hour will be outside, please dress accordingly.
Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional means that guests have the option of wearing their most formal attire (think: an evening gown or tuxedo) but may also choose to wear a suit or cocktail dress instead.
Wedding Party
Liz Petrillo
Maid of Honor
Lauren Agovino
Matron of Honor
Nick Mills
Best Man
Brian Gabinelli
Groomsman
Jess Chumaceiro
Bridesmaid
Chelsea Cook
Groomswoman
Marissa Vega
Bridesmaid
Joe Agovino
Groomsman
Justin Weber
Groomsman
Sam Vartabedian
Bridesmaid
Travel
Directions
DRIVE
Long Beach Island is a very easily navigated island with tons of parking everywhere!
There are also uber and cabs on the island and mainland.
Shuttle service will be provided to and from the wedding reception from most hotels listed on this website.
Directions from Points North or South:
• Garden State Parkway to Exit 63. From Exit continue onto Rt. 72 East towards Manahawkin/Long Beach Island.
• Continue for 6.1 miles over the Manahawkin Bay, Henderson Memorial Bridge.
• Continue on Rt. 72 E to the 1st traffic light and make a left onto Barnegat Avenue. (CVS will be on the left corner)
• At 1st traffic light turn left onto Rt 72W. Continue on 72W passing The Dutchman’s Restaurant and Bonnet Island Estate.
• Take the first right after passing Bonnet Island Estate onto E Bay Avenue. Bonnet Island Estate entrance will be 400 yards down on your left.
Directions from Points West:
• Continue 29 miles to Rt. 72 East.
• Continue for 27.6 miles over the Manahawkin Bay, Henderson Memorial Bridge Continue on Rt. 72 E to the 1st traffic light and make a left onto Barnegat Avenue. (CVS will be on the left corner)
• At 1st traffic light turn left onto Rt 72W. Continue on 72W passing The Dutchman’s Restaurant and Bonnet Island Estate.
• Take the first right after passing Bonnet Island Estate onto E Bay Avenue. Bonnet Island Estate entrance will be 400 yards down on your left.
BUS
There is bus service (http://www.lbibus.com/index) directly from NYC and Philadelphia making stops in Manahawkin (at the Mainland Holiday Inn) and other stops on Long Beach Island.
This bus also makes a stop at the Newark or Philadelphia airport if you’re meeting friends or need to catch a plane home!
Make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time!
FLY
Long Beach Island, NJ is 1.5 hours away from Newark, NJ Airport (airport code EWR) or Philadelphia, PA Airport (airport code PHL).
From either airport there are rental car services, and buses that go directly to the island (http://www.lbibus.com/index). Ubers and cabs are all over the island too so you’ll have no problem getting to your accommodations.
Please note that the hotels listed below have extremely limited availability and reservations should be made as early as possible.
The Mainland / Holiday Inn
Reservations must be made by 8/24/2021.
151 NJ-72 Manahawkin, NJ 08050
(609) 481 6100
No minimum number of nights
Shuttle service provided
From
$299
Promo
PMW
Centrally located at Exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway, with a prime setting in the heart of the Jersey Shore, the newly renovated Holiday Inn Manahawkin - Long Beach Island resort is close to the area's best attractions. The Jersey Shore is a perfect place to escape, and this Manahawkin resort hotel has everything you need for a great time. Pristine beaches are a short 7 minute drive.
The newly renovated resort now boasts an amazing outdoor Mainland Beer Garden with an outdoor bar, three fire pits, bocci ball court, 9-hole putting green, sandbox and half basketball court. The Mainland Kitchen & Pub offers a full hot breakfast buffet, happy hour appetizers and a dinner menu with something for everyone. The indoor pool, and hot tub is the perfect place to unwind. The newly renovated Holiday Inn Manahawkin is like no other the hotel's friendly staff cannot wait to welcome you home to the Jersey Shore!
Hotel LBI
350 West 8th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
(609) 467 8000
No minimum number of nights
Shuttle service provided
From
$349
Promo
Petrillo - Mills
10099K for www.hotelLBI.com
When inputting the code, make sure to use the drop down to go to "Group Attendee."
The newest luxury hotel on the island. This location is owned and maintained by the same owner as Bonnet Island. Located as the first building you see as you enter the island, this hotel has a great central location and has shuttles to the beach. Great food, delicious drinks, and tons of activities held throughout this beautiful new establishment. They offer a shuttle service to the beach, beach passes, and chair and umbrellas to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible.
***This block is FULL**** However, if you would like to book a special suite (not included in the room block - i.e. the bunk bed suite) please contact Christina at 609-991-8003 and she can offer you 10% off the best available rate***
Surf City Hotel
Please let the front desk know you are part of the Petrillo - Mills wedding when you check in. This room block ended on 7/25/21. If you book shortly after this date they may still honor the group block rate.
800 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
(609) 494 7281
Two night minimum
Shuttle service provided
From
$240
Promo
APMM
Located a few steps from beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, the Surf City Hotel is a historic landmark on Long Beach Island. Located in the family oriented Borough of Surf City, right down the street from the Mills household.
The Surf City Hotel's Beach Club offers a variety of musical entertainment on weekends, and four nights during the week. Rock'n'Roll, Tribute bands, and more.
To make a reservation please call the hotel. They close for the off-season but voicemails are checked weekly.
The Drifting Sands LBI
Reservations must be made by 8/12/21.
119 East 9th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
(877) 524 7866
Shuttle service provided
From
$255
Promo
Petrillo - Mills
A more modest hotel. Located in the heart of Ship Bottom, NJ, the Long Beach Island hotel provides comfortable, well-appointed guestrooms. The rooms being reserved are in the oceanside building. These rooms feature balconies with ocean views.
Daddy O
4401 Long Beach Blvd.
Brant Beach, NJ 08008
(609) 494-1300
No minimum number of nights
No shuttle service provided
From
$350
There is no discount code for this hotel, we're just listing it to add to the hotel options. Let the bride know if you book DaddyO so that she can drop off a welcome bag :)
Daddy O’s 22 rooms offer a luxurious retreat for people looking for sophistication and a high level of service at a shore resort. Guests can choose from contemporary rooms with king or queen beds featuring ultra-plush mattresses. All rooms have fine linens and down comforters. Amenities include flat screen smart televisions, wireless Internet connection, and individual climate control. The dark wood and taupe color schemes are soothing and sophisticated, creating an ideal atmosphere for relaxation. The rooms feature lacquer mahogany furniture with stainless steel accents and ivory color leather chairs. Marble and natural wood decorated bathrooms offer a soothing rain shower. There is also a patio bar, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant at the hotel.
Things To Do
Eat & Drink
We hope you are able to spend the weekend celebrating with us and enjoying Long Beach Island, a magical island that is so very special to both our families. ***Please note that the end of September is considered the off season in LBI, check that locations are open before visiting***
FOOD
Polly’s Dock:
A casual eatery that doubles as a dock for boat rentals during the day. A hidden gem on LBI, considered to be the best place to catch some sunset views in LBI. It’s BYOB, occasional live music, and when you’re done eating you can finish your bottle of wine on one of their docked boats.
Must try: Dock master steam (50 steamed clams in a delicious sauce served to you right in the pan), fish (the cod) & chips, and their burgers
Ship Bottom Shellfish:
Alison’s favorite restaurant on the island. Be prepared to make some tough decisions on their lengthy menu packed with the freshest seafood varieties out there! The word is out on this casual spot so we recommend heading there an hour before you’d like to eat and sit outside with your favorite bottle of wine as this restaurant does not take a reservation. The restaurant will provide the bucket of ice and the chilled wine glasses!
Must try: White wine garlic bucket of muscles, their homemade garlic ranch dressing, Joe Petrillo’s all time fav: macadamia encrusted halibut
Parker’s Garage:
Make your reservation 1-2 months in advance for this popular BYOB restaurant. A good location for a group dinner, they have a large menu with many different options to share. Another good sunset view. We recommend you go next door when you’re done with dinner for drinks at Bird and Betty’s.
Must try: fried green tomatoes, brussel sprouts, the seafood combo, and the tuna crackers.
Blue Water Cafe:
Another LBI restaurant that doesn’t take a reservation, but is BYOB. Also a great breakfast/brunch/lunch spot (if you’re going for brunch, bring some champagne and have mimosas with their fresh squeezed orange juice).
Must try: surf and turf burger, lobster cobb salad
Stefanos:
A fancier establishment that takes a reservation (make it far in advance!). They are BYOB and have an extensive menu, but be warned that their portions are huge!
Must try: Chilean sea bass, their award winning chowder, Mediterranean fried calamari
The Chicken or the Egg:
The “Chegg” as the locals call it, is the ultimate open 24-hr diner meets wing joint. They have literally everything on their menu – from the “goshdarnwich” (a bacon egg and cheese on french toast sandwich) to wraps, huge salads, and the best chicken wings and fingers ever with 100s of sauce choices. Our favorite wings at LBI for all ranges of spice lovers!
Must try: The BCW, the “fat chegg”, bee sting wings
Country Kettle Chowda:
A little hole in the wall in the middle of Bay Village. You just walk in and order a cup or bowl to go. If you really want to go all out (which you should), ask for it in a bread bowl!
Must try: lobster bisque, mixing the red & white chowder together.
The Local:
Great grab and go location. A good place to pick up lunch/coffee before heading to the beach. Good place to work remotely and has a great, relaxed atmosphere. Fire pits are located outside for those who choose to stay while they eat.
Must try: Cuban sandwich, crustless quiche (for those keto dieters out there), speciality iced lattes
DESERTS & COFFEE
Skipper dipper:
The Petrillo’s go to ice cream spot for over 25 years. A classic ice cream shop with almost too many flavors to pick from. Pro tip: ask what their specials are before you order!
Crust and Crumb bakery:
A bakery in the heart of Beach Haven. You can’t leave the island without stopping here!
Must try: elephant ear (sometimes they have bags with broken ears, we love to get these), crumb buns, of course (the ratio of crumb to bun is insane- it’s mostly crumb which is the best part!)
How Ya Brewin:
This coffee shop is a favorite up and down LBI. With multiple locations across the island, the Surf City shop is both of our favorite. The newly expanded cafe includes a mocktail bar, cold brew / nitro brew station, and of course the traditional hot coffee and bakery basics. Our favorites include the coffee flavor shots and grabbing a seat on one of the comfortable couches. Great place to either relax, catch up with family or friends, or even as a remote working location.
DRINKS
The Arlington:
A Mills LBI favorite. A rustic home turned into a Ship Bottom staple. It’s one of the larger restaurants on the island and can usually accommodate a last minute reservation. Includes a formal dining room and also a separate large bar room for catching the game. They have one of the biggest craft beer selections on the island.
Must try: Paloma (on tap), Kane beer, wings, and the short rib with baby bok choy
Bird and Betty’s:
Eat the best clam pizza while looking out over the bay. And then go inside and play some skeeball, ping pong, pin ball or beer pong! Stay for the night to check out live bands / djs and bar scene.
Must try: Shipwrecker, jersey devils (deviled eggs with a fried oyster on top)
The Black Whale Bar & Fish House:
Great fish, great drinks, and a fun lively atmosphere. The black whale is part bar, part restaurant. A local hang out with a full bar and awesome menu. We recommend getting the garden salad and then mixing both of their homemade salad dressings on top of it—they’re famous for that!
Must try: Crab cakes, fried oysters
Hotel LBI Rooftop:
It’s a bar that looks out across the bay, and lots of games set up all around the roof (corn hole, jumbo sized checkers, etc.) Children welcome at this bar.
Must try: Blueberry Smash
The Seashell:
Often called “The Shell” by locals. Great day time drinking spot that will make you feel like you’re on island time with their palm trees and tiki bar. You can catch live music around 3pm on the weekends by their pool.
Must try: Painkiller, green tea shot
Activities
Go to the beach:
You can walk to the beach from every point on the island, which is what makes it such a beachy place. The ocean is absolutely gorgeous. It’s known for sand bars at low tide, dolphin sightings right off the shore, and clear blue temperate waters. You can bring a beach chair and sit just about anywhere, but you have to swim in between the flags of a life guard stand while it’s in season in the summer months. Each town has a separate beach badge which are able to be bought (daily, weekly, for the season) while on the beach. Centre Street beach in Beach Haven is great for parking and easy access to bathrooms, activities, rentals, and lots of places to eat and drink.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park:
Go climb old Barney! Amazing view from the top! The lighthouse, jetty, and surrounding beach and woods are a beautiful place to explore. Great destination for a bike ride.
Bay Village Shopping:
Adorable little shops, craft markets, clothes boutiques, jewelry, gifts, antiques, and delicious treats, chowder (chowda!), pizza, fudge, ice cream, and more! Make sure to stop in our favorite shop, Breezin’ Up, and pick up some LBI gear!
Ship Bottom Brewery:
Always a wide variety of beers on tap to either try in the tasting room or to grab a six pack to go. Our favorites are The Shack IPA and The Hop and Hazy IPA. There’s plenty of games to play while you have a drink and sometimes there’s even live music.
Mini Golf:
There’s pretty much a mini golf spot every ten blocks on the island. Our two favorites are Settler's Mill Adventure Golf in Beach Haven and Jen's Links In Barnegat Light.
Fantasy Island:
Rides for all ages, games, and a huge arcade! Go on the Ferris wheel and check out all the views the island has to offer or play frog bog and win a sea creature stuffed animal.
The Boatyard:
A waterfront beer garden on the same island as Bonnet Island Estate (and the same owner!). This fun spot offers a wide varierty of beers (if you don't like beer they also have White Claw, canned wine, and 2 specialty cocktails). Theres plenty of seating and two food trucks on site if you get hungry. There are also plenty of games to play so bring the whole family along!
Photos
