How The Beach Picnic Co. All Started: From Hospitality Hustle to Family-Owned Luxury Beach Picnic Dreams: luxury beach picnics beach picnic company bachelorette party

People often ask how The Beach Picnic Co. got started — and the answer is rooted in family, freedom, and a deep love for creating beautiful experiences by Paige Zappia, the heart, hustle, and soul behind it all!

Before launching what is now one of the go-to luxury beach picnic companies in Naples, FL and now our sister location in Long Beach Island, NJ, I worked full-time in the hospitality industry. I was clocking 60 to 70 hours a week, managing teams, planning events, and making sure guests had unforgettable experiences. It was rewarding work — but it came at a cost. Holidays were spent at work. Weekends that blurred into Mondays. I was constantly “on,” with little time left to enjoy life with the people I love most.

Then, everything changed — I had my first baby.

Like so many new moms, I found myself reflecting hard on what I truly wanted. I craved flexibility. I wanted to be there — for the milestones, the holidays, the everyday moments. I wanted to build something meaningful, both for my family and for others. I wanted to still bring joy to people’s lives, but without sacrificing my own.

That’s when the idea for The Beach Picnic Co. was born — a family-owned business that brings luxury pop-up picnics to life with beautiful details, personal touches, and the kind of magic only the ocean can provide.

Where It All Began

Our first setups were humble — just a few boho rugs, picnic baskets, and a vision. I started creating intimate, styled picnics for friends and family right on the beach. The response was instant: “This is incredible. You should do this for other people.”

So, I did.

With a background in customer service and event management, I knew how to plan experiences — but this time, I was doing it on my own terms. No more missed holidays. No more burnout. Just meaningful moments, curated settings, and a schedule that allowed me to be the mom and businesswoman I dreamed of being.

Our first picnic with friends 💕

A Growing Coastal Experience

Today, The Beach Picnic Co. serves two beautiful beach destinations: Naples, Florida and LBI (Long Beach Island), New Jersey. From sunset proposals and bachelorette beach picnics, to micro-weddings, elopements, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and corporate beach events, we design elevated moments that feel effortlessly luxurious — but are backed by thoughtful planning, hard work, and serious heart.

What makes us different? We’re not just another picnic company. We’re a woman-owned, family-run business passionate about every detail. From the color palettes to the grazing boards, we customize each setup so it reflects you. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter celebrations — we believe in creating memories.

We’ve had the honor of helping couples get engaged under twinkle lights and driftwood arches. We’ve surprised moms with beachside brunches. We’ve created dreamy picnic scenes for girls’ getaways, styled corporate retreats by the sea, and helped families celebrate togetherness in a way that feels relaxed yet unforgettable.

Why We Do What We Do

This business was built to bring joy — to our clients and to ourselves. As a mom, I now have the freedom to design a life that lets me be present for my child while still doing work I’m proud of. I can take mornings slow, show up for school events, and still pour my creativity into building beachside dreams for our clients.

The Beach Picnic Co. is a reminder that with heart, hustle, and a vision, you really can create a life that works for you. And I’m so grateful that I get to share that life — and our work — with so many amazing people along the way.