The Finishing Touch — Weddings, Events, Design, Paperie

When two Italians marry, you can bet there is going to be a huge elaborate wedding with PLENTY of good food! For Dan & Kate, Shadowbrook provided the setting for both their ceremony and reception. Located in central New Jersey, Shadowbrook provides an old mansion feel with gorgeous grounds to host your ceremony or cocktail hour. The day started off with pouring rain as Kate and her girls got dressed and took pictures in their bridal suite, but we were lucky to see the sun break about 2 hours prior to the planned outdoor ceremony ~ giving  Kate both good luck (rain on your wedding day) and her dream outdoor garden ceremony. The bridesmaids, dressed in black & white floor-length gowns helped Kate step into her beautiful gown and cathedral length veil.

We always encourage a few private moments when our Groom first sees his Bride.  Our photographer, Jeri Houseworth captured the emotional moment and many laughs, drinks and pictures were taken afterwards.  It was hard to miss the look on Dan’s face as he showed such adoration to his bride.

At promptly 6:00 PM, Kate, escorted by her father, walked down the aisle to Canon in D played by a string trio, to wed her fiancé underneath the most gorgeous structure made of white birch, created by the fabulous team at The Romantic Garden, complete with brown & beige drapery, ivy, spray roses and hydrangeas to match. A short, yet sweet ceremony officiated by the Honorable Robert Schaul, a close family friend, was followed by a stunning outdoor cocktail hour. Guests were treated to seasonal canapes and full open bars situated amongst Shadowbrook’s gardens while listening to the string trio play Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the background.

As guests proceeded into the reception, they found their seating cards created by The Finishing Touch Event Design, attached to ivory organza bags which held two turtledoves representing love and friendship.  Family and friends entered into the Oak Room set with 200 gold chivari chairs, spice pintuck linen and the 10 piece Band of Gold playing to welcome them. Autumn centerpieces made of deep terra cotta, reds and coral flowers sat in gold urns, along with personalized menus tucked inside a flat-fold napkin emulating a ‘V’ to signify the bride’s new last name.

With impeccable service and a four course meal, guests spent the night wining and dining with dancing in between courses. As an added touch, guests were also treated to hand rolled cigars, a delicious four-tiered wedding cake, an international coffee bar and cannolis, éclairs, chocolate covered oranges and strawberries at each table. Italian always do dessert best!

We wish Kate & Dan all the happiness and love in the world. Vive l’amore!

Thank you as always to our amazing vendor team:

Florist: The Romantic Garden
Venue: Shadowbrook
Music: Band of Gold
Transportation: Andiamo Limousine & Lacey Limousines

Cigar Roller: Cortez Cigars

Cake: Piece O’ Cake

Stationery: The Finishing Touch Event Design

Ceremony & Cocktail Musicians: Craig Scott Entertainment
Photography: Jeri Houseworth Photography