It would be nearly impossible to overstate the grandeur of Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury. Located on 18 acres in the heart of New Jersey, this 20th-century mansion brings you vintage charm mixed with modern luxury. As a New Jersey wedding photographer, I recently had the chance to work with Nicole and Alex as they celebrated inside this venue. Here’s what you need to know about planning a Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury wedding.
About The Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury Wedding Venue
1 Obre Place. Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702
Long before it was a beloved wedding venue, Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury was a cattle farm that spanned 115 acres, straddling what is now Broad Street. In 1908, NYC-native Dr. Ernest Fahnestock purchased the property and ordered the construction of a Georgian-style mansion. A busy surgeon, Fahnestock wanted a space where he and his family could go to escape the chaos of the city. Right from the beginning, he was all about seclusion. He took care to set the house away from the road, planting large maple trees lining the long drive.
The house remained in the family until 1942, when it was sold to a real estate developer and transformed into a beloved restaurant and then a hotel. Over the years, it’s rumored to have hosted famous guests such as Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and even Mick Jagger. With such a storied past, it will be the best spot to host your legendary wedding!
Details of the Grounds
The morning of Nicole and Alex’s Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury wedding was filled with laughter, excitement, and champagne toasts. The pair had reserved rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott, and they spent the hours before their ceremony getting ready as they celebrated with their bridal party. Nicole looked positively radiant as she slipped into her dress and put on the finishing touches. From there, the couple headed out to St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church for a ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and family. Then, once they had exchanged their I dos, it was off to Shadowbrook for an evening filled with hours of celebration!
For couples who do prefer to have their ceremony on-site at Shadowbrook, the venue has designated spots you can use throughout your day. They have a bridal suite with vanity mirrors, a private dressing space, and a living room where you can show off your look. When we arrived at the venue, we used this space to get some bridal portraits of Nicole that tied in the accents of the estate while embracing the natural light throughout. There is also a separate spot grooms can use to get ready.
The Covered Pavilion tends to be a favorite spot for Shadowbrook ceremonies. The open-air structure ties in the outdoors, while the ceiling will ensure your wedding is weather-proofed no matter what the forecast looks like! Nicole and Alex chose to use the surrounding gardens of this area for their cocktail hour. Their guests sipped cocktails and took in the property while we found some luscious backdrops for their portraits.
Wedding Receptions At Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury
Finally, we all headed inside for a reception that lasted late into the night. The interior ballroom was positively ideal for this portion! The room is able to host up to 600 guests and has a stage the couple decided to use for a band. The open layout gave everyone plenty of space to dance, while the grand staircase was fabulous for their dramatic entrance. Overall, this day was perfect thanks to the stunning venue and–more importantly–this exceptional couple!
Photography Opportunities
While Alex and Nicole didn’t use Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury for every part of their wedding, it was still the best spot to take pretty much all of their portraits. I took a few pictures of Nicole at the hotel, but the bridal suite at Shadowbrook was much too perfect to pass up. Because the room is so spacious, we were able to get some gorgeous portraits showing off the train of her dress.
After this, we headed outside and took some pictures beneath the portico in front of the house. Not only was this a great spot to get pics with Nicole’s veil gently floating in the breeze, but we were also able to get pictures with their entire party. The couple had chosen light pink bridesmaid dresses with white flowers, and the colors popped brilliantly against the lush landscaping surrounding the building.
Back inside, the couple chose to get some pictures that embraced the elegant architecture you’ll find within the house. It’s believed that Dr. Fahrenstock put over $1,000,000 into this house (not adjusted for inflation, by the way), and it shows in all the accents from the black and gold staircase to the marble throughout the lobby. It was all those details that shone through the backdrop of their celebration.
Wedding Details
At Shadowbrook, you will have everything you could possibly need for your day. This venue prides themselves on their cuisine, crafting one-of-a-kind meals your guests will be chatting about for years down the line. When you sign onto this venue, they will work with you to create the menu that will best suit your celebration! They offer both standard fare as well as an in-house kosher catering group. The venue can also take care of the bar for hours of partying.
Outside of the menu, the venue works with a group of vendors who know how to elevate your party. You can choose from recommended floral designers, bands and DJs, bakeries, transportation, and hotels. The venue will provide their own staff throughout the evening to keep your wedding running smoothly.
Your Dream Celebration With Be Absolutely Stunning At The Shadowbrook At Shrewsbury Wedding Venue
If you are looking for a sophisticated spot for your New Jersey wedding, I just know you are about to fall deeply in love with the Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury wedding venue. This breathtaking estate knows how to throw a celebration full of style!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about your photographer. If you love lively and romantic portraits that capture authentic moments, I think we might just be a match! As a New Jersey wedding photographer, I love working with couples all across the state to document every second of their day. I would love to sit down for a drink or two and tell you about my style so you can decide if I’m a match. So, send me a message today to learn more!
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Vendor Information for Nicole and Alex’s Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury Wedding:
Venue: @shadowbrooknj
Bride: @nicole.politi_
Bridal boutique: @bridalsuiteboutique
Dress designer: @essenseofaustralia
Hair: @haribycaseyveda
Makeup: @makeupbystacysuarez
Bridesmaids dresses: @azazie
Tux: @Josabank
Wedding cake: @calandrasbakery
Entertainment: @e2_thebigday
