Paola and Benny Marino

Where do I begin?? Ah yes..the engagement period. My husband and I are both very Italian with very big Italian families. We have lots of cousins that got married last year and have gotten married this year and are yet to get married this year. Yes, every wedding venue is beautiful and yes the food is wonderful, but we were looking for something a little different…say without marble columns and floors..So we were on the hunt for a timeless look and boy did we look. We traveled to Long Island, Upstate, North Jersey, and finally South Jersey to Shadowbrook.

The first thing we loved was the tree lined drive..I being the Bride, got butterflies in my tummy because I knew this was perfect for my horse and carriage…second we noticed were the gorgeous grounds which is a beautiful site for coctktail hour..third, the mansion and all it had to offer. My theme was Cinderella meets Scarlet O’Hara where I wear the gorgeous ball gown and have the sexy seductive look and my husband and his groomsmen wore tails. It was perfect. The Oak Room really sealed the deal, it was absolutely stunning and was far from the norm of an Italian reception with marble floors (no offense, marble is beautiful but not our style). And finally, what really sold us on the Shadowbrook was the staff, especially Robert. Robert the owner sat down to talk to us about our options. He was the first person to talk to both my hubsand and myself and not just me. He didn’t brag about his venue or talk so fast that our heads were spinning. The price was perfect for the food..best deal we got!! He was very respectful, answered OUR questions, and addressed us a couple which was nice. In all other venues that we visited, all the consultants spoke to me and wanted me to make decisions as if my husband was not even there! When we called Robert to let him know we made a decision we scheduled a tasting which was devine!! The food was excellent and I am glad I had a chance to eat it during tasting because I didn’t really on my wedding day!! Our whole engagement process with the Shadowbrook was pleasant and a dream. They let me bring in anything I wanted. I literally moved in two days before the wedding!!

The wedding day was a dream. Guests raved that the food was amazing and the grounds were more gorgeous then when I visited the first time. The staff was amazing as well as they catered to all our needs.. My photographer had a field day at the Shadowbrook for the grounds and the mansion were so beautiful that we tried to take as many shots to capture the beauty it offered. All I have to say is that it was a dream come true. My guests had a great time, and so did we. If we could do it all over again, I would have my reception at the Shadowbrook. Please be sure to check out some pictures at Patrick Sweeney Photography. com or visit his facebook page under Marino wedding. Thank you so much Shadowbrook!!

Yours truly,

Mr. and Mrs. Benny and Paola Marino
7/10/11