Posted on March 07, 2024 by Jacqueline Larcara
Stately, elegant and luxurious are words that come to mind when I reflect on my recent visit to Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury, a venue on 18 secluded acres that hosts only one wedding at a time. This property is rich in history yet offers modern amenities. In the early 1900s, a wealthy doctor turned Shadowbrook from a farm into an estate. In 2019, the current owners did a $30 million renovation to create the glitzy grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests, features dueling grand staircases, a huge dance floor, two built-in bars and a swing band stage. During this renovation, they focused on tying the aesthetic of the original mansion to the new space—and they succeeded.
Shadowbrook is regal with black and gold accents throughout, unique chandeliers and plenty of vintage elements. It’s worth noting that the owners of Shadowbrook also run the Venetian in Garfield and Seasons Catering in Washington Township. I’ve been to weddings at both the Venetian and Seasons and I still remember the outstanding food, so I’m confident that the same culinary standards apply at Shadowbrook.
Here are a few highlights from my Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury tour.
Since brides spend a large chunk of their wedding day getting ready, a spacious on-site area with all the bells and whistles is a great perk. At Shadowbrook, four salon stations with bright lighting and comfy chairs, additional lounge seating, bathrooms and a kitchen area where the venue serves breakfast and lunch complete this stunning bridal salon space. Bonus: there’s a separate room just for the bride with a huge three-panel dressing mirror and an elevated platform for her to admire herself in her gown from all angles.
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After hair and makeup is complete, the bridesmaids move to the bridal suite area, where the groomsmen have already been lounging. The suite area consists of two conjoining rooms that were bedrooms in the original mansion. The master bedroom features a fireplace and offers a comfortable and cozy vibe.
There are plenty of photo opportunities at Shadowbrook that offer old-world charm. In the Oak Room, used for cocktail hour, there is a large horseshoe bar that features a brass rail adorned with horse heads. In a waiting area for guests in the front of the venue, there’s a vintage elevator as well as an antique men’s wardrobe from Philadelphia’s Fairmont Hotel that was converted into a bar. The wine cellar is another popular spot for portraits.
When a venue has an on-site, designated ceremony space it’s always a big win for me because there’s no need to quickly turn over the room after the nuptials. Shadowbrook’s chapel is very impressive with windows on both sides of the space that overlook gardens. The room is outfitted with heaters and fans to accommodate ceremonies all seasons.
In addition to the very large indoor cocktail hour space, which used to be the main ballroom before the renovation, there is a spacious outdoor patio where guests can get some fresh air. Passed hors d’oeuvres are brought onto the patio and there’s a lovely water wall feature. Also, as guests walk to the indoor chapel, they pass through a hallway with retractable screens. During my visit in February, the screens were down to insulate the area. But once warm weather arrives, the screens are removed to provide the feeling of being outdoors while inside.
Check out gorgeous Real Weddings at Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury from Alexandra & Joseph and Jenna & Chris.
