Photo by Susan Shek
We know that there’s no place like home and that is why Maurisa and Patrick decided to have their big day here in New Jersey. The couple lives in Australia, but Maurisa grew up in New Jersey and wanted her special day to be in a place she used to call home. Guests came from near and far to see them walk down the aisle and the amazing day was well worth the trip.
Photo by Susan Shek
Maurisa & Patrick’s August 28th wedding at the Shadow Brook in Shrewsbury, NJ was a picture perfect day. It was a cool August morning when we arrived at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank where Maurisa and her bridal party were getting ready. The bridal suite has gorgeous views, including a large balcony that was a beautiful setting for pictures with the bridal party. Hair and makeup was being done by the talented teams of Make Me Up Eva and the UpDo Guru as the bridal party sipped on Mimosas and helped Maurisa get into her dress. All of these special moments were captured by photographer Susan Shek and videographers James Northrup and Danny Smith.
Photo by Susan Shek
The groomsmen were waiting patiently at the Shadow Brook for the bridal party to arrive. It was very important for Maurisa and Patrick to enjoy their cocktail hour so they decided to have a first look. The parents of the bride and groom and the bridal party looked on as Maurisa walked up to Patrick and tapped him on the shoulder. After the first look, pictures were taken of the bridal party and family all over the breathtaking grounds of the venue.
Photo by Susan Shek
As photos were being taken the guests entered the venue to the sounds of a bag piper that the Mother of the Bride had surprised the couple with. This was especially meaningful because Patrick and his family are from Ireland. Many of the guests had traveled from there as well. Guests began to take their seat and the bridal party lined up. The ceremony was beautiful and included two singers that also sang throughout cocktail hour and during the couple’s first dance.
Photo by Susan Shek
Once the ceremony concluded the real party began. Cocktail hour was set in the outdoor patio surrounded by the beautiful flowers in full bloom. Guests indulged in delicious appetizers and cocktails while the ballroom was given its final touches by Scott from Flowerful Events. Scott did an outstanding job with not only the bouquets for the bridal party, but also the centerpieces that wowed.
Photos by Susan Shek
Cocktail hour concluded and guests found their seats with their escort card which was labeled with different countries. The couple wanted to keep the international theme going and not only were the table numbers labeled with different countries that they have visited, but their guest book was a map of the world that guests could sign and write messages on. It didn’t take long for the guests to get out on the dance floor and dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Noble Milton. The DJ wasn’t the only entertainment performance. The couple also had a violinist, Asher Laub, play alongside the DJ to give an interesting mix to the music.
Photos by Susan Shek
As the evening began to wind down guests were welcomed into the Viennese Dessert Room that was filled with every dessert you could imagine. There were doughnuts, cookies, crepes, waffles and ice cream, cordials, cotton candy and everything your heart could desire. The couple also had a cigar rolling table open for guests to choose their favorite by Tony Santana Cigar Company. Before guests left they were given a special candle favor from the couple along with a cup of Starbucks coffee for the road. The wedding was spectacular and we wish Maurisa and Patrick a wonderful life together down under!
Venue: Shadowbrook
Photographer: Susan Shek
Videographers: James Northrup and Danny Smith
Flowers: Flowerful Events
Entertainment: DJ Noble Milton and Violinist, Asher Laub
Hair: The Updo Guru
Makeup: Make Me Up Eva
Cigar Roller: Tony Santana Cigar Rolling