“È caduta così naturalmente tra le mie braccia. Come un fiore al sole.”
“She fell so naturally in my arms. Like a flower to the sun.”
-Atticus

She takes a deep breath, lifts her lashes, and fixes her gaze down the dock. And there he stands, like a statue carved to perfection. A slight breeze carries the aroma of the sea as it blows gently through her soft curls. As she takes each step towards him, she grasps onto her dress made of the most delicate lace. She wanted to look perfect for him. Not a hair out of place. Each step closer to him, and she gets glimpses of their life together. The trials they got through, the laughs, the romance. All of this lead to this moment. The moment where they will become husband and wife partners for the rest of their lives. She slowly reaches for his hand, he wraps his fingers around hers. And with a deep breath, he lifts his head and turns towards her. His eyes illuminate with love as he sets his eyes upon her. They embrace, and their journey has finally arrived.

Jenna & Julian are the epitome of a genuine Italian couple, full of the love of life, which was very apparent throughout the whole day. While planning their wedding Jenna knew she wanted each aspect and detail to be thoroughly thought through and as sentimental as possible. Having a handkerchief from her grandmother, Julian having a tie pin from his Grandfather is just a glimmer of these details. We knew going into this wedding that we had to bring Italy to Southern New Jersey. We picked locally grown blackberries from the orchard the day before for their invitation flat-lay along with some fresh black figs and grapes. And we can’t forget about the stunning issue of Italian Vogue that we styled Jenna’s shoes with along with her Valentino perfume. Like I said, no detail left to spare for this couple!

As we approached The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury, we were met with these grand black gates that opened up to rows of mature trees; we approached this historic Gatsby-inspired mansion. We knew precisely why Jenna & Julian chose this as their wedding venue when we entered the villa. The Shadowbrook spares no expense when it comes to weddings. Their cocktail hour and reception isn’t just a catered event but a whole immersive culinary experience. Guests were greeted with Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries and editable florals on silver trays. At cocktail hour, you are transported to a Gatsby-level party with butler-style Hors d’Oeuvres and captains stations comprised of international wine and cheese, Salumeria, frozen vodka & caviar, a raw bar with blue point oysters, and so much more! Seriously if you can think of it, it was there! From Italian food to Japanese, they had it all! Let us just say the guests were having a good time! And the reception wouldn’t be complete without signature cocktails named after Jenna & Julian’s pups Valentino & Ravioli!

Our night concluded with doing the tarantella, which is something that makes cultural weddings so unique. When we get to participate in special traditions, it is just the perfect way to end the day for us. This 16-hour long day was a hard day’s work but a day well worth it, serving such an incredible couple working with a fantastic team of professionals making their dreams come true.

Jenna & Julian, what haven’t we told you two yet that we haven’t already?! We have had the most fantastic time serving you through this journey this past year, but we know this journey isn’t over. We are so thankful for your friendship and looking forward to having a front seat to your journey and maybe even documenting your adventures through Italy?! You know where to find us! Much love for you always!