Old World Charm Meets Modern Love: Giovanna and Matthew's Dream Wedding at Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury

Love Story

Every great love story has its own unique beginning, and Giovanna and Matthew's is no exception. While they attended the same high school, their paths didn't truly cross until years later. As Giovanna recalls with a smile, "He started following me on Instagram! We eventually met up with my friends at a bar, and from that moment on, we never spent a day apart."

Their connection was instant and undeniable. Matthew chose a location close to his heart for the proposal - Cape May, New Jersey, where he had spent every summer since childhood. "He surprised me by having my family come that year," Giovanna shares, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "He set up the cutest beach proposal where he than asked me to be his wife. After that we walked to the congress hall where all my family and friends were so happy for us. We had cocktails and appetizers there and just hung out all night."

Giovanna and Matthew's vision for their wedding was clear from the start. "I wanted an old-money Italian feel," Giovanna explains. "I wanted my wedding to seem old instead of modern with that old-money Italian feel." Inspired by Sofia Richie's stunning nuptials and the breathtaking beauty of their chosen venue, Shadowbrook, the couple crafted a celebration that was both timeless and uniquely their own. “Her celebration was absolutely breathtaking, and it gave me so many ideas. As I stood at my own gorgeous venue, Shadowbrook, I immediately knew the perfect vision for what I wanted to create there!” the bride shares.

With 200 guests in attendance, the Caputos' wedding was a grand affair, meticulously planned over the course of a year. The result was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that perfectly captured the essence of their relationship.

Morning details

The day began with exquisite attention to detail. Giovanna and Matthew chose Katherine Elizabeth Invites to design their beautiful invitations, setting the tone for the elegant celebration to come.

"Tammy at the Jewlery Gallery in Stony Point New York helped me design my rings. I always knew I wanted an infinity ring," Giovanna shares about their wedding bands. "My jewelry designer knew I wanted as least medal showing as possible so my diamonds looked like it was floating on my hand. Matt always wanted silver and so he just tried them all on until he found the right one."

As for some special jewelry, the bride adds: “I wore my grandma's tennis bracelet and earrings from the jewelry gallery.”

Adding a personal touch to the decor, Erin Brown created the welcome sign, "grab a drink" sign, and signature drink sign, while Katherine Elizabeth Invites designed the ceremony sign and seating cards. These thoughtful elements helped create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for their guests.

Bride getting ready

makeup was a deeply personal and special experience. Her bridal look was completed with a stunning gown designed by Netta Benshabu, which she found at Wedding Atelier in NYC. "I kept everything very timeless!" Giovanna exclaims. Her accessories included Christian Louboutin shoes in silk white with the iconic red soles and "something blue" where her foot went. A long veil adorned with pearls added the perfect finishing touch.

The bride's bouquet, a dream come true created by Dahlia Florals, featured white sweet peas, embodying elegance and grace. Surrounded by her closest family and friends at Shadowbrook, Giovanna's getting-ready experience was filled with joy and anticipation.

Groom getting ready

Matthew and his groomsmen prepared for the big day at Shadowbrook as well. The groom looked dashing in a tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse, surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends. The excitement was palpable as Matthew prepared to see his bride for the first time.

First Look

The couple chose the entrance of Shadowbrook for their first look, a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. "He said I looked stunning and I was going to make him cry!!" Giovanna recalls with a laugh. For her part, the bride couldn't contain her excitement: "I was so excited for him to see me in my dress and I couldn’t believe how handsome he looked."

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Taking advantage of the picturesque Shadowbrook grounds, Giovanna and Matthew's pre-ceremony photoshoot captured the love and joy radiating from the couple. The stunning backdrop provided the perfect setting for creating lasting memories of their special day.

Ceremony

The ceremony, held at Shadowbrook, was a true highlight of the day. "I Remember my uncle Joe marrying us and doing an amazing job," Giovanna shares. "He's an amazing speaker. He does voiceovers so he’s very talented. He told the best stories about us individually from our childhood."
As Giovanna walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of "A Thousand Years," emotions ran high. The couple's nieces, Valentina, Alessandra, and Audriana, served as adorable flower girls, while their godson Tate took on the important role of ring bearer.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds took advantage of Shadowbrook's beautiful scenery once more for their post-ceremony photoshoot. These intimate moments allowed them to bask in the glow of their new marriage while creating beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury proved to be the perfect setting for Giovanna and Matthew's dream wedding. "My mother-in-law Denise found it and shared it with me," Giovanna explains. "I went to go see it and I was obsessed with it from the first time I laid my eyes on it. The colors and the staff are amazing!"

The couple's vision came to life through a sophisticated color palette of black, white, and gold. Personal touches, like napkins at the cocktail hour featuring fun facts about the bride and groom, added a unique and memorable element to the decor.

Reception

The reception was a true celebration of Giovanna and Matthew's love. The couple shared their first dance to "Lifetime" by Justin Bieber, a moment that perfectly encapsulated their journey together.

As the night progressed, guests were treated to a variety of delicious food and drinks. "We did an after party so we had sweet and savory options while everyone was partying," Giovanna shares excitedly. "For example milk shakes ice cream sandwiches cotton candy and than we had sausage egg and cheeses." A beautiful wedding cake from Calabria's Bakery in NJ provided the perfect sweet ending to a magical day.

Reflecting on their special day, Giovanna's eyes light up as she shares, "I had an exceptional experience working with all my wedding vendors. The staff at Shadowbrook truly made me feel like royalty; their service was absolutely top-notch. My photographers were incredible, capturing every moment of our day in the most stunning and memorable way. The floral arrangements were nothing short of spectacular—my friends and family couldn’t stop raving about them. Every vendor was not only highly professional but also a joy to work with, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to help make our wedding day perfect."

As we look back on Giovanna and Matthew's beautiful celebration, we're reminded of the power of love to bring people together and create unforgettable moments. Their wedding was a true reflection of their love story – timeless, elegant, and filled with joy. We wish the happy couple a lifetime of love and happiness together!