A luxury NJ wedding inspired by Italian Renaissance with an edge

moody cathedral wedding photography

Alexa and Anthony kicked off their engagement with a literal newspaper Save the Date full of engagement photos, the proposal story, and loved ones, thanks to photography by Randi Roberts Photography. It was such a hit, that they actually did something similar (and Vogue-inspired!) for the bridal shower. Soon enough, it was time for their luxury wedding at The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury in New Jersey, where the couple is from. Planned with the help of For Life's Eventures and Premier Events by Reema, it was an event that made each and every person in attendance feel almost as special and the bride and groom felt themselves.

family crest wedding invitations

Highlighting the family crest

On the long-awaited day of the wedding, bride Alexa started at The Shadowbrook with all the bridal glam and sentimental details. The Anzalone family crest was highlighted on their black and gold invitations, the Marrow Fine 'Til Death wedding band (that inspired much of the wedding design), and multiple other personal details passed down from family members.

custom wedding newspapers and magazines

Extra, extra! Custom newspapers

Alexa and photographer Randi Roberts Photography also had fun bringing in the newspaper and magazine to the day with some playful moments amongst the bride and her bridal party.

beaded fitted wedding dress with satin overskirt

beaded wedding veil bead-trimmed wedding veil

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fully beaded wedding dress and veil

Bridal style: Beaded glamour & an overskirt

The main body of the bride's dress from Castle Couture was a fully beaded, fitted style. It was complemented by an overskirt which had a never-ending train and a cathedral veil that was also accented with beading. The entire look gave tribute to the Madonna icon of many famous Italian paintings, and it most definitely gave off the vibe of luxury wedding with edge.

first look with father first look with family

Hot tip: Have more than one first look!

After the dress was on photographer Randi Roberts Photography had planned a series of fun first looks! First, Alexa came down the grand hallway of The Shadowbrook with her bridesmaids and flower grannies all lined up. One by one they each turned around as she walked down the hall, and each got to react to seeing her all put together for the first time. Next, Alexa continued to the outdoor chapel of the venue for a first look with her brother, Jake. Last but not least, dad was awaiting his daughter for a moment that brought everyone in attendance to tears. Alexa's whole immediate family came in at the end and said a prayer over her while taking part in a big group hug.

all-black wedding party attire

Here comes the wedding party in black

Alexa and Anthony's wedding party donned entirely black outfits made up of classic black suits, black sleeveless dresses, and long black opera gloves. White bouquets and boutonnieres from Flowers by Van Brunt popped against the dark backdrop.

cathedral length wedding veil

New Jersey Catholic church wedding

Catholic church wedding

Ceremony inspo: Italian Renaissance Paintings

Alexa and Anthony decided to get married in the church where Alexa’s mother attends. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony surrounded by both families coming together. The church itself was stunning with its classic cathedral elements. Afterward, the took some of the most moody, Italian Renaissance-inspired wedding portraits in the church before exiting with a flower toss to head back to The Shadowbrook for the rest of the evening.

white rose petal wedding ceremony exit

Vintage Rolls Royce rental

Once there, the couple and their photographer took some more wedding portraits with the vintage Rolls Royce they had rented outside of The Shadowbrook’s luxurious wrought iron entry gate. The shoot was giving glam, edge, and luxury.

white rose baby's breath black rose floral installation

white floral tree centerpieces

White and black floral design

For reception decor, Alexa and Anthony opted for white and black florals, with gold dinnerware and tall candles adorning the tables. The showstoppers were the floral trees by Flowers by Van Brunt that were featured as the centerpieces for their tables.

black and gold wedding cake til death wedding cake

Til Death: Black and gold wedding cake

The wedding cake by Vincenzo Salvatore Cakes brought some edge with its tiered black and gold design very much inspired by Alexa’s Marrow Fine wedding band.

cold sparkler wedding entrance CO2 canon rental

dance floor fog

The reception was (literally) electric

As the night went on, there were so many beautiful family moments between the dances and speeches, and the tears were flowing! Naturally, to lighten the air, Alexa and Anthony planned a dinner show with an electric violinist and flameless fireworks.

wild wedding party entrances

Favors: Family-made wine

The rest of the evening was a party like no other from that point on. There was dancing galore, outfit changes, a cigar and bourbon bar, gelato for desserts, and their family-made wine as goodbye favors.

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