The estate is absolutely stunning with well-manicured gardens and distinct rooms each with charm and character. There is history and art at every corner with nothing mundane when exploring the property. Communications between Amy, Event Coordinator was prompt, friendly, polite and she always had an immediate answer to any inquiry. She and Mr. Zweben were very accommodating to any special requests. Everyone employed at Shadowbrook was always cordial and friendly. There are a few criticisms, the day of and as follows: Barely any decorations or event items were set-up as stated in the vendor requested written outline. The salmon entree served was dry and had that distinct ripe/fishy odor. Service was rushed and completed over an hour before it was supposed to be. These were extremely disappointing and off-putting compared to the actual planning process.
COMMENT NOTE:
The comment below to my honest review is uncalled for and disrespectful! All the catered event (seated dinner) details that were chosen and received were understood and agreed upon by all parties involved. This was not a wedding reception nor was one wanted, expected or requested. This was explained in the first email and reiterated in meetings. There were three issues that could pertain to any event to be held at this venue that were experienced. I am utterly disappointed and disgusted that intimate details of the contract and night, no matter how small are being published by Shadowbrook! Additionally to make claims and assumptions on my behalf such as "It appears that you spent more effort on your favors... than you did on your guests' food, liquor, and experience" is in poor business mannerisms and disrespectful. Shadowbrook was hired to execute all elements of the experience. If I knew I was going to be chastised for only having a catered event, not having a typical wedding reception, and writing an honest review as such... my business would have been taken elsewhere.
Shadowbrook responded with the following comments:
It is wonderful that you appreciated the elegance, charm and unique character of the Shadowbrook estate and grounds as well as our accommodating and friendly staff. However, we are quite shocked by comments regarding the execution of your party. First of all, this was not booked as one of our wedding packages, but rather as a seated dinner – our early email correspondances with you state that this should be an “intimate catered dinner, similar to a shower”. There was no music/entertainment, no Champagne toast, no cake, no hard liquor, and no introductions or speeches. You say dinner was rushed, but it would have been tedious to stretch a four course dinner over three hours with no music or formalities. As a courtesy, we provided our elegant silk flowers on silver pedestals and our damask linens that are usually offered in our wedding packages.
I am especially disappointed in your value rating, as you essentially tried to take a sit down dinner and turn it into a wedding without any basic wedding accoutrements. It appears that you spent more effort on your favors (favor boxes, menus, photo cards, magnets, tea lights, snow globes, candies, polyester snowflakes, wine signs, tossers and charms) than you did on your guests' food, liquor, and experience. I am also surprised you never mentioned any of these issues with the Maitre d’ or to myself, as all of the above comments could have been easily resolved during your event. As a matter of a fact, you thanked the Maitre d' profusely after your party; he even personally checked with all of your 40 guests, and they were all very pleased.
Thank you very much for choosing Shadowbrook for your special day. We appreciate your comments and wish you nothing but the best for the future!