A Fun Fall Wedding in the Berkshires

Jess and Steve had been talking about getting engaged for a little while, and since big, public fanfare isn't really their style, Steve cooked up more private, low-key plans. Literally. He cooked Jess's favorite meal, which they ate at the small dining table Steve had built for them, and when it came time for dessert, he brought out a cast iron skillet with a ring inside instead of an actual sweet. Fourteen months later, on October 11, 2014, the pair celebrated with more food and laidback fun. In fact, the same table too—since the newlyweds used it as their sweetheart table at their reception. 

The Brooklyn-based couple and their 130 guests joined together in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts—an area which the bride spent many of her childhood summers and in which now the couple visits for weekend escapes from the city.

The weekend kicked off with a welcome party at Dream Away Lodge and the wedding at Jacob's Pillow, in the town of Becket, followed. The venue's outdoor stage was used for the ceremony, offering breathtaking views.

Jess and Steve were drawn to the modern aesthetic of designer Julie Green of Up Up Creative, and tapped her to customize a geometric design she'd done for their fall wedding.

One weekend, Jess was shopping at Saks with her future mother-in-law for a dress for her to wear to the wedding. While working with a sales associate, they pulled a white Alice + Olivia dress from Jess to try on herself. "I really liked the way I felt in it," Jess recalls. "After a quick FaceTime with my parents and a bunch of enthusiastic thumbs up from other ladies in the fitting room I decided to go for it." With help from The Williamsburg Seamster, the lace number was altered to fit like a glove. Jess also added red Marais shoes, diamond stud earrings borrowed from her cousin, and a semi-matte lip thanks to Nars lipstick in Scarlet Empress to round out her look. (She slipped on her grandma's vintage mink stole following the ceremony!)

Steve sported a custom shirt and suit by Epaulet, paired with a J.Crew tie, Alden shoes, and Paul Smith socks.

Gillooly & Co. Design made the bride's bouquet, which included roses, white wax flower, small succulents, craspedia, dahlias, and amaranthus.

White spray roses and wax flowers made up the groom's boutonniere.

Since their guests know they like to eat, Jess and Steve wanted to have something delicious for them upon arrival. Cider donuts were set out for guests to pick up en route to the ceremony area.

Hot, cold, and hard cider were also on offer—warming guests up and setting the tone simultaneously.

To keep guests headed in the right direction between the various areas used for the celebration, bright signage guided the way.

Jess's childhood rabbi led the outdoor ceremony. "When we got engaged, we asked him if he could recommend anyone in the Northeast to officiate our wedding," Jess notes. "He said that he wanted to be there himself and personally officiate. He made the trip up from Miami for the weekend, which was above and beyond."

The four cocktails the couple makes most frequently for themselves and for friends were the go-to drinks on this occasion as well. Plus, "fall is such a great time for dark liquor, so we embraced that," Jess notes. On the menu? A whiskey sour, an old-fashioned, a dark-and-story, and a bison grass vodka with apple juice. 

Colorful cards with names and table assignments in white were pinned to a board for guests to grab.

Wooden tables were set with runners, silver and gold votives, and floral centerpieces in clear glass and milk glass vessels.

The centerpieces were a mix of zinnias, spray roses, amaranthus, and other fall-feeling blooms.

Numbers in the same geometric design as the other paper goods identified the tables.

The group dined on barbecue made by B.T.'s Smokehouse. The buffet included brisket, chicken thighs, salmon, beans, mac 'n' cheese, salad, slaw, biscuits, and corn bread. 

The bride's Aunt Jill, who is famous for her baked goods, made all of the desserts. "Steve and I both love everything she makes, and no wedding cake could have possibly topped it," Jess says.

Photography: Isabelle Selby Photography

Location: Jacob's Pillow

Event Planning: Eutopia Events 

Catering: B.T.'s Smokehouse

Flowers: Gillooly & Co. Design

Videography: Mint Wedding Cinematography

Stationery: Skipt Paper Co 

Rentals and Lighting: Classical Tents

Hair and Makeup: Mitchell Makeup

Transportation: Dufour Tours 

Cheese and Meat: Rubiner's

Alcohol: Spirited Wines

Bartenders: Laura's Bartenders and Wait Staff