Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings Maureen and Charles's Rustic Wedding in the Berkshires By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos A duo ties the knot outdoors in Massachusetts in a stylish, laid-back way. 01 of 19 The Couple They say timing is everything, and when Maureen Weiner met Charles Cohen the week before they began their freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, theirs couldn't have been better. "It was like we'd known each other for years," says Charles, who works in risk management. "The start of college is a great time to be crazy in love!" Which was the case for a year and a half, until girl wanted boy but boy wanted independence. The pair split, and, says Maureen, now an interior designer, "we never crossed paths again." That is, until eight years later, when both had moved back to their shared hometown of New York City. They bumped into each other at a rooftop bar, and before long, "it was like college all over again," says Maureen. Except that now, Charles was ready. Two years after their chance encounter, on a trip back to Madison, he proposed in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol. "That building will stand the test of time," says Charles of the locale. "We can return in 20 years to the place where we started our life together." A year and a day later, on June 8, 2013, the couple headed to Maureen's family's vacation home in North Egremont, in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, to make it official. 02 of 19 The Stationery Suite The couple worked with Sloane Design/Press New York to create their letterpressed invites with tear-off R.S.V.P. cards. 03 of 19 The Ceremony Spot Bryce Covey Photography The couple exchanged vows in front of the family estate's meditation studio, which was covered in ferns for the occasion. 04 of 19 The Fashions The groom, in custom Alan Flusser, and his bride, in a beaded lace Pnina Tornai gown, paused for a photo op before their ceremony. 05 of 19 Pretty Plaits Bryce Covey Photography Hairstylist Kate Hanley gave Maureen a cascading fishtail braid. 06 of 19 The Ketubah Bryce Covey Photography "We wanted something simple and modern that we could live with for years to come," says Maureen of their handwritten ketubah, made by Stephanie Caplan. 07 of 19 Welcome Refreshments Bryce Covey Photography Upon arrival, guests were offered blackberry iced teas garnished with pansies and blackberries. 08 of 19 The Bridal Party Attendants wore floral crowns and flowy Alice + Olivia frocks, with the MOH (the bride's sister) in Catherine Deane. 09 of 19 The Boutonnieres Twine-tied clusters of ranunculus, brodiaea, scabiosa pods, and wild grasses graced the gents' lapels. 10 of 19 The Bride's Entrance Bryce Covey Photography The bride's father, in custom Alan Flusser, and mother, in custom Lee Anderson, escorted her down the aisle, as a Cajun wedding march was played on violin and fiddle by family members. 11 of 19 The Ceremony Surrounded by soaring trees, the same rabbi who had performed Maureen's baby-naming and bat mitzvah ceremonies pronounced them man and wife in front of 220 loved ones. 12 of 19 Seeing Double Maureen's twin nephews, outfitted in J.Crew, shared ring-bearer duties. 13 of 19 The Flowers Moss-lined brass bowls holding scabiosa pods, clematis, speedwell, and ranunculus set a soft scene. 14 of 19 The Family Bryce Covey Photography The groom posed with his parents. 15 of 19 The Escort Cards Guests found their seats via paper hearts (calligraphed by Deborah Nadel) planted in beds of moss, ferns, and other greenery. 16 of 19 Cocktail Hour Fare Bryce Covey Photography Predinner, guests nibbled on breads, nuts, and cheeses, two of which held special meaning: Pleasant Ridge Reserve, from Wisconsin, where the couple met, and Berkshire Blue, from nearby Great Barrington in Massachusetts, where the rehearsal dinner was held. 17 of 19 Mingling Poolside Bryce Covey Photography During the poolside cocktail hour, celebrants sipped the duo's signature drink—a gin, lemon, bitters, and egg white concoction called, cheekily, The Filthy Weiner—and noshed on passed hors d'oeuvres like salt-and-pepper lamb lollipops and watermelon-feta bites. 18 of 19 The Reception The guests strolled downhill to a forest clearing where a tent was constructed around a tree. "We wanted everyone to feel like they were walking into a magical world," says Maureen, who went barefoot for the laid-back reception. Peonies and wild grasses dressed up the tables, while baguettes for sharing fostered a communal atmosphere. After a meal of heirloom vegetables, tagliatelle ragù, and branzino, the newlyweds danced to "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Ray Charles. The party burned deep into the night as a friend deejayed and old Bettie Page movies played silently on an outdoor screen. Then the pair joined their more adventurous guests for skinny-dipping in the pool—knowing that the timing was now perfect for a midnight swim. 19 of 19 Sources Bryce Covey Photography Event Planning, Design, and Flowers: Matthew Robbins Design Catering: Cobblestone Catering Photography: Bryce Covey Stationery: Sloane Design/Press New York Calligraphy: Deborah Nadel Music: Élan Artists Rentals and Tent: Mahaiwe Tent Videography: Love Is Strange Hair: Kate Hanley Makeup: Ildiko Juhasz Bridesmaids' Jewelry: Robbie Simon Groom's Accessories: Alan Flusser pocket square; Peal & Co. for Brooks Brothers shoes; Tiffany & Co. wedding ring Groomsmens' and Ring Bearers' Bow Ties: Countess Mara Valet: Abbott's Limousine & Livery Service Audio and Visual: Tune Street Ketubah: Stephanie Caplan of theketubah.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit