with a lot of nostalgia for most opting to get married here.”
Turner and Schuster both echo that sentiment from their out-of-town couples choosing to get married in the Berkshires— the area has special meaning for them, whether it’ s a family member with a home they grew up visiting, or a vacation destination with special memories for the couple.
Kylee and Del Delaporta live in Rhode Island, but the Berkshires has always held a piece of their hearts; it’ s where they escape to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. The slower pace, the beauty of nature, and the visible LGBTQ + community made it feel like a safe and affirming space, which is something that mattered deeply to them when planning their wedding.
When they found Ice House Hill Farm, where Turner and her husband, Bryant, are caretakers, it felt like fate.“ It’ s this stunning, tucked-away spot in the middle of nowhere, peaceful, authentic, and full of heart,” Kylee says, and Del agrees.“ The mountains, the open fields, and the quiet simplicity of it all felt symbolic of our journey: a love that’ s grounded, intentional, and real. From our very first visit, we felt completely at home.” Another aspect of the Berkshires that makes it a desirable wedding destination is its plethora of outdoor( or outdoor-adjacent) venues, including TurnPark Art Space in West Stockbridge, the Greens at Copake Country Club in nearby Craryville, New York, and barns like Woodlife Farm in New Lebanon, New York. Woodlife Farm, where Schuster works as a consultant to help plan events including weddings, has three tent sites and several ceremony site options— from little nooks to open fields— allowing for a range of wedding sizes and styles. While the Berkshires doesn’ t have many of the typical ballroom venues— couples often look to New York City for a wedding like that— The Mount continues to be a popular choice for lavish Berkshire weddings. Miraval in Lenox, where Schuster is planning a wedding next year, is another upscale location. The Wyndhurst Mansion on the property dates back to the Gilded
Here ' s a fun wedding idea: Incorporate clear umbrellas when rain is in the forecast— and even when it isn ' t!( Ben Arcangeli, Soul Capture Photography) Laney Davidson and Cameron Bye held a Bridgerton-themed cocktail hour and a Game of Thrones-style reception.( Dear Edith and Lily)
Holiday 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 51