By Sarah Rutledge
Photographs by Abigail Fenton
The Smokler family may live between New York City and Lenox, but the Berkshires are home—especially for 13-year-old Shalev. At the onset of the pandemic, the family moved to the Berkshires from New York City. “It became our refuge in every sense,” Erin Leib Smokler said. “We haven’t fully left since, and we are grateful for every day that we spend in this gorgeous haven.”
For Shalev’s bar mitzvah in early September, “it made all the sense in the world that he would be celebrated in these parts, [which have] in some real ways shaped who he is today,” she continued. Apple Tree Inn in Lenox was the perfect choice. They took over the property for the weekend and held all events there.
Shalev loves horseback riding and has spent a great deal of time at Undermountain Farm, so the event nodded to his love of horses and the outdoors. Vibrant tones suffused everything from flowers to décor to fashion. A banquet of treats included equine-themed cookies, caramel corn, and marshmallows for toasting, making for a sweet life indeed.
The details
Venue
The Apple Tree Inn
@appletreeinn
Event planning
Erin Poplaski
@erin_poplaski_events
Photography
Abigail Fenton
@its.abigailfenton
Florist
Township Four
@townshipfour
Tent
Mahaiwe Tent
@mahaiwetent
