Following Alvin's death in 1955, Cohen, a close friend of the couple, "suggested that [Elaine] design the book covers Alvin had originally been hired to produce" for Meridian. It was through this working relationship that they became more involved. In 1956, Elaine and Cohen married; they remained married until his death in 1986.
This led to a closer connection between the couple following Alvin's passing in 1955, as Cohen suggested [Elaine] create book covers originally assigned to Alvin for Meridian. Their collaboration deepened over time. In 1956, Elaine and Cohen married; they remained together until his death in 1986.