1. Real Weddings

Erika & Casey: A Casual Wedding in Vinalhaven, ME

Relaxed, at-home elegance was the key theme at Erika and Casey's fall wedding -- even a major wedding-day glitch couldn't ruin the laid back vibe. TH

Relaxed, at-home elegance was the key theme at Erika and Casey's fall wedding -- even a major wedding-day glitch couldn't ruin the laid back vibe. THE BRIDE Erika Edwards, 29, biology PhD student THE GROOM Casey Dunn, 27, biology PhD student THE DATE September 6 As college undergrads in California, Erika and Casey were instantly fascinated with each other, but didn't start dating until a fortuitous maritime accident changed their friends-only fate. Casey's summer plans were to pedal a boat from Ecuador to Hawaii. His boat soon sank, however, and he had a change of plans...and heart. Instead of pursuing adventures on the high seas, Casey headed home to pursue romance with Erika. The rest, Erika says, is history. Though they ended up with a beautiful result, planning the wedding in Vinalhaven proved a bit more difficult than the couple had originally anticipated. Access was the main issue -- the only way to reach Vinalhaven is by ferry. Something to think about if you're planning an island wedding... Erika muses.

Above all, Erika and Casey wanted a natural look for their ceremony and reception. We wanted it to feel elegant, but still casual, relaxed, and down-to-earth, Erika says. Regional wildflowers grown on the florist's property and arranged without a particular color scheme helped carry the relaxed, homey feel throughout the whole event. The one oversight? Vases. No one had them. The quick-thinking florist came to the rescue by arranging the reception decorations in glass bowls, tin buckets, and glassware. Apparently our talented, awesome florist just wandered around the barn and house until she had accumulated more than enough 'wedding appropriate' containers, and then got to work, Erika says. It ended up looking absolutely planned and really fit in with the whole 'aura' of the day.
The Food
Erika and Casey chose a three-tier dark chocolate cake with raspberry filling and white chocolate frosting adorned with fresh fruit and flowers.
The lawn of an old farmhouse overlooking a large inlet served as the reception site, and each guest table boasted unique, embroidered antique white linens atop the rental tablecloths. Erika's father spent the summer before the wedding collecting them at flea markets, antique shops, and yard sales. Other flea market finds such as milk bottles, jars, and carnival glass housed flickering votives to create a soft, romantic, and eclectic look.
The Accessories
Erika wore a layered sheath in silk charmeuse and chiffon, handmade by her mom with help from a seamstress.