Erika & Casey 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. 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.