The Happy Couple
Charlotte Beers and William Beadleston had what she jokingly calls "the longest courtship in history." They met years ago at a party, and although the subject of marriage rarely arose, Beers says, "there was never any question in our minds that we would spend the rest of our lives together." When marriage was finally on the agenda, she had a month to plan, and it was just enough time to throw an intimate, romantic day in Seal Harbor, Maine. Charlotte and William exchange vows at the altar of St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Seal Harbor.
The Bridal Party
Gathered outside the church are, from left, Frannie Dittmer; Morgan Wheelock, who read a poem during the service; Darla Moore; Nicholai Beadleston, the groom's son and best man; Charlotte and William; Martha; Judith Wheelock; and Professor Martin Morad, a groomsman.
Martha
Martha inside the church, framed by fall flowers.
The Bridesmaids
From left to right: Bridesmaids Frannie Dittmer, Darla Moore, and Judith Wheelock are a John Singer Sargent painting come to life.
Martha Getting Ready
Martha prepares to exchange overalls for taffeta.
Bouquet
The bride's bouquet of cream fall roses surrounded by barley.
Boutonniere
William wears a boutonniere of hypericum berry and thistle.
Guests
Bridesmaid Memrie Lewis, left, with guest Sharon Patrick and Martha at Skylands.
Arriving in Style
Professor Morad arrives at Skylands in his 1950 Rover.
Bridesmaids' Bouquets
The bridesmaids' bouquets of terra-cotta roses, sedum, hypericum berry, thistle, and barley.
Flower Girl
Flower girl Serena Blake shows off her bouquet of thistles.
Family
Charlotte with her new stepson, Nicholai, and stepdaughters Natasha and Alexandra; William holds Serena. Charlotte's daughter, Lisa Boudreaux, was unable to attend because she was taking exams.
Husband and Wife
Charlotte leads her husband from the church to their waiting carriage. She is wearing a hand-crocheted floral headpiece. "As soon as I found the headpiece," she says, "I knew my wedding would be wonderful." A diamond star at the waist of her cashmere twin set sparkled "like fairy dust."