NEARLYWED NEWS

Chapel House Estate in Minster is hosting an open week from Saturday 7th January until Sunday 15th January, 2023 inclusive. The new venue will be open from 10am until the last show around at 4pm. NEWS Nearlywed Offering intimate, relaxed and modern weddings Monday to Wednesday for up to 30 people, along with larger traditional black-tie nuptials for up to 150 reception and 200 evening guests Monday to Sunday, Chapel House Estate is a must-see if you’re on the hunt for your dream venue. With the sympathetically converted rustic Old Malt Granary Barn for your indoor “I dos” or the gorgeous Wild Apple Orchard for your al fresco ceremony, we think you’ll be hooked! There’s even on-site accommodation, sleeping up to 34 guests. Paired with modern technology aplenty and carefully designed bars, this Kent wedding venue seamlessly blends the old with the modern making it a worthy of a spot on your list of venues to visit. To register visit www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk http://fleurchallisphotography.com Catch up on the latest from around the county

RAISE YOUR GLASS

Kent’s newest toastmaster David Mote has had a busy year. Since qualifying as a Fellow of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters just 12 months ago, former Mayor of Dartford David has acted as master of ceremonies at an average of three weddings or civic ceremonies per month, and is now looking forward to a hectic festive season.

Based in Dartford, David’s proximity to the M25 and A2 has meant he’s been able to support events on both sides of the Thames and throughout Kent. Speaking of his early success David explains, “I’ve been very lucky and think my clients appreciate my light-hearted and flexible approach to making their event both successful and memorable for all the right reasons.”

Check out www.toastmastermote.co.uk

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Rochester Corn Exchange has been named a finalist in the Heritage Venue of the Year category at the prestigious Kent Wedding Awards. Built in 1706 by the rather fabulously named Sir Cloudesley Shovell, this 18th-century gem is located a stone’s throw from Rochester’s Castle and Cathedral, and in 2024 it will be celebrating 100 years as one of Medway’s premier venues for weddings and events.

The venue is one of a collection of historical buildings in Medway, available for wedding hire. Other showstopping locations include Upnor Castle, a 16th-century riverside fort built to protect the Royal Dockyard from attack; The Guildhall, built in 1687; and Eastgate House, mentioned in two of Charles Dickens’ works.

Dee O’Rourke, Medway Council’s assistant director of culture and community says, “Rochester Corn Exchange with its fine facade, grand staircase, high ceilings and chandeliers has provided a stunning backdrop for wedding days and events for almost a century. The venue team do everything possible to ensure couples enjoy their big days in our historical settings so being named a finalist at the Kent Wedding Awards is a wonderful recognition of the dedication they put into creating the perfect day.”

The winners will be announced soon at a black tie, Oscar-themed award evening at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, so watch this space. We’re sure you’ll join us in wishing the team the very best of luck!

Find out more at www.therochestercornexchange.co.uk

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

New to Kent is Beautiful in Curves, the county’s dedicated boutique for curvy brides. Owner Zoe Dowle tells us, “With many years of experience in the bridal industry, you can be assured that we’ve done our homework in order to offer you the greatest choice of fashionable and affordable gowns in sizes 16 to 34, all available to try on in the boutique.” From the ever-popular A-line or princess silhouettes and ontrend boho styles, to super-elegant Bardot necklines, lace, satin or sleeves – you name it Beautiful in Curves has it!

The new boutique stocks gowns by a wide variety of incredible bridal designers including White Rose, Millie May, Victoria Kay, Lou Lou and British Bridal. These exciting collections have all been selected by Zoe specifically for the care and attention they put into their dresses, particularly in terms of internal support, which means you have all the comfort you could wish for without the need to worry about a bra. Beautiful in Curves offers a full alteration service too, ensuring you get the perfect fit.

Even if what you see in store doesn’t exactly fit your vision, it’s no problem as tweaks are welcome if they’ll make your dreams a reality! As long as you book your bridal appointment ideally nine to 10 months in advance, you’ll have plenty of time for design changes, such as adding sleeves, extra lace or buttons. After all, it’s never too early to go wedding dress shopping! Alternatively, the team are always happy to offer you a dress from the boutique’s rails. As Zoe says, “If it’s love at first sight, then why not?”

Find out more at www.beautifulincurves.co.uk

Victoria Kay, available at Beautiful in Curves © Ben Eagle

COUNTRY HAVEN

Ruth Leigh and Oliver Brown are now welcoming guests to dine at Updown, their newly opened restaurant with rooms set in a former farm near Deal. Over the last few years, the couple have been carefully restoring the farmhouse and grounds to house seven rooms including two cottages. Set among seven-and-a-half acres of rolling Kent countryside, the 17th-century Grade II listed farmhouse, hidden in its own magical woodland and mature wildflower gardens has been conscientiously restored to celebrate its working history and rural setting.

In the main house, you can stay in one of four beautifully appointed rooms, all overlooking the grounds. Each one has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of the location. Alongside these, Ruth and Oli have transformed the farm’s outbuildings including its stables to house three new guest rooms. A hidden garden lies behind a wrought iron gate and forms a quad between house, barn and pergola, housing the outdoor dining area. The pergola is shaded by hanging vines and wisteria and surrounded by herbs, olives and lavenders with open fires to keep you warm as the sun sets. What’s more, the central seating area provides a perfect space for cocktails or a glass of wine overlooking the central lawn and farmhouse.

The couple have created a simple, Italian-leaning, hyper-seasonal menu using carefully-sourced, local ingredients. The equally seasonal drinks menu features cocktails made with produce from the garden and local wines sitting side by side with bottles from high quality producers in France and Italy.

So, if you’re tying the knot in the area and are looking for a stunning place to stay pre- or post- wedding, or indeed for a foodie’s mini-moon heaven we suggest you don’t delay in heading over to www.updownfarmhouse.com

A CELEBRATED SPACE

The winners of the UK Jewellery Awards 2022 were revealed recently at the Hilton London Metropole, and Kent’s Fitzgerald Jewellers in Canterbury scooped up the win for Store Design of the Year. The store was praised by the expert judging panel for its imaginative design, which creates a space applauded for being completely unique.

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the UK Jewellery Awards, organised by jewellery and watch industry title Retail Jeweller, is the country’s longest-running and most prestigious trade awards event. With 21 targeted categories, the awards cover every aspect of the industry from jewellery design and ethical business practice to customer service and successful retailing.

So, for a wedding-ring shopping experience like no other be sure to pop into the store on Burgate. Also check out www.fitzgeraldjewellers.co.uk