Your Kent Wedding - Issue 107 March/April 2023

REGULARS

On the cover

This issue’s cover shot of newlyweds Jerri and Jack has been sponsored by local lovely, Hythe Imperial Hotel (www.hytheimperial.co.uk), where the image was captured by photographer James Evans from White Rose Photography (www.whiterosephotography.co.uk).

FEATURES

53 VIVA LOVE!

Taking inspiration from 2023’s Pantone colour of the year for its modern palette, this local shoot is bursting with warmth and glamour

VENUES

19 SPOTLIGHT ON...

Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells

25 SWEPT AWAY

Our roundup of the county’s gorgeous waterside venues

57 LOVE AT FIRST BITE Catering inspiration whatever your vibe

67 GLAMOUR AND GLADRAGS

Have your wedding party comfortable, confident and dressed to impress

FASHION & BEAUTY

73 FRILL SEEKERS

This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats

81 IN LOVE WITH LACE

This timeless fabric never goes out of fashion

89 FASHION AND BEAUTY Q&A

Our local professionals solve your problems

90 BEAUTY BUZZ

Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be

92 BAN THE BLOAT

Professional nutritionists at Wedding Wellness explain how to avoid untimely bloating on your wedding day

REAL WEDDINGS

32 SPELLBOUND

Nicola and Andrew’s enchanting wedding day was filled with romantic, magical, highly personal and spiritual touches

39 LOVE NATURALLY

Emily and Dan’s on trend neutral palette featured beige, white, cream, sage green and blush pink

45 YOU’LL BE IN MY HEART

Georgina and Sam tied the knot in December with nods to Disney and Christmas throughout their styling

GROOMS

84 SUITED AND BOOTED Styling advice for the groom-to-be

86 IT’S ONLY NATURAL

With neutral colour palettes on the rise, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products to ensure you look on-trend this season

HONEYMOONS

95 HONEYMOON NEWS

The newest openings and honeymoon destinations

98 A GRAND AFFAIR

Experience ultimate luxury combined with traditional Greek appeal at Rhodes-based Ixian Grand & All Suites

Do you need a Pre-nuptial Agreement?

Nobody gets married with separation in mind, but sadly, more than 100,000 marriages per year end in divorce in the UK, according to the most recent Office for National Statistics figures

With people choosing to marry later in life, having already purchased a property, received an inheritance or accrued significant wealth, it is becoming increasingly common that couples are taking a pragmatic approach and setting out how they might organise their separation should it ever become necessary.

One way of doing this is through the use of a pre-nuptial agreement

What is a pre-nuptial agreement?

A pre-nuptial agreement is a document agreed by a couple before their wedding, which sets out how their various assets would be shared if their marriage breaks down. Pre-nups are not binding in England and Wales, but the existence of such a document, if certain conditions are met regarding its creation, can be very persuasive to a court when dealing with marital assets upon divorce.

Entering into a pre-nup before getting married allows couples to discuss their views and express their wishes for how financial matters would be resolved in the event of a divorce. This can avoid lengthy and costly disputes arising in the future.

Pre-nups are particularly useful where one party might want to protect family wealth, whether this be the existence of a family business or a substantial inheritance. It may be that one party has children from a previous relationship they want to provide for or that this is a second marriage and the protection of a share of assets received in a previous divorce is required. Either way, giving some consideration to how you might best protect yourself and your family should divorce occur is becoming more commonplace in couples planning to marry. In many European countries, it is no more than a standard piece of wedding admin which is required before a marriage can go ahead.

What can a pre-nup include?

Pre-nups should be specifically drafted to reflect your personal circumstances but could include clauses covering:

• what happens to a family business

• what happens to the family home and any other property

• whether one spouse ought to retain inherited wealth

• arrangements for the children

• the allocation of personal belongings

Conditions

The pre-nuptial agreement must be freely entered into at least 28 days before the wedding- preferably more. Both parties to it must have had the time to fully understand the implications of the agreement and some disclosure of the prospective spouse’s financial positions must be provided to the other. It is essential that you take independent legal advice upon the contents of the agreement before you sign it, and your lawyer will need to counter-sign the document with you. The agreement will also need to take into account both parties’ needs and will need to be fair.

How can we help

The specialist family law solicitors at Warners have a wealth of experience in drawing up bespoke pre-nuptial agreements to fit the needs of particular couples. We will work alongside you to create a fair agreement whilst meeting all the conditions to establish a water-tight agreement.

ADVERTISING

Account Manager

Julia Owen | 01376 538 495 julia.owen@county.wedding

Toquote one of my favourite movies, Miss Congeniality, and Rhode Island’s Cheryl, when asked to describe her perfect date: “I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.” While hilarious in the context of the film, I do have to agree with her, because she’s perfectly described how I’ve always felt about spring. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I hate, hate, hate hot weather; and while I love the winter, the dark nights can get you down. So, for me spring is the ideal happy medium: not too hot, not too cold. And that’s before we even get started on everything else it brings such as the beauty of new life and the joy of Easter. In short, what a wonderful time of year for a wedding!

EDITORIAL

Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | 01376 535 611 kelly.andrews@county.wedding

We’re particularly blessed in Britain with definition in our seasons so we get to experience spring in all it’s glory where so many countries around world don’t get to enjoy its subtleties in quite the same way. This is when British blooms come into their own. Think of the oh-so on trend loose wildflower style of bouquet bursting with anemones, tulips, sweet peas, narcissi and ranunculus, not forgetting the eternally popular wedding flower, the peony. Aisle runners featuring the same create the ambience of walking barefoot through a meadow and when transferred to the reception tables create that wonderful soft English country garden feel. Why not take inspiration for your wedding palette from the hues found in nature throughout the spring months? Lemon, blush, peach, lavender, sage green... the list goes on. What’s more, 2023’s Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta, is so versatile it works beautifully alongside pastels as a bold accent.

I could go on, but I’ll leave it to the local professionals as they share their springtime wedding ideas over in Hot Topic from page 63. Plus, Emily and Dan tied the knot right at the beginning of the season on 2nd March last year, so don’t miss their real wedding feature packed with heaps of inspiration from page 39.

Enjoy and keeeep planning!

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding

ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding

@CountyWeddingMagazines

@CountyWeddings

@countyweddingmagazines

Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com

www.candcimagery.co.uk

Don’t miss our online exclusive shoot, a collaboration between a group of Kent suppliers and their colleagues in neighbouring Sussex. Find it at www.yourkent.wedding/news-headlines

I’ve been desperate to see a real wedding with the bride dressed in an Allure Bridals’ Disney Fairy Tale Weddings dress, and I finally got my wish. Georgina chose Cinderella and paired it with the Aurora cape.

Your Kent Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Kent Wedding is published six times a year.

doesn’t always mean sun, but it’s still my favourite time of year!

Viva Magenta is such a rich, opulent hue and I’m living for it at the moment. This local shoot shows it off to spectacular effect.

Kelly Andrews, editor

NEWS Nearlywed

Catch up on the latest from around the county

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL

There’s exciting news from Bexley-based Cake It or Leave It, whose cakes have recently featured on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. Owner Lyndsay Allen-Trott tells us, “I was commissioned to design a Regency cake, which was featured on the Valentine’s special. These period-style bakes are back in fashion thanks to Bridgerton and they date back to the era of Jane Austen. She herself would bake with eggs from her own Aylesbury ducks, which lived in her back garden. This is very apt since I keep Muscovy ducks in my own back yard, who provide all the eggs for my cakes too!”

Cake It or Leave It offers stunning bespoke wedding cakes. Whether you’ve planned grand-scale celebrations or intimate nuptials surrounded by your nearest and nearest, Lyndsay will work with you to create a big-day bake that perfectly complements your day, complete with real wow factor. All mouthwatering and delicious cakes are made using only the finest ingredients.

Find out more at www.cake-it-or-leave-it.co.uk

A SPA SENSATION

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel Spa has been revealed as Kent’s top spa by spa experience and booking agency, Spabreaks.com. The Hotel hit the top spot with 23 per cent of all bookings made in Kent this year.

Nearby, and following close behind, was Rowhill Grange Hotel in second place. Next are the third and fourth place winners, Ashford International Hotel & Spa and Marriott Tudor Park Country Club. And following just behind and securing a fraction under 10 per cent of all bookings is Bridgewood Manor in fifth place.

Spabreaks.com has put the popularity of Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel Spa down to the versatility of its facilities and location. With Brands Hatch just around the corner, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy from your base at this contemporary hotel. For a more relaxing break, there’s the spa and fitness club where you can wind down. A gym and fitness classes are also available for exercise, as is the indoor pool for swimming laps.

Abi from Spabreaks.com insists that spa days aren’t only the perfect retreat for a special occasion, such as hen dos, but are also a way to improve mental and physical health with regular attendance. She says, “Invest in yourself by prioritising your wellbeing and it will be the best decision ever made, see the results come back in spades.”

For an unbeatable selection of top-quality spa hotels across the county head over to www.spabreaks.com

A NEW SPACE TO CELEBRATE

Penshurst Place and Gardens had the opportunity to show off its fabulous new wedding space for the first time at an open house event recently. The Garden Room is a new area at the historical venue, available for ceremonies, receptions and parties.

Repurposed from its original role as a restaurant to become a flexible function space, it’s located alongside the South Lawn at Penshurst Place and is accessed independently from the main house. Accommodating between 30 and 120 people, the ground floor room is suitable for a variety of events and has wheel-chair access. It offers an adaptable, additional space for dining, dancing or drinks receptions, allowing you to decide how you’d like to utilise it on your big day.

Find out more about tying the knot at Penshurst Place in our Spotlight on... Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells feature this issue, or head over to www.penshurstplace.com

Five minutes with...

THE ECO EXPERTS

Frasers, a sustainable events venue based on a beautiful private estate and eco farm in Kent, has been announced as a winner at the inaugural 2023 Sustainable Wedding Awards. The awards recognise businesses and venues demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and social responsibility.

THE TRUTH ABOUT ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

While they’re undoubtedly becoming more popular, the stigma of the past surrounding artificial flowers still lingers. But Sam Richards from A Touch of Kent believes they’ve evolved and are now more realisticlooking than ever, to a point that from a distance even the most welltrained eye would struggle to tell the difference. We caught up with Sam to find out more.

Where do we stand on the sustainability front with faux flowers – aren’t they plastic and therefore more harmful to the environment?

“In a world where we focus on sustainability and being environmentally-friendly, we still don’t bat an eyelid at using fresh flowers for our big days and are happy to waste hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds on real, fresh flowers only for them to go into the bin at the end of the night.

“I agree, you can’t beat the smell of a fresh bouquet while walking down the aisle and for this, I support the use of real flowers. Fresh blooms can be preserved and dried to frame after the day to keep as a memento of such a special occasion too.

“While I’m hearing that artificial is plastic and these are harmful to our environment, one may argue that these are not single-use plastics. They aren’t thrown away after every use and can be re-used for years and years.”

We’re remembering the dusty, silk bouquets of yesteryear that look unreal and plastic...

“At a Touch of Kent we specialise in artificial flowers and use them in such a way that they look natural. When we go to wedding fairs and take display bouquets along, most are shocked that they’re artificial or preserved. Bearing in mind we work with faux blooms day in and day out, we’ll only use those we believe are as realistic as we can possibly get, and each goes through rigorous scrutiny prior to any event to be sure that’s the case.”

What are the benefits of using artificial versus fresh?

“One perk is that you can hire them for a fraction of the cost of fresh, allowing you to recreate the elegant floral displays you see in magazines. Then, at the end of the day, they go back to be reused for another event and you’re left with the wedding photos you’ve always dreamed of. In these harsh economic times, we urge couples to explore the quality of artificial flowers and incorporate them into their weddings as they’re far more cost effective.

“They’re hypo-allergenic, so those poor hay fever sufferers won’t need to struggle anymore just to see your big day. Plus, they aren’t seasonal, so you can incorporate your favourite flowers in your wedding regardless of the time of year.

“They can be prepped weeks in advance so there’s no last minute rush or worries. What’s more you can keep your bouquet forever and display it in your home. We provide our brides with a modern, stylish vase with our bouquets allowing them to do just that.”

Ok, we’re convinced! Learn more at www.atouchofkent.com

Kent’s very own Frasers scooped the coveted Sustainable Supply Chain Award, reflecting the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability through its responsible sourcing strategy. In addition, the local lovely was highly commended in the Sustainable Change Maker category in recognition of its efforts to encourage greater awareness and action through advocacy and example of best practice.

The venue boasts a range of sustainable features that have helped it to secure this title. They include solar panels, rainwater harvesting and waste recycling. Frasers’ commitment also extends to its catering, which uses locally-sourced produce from artisan Kent and Sussex suppliers and ingredients fresh from the farm and home-grown in the ample on-site kitchen garden. The judges commented, “Frasers has considered its whole supply chain from energy to water to closed loop growing and is clearly aiming to improve further by seeking a Growing Green grant.”

Lisa Fraser, the venue’s owner, says, “We’re thrilled to have been recognised in this way. Our team is passionate about creating a venue that not only provides an unforgettable experience for wedding couples and their guests, but also contributes positively to the environment and the local rural economy. This award is testimony to our commitment to sustainability in all that we do, and we’ll continue to strive for excellence in this area.”

To discover more about hosting your wedding day at Frasers, head over to www.frasersegerton.co.uk

DATE FOR THE DIARY

The Bromley Court Hotel is hosting a wedding showcase event on Sunday 14th May, 2023, from 12pm to 4pm. It’s your opportunity to view this stunning venue while you enjoy sampling some of its tasty canapés and bubbles. While you’re there, meet the venue’s team of experienced wedding coordinators as well as local suppliers who together can turn your wedding dreams into reality.

Register and book your tickets today at https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/wedding-showcase-event-tickets-519094484577. And for further information on the venue pop over to https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU

Samantha Beeny at The Pretty Prep Studio in Ashford is in the process of organising a first-of-its-kind wedding entertainment-led fair, to be held at Evegate Artisan Business Park on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May, 2023, 10am to 2pm.

There will be live acts, showcasing their talents, throughout the weekend including musicians and magicians sure to wow visitors. You can enjoy a drink from the micro-pub, while being thoroughly entertained as you select your all-important wedding entertainment. What’s more, there’ll be more than 30 other wedding suppliers, covering all specialisms on hand too, so why not cross a few more things off of your to-do list while you visit?

On the day, you’ll have a chance to win £150 by visiting the wedding shops at Evegate, so don’t miss out. Pre-register for the Find Your Wedding Entertainment Fair by visiting www.theprettyprepstudios.co.uk/fair

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

23rd March, 2023 | 5.30pm-7pm

The Spa Hotel Wedding

Open Evening

Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ www.spahotel.co.uk/events-diary

26th March, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Rochester Corn Exchange

Northgate, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1LS www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

2nd April, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Mercure Hotel Tunbridge Wells 8 Tonbridge Rd, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4QL www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

16th April, 2023 | 11am-3.30pm

Signature Wedding Show - Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL www.countyweddingevents.com/ signature-wedding-show-mercedes-benz-world

16th April, 2023 | 11am-3pm

Longton Wood Wedding Showcase

Longton Wood, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LR http://longtonwood.com

23rd April, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel

1 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7JZ www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

23rd April, 2023 | 11am-3pm

Lympne Castle Wedding Show

The Street, Lympne, Kent CT21 4LQ www.idoweddingevents.co.uk

7th May, 2023 | 11am-3pm

Hythe Imperial Hotel Wedding Fair

Hythe Imperial Hotel, Princes Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AE www.hytheimperial.co.uk/weddings/wedding-events

7th May, 2023 | 10am-4pm

Rustic Kent Wedding Fair

Greenhill Wedding Venue, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8RR www.homegurrown.co.uk/rustic-kent-wedding-fair

14th May, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Rochester Corn Exchange

Northgate, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1LS www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

21st May, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Priestfield Stadium

Redfern Avenue, Gillingham ME7 4DD www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

Getty Images

Sunday 8 th October 2023 11am to 4pm

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England. A huge number of wedding specialists on hand to inspire and advise on how to bring your wedding dreams to life.

PLUS! Special offers on the day • The chance to win a luxury honeymoon

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment • Refreshements • and more...

For your FREE tickets and the chance to win a £250 voucher courtesy of SpaBreaks.com pre-register at:

www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

FUN FOR THE LITTLE’UNS

Canterbury-based Carousel Crèche Company is run by Carole Cassidy and her team. With a passion for delivering stimulating, safe and fun childcare, the company provides crèches and babysitting for weddings around the county. Having Carole and co. on hand to keep the children entertained, and above all safe, means you and their parents or guardians are left free to mingle and enjoy the day, happy in the knowledge the little treasures are in good hands. What’s more, with bags of activities for all ages you’re ensuring that your youngest guests have an equally fabulous day, leaving them with many happy memories for years to come. After all, Carole is a fully-qualified nursery nurse CACHE NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, and has been working in the childcare sector for more than 20 years.

We’ve teamed up with Carousel Crèche Company to offer readers 10 per cent off all new bookings made in March and April 2023 for this year until 31st December, 2023. To claim, get in touch on 07887 968 523 or at info@carouselcreche.co.uk and quote Your Kent Wedding.

For further information, check out https://carouselcreche.co.uk

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Looking for entertainment to fill the dancefloor that’s sure to delight guests regardless of age, ability or musical tastes while providing heaps of fun? We highly recommend considering a ceilidh for a night to remember! Kent-based The Hilltop Ceilidh Band will guide you through traditional English, Scottish and Irish dances at your home or wedding venue in England and Wales.

Ceilidhs bring people together and that’s what the Band stands for – they’re just as keen as you to see everyone to having a great time, and they’ll work hard to make it happen. For example, are you celebrating in the UK with family and friends coming over from abroad? No need to worry, as your dances can be called multilingually – Welsh, French, you name it, they’ve got it covered! To find out how you and your guests can have the best time ever, get in touch to discuss the details of your celebrations from ceremony music to the ceilidh, and disco to DJ.

Freebies & OFFERS

We’ve partnered with The Hilltop Ceilidh Band to offer readers £70 off the compact line up, and £100 off the traditional or full line ups. To claim, get in touch via https://hilltopceilidh.band and quote Your Kent Wedding. Offer ends 30th April.

Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

WIN A PAIR OF STEVE MADDEN BRIDAL SHOES

The hunt for the perfect bridal shoe ends here with the chance to win the ultimate pair for your special day from Steve Madden. The shimmering Bridal Collection is not only amazing for brides but bridesmaids too, ensuring a picture-perfect look on the big day. For everyone who loves to shine you can choose from rose gold, silver, nude and white with finishes that include satin, rhinestone, leather and clear materials. If the shoe fits… be your own Cinderella! Check out www.stevemadden.co.uk. County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win a pair of bridal shoes to the value of £150 from www.stevemadden.co.uk

For your chance to win enter online via our website www.yourkent.wedding

Getty Images

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

ESSEX

12PM-4PM

SAT 1 APR

HOUCHINS

WEDDING VENUE

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

SUN 14 MAY

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 2 APR

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER

Bisham Road, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, SL7 1RG

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 26 MAR

HAYCOCK MANOR

Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA

LONDON

SUN 14 MAY

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

SUSSEX

12PM-4PM

SUN 16 APR

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL

WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 10 SEP CHENIES MANOR HOUSE Chenies, Rickmansworth Bucks, WD3 6ER

ESSEX

SUN 10 SEP

MARKSHALL ESTATE Coggeshall, CO6 1TG

SUN 24 SEP

RACKLEY’S

CHILTERN HILLS

Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 3 SEP

HAYCOCK MANOR

Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA

EAST MIDLANDS

SUN 15 OCT

RUSHTON HALL

Desborough Road, Rushton, Kettering, NN14 1RR

SURREY

SUN 1 OCT

NUTFIELD PRIORY

Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redbridge, RH1 4EL

12PM-4PM

SUN 22 OCT

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SUN 29 OCT

HOUCHINS

WEDDING VENUE

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

KENT

SUN 12 NOV

PENSHURST PLACE

Penshurst, TN11 8DG

WORK WITH US

As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

Signature

WEDDING SHOWS

• Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake

• Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Competitions

• Entertainment

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL

SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

WEMBLEY STADIUM

London, HA9 0WS

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

• Demonstration areas

• Refreshments

• And more...

at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring 2023 wedding show season – perfect for all those couples that got engaged over the festive period.

From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome nearlyweds to our events and help plan their wedding day.

Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.

On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés.

Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on the day visitors are always welcome, and attending our shows are free!

For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

X Sarah

Sarah Ellis, Managing Director County Wedding Events

A date for your diary...

Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

© Nick Parker, Parkershots

Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells SPOTLIGHT ON...

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

PENSHURST PLACE

01892 870 307 | weddings.penshurstplace.com

Set in an estate of 2,500 acres, the 14th-century house and formal gardens are steeped in natural splendour and historical architecture. With sandstone walls and an impressive sweeping driveway, Penshurst Place has been described as the perfect combination of an inspiring castle mixed with an intimate country manor house. With towers and crenelated ancient walls interspersed with arched leaded windows, this grand stately home welcomes visitors through the wicket gate in the large wooden doorway that previously saw centuries of royalty passing through it.

The 14th-century formal gardens at Penshurst are considered to be amongst the most beautiful in England. Originally laid out in 1346, the 11 acres of Grade I listed gardens have been kept true to their Elizabethan design.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS

You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding spaces here and most are so flexible they can be used for the “I dos” and reception. The Baron’s Hall (200 ceremony, 136 dining and 200 reception guests), built in 1341 is the venue’s oldest room, brimming with character and original Medieval architecture. There’s even a firepit beneath the chestnut singlespan roof, plus tall arched windows, suits of armour and Medieval trestle tables that can be decorated to suit your theme.

The Sunderland Room (136 ceremony, 88 dining, 140 reception guests) adjoins the minstrel gallery overlooking the Baron’s Hall, and with part-panelled, part-sandstone walls hung with historical paintings, it sits atop a spiral turret staircase and offers a wonderful view across the parklands.

Located adjacent to the Baron’s Hall, The Buttery (40 ceremony, 30 dining and 50 reception guests) with ancient brick walls, a large fireplace

and tapestries, was the original bottle store for the house and is ideal for smaller ceremonies or use as a further reception area. The Garden Room (93 ceremony, 74 dining, and 100 for dancing) a few steps from the main house offers a light and spacious interior with wheelchair access. For winter weddings only, there’s also a beautifully draped marquee, which can be arranged in either the Inner Courtyard or for more guests, on the South Lawn at an additional fee.

If you prefer to celebrate al fresco, the Inner Courtyard (120 ceremony and 200 standing reception guests) alongside the Baron’s Hall where you can say your vows beneath the King’s Tower, is surrounded by sandstone walls and scented roses. The Nut Garden (100 ceremony guests) located amongst 11 acres of formal gardens is an ethereal space featuring an oak pergola, which in the summertime is covered in rambling roses, climbing wisteria and ivy. Finally, if you don’t require a legal ceremony and are after blessing you’ll definitely want to look at Lancup Well (200 ceremony guests). A gorgeous lakeside location, it’s a short distance from the manor house and offers views of the surrounding 2,500 acres of parkland estate. Here, you can enjoy a blessing amongst fine topiary as the sun dapples the surface of the lake.

HEVER CASTLE

01732 861 800 | www.hevercastle.co.uk

Hever Castle is a gem in the heart of the Garden of England. The doublemoated Castle displays a glorious creeping Boston Ivy, which turns a rich, deep red during late Autumn, making for iconic photographs in front of this beautiful building steeped in British history. Meanwhile, the Medieval gatehouse still retains a working drawbridge and portcullis, offering a further impressive spot for those all-important photographs.

THE “I DOS”

There are three areas available for ceremonies here. The Castle’s Inner Hall can accommodate 60 loved ones for the vows. With ornate panelled walls, antiques and open log fire it’s a wonderful spot for winter weddings in particular.

The Tudor Suite Sitting Room within the Astor Wing can also host 60. This exclusive space opens out onto the nearby lawns overlooking the Castle. The Astor wing itself is an Edwardian extension built onto the Castle in 1903. Designed in the Tudor style, it boasts hand-carved

oak panelled walls and large open fireplaces, along with an eclectic collection of private artwork, all while retaining the feel of a private country home. There are also 27 bedrooms here offering onsite accommodation for your and your guests.

Finally, the Loggia located in the award-winning Italian Gardens, is the venue’s outdoor ceremony area overlooking the 38-acre boating lake. It can host 70 to 180 nearest and dearest for the “I dos.” With original statues from Rome and the Trevi-inspired fountain, the gardens bring a true taste of Italy to the Kent countryside.

THE CELEBRATIONS

The Guthrie Pavilion, situated next to the rose garden can accommodate up to 180 for your reception. For more intimate parties, The Astor Wing can host up to 60 nearest and dearest, who can enjoy evening entertainment with you, and perhaps even take a night cap into the Billiards Room or Music Room.

Alternatively, the Winter Garden Lawn, which overlooks the Castle, is available for marquee hire for larger parties, who can also enjoy the gardens during the afternoon reception.

ST JULIANS CLUB

01732 458 261 | www.stjulians.co.uk

St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house set in charming surroundings just outside Sevenoaks and has been a secluded, exclusive private club since the early 1950s. Overlooking the Weald of Kent and surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens, the venue offers an impressive setting with breathtaking views.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS

The Lounge is the original drawing room of the house, with long bay windows that open onto the external flagstone terrace. It boasts a beautiful marble fireplace and Steinway grand piano, which is available for use on your wedding day. Double doors lead to the Victorian Conservatory with an incredible canopy of wisteria, giving fragrant blooms up to four times a year. The Gallery too boasts amazing views

and its bay window offers the perfect spot for an intimate wedding ceremony.

When you tie the knot here, you’ll have use of all three of these gorgeous spaces, which can accommodate 60 loved ones for the “I dos” and wedding breakfast, with room for up to 80 for the evening do. You’ll also be able to enjoy the privacy of the flagstone and grass terraces across the front of the house, as well as the grounds and gardens for reception drinks and photographs.

The venue offers social membership of the club for the newlyweds for one year when you book it for your big day. Bespoke menus are planned by the team of experienced chefs and you’ll be treated to a complimentary menu and wine tasting.

St Julians has been licensed for civil ceremonies for more than 20 years, so its team of professionals are highly experienced in planning perfect wedding days and will work with you to arrange your bespoke nuptials.

THE SPA HOTEL

01892 520 331 | www.spahotel.co.uk

Set in 14 acres of picturesque grounds close to the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Spa Hotel originally opened its doors to guests in 1880. Built in 1766 as a country mansion, the Hotel is a well-known Georgian landmark in the town and following extensive refurbishments its original grandeur works in harmony with modern luxury.

THE “I DOS”

The hotel boasts a variety of ceremony locations both inside and out. A highlight is The Spa Temple. An enchanting option, it allows you to exchange your vows amongst the gardens while enjoying the spectacular surroundings. With views over the lakes the Temple also offers a stunning backdrop for those all-important photos. It can seat up to 250 guests, plus standing. Don’t worry if it rains though as wet-weather alternatives are always provided.

The Royal Suite is the largest of the function suites. A grand space it boasts bay windows overlooking the lawns. It can host 250 for your “I

dos.” The Chandelier Suite was refurbished in 2021. A light and airy space at the front of the hotel it has contemporary and neutral décor to complement any palette. It can accommodate 140 for the ceremony. Finally, The Churchill Room is the most intimate of the ceremony options. Overlooking the beautiful gardens it allows you to welcome 45 of your nearest and dearest to witness your vows.

THE CELEBRATIONS

All of the above inside spaces are available for you to host your reception. The Royal Suite with its large bar can hold 228 for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the evening. The Chandelier Suite too benefits from a private bar and can seat 90 for a meal and welcome 120 for the evening. Last, but not least, the small but perfectly formed Churchill Room can seat 24 for the wedding breakfast and host 30 for the evening.

The hotel’s kitchen is award winning and offers extensive menus for wedding breakfasts, evening receptions and canapés, and you’re offered a free tasting. There are also seven beautiful, individually-designed bridal suites for the night of your wedding or to get ready in with your bridal party. You’re also treated to a first-anniversary stay.

MERCURE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL

01892 628 298 | www.mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk

Built around the original Georgian dower house, this charming fourstar hotel presents a wonderful combination of traditional and modern. The oast house offers a grand entrance for you and your guests, while the Georgian dower house and terrace lend a warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. There are 84 bedrooms available for you and your loved ones to rest after you’ve partied the night away and discounted rates are offered.

THE “I DOS”

The Parkside Suite is the largest function room situated on the ground floor. It’s fully accessible and has neutral décor to suit any theme. There’s space here for 150 loved ones.

The more intimate Park Avenue Suite can host 70 nearest and dearest.

Located in the dower house, it boasts original, Georgian, arched windows creating a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies. It’s easy to see why it’s the venue’s most popular spot for ceremonies.

More intimate still is the Park View Suite, with space for 40 guests. It overlooks, and has direct access to, the Park View Courtyard.

THE CELEBRATIONS

The larger two of the suites, Parkside and Park Avenue can play host to wedding receptions. The former has its own private function bar, as well as direct access to its own private garden. So, you and your 150 guests will have everything you need all in one place. It’s the perfect blank canvas, allowing you to transform the room into the wedding of your dreams. It is also licensed for entertainment until midnight. Park Avenue on the other hand is ideal for smaller celebrations and can host intimate wedding breakfasts and gatherings for up to 50 nearest and dearest.

Set on an idyllic lake, surrounded by 3 acres of natural woodland, the Inn on the Lake makes for an unforgettable wedding venue

Offering:

◦ Gazebo Ceremony over the lake

◦ Exclusive wedding packages

◦ On site wedding planner

◦ Accomodation

◦ Amazing photo opportunities

Contact our events team today to begin planning your dream wedding

Swept away

Our roundup of the county’s waterside and coastal venues

BRADBOURNE HOUSE

01732 897 436 | www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk

Bradbourne House is an exclusive-use, Queen Anne, Grade I listed, country house located in the heart of Kent. The house as it stands today was built between 1712 and 1715 and served as the Twisden family home right up until 1937, when it was put up for auction and bought by the East Malling Trust.

The venue boasts 20 acres of picturesque parkland, including a tranquil lake, ancient trees and secret garden orchard. From the moment you drive through the iron gates you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine, stripey lawns. The grounds are home to a plethora of wildlife, including hundreds of Canadian geese who return to the lake each year.

THE “I DOS”

Brabourne House has two licensed indoor areas for your ceremony. The Drawing Room is ideal for intimate “I dos” with up to 50 loved ones. The bay windows look out across the lakes and gold chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The Great Hall is best for guest lists up to 100 and the blue walls are one of the House’s most memorable features with Twisden family portraits adorning every part.

In addition, there are two further outdoor ceremony spaces, each

licensed up to 100. The Hatton Fruit Garden was originally planted as part of the Dig For Victory campaign, and its walled gardens now provide that sought-after secret garden spot where you can exchange your vows. The Great Hall Steps provide the grandest of entrances, and as you ascend the marble steps to the house itself, they offer a spectacular backdrop to the most important part of your day.

THE CELEBRATIONS

The gorgeous Great Hall can also host receptions for 100 seated or 200 standing guests. It allows large numbers of loved ones to come together to celebrate as one, from a decadent wedding breakfast to that allimportant evening bash.

For more intimate gatherings you have the option of The Breakfast Room, which provides a different feel. The dark oak interiors and walls hung with portraits is often referred to as the gentleman’s room. Complete with Grand Piano, it’s the ideal setting for intimate meals or relaxing with tea and cake for 40 seated or 100 standing guests. Finally, with space for the same numbers, The Drawing Room’s bay windows are practically made for a wedding cake to sit in!

The venue offers a complementary tasting to the two of your with its executive chef, and a toastmaster is available within the hire to ease your day.

HERONS PARK VENUE

07949

156 636 | www.heronsparkvenue.co.uk

Situated on the outskirts of Lydd, surrounded by wildlife, some rare, the family-owned and operated Heron’s Park Venue overlooks beautiful lakes. The venue is decorated in a neutral, serene colour palette. Light and airy throughout with many rooms at your full disposal, there’s no shortage of space here. The venue is always hired for exclusive use, and available to you the day before your wedding for those all-important finishing touches.

THE “I DOS”

Little Egret is the larger bright and spacious ceremony room, decorated in a neutral colour palette it offers a blank canvas for your ceremony and can host up to 110. The smaller of the two ceremony spaces is the Conservatory, with space for 44 nearest and dearest. Ideal for intimate “I dos” it boasts beautiful views of the neighbouring sheep fields.

THE CELEBRATIONS

The wedding breakfast room, seats 110 guests formally or 200 for the

evening or for informal dining. This space complete with huge raised bar never fails to impress, with stunning views of the lake everywhere you look. After the wedding breakfast, the team will remove some of the tables to make room for the dancefloor in the evening. The main room leads onto the terrace with lakeside views, this is the perfect place for a drinks reception, garden games or street food.

When everyone has finished eating you’ll have full use of the whole venue, including the beautiful conservatory, which is a great spot for a photo booth. It’s also used for drinks receptions if the weather is poor. Following the vows, the larger ceremony room is transformed into a cosy lounge for the evening, an ideal space for relaxing and catching up with family and friends. There’s even a cocktail bar available. Also part of the hire is the Children’s Play Room. This space is equipped with toys and games and is available for your littlest guests to use all day. You can even fit in a bouncy castle!

The venue also offers a free wine tasting, and a wedding planning service that goes above and beyond. The team will plan your whole day with you, making suggestions along the way. Once the itinerary is agreed upon, it’s over to them. They will contact all suppliers and liaise with them, so you can sit back and relax knowing everything is taken care of.

LEAS CLIFF HALL

01303 228

607 | www.leascliffhall.co.uk

Dramatically located 400 feet above sea level, overlooking the English Channel and built into the Kent coast cliff face, Leas Cliff Hall offers one of the most enviable settings for your wedding. The Grade II listed building is steeped in history and with plenty of flexibility it can cater for any size of event.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS

The Grand Hall has played host to many bespoke weddings over the years and has been particularly popular for hosting large scale, elaborate nuptials. It’s the ideal location if you’re planning a lavish gathering surrounded by several hundred of your closest friends and family. This Georgian ballroom has its own private bar, large grand theatre-style stage area and access to balconies that run the length of the

hall overlooking the English Channel with uninterrupted views across to France.

The Channel Suite has a variety of layouts that can be designed to suit your day. The panoramic views offer an iconic backdrop for some stunning photography. Plus, the team of in-house chefs will prepare your menu and the head chef will design your dream wedding breakfast.

THE EXTRA MILE

You’re only limited by your own imagination here. The sky’s the limit with additional extras to ensure your guests remember your wedding for years to come. Think vintage style, fully-stocked pick and mix sweet cart; Saturday Night Fever style LED dancefloor to dance the night away on; individual ice cream tubs served to your guests by a classically-styled usherette from her serving tray; have a mixologist create you a one-off, specially-named wedding day cocktail for you and your guests, and much much more.

SMALL & INTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE

£3,750 FOR 30 PEOPLE

RED CARPET ARRIVAL

COMPLIMENTARY CEREMONY ROOM

GLASS OF PROSECCO ON ARRIVAL

4 COURSE WEDDINGBREAKFAST FOLLOWED BY TEA, COFFEE &CHOCOLATES

HALFBOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE PERPERSON

A GLASS OF PROSECCO FORTHE TOAST

BACON, SAUSAGE &EGGBAPS FORTHE EVENING

PRIVATE USE OF OUR BALLROOM, INCLUDINGSUNDECKS AND TERRACE

WHITE LINEN TABLECLOTHS, NAPKINS, AND FULL SKIRTING

CHIAVARICHAIRS AND SASHES IN YOURCOLOURCHOICE

CAKE STAND, KNIFE AND MICROPHONE FORTHESPEECHES

COMPLIMENTARY NIGHTSTAYIN ADELUXE ROOM FORTHE WEDDINGCOUPLE ON THE NIGHTOFTHE WEDDING

PERSONALISED WEDDING ADVICE FROM OURWEDDING TEAM FROM INITIAL ENQ!)IRYTO YOURWEDDING DAY

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATES AVAILABLE UPON REQ!)EST

AMPLE CAR PARKINGSPACES FORUPTO 250 VEHICLES

COMPLIMENTARY USE OFTHE BACK AND FRONT GARDENS INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITIES IN OURGAZEBO

COMPLIMENTARYUSE OF OURGARDEN GAMES, INCLUDINGGIANT JENGA, CONNECT FOUR, CROQ!)ET, NOUGHTS &CROSSES, FUN RINGTOSS ANDGIANTDOMINOES

PRIVATE FUNCTION BAR ON OURSUNDECKS

USE OF OURGIANTDECKCHAIR FOR PHOTOGRAPHS

WOODEN ARTIST EASEL FORTABLE PLANS

PRICEBASEDON 30 GUESTS ATTENDING DAYTIME AND EVENING.AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT 2023 &2024, SUBJECTTO AVAILABILITY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, PLEASE CALL GEORGIA ON01303 267441

OREMAILHER-WEDDINGS@HYTHEIMPERIALHOTEL.COM

WWW.HYTHEIMPERIAL.CO.UK

INN ON THE LAKE

01474 823 333 | www.fcdhotels.co.uk

The Inn on the Lake sits on the edge of 12 acres of woodland, and its gorgeous gardens are planted around three natural lakes. The best news is you and your photographer will have access to all of it on the big day, allowing you to capture some truly memorable photographs to treasure forever. You might even get the opportunity to pose with the friendly resident ducks!

As the venue’s name implies, the lakes are a real focus of weddings here. From saying “I do” at the water’s edge and beautiful photo opps on the jetty, to a barbecue on the terrace. You can even wake up in the morning and enjoy a coffee (or glass of pre-wedding bubbly) on your bedroom’s lakeside terrace.

THE “I DOS”

You have the choice of three wonderful locations for your “I dos.” The Lakeside Gazebo, set on the edge of the largest lake is a beautiful

outdoor setting seating up to 200 guests, or 250 standing. Alternatively, if you’d rather be indoors or the weather isn’t lending itself to al fresco vows, The Fountain Suite is an option. This is an intimate room with soft drapes, chandeliers and a natural wood floor. It can seat 100 or allow for 130 standing.

Finally, The Lakeside Suite is the largest space. It boasts floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, which flood the room with light, creating stunning panoramic views of the lakes and gardens. It’s decorated with soft white drapes and ornate chandeliers making a romantic canvas for a wedding. It can seat up to 250 guests.

THE CELEBRATIONS

Receptions take place in the aforementioned Lakeside Suite. With this space you also get exclusive access to the Lakeside Terrace allowing you to enjoy the best of the gorgeous outdoor space all day (and night) long. The suite can host 250 for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the evening bash.

UPNOR CASTLE

01634 718 742

www.medway.gov.uk/info/200271/upnor_castle

Set in the picturesque riverside village of Upnor, Upnor Castle is a rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort. Paired with rolling hills, architectural brilliance and natural beauty, your big day here will be captured against a backdrop of history at one of England’s truly timeless places.

The Castle is available for weddings from May to September, and is offered for ceremonies only, plus drinks in the grounds. It is often booked in combination with the Corn Exchange in historical Rochester, which provides an equally grand backdrop for wedding receptions and evening celebrations.

Wander back in time as you make your way down the enchanting cobbled high street to the grand entrance gates, where you’ll pass through the dramatic, studded oak doors of the gatehouse, finding the

THE “I DOS”

Climb the wooden stairs to the upper floor, where you’ll find Upnor Castle’s historical wedding room, which was once a store for munitions. Now, it boasts novel powder-barrel seating, echoing the castle’s past. Here, there’s room for 80 nearest and dearest seated, with a further 20 standing.

RELAX AND MINGLE

After the ceremony, you’ll be able to enjoy an al fresco drinks reception in the Castle’s gorgeous grounds, where you can sip on champagne and hold court with your guests. With panoramic views of the river, this timeless and historical venue, also provides the picture-perfect backdrop for wedding photos to be treasured forever.

grassed inner courtyard beyond. The venue boasts a river view and glorious gardens too.

THE WEALD OF KENT

01622 891 671 | www.weald-of-kent.co.uk

The Weald of Kent is a beautifully maintained 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel. Set in rolling Kent countryside with far reaching views, it’s just a short drive from Maidstone and Ashford, and convenient for the surrounding villages of Sutton Valance, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Tenterden.

Recently decorated in a fabulous neutral tone with the addition of luxurious carpets, together with freshly painted walls throughout, the licensed wedding rooms can hold not only your ceremony, but your wedding breakfast and evening reception too. Whatever your chosen wedding palette, the new look will complement your day. With a highlymanicured golf course and beautiful lakes, the grounds also offer a

picture-perfect backdrop, allowing you to relax, enjoy and capture those memorable moments.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS

The wedding spaces here are capable of hosting your entire day from the “I dos” to the dancefloor. The largest location is the Lakeside and Waterside Room, which has a capacity of 150 or 200 guests standing. For slightly smaller affairs, the Lakeside Room can host 100 nearest and dearest, while the most intimate of the spaces is the Waterside Room, which can seat 50 loved ones.

The hotel offers you a complimentary suite for the wedding night along with professional wedding planning from your initial booking through to the big day.

CHAPEL HOUSE ESTATE

01843 881 290 | www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk

Chapel House Estate is a 35-acre estate, now transformed into a stunning outdoor venue for weddings. The grounds feature an Arts & Crafts style formal garden, wild apple tree garden orchard, paddocks and a small woodland, along with on-site accommodation. The venue also boasts a beauty and treatments lodge, private bars and a helicopter pad making it the perfect place to relax, entertain and arrive in style!

THE “I DOS”

Here, you have you the choice to marry indoors or out. The Wild Apple Tree Garden Orchard has a capacity of 150. A peaceful al fresco space for a ceremony or blessing, it features a purpose-built, oak-framed pavilion and views across the third paddock. It’s available during British summertime or book a twilight wedding for nuptials beneath the moon and stars.

For more intimate “I dos” in a tranquil and secret spot, The Walled Courtyard is a secluded sun trap and can play host to 60 nearest and dearest. It’s also home to an attractive white-framed glasshouse. For indoor vows, The Old Malt Granary can accommodate 150 loved ones. With a mezzanine floor, you can say your vows while your videographer and photographer capture the momentous occasion from

above or a choir can sing from the glass-panelled upper tier. After the ceremony, the doors can be flung open, and drinks and canapés can be served on the lawn next to the Dew Pond.

Within the original Chapel House, dating back to 1290, you can host a tiny stress-free luxury wedding for two to 10 people. This carefullyrestored chapel is a Grade II listed Medieval building and with endless charm provides an unforgettable setting. Plus, Team E-lope can style your wedding, which includes flowers for you and your wedding table, as well as provide your cake and a professional elopement photographer.

THE CELEBRATIONS

Receptions for 150 guests take place in the purpose-built Thorne Barn. This large air-conditioned and heated banqueting barn is perfect for large gatherings with space for a further 50 guests to join you for the evening’s celebrations.

The North Paddock, next to the Thorn Barn is the perfect place for a large marqee, festival tent, evening food trucks, fun fair, lawn games or simply for your guests to stroll after the wedding breakfast or warm themselves by the outside fire.

Smaller receptions can alternatively be hosted in The Walled Courtyard, where you’ll find a comfortable, private bar for your drinks reception and the No9 Restaurant, perfect for a relaxed sit-down wedding breakfast.

Spellbound

Nicola and Andrew’s enchanting wedding day was filled with romantic, magical, highly personal and spiritual touches

Images courtesy of Matt James Photography

Nicola and Andrew’s relationship began when they met at work and became firm friends. A few years down the line this wonderful friendship unexpectedly grew into something very special. Nicola remembers, “He was my friend, colleague and union rep at work. He helped and supported me with time off so I could be with my mum in hospital before she died. He was a great support through my darkest days. If it wasn’t for him I would never have had that time with my mum. He’s got a big heart and always respected me.”

Andrew proposed during a festive get-together at a friend’s house. Nicola shares, “We were playing games and out of nowhere he started making this big romantic speech about what I meant to him. He was shaking like a leaf and then got down on one knee.” He asked Nicola to be his wife with her best friends and their partners looking on, as he knew they were the most special people in her life. “I was gobsmacked and, of course, accepted,” Nicola continues.

The couple wanted something different for their big day, something small and intimate with bags of personal touches. In a venue, they looked for somewhere they could feel safe and at ease. “We both suffer with our mental health and wanted a calming and quiet location for our celebration,” the bride explains. They were aiming for an informal, relaxed, chilled vibe similar to the experience of having a barbecue in the back garden surrounded by best friends, and Lost Village of Dode proved to be perfect. Nicola continues, “There’s so much history and a strong spiritual presence. Plus, we could have the whole day there, everything we needed was included and we could stay on site. It was the perfect hidden gem.”

The date was set for 10th September, 2022. Here, the bride shares her treasured memories of the big day...

SETTING THE SCENE

The couple decided on an enchanting, magical theme, with a palette of dusky mauve, magenta, aubergine and tranquil taupe. The stunning centrepieces reflected this ambience beautifully featuring tall conical vases, hessian, moss, roots and vines, sprinkled with shimmering dusts and topped with twigs, finished with the deepest aubergine hydrangea heads. Globes containing LED tea lights were suspended from the twigs and roots to create a mystical ambience and complement the beauty of Dode. “I really didn’t want anything to out-shine the venue and wanted everything to blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb,” Nicola explains.

The flowers contained a combination of fresh and faux blooms. The bridal bouquet included premium VIP Westminster Abbey roses, dark chocolate cosmos, astrantia, aubergine/ruby hydrangea, Blue Chateau double lisianthus, deep plum scabiosa, ptilotus Matilda, rosemary, olive, panicum grass, and mimosa foliage. The bridesmaids’ were the same minus the roses.

Inside the church, mossed candelabrum held votives and two urn arrangements helped with the natural, timeless design vibe. Meanwhile, outside the church were two more natural arrangements with grasses, hydrangea and a handmade bespoke dragon sculpture.

“Having a hand fasting meant more to us as it was personal and the vows are a much more realistic reflection of a marriage.”

0788 170 3135

thewrightchoiceflowers@gmail.com

thewrightchoiceflowers

A passionate, creative florist with more than 25 years of experience within the industry!

“I’m a Surrey based florist and offer an informal, relaxed and friendly approach with all packages tailored specifically to you and your event. Whether you’re wanting fresh or faux, bridal party only or full event flowers and décor, you’ll receive a unique personal experience combined with a high level of professionalism. I’m always eager to hear about your plans, and once you’re booked in, I’m on hand for advice and support throughout your planning process and on the day itself.

• Personal, relaxed and professional

• Bespoke packages tailored to your event

• Extremely versatile

• Advice & support throughout your planning process

• DIY Wedding Packages/Workshops

If you would like to schedule a personal consultation with the opportunity to share your vision and plans for the big day then please do get in touch and together we can work out the perfect package for you.

www.thewrightchoiceflowers.co.uk

Booking an Independent Celebrant allows you all the flexibility to have your wedding, wherever you choose, whatever time you want, and will reflect your personal beliefs and lifestyles

Weddings - Renewal of vows - Baby naming - Hand fasting

Contact Karina O'Donnell, Independent Celebrant to book a free consultation quote NAl

®

Simply Ceremonies UK - 07970513715 karina@celebrant-uk.co.uk www.celebrant-uk.co.uk www.fb.com/simplyceremoniesuk

Whether you want a 3-piece line up or a veritable ensemble: we make it happen. Size doesn’t matter!

We’ve got everything you need - we take out the stress from your wedding, so you can kick back and have fun. We pride ourself on our reliable musicians and competent (and patient!) callers who won’t leave you stranded. We have an extensive repertoire of tunes and dances to ensure you are ‘stripping the willow’ all evening, along with top of the range PA systems that not only sound great but look sleek and modern in your venue.

We can also offer sound and light upgrades, ceilidh/disco packages, ceremony music and professional sound engineers for larger venues.

info@hilltopceilidh.band

07402 670883

www.hilltopceilidh.band

“My heart and soul goes into every creation and each event is treated as if it were my own. Nicola x ”

Here at the Hilltop Ceilidh Band, ceilidhs are taken very seriously! We want you to have a great time.

Nicola kept her mum’s pyrography kit when she passed and used it to create special keepsakes and decorative pieces in her memory. These included the favours, which were wooden tags with guests’ names and a personalised quote burnt into them. These were attached to key rings for the gents and little wish jars for the ladies. The latter contained magical wishes and sparkles, plus a single word to represent the guest, such as ‘beautiful,’ ‘believe’ and ‘strong.’ These were then placed into little gift bags along with a token for a drink.

Sadly, the oak tree outside Nicola’s window had to be cut down, but she was able to save slices of it and utilise in the wedding décor. She used them to make pyrography signs such as a welcome tree of life. Each was placed on the grass alongside the winding path and dressed with candle lanterns and scattered flowers and foliage.

Nicola created the table plan herself using textured, handmade paper backed with sheet music. She did her own calligraphy and placed it all into a decorative frame. The place names were made to complement the plan using the same paper, plus faux flowers and moss.

“People’s reactions to our venue styling will always be a vivid memory. They had no idea what to expect and thought it would be a crazy, goth wedding, but soon realised it was something truly special. They loved how chilled and relaxed it was. Watching them embrace the parts of our day like jumping the broomstick and tying wishes to the tree meant a lot to me,” Nicola shares.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Nicola and Andrew weren’t after a standard cake, it needed to represent elements of them as well as the theme of the wedding. It had three tiers, each bearing different textures and colour with a sleeping dragon draped around it. The base tier was vanilla sponge with salted caramel, topped with a lemon sponge.

“Our incredible food from Flying Pig was absolutely delicious,” Nicola shares. Canapés included mini steak and ale pies with chips, mini fish and chips, mini lamb and apricot kofta, butternut squash risotto balls, and honey and mustard sticky sausages. For the main event, everyone enjoyed a barbecue with eight-hour slow-cooked beef brisket, Kentish butcher’s sausages, barbecue sticky chicken wings, piri piri chicken, vegetarian platters and an array of delicious sides. Finally, a trio of mini desserts were served: chocolate brownie, summer fruit pavlova, and lemon posset.

LOOKING THE PART

The beautiful bride wore a bespoke Victoria Kay gown, Enchanted, in ivory champagne with a dusky pink lining. “This was the ultimate dream dress and it found me,” Nicola says. “It was the first dress that caught my eye. I knew if the weather was kind I could run free in the grounds of Dode and if it rained, well, I’d just have to dance in the rain! This dress was everything. I feel so lucky to have experienced that feeling of finding the one.”

Andrew wore a slim fit, three-piece Remus Uomo dusky plum suit with an ivory shirt. His bride had cufflinks made with photos of his late grandparents in them as a surprise. The groomsmen were Andrew’s three boys. The eldest and youngest wore matching suits of soft, textured oatmeal taupe, while his middle son was dressed in a suit to match his dad’s as he was giving Nicola away. The gents’ look was finished with soft plum ties and matching handkerchiefs.

The eldest bridesmaid, Andrew’s daughter, wore a mink/taupe off-the-shoulder, tulle maxi dress with a subtle sequin finish

along the top. The youngest bridesmaid, Nicola’s daughter, wore a moody lilac, off-the-shoulder, tulle maxi dress with sequinned finish.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

Live acoustic, singer/songwriter Tristan Mackay performed during the drinks reception. “He has an incredible voice and a laid back, chilled, bluesy vibe,” Nicola tells us. Having seen him in concert a couple of times and followed his journey for the last ten years or so, the pair were keen for him to sing his own songs as well as covers.

Having decided against a DJ the couple created their own playlist for the day. Each song was relevant to them, with either the title, tune or lyrics connecting to a memory or person. They asked each guest for their favourite songs and made sure there was something for everyone across genres and decades, creating a smooth transition from day to night.

One of Nicola’s oldest friends, Rut, wrote a song and performed it live as the newlyweds’ first dance song. “Every word stirred a memory and emotion, and just connected to us in a way that no other song could. They were the words of our love story,” Nicola shares.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Nicola shares with us the highlights of the big day: “I felt proud of us both, especially Andrew as he’d had to overcome so much. He said he felt amazing because he couldn’t wait to marry me, but anxious because it was the most important day of his life. Seeing his little nervous face relax as I walked in will be something I’ll always remember. But most of all, Lenny’s best man speech was just perfect.”

There were also some super-fun moments, that will no doubt bring smiles to the couple’s faces as they look back on their day for years to come. Nicola says, “Andrew decided, as the night wore on, to give us his rendition of New Kids On The Block’s Cover Girl at the top of his voice – brilliant! It certainly pulled the crowd in!”

Finally, the bride leaves us with her top wedding-planning tips: “Don’t think you can do it all yourself! I was really poorly the week of the wedding and couldn’t do everything I’d planned. Have a back-up plan and what will be will be. Nothing else matters except for the end result of being together. Make sure you have some videos of the day. A picture may speak a thousand words, but to hear someone’s voice, laughter or even a song in the background means everything once the day has passed.”

ROLL CREDITS

Venue, The Lost Village of Dode, www.dodevillage.com | Photographer, Matt James Photography, www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk | Dress and suits, The Kent Wedding Centre, www.thekentweddingcentre.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Coast and Maya Deluxe | Jewellery, accessories and wedding rings, Custom & Co, www.customandco.com | Hair and make-up, Toni Dee Hair & Make Up, www.facebook.com/Tonideehair Cake, Nikki Bakes Cakes, https://nikkibakescakes.org | Flowers, The Wright Choice, www.facebook.com/thewrightchoiceflowers | Moody Blooms, https://moody-blooms.co.uk | Stationery, Squidge Makes, www.squidgemakes.co.uk | Catering, Flying Pig Kitchen, http://www.flyingpigkitchen.co.uk | Glitter, Luxurious Glitter, www.luxuriousglitter.co.uk | Bar, The Neigh Bar, www.theneighbar.co.uk

Entertainment, Tristan Mackay Events, www.tristanmackay.com | Second photographer and venue set-up, Liudmila Vologozanina, www.facebook.com/Wild.Berries.By.Liutas

“The minute we walked out of the church, my shoes were off. I wanted to be barefoot for the day and was so chuffed to be able to do it.”

Emily and Dan’s on trend neutral palette featured beige, white, cream, sage green and blush pink

LOVE naturally

Images courtesy of Nicky’s Photography

Emily and Dan had already been friends for a number of years before they found their relationship developing into something much more. “Our first date was different to any we’d been on before as we already knew so much about each other. We have so much in common, but also complement each other’s differences,” Emily tells us.

Dan proposed to Emily while on holiday in Jamaica. On their third day there, Dan told Emily that he’d booked a bird nest at Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant to watch the sunset with some drinks. “He's super-thoughtful and listens a lot when I’m dropping hints or mention places I’d like to try, so I thought nothing more of it,” Emily remembers. Dan got down on one knee just as the sun was setting with the sea glowing pink. Without Emily suspecting a thing, he’d been to London several times to design and pick up her engagement ring, and had even arranged to meet her dad to ask for her hand in marriage, all so he could be prepared for this perfect moment. “It was honestly perfect,” Emily shares.

As a couple, Emily and Dan have been fortunate enough to attend many weddings as guests, and in Emily’s case, as a bridesmaid. So, they had a clear idea of what they did and didn’t want when it came to the venue.

“We knew we wanted a space with some character, plenty of room to party and a bar in the same room as the dancefloor. We weren’t going for a church service, so we also needed a nice space for the ceremony on site too,” the bride explains. They’d heard about Cooling Castle Barn and when they went to visit knew it was for them right away.

Read on as Emily tells us more...

“WE DO”

For the newlyweds, their ceremony is something they’ll never forget. Emily tells us, “The first glimpse of each other at opposite ends of the aisle was a standout moment for me. We also loved being able to face our guests during the ceremony, rather than having our backs to them. We also got to share 10 or 15 minutes alone together straight after the ceremony, seeing how

“Our God children did a beautiful reading during the ceremony, and we wrote our own vows, which was deeply meaningful for us.”

amazing we both looked and soaking up the fact that we’d just got married!”

The bride also got to share some incredibly special moments with her father having experienced a first look reveal of her dress, and a father/daughter dance following the couple’s first dance, both of which were super-emotional for her.

A FLORAL FANTASY

As a nod to Jamaica, where Dan proposed, the couple’s wedding favours were a shot of rum. Small glass medicine bottles were labelled with their names and the wedding date on personalised stickers.

The table plan was a simple design with a copper pipe frame holding it. Eucalyptus was draped over one corner and candles in glass jars placed at the foot added a warm glow. The centrepieces also featured the oh-so on trend foliage, eucalyptus, along with wildflowers and olive greenery. The arrangements were placed on a selection of wood slices or mirrors surrounded by candles and varying styles of glass jars.

A large hoop decorated with flowers, crates and candles sat at the end of the aisle and was later moved to act as a focal point backdrop for the top table. What’s more, all staircases around the venue were dressed with foliage and fresh roses in full bloom. The couple also created a memory ladder featuring black and white images of the loved ones who couldn’t join them on the day.

As the couple’s menu was a la carte, guests’ names were included with their wedding breakfast choices, laid in a cream napkin in the middle of their setting.

The big-day bake hung in a gold metal hoop behind the top table. It was a semi-naked

three-tier cake, with each tier a different flavour. It was decorated with real off-white roses to complement the main floral displays.

The bride’s bouquet featured peonies and offwhite roses, with eucalyptus and olive foliage. The bridesmaids meanwhile, carried smaller versions. The mothers and grandmothers weren’t forgotten and had gorgeous wrist corsages including white roses. The groom, groomsmen and fathers all wore white rose buttonholes.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed bubbly and canapé options including mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish, teriyaki salmon skewers, and mozzarella and tomato arancini.

Diners had a choice of prawn and crab cocktail, or goat’s cheese and red onion tart for starter; slow cooked pork belly, slow cooked beef short rib, or parmesan gnocchi for main; and Bramley apple and blackberry crumble, or salted caramel and chocolate tart for dessert.

In the evening, all assembled were treated to pizzas cooked in a stone pizza oven outside with a selection of salads and sides.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Emily looked stunning in Tamara by Riki Dalal from the Amor Collection. The dress was a bodice with skirt clipped to it, which gave her the perfect combination of a fitted yet floaty, romantic silhouette. Her cathedral-length veil was custom made to match the gown, while classic ballet pink Mori Jimmy Choo heels and simple stud gold earrings completed the look. She made sure she had the something old, new, borrowed and blue tradition covered with her new shoes, plus old and borrowed jewellery from her great grandmother, mum, and Dan’s grandmother. Finally, she had the wedding date embroidered onto her skirt in blue thread

The groom wore a custom-made three-piece dinner jacket with bow tie. His jacket bore their

“Guests were greeted by a live violinist and pianist, who played acoustic music before, throughout and after the ceremony. Later on a five-piece band provided live music thoughout the evening.”

“The team we had to create our perfect day made us feel relaxed the whole time. We loved every second.”

initials embroidered on the inside pocket. Dan wore his grandfather’s gold pocket watch in his waistcoat, with a new pair of gold Aspinal of London cufflinks engraved with his initials. The groomsmen and fathers wore two-piece dinner suits with bow ties from Dobell, and braces attached.

The bride tribe were dressed in sage green, floor-length, multi-way dresses, which they wore in a Grecian style. “My bridesmaids all ranged in dress size, so I needed to find a style that made them all feel comfortable,” Emily explains.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Having celebrated their love with the day of their dreams Emily and Dan have shared with us some of their top wedding planning tips: “Spreadsheets are your best friends! They’re great for keeping track of your spend and budget, as well as items that need ordering or making. On the day, be sure to enjoy every single second. You’ve spent months or even years planning, and now it’s time to make the most of it all. Factor in time for the two of you throughout the day. You could ask your wedding planner or master of ceremonies to take you away just to be alone together for five minutes.”

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue and catering, Cooling Castle Barn, www.coolingcastlebarn.com | Photographer, Nicky’s Photography, https://nphotography.co.uk | Dress, Little London Brides, www.littlelondonbrides.co.uk | Jewellery and accessories, Astrid and Miyu, www.astridandmiyu.com | Shoes, Jimmy Choo Hair stylist, Sophistic Hair, www.instagram.com/sophistic_hair | Make-up artist, Amber Rae Make up, www.instagram.com/amberraemakeup Groom’s suit, Simon Dowling Bespoke, www.simondowlingbespoke.com | Groomsmen’s suits, Dobell Menswear, www.dobell.co.uk | Cake, Rebaker’s Cakes, www.rebakerscakes.com | Flowers, Danny Watchorn Designer Florist, www.dannywatchorndesignerflorist.com | Stationery, Aarlotte Designs, www.instagram.com/aarlottedesigns | Wedding rings, Flawless Fine Jewellery, www.flawlessfinejewelry.com | Nails, Jess Maynard Nails, www.instagram.com/jessmaynard_nails | Videographer, Theo Webb, https://theowebb.co.uk | Toastmaster, Julie Lucas Toastmaster, www.instagram.com/julietoastmaster

We offer two truly amazing venues, creating the perfect setting for your dream Wedding Day at Betteshanger Country Park.

With photo opportunities across our wild landscapes and access to our amazing new facilities, we offer a truly unique place for you to celebrate your day of ‘I Do’.

For more information and bookings please visit: WWW.BETTESHANGER-PARK.CO.UK

@betteshangerparks @betteshangercp

YOU’LL BE IN

my heart

Georgina and Sam tied the knot in December with nods to Disney and Christmas throughout their styling

Images courtesy of Oleg Samsonovs Photography

Georgina and Sam were childhood sweethearts having met at school. “We both took business class together and everything just fell into place,” Georgina says. When the time was right, Sam proposed while the two were on holiday in Mexico. It was a total surprise for Georgina, and they spent a wonderful evening together, just the two of them, celebrating.

The pair fell in love with The Old Kent Barn and its rustic yet modern feel. Georgina explains, “We knew it would be perfect for our winter wedding with a Disney twist, with the white, snowy trees and high ceilings there. We also loved the fact that everything was in one location and it even had benches rather than chairs.”

Read on to find out more about the big day, 4th December, 2021...

I wore Allure Bridal Disney Fairytale Wedding, Cinderella with Aurora cape. I accessorised with a crown and sparkly heels. I always knew I wanted a princess dress, and when I discovered the Disney Fairytale collection had finally come to the UK, I just knew I had to have one!

Two of my bridesmaids wore gold glitter slim fit dresses, while the other wore a green flowy gown. We wanted a Christmassy look, but not the traditional red.

We had a ‘happily ever after’ light-up sign at the altar and throne chairs at the top table.

Sam wanted a Peaky Blinders look for the suits and managed to get them all from Slaters. We got him a different tie and buttonhole so that he could stand out from the groomsmen.

Time seemed to stop when my dad saw me in my dress for the first time, when I walked down the aisle and saw Sam, and then turning around as we were announced as husband and wife. These moments seemed to pass in slow motion.

We made use of The Old Kent Barn’s white London cab as transport.

Our centrepieces were tall, snowy, trees, with roses as our main flower choice.

Our florist Katie was amazing. I showed her photos with some flowers that were out of season, but she soon found the perfect replacements. The flowers were truly beautiful.

We gave our guests little bottles of Baileys as wedding favours – the perfect winter tipple.

We enjoyed a three-course meal for our wedding breakfast, with fish and chips for the evening.

The table plan featured Christmas films on green card to complement the overall palette, with gold touches as a nod to the season. The place and table names too were festive movie themed.

Our cake took the form of castle with Disney and Harry Potter touches, there was even a wreath around the door. Karen, our cake designer, couldn’t have got it any better if she tried! I went in with an over-the-top idea and she pulled it off!

We felt nervous on the day, but so excited to see everyone coming together. It was like all the hard work and worries of Covid didn’t matter any more, as we finally got to have our big day with the people we love.

Our photographers Olegs and Rita, and videographer Simon went above and beyond to get the best shots and make the day so memorable. We didn’t even know they were there most of the time.

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue, catering and transport, The Old Kent Barn, www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk | Photographer, Olegs Samsonovs Photography, www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com | Dress, Victoria Elaine Bridal, www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk | Hair stylist, Topps2Toe, www.topps2toe.co.uk | Make-up artist, Elouise Towler Makeup, www.instagram.com/elouisetowlermakeup | Suits, Slater Menswear Canterbury, www.slaters.co.uk | Cake, Iced Images Cakes, www.icedimagescakes.co.uk | Flowers, Katie’s Florist, www.katiesflorist.com | Videographer, CherryWood Productions, www.facebook.com/cherrywoodproductions | Wedding rings, Coo Jewellers, www.instagram.com/coojewellers Tree centrepieces and neon sign, Chic Weddings & Events, www.chicweddings.co.uk | Thrones and chair backs, J’s Perfections Weddings and Occasions, www.facebook.com/jsperfectionsweddingsandoccassions

“We took a mini-moon to Edinburgh straight after the wedding, which was magical with the Christmas markets and Harry Potter experience. We’re off to Costa Rica soon for our main honeymoon and I can’t wait to explore the jungles.”

Guests loved the hot chocolate and sweet table!

We had a DJ and a magic mirror, keeping to our Disney theme. It was a hit with our guests as it was something they hadn’t seen before, being more used to a standard photo booth.

Bromley Brides is a family run business that has been bringing brides their dream dresses for over twenty years. Not only do we want brides to find their perfect dress, sourcing our collection from the finest designers, but we also provide dresses for bridesmaids, mothers, and special occasions.

HASBROMLEYBRIDES TEAMEDUPWITH BELLAROSEFORALLYOUR BEAUTYNEEDS

Bella Rose constitutes a dazzling collaboration and harmonious marriage between Bridal & Beauty. The result is a wonderful spa-like environment and destination hotspot on the high-street for every lady to enjoy!

This unique concept has been crafted by hair extraordinaire and salon owner, Jade Owen, together with Bromley Brides’ very own Fairy Godmother, Becky Griggs, to create a modern oasis of hair, makeup and aesthetics – complete with its own prosecco bar!

The open-plan salon hosts two private treatment rooms in addition to a pedicure and manicure station, prosecco bar, Instagram floral ring, make-up and lash studio and luxury haircare area.

Viva love!

Inspired by this year’s Pantone colour of the year for its modern palette, this local shoot is bursting with warmth and glamour

Images courtesy of Emma Hall Photography | Video courtesy of Luxe Videography

Iwanted to do a shoot full of eye-catching warmth, and drama reminiscent of old-school glamour, with a modern twist,” says shoot coordinator and make-up artist Sarah Katzaros. Indeed, she found ample inspiration in rich, jewel tones tying in nicely with the Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta.

When searching for a venue along with collaborator and wedding planner Evie from The Country Blush, Sarah and the team were immediately drawn to Chafford Park. The oak-clad walls of the barn covered in fairylights, along with its copper bar, created a warm backdrop to showcase the vintage furniture and crockery. Meanwhile, the overall look was brought right up to date through the stunning floral design, finishing touches, contemporary dresses and pearl jewellery.

THE DREAM TEAM

Venue, Chafford Park, https://chaffordparkestate.co.uk | Concept and make-up artist, Sarah Katzaros Makeup, www.instagram.com/sarahkatzaros_makeup | Concept and wedding planner, The Country Blush, www.thecountryblush.co.uk | Photographer, Emma Hall Photography, http://www.emmahallphotography.com | Videographer, Luxe Videography, https://luxevideography.co.uk | Flowers and styling, The Bloominati Florist, https://bloominatiflorals.com | Hair stylist, Emily Rose Hair, www.instagram.com/emilyrosehair_ | Dresses, Lucia Veil Bridal, www.luciaveil.com | Accessories, Lace & Favour, www.laceandfavour.com | Stationery, The Friendly Paper Co., www.thefriendlypaperco.com | Cake, Emily’s Mixing Bowl, https://emilysmixingbowl.co.uk | Favours, Bite Me Bakes, www.bitemebakes.co.uk Bar, Wild Box Bars, https://wildboxevents.co.uk | Furniture, Locate to Create, www.locatetocreate.com | Tableware, Harriet’s Table, https://harrietstable.co.uk | Audio guestbook, Temptation Towers, http://www.temptationtowers.co.uk | Sparkling wine, Biddenden Vineyards, https://biddendenvineyards.com | Models, @ellstringell, @jesscooper249 and @mrs.m.hinves

Scan to view video

Lauren is a creative wedding lmmaker that gets to know her couples and their personalities, making each video individual to them. With video you get to see the emotion on people’s faces that’s not possible with photography. I feel honoured being able to create something a couple can cherish forever.

Scan to view video

FIRST BITE Love at

Wedding catering ideas to suit your vibe

Somuch of the atmosphere you create for your big day comes from the catering. If you dream of a traditional, elegant and grand affair, then a seated wedding breakfast with three courses (or more) will send you well on your way to setting the right tone. On the other hand, if a relaxed and informal celebration is on the cards, you’ll be looking for something that’s much more flexible and free-flowing. But when all’s said and done, as long as you ensure loved ones have plenty to indulge in they’ll be well-fuelled with a spring in their step by the time they’re ready to hit the dancefloor. Whatever you vision, we have some food for thought...

FOR THE TRADITIONALISTS

A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA

How on earth do you choose a menu for so many people with such varied tastes? Head chef James Crank at The Old Kent Barn gives us the benefit of his wisdom.

“My number one, top tip for a traditional wedding breakfast would be to always provide one safe option for each course on your menu and choose one dish that you really want to eat yourselves. That way, you’re ensuring all your guests will be offered something they feel relaxed and comfortable to eat, but you’re still getting your favourite dishes on your wedding day. Our chicken mains and fruit-based desserts are always the most popular all year round.

“Also, consider the season you’re getting married in, as well as the nostalgia attached to food. The example I always give is that there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of slow braised beef, roasted celeriac, and buttery mashed potatoes on a bitterly cold winter’s day; but in the Kentish summertime, it’s not quite so enjoyable.”

SMILES ALL ROUND

Clare Smith at Touchays Event Caterers tells us that giving your menu a contemporary twist will help keep things fresh.

“If you’re enthusiastic foodies opting for a three-course wedding breakfast, our top tip is to think about the best in-season ingredients for your traditional but modern wedding menu. We always aim to create visually impressive dishes that are traditional in name, but beautifully presented. For instance, asparagus in spring is delicate, light, pretty and sourced-locally, making it the perfect way to start a meal. Then, to win the hearts and minds of your guests, why not add modern ingredients like popping candy on your dessert for that extra fizz on the last dish, leaving them with smiles on their faces?”

FOR THE FREE-SPIRITED

Relaxed, informal nuptials are all about sharing and caring according to our experts.

TIME TO CHILL

Clare from Touchays Event Caterers says, “When considering a relaxed, informal, outdoor or rustic wedding, our top tip is to start your menu with the tastiest canapés served just after your ceremony. You’ve taken care of the details, held the formal aspect of your day, and probably you and the majority of your guests will have skipped lunch in all the excitement. Now even you can start to relax without feeling guilty as you’re whisked off for your family and friends shots.

“With canapés, everyone can enjoy a glass of Kentish bubbles, mingle and chat while satisfying their hunger pangs with bite-size flavourful tasty treats. Then continue to keep the vibe informal and start the wedding breakfast with the most moreish of sharing boards, and to finish there’s nothing quite like a dessert station where your guests will want to try everything!”

HOW A-GRAZING!

James from The Old Kent Barn says, “I think when you’re choosing a relaxed, informal setting for food, it’s important to pick something that’s perfect for sharing to help create that laid-back atmosphere. Rustic, plentiful plates of food being passed around from guest to guest, vibrant salads prepared with the same love and care but presented in a slightly less delicate way sets a lovely tone.

“Skipping the starter is also something I’d recommend in this context. This allows more time for eating and conversation as guests will naturally graze and it won’t impact on the day’s schedule. You’ll also have less cutlery and crockery, so as you sit down, the table is laid out in an informal and relaxed style.”

for The Old Kent Barn

for The Old Kent Barn

Image courtesy of Touchays Event Caterers

Image courtesy of Touchays Event Caterers

for The Old Kent Barn

Havenfield Hall

Weddings at The Alexander Centre, Faversham

Why not say ‘I Do’ at the Alex? We’re a dab hand at putting on a great wedding and we have space to accommodate ceremonies and receptions - both can be indvidually decorated too, to create your own unique wedding look and feel!

Our elegant ceremony room is a beautiful, light-filled space for you and up to 50 guests. For your reception The Gatefield Hall comfortably accommodates 150 guests for a sit-down meal and has plenty of space for partying!

Our pretty walled garden, a great space for a BBQ, can be dressed with bunting, and fairy lights and even accommodate a bouncy castle to entertain the young or young at heart. All our wedding parties have access to a fully licensed bar as well as a full-size catering kitchen so you can bring in your own preferred caterer, or let us organise this for you.

For more information

www.thealex.org.uk

01795 591691 weddings@thealex.org.uk

BILSINGTON PRIORY

A stunning venue with a real WOW factor, any couple would feel really special in this impressive setting steeped in history. Bilsington Priory is a beautiful space to marry in, with a dedicated team to look a er you.

Unlike other venues, we do not charge corkage, so you are welcome to bring your own post ceremony drinks and table wines - we will chill and serve it to your guests free of charge.

Please call us on 01233 720992 or email weddings@bilsingtonprioryestate.co.uk to make an appointment to view our stunning venue. Bilsington

Professional Firework Displays by

Professional Firework Displays by

Professional Firework Displays by

Whatever the occasion AJ Pyrotechnics can light up your night!

Whatever the occasion AJ Pyrotechnics can light up your night!

We offer professional, bespoked designed, fully insured, high impact display packages and can tailor our displays to accommodate most budgets. We pride ourselves on the content, design and value for money that all our displays bring.

Whatever the occasion AJ Pyrotechnics can light up your night!

We offer professional, bespoked designed, fully insured, high impact display packages and can tailor our displays to accommodate most budgets. We pride ourselves on the content, design and value for money that all our displays bring.

WEDDINGS • BONFIRE NIGHT • ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS • RETAIL FIREWORKS

We offer professional, bespoked designed, fully insured, high impact display packages and can tailor our displays to accommodate most budgets. We pride ourselves on the content, design and value for money that all our displays bring.

WEDDINGS • BONFIRE NIGHT • ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS • RETAIL FIREWORKS

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

The secret to making sure every guest is happy and well-fed is communication. Our experts explain...

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

James says, “Providing your wedding venue and/or caterers with as much information as possible about any form of specific diet and intolerances prior to the big day is the real key to making sure your guests are catered for appropriately. Catering for intolerances is only tricky if discovered on the wedding day, once guests start arriving!

“Choosing a vegan option will often cover multiple dietary conditions including dairy-free and vegetarian. If you’re only able to offer one option on your menu, I’d lean towards a vegan dish over a vegetarian option to include more guests.”

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Clare says, “When considering a menu that caters for those with dietary requirements, we advise that you keep your menu simple, while using luxury ingredients packed with flavour. As an award-winning caterer singled out for our ability to accommodate all dietary needs, we’re able to speak from experience when we tell you that there’s really no point trying to go elaborate when all guests with dietary needs want is something similar to what everyone else is having, but without the sauce or seasoning for example.

“We recommend sitting down with your caterer and coming up with a menu in a collaborative and fun way. We can discuss who can eat what, such as meat, fish or vegan, but then let’s pair them with the same two or three in-season fresh flavours. For instance, you can’t go wrong with salmon – it’s much loved and also a luxurious main when served with seasonal steamed greens and yummy Jersey Royal potatoes. Then, for the evening, a dazzling grazing table that allows guests to pick and choose from a wide variety of delicious options can be the perfect option.”

Image courtesy of Touchays Event Caterers

SPRINGTIME SPECIAL

HOT TOPIC

This issue we asked the experts how to inject your wedding days with the spirit of spring

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS Wedding and event florist Louise Roots (www.louiseroots.com) says: We tend to think of soft pastels when we think of spring, but there’s a huge array of colours available. Spring brings an abundance of scent and colour after the long winter months and kick starts the wedding season. Whatever your style or palette, there are so many choices of seasonal flowers to suit.

Pretty ranunculus, sweet peas and clematis are perfect for a soft, romantic colour palette of pinks and lilac. These delicate little flowers are beautiful in bouquets and low arrangements, while accents of cherry blossom and magnolia are so pretty in taller designs. After all, nothing screams springtime more than blossom!

For muted, rustic tones add fritillaria and hellebore, which are beautiful with soft, dusky pinks and ivory for a relaxed, romantic theme. Tulips are always a favourite, and the perfect choice for clean, simple designs, either

used alone en masse or paired with calla lily, roses and anemone. Spring is the perfect time of year for a soft lemon colour scheme. Scented paperwhites, sol d’or narcissi, pale yellow and cream butterfly ranunculus, tulips, hyacinths, iris and ranunculus are so fresh and pretty. These quintessential spring flowers are a great way to support British growers. Use musari and bluebells too for the prettiest blue shades, and pair with mixed vibrant colours or white for a clean, bright finish. Utilising Pantone colour of the year for 2023, Viva Magenta, the perfect choice would be rich anemone, tulips, roses and ranunculus. Add mixed pink and mango hues for a bright feminine theme.

Late spring will see the first of the peonies. For a classic white wedding, use these with scented garden roses, jasmine and stunning white lilac. Scented lily of the valley is the ideal addition to a bridal bouquet – a pretty little flower that’s pricey and a popular choice with the royals.

A BLOSSOMING ROMANCE

Nicky Tulip at Nicky’s Photography (www.nphotography.co.uk) says: Spring is such a beautiful time of the year to have your wedding day. Such a lovely mild temperature, along with fresh leaves and flowers starting to bloom. To capture the season in your images I love to include those beautiful, natural surroundings and the low, early evening sunlight, which lends them a warm glow.

Blossom is a delight to shoot and feature in photos in the spring and at different stages provides various hues throughout the early months of the year. It offers such variety and beautiful soft colours and tones. This can be complemented by your bouquet and colours of your wedding attire.

FRESH FLAVOURS

Claudia Newberry at Purple Flower (https://purpleflour.co.uk) says: Thinking of spring with my wedding cake designer hat on means seasonal flowers and foliage, fresh colours, scent, and light, fresh cake flavours.

I love spring flowers such as cherry blossom, bluebell, lily of the valley and sweet peas as they have a beautiful scent and look fantastic on a cake table. As a fresh flower they’re not suitable for use on the cake itself, but if these are your thing, consider silk or sugar versions instead, adding that fresh spring vibe to your cake’s decoration. Bright or pastel sugar flowers can be matched to any palette, and they make a gorgeous keepsake after the big day. If sugar blooms aren’t for you, or don’t fit into your budget, consider adding fresh, edible flowers and herbs instead –freshly picked or dried and pressed.

When it comes to taste, my recommendation is to incorporate fresh, light cake flavours. My most requested this year so far is lemon and elderflower. Beautifully floral and zesty, it takes over from richer flavours such as sticky toffee and salted caramel, both popular during the autumn and winter.

LIGHT IT UP

James Kerry from Powder Mill Productions (www.powdermillproductions.co.uk) says: We have three top tips when it comes to bringing the beauty of spring to your wedding.

• Bursts of colour. You don’t have to rely solely on nature to provide you with a stunning floral backdrop. You can use both real and faux flowers for bouquets, table decorations, flower crowns, baskets full of colourful petals for the flower girls, the list goes on and on. Our range of rustic, light up letters and vintage selfie picture frame come with decorative blooms, whether you like pastel or bright sunflowers. For an extra pop of colour you can also hire our candy bar, which comes decorated too, and let your guests fill their sweetie bags with their favourite pick’n’mix.

• Festival flair. Our mobile bar comes stocked with freshly-prepared cocktails, Pimm’s, locally-produced drinks and artisan gins to give your guests that festival feeling.

• Mood lighting. In the spring it can still get dark quite early, so make sure your focal points aren’t just decorative during the day. Our

illuminated rustic letters and candy bar light up the night with bright yet warm yellow light. They’re the perfect backdrop for photos or your dancefloor. You could also use fairylights and clusters of LED candles for your table decorations.

www.nphotography.co.uk

Glamour and gladrags

Have your wedding party comfortable, confident and dressed to impress

Whenit comes to the big day, the question on everyone’s lips is: what am I going to wear? It’s difficult enough to decide for yourself, let alone being responsible for another group of people, your closest confidants, who make up your bridal party. So, where to begin? The answer is: with yourselves. It sounds selfish, but if you can’t be on your wedding day, when can you? Your look will have the greatest influence on that of your bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you’ve opted for a boho vibe, you’ll want to look for a similar style for your best gals. Likewise, if the groom has fallen in love with a pastel, tweed, three-piece, dressing the chaps in tuxes won’t quite be the ticket!

Of course, in deciding upon your own look, you’ll already have in mind whether it suits your venue and overall vision for the day, but one element that will have a bigger affect on your bridal party than you is your colour palette. And there are ways to get creative with this. For example, do you want to select a different colour from your main palette for each maid to wear? Perhaps you fancy going floral, which is stunning for a boho-inspired day. The choice is yours. There are also fun ways to mirror this in the groomsmen’s attire with pocket squares and ties to complement the bridesmaids and that’s just your starter for 10!

We asked some of Kent’s experts for their ideas on what’s hot for 2023. Read on to find out more...

HERE COME THE GIRLS

Your bride tribe will naturally be made up of the ladies closest to you, your inner circle, the ones you hold dear. So, because you love them its only natural for you to want them to feel comfortable and enjoy your big day alongside you. The best advice we can give you then is to be as open-minded as you can about their attire. Giving them as much flexibility as possible when looking at dresses will make them feel happier when shopping, ensuring a relaxed and super-fun process. Don’t worry, you don’t have to let go of the reins completely. Just giving the girls some parameters will set you all well on the way to smiley faces on the day. For example, you might decide you can’t compromise on the colour, which most will be happy to concede as long as they’re wearing a style that matches their vibe and personality. Plus, we absolutely love the way the squad looks when they’re wearing what they look best in but still work together. After all, you love their personalities, that’s why they’re your friends, so why hide their lights under a bushel by shoehorning them into the same silhouette? It’s rare to find a set of ladies who all share the same body type or even body confidence, so dressing them identically is far more stress than it’s worth for you and them, trust us!

Victoria Walton from Victoria Elaine Bridal

(www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk) tells us about the trends to look out for this year:

“Sage green has been very popular in recent years, but it’s time to consider a slightly darker shade, such as olive. The deeper colours are proving popular in the U.S. and it won’t be long before they take off here. Plus, these shades are far more likely to complement your bridesmaids’ skin tones than some of the pastel shades out there.

“Another trend we’re seeing more and more of is skirts with a slit. This adds a modern touch by showing a little leg, but nothing too inappropriate for a wedding! It will work really well if you’ve chosen a wedding dress with the same style element, tying all the outfits together nicely. Team this trend with a metallic fabric for a contemporary and luxury look that your best girls will love!

Our Hayley Paige Occasions range has lots of styles in this fabric and are so stunning, you’ll struggle to choose.”

Image courtesy of Victoria Elaine Bridal

Image courtesy of Victoria Elaine Bridal

Image courtesy of Victoria Elaine Bridal www.whistles.com

SUITED AND BOOTED

Grooms, groomsmen, and the fathers of the soon-to-be weds are enjoying shopping now just as much as the leading ladies. And why not given the wealth of variety that’s becoming more readily available? Men’s wedding fashion has come a long way in the last decade, along with a greater acceptance of breaking traditions and protocols.

Some of our favourite grooms’ looks here at Your Kent Wedding are those rocking their beards and tattoos in pink and patterned shirts – super-cool, and totally individual. There’s much more scope for you chaps to really express your personalities through your attire than there used to be. Think what you’d choose to wear on a day-to-day basis and elevate it –you do you!

Equally as popular as lightweight summer suits and rustic-vibe tweed is the more traditional but oh-so dapper tuxedo. Thanks to Daniel Craig we’ve been seeing more and more grooms sporting bespoke velvet tux jackets – oh-so chic and something you can keep and wear again well beyond the big day.

Mix-and-match suiting is also set to be popular for 2023, with grooms wearing a tweed or other patterned jacket with plain trousers and waistcoat. It’s a modern look that helps you stand out from the crowd. For variation between the man-of-the-hour and your entourage, dress the gents in waistcoats to match the your jacket, with their jackets matching their trousers.

The Peaky Blinders have a lot to answer for with many gents taking the series’ signature look as their groomswear inspiration. Think timeless, classic, early 20th-century style, baker boy cap, tweed three-piece suit, crisp white penny collar shirt and brogues. Finish the look with a pocket watch (start dropping hints to your spouse-to-be now).

According to Moss Bros the man-in-black look is in for 2023, thanks to the latest influx of 90s trends. With black suit, shirt and tie, it’s moody, romantic and certainly packs a punch.

Fran Smith from Birchington Brides (www.birchingtonbrides.co.uk) tells us what grooms and their parties will be wearing this year:

“Post Covid, the traditional wedding season of May to September feels a distant memory, with brides and grooms opting to get married all year round. With weddings covering all seasons, the choice of attire has become more diverse for both the bridal party and groomsmen.

“Often, what the groom and his boys wear on the big day is determined by the venue and/or theme of the wedding. During the summer, grooms are more comfortable in a lightweight suit, often in softer colours, something less formal. However, for the more traditional wedding, grooms will rock a tailcoat in darker tones, either in a three-piece or with a pinstripe trouser, blending their neckwear to reflect the wedding’s palette and bridesmaids’ dresses. Not forgetting tweed, which is still proving a popular choice, particularly for autumn and winter weddings.”

Image courtesy of Birchington Brides

Image courtesy of Birchington Brides

Image courtesy of Birchington Brides

Celebrating your unique love story

Do you want your wedding ceremony to be heartfelt, romantic, fun and wri en just for you?

I specialise in creative outdoor, barn, woodland and sacred stone ceremonies, each one wri en just for you. Contact me to discuss your wedding 0759 3311 074 • kate@celebrantkate.co.uk www.celebrantkate.co.uk

KENT’S TOP RATED PET CHAPERONE SERVICE

Here at Furrytail Weddings™ we offer a tailor-made, no-hassle, pet chaperone service, meaning your furry friend can be a part of your special day. Our professional team can bring your pet to the venue and look after them during the event, so you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing that your very imPAWtant guest is well taken care of.

COVERING KENT AND SURROUNDING AREAS (OTHER AREAS CONSIDERED, ON REQUEST)

Tel: 07942 704985 Email: woof@furrytail-weddings.co.uk www.furrytail-weddings.co.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Mothers of the nearlyweds will likely be feeling the pressure. As the matriarchs of your respective families, eyes will be on them too as the traditional hosts and proud parents. They may feel under the kosh to represent themselves well on such a big day for you both. What’s more, if mum’s style is generally more laid back, she might be self-conscious or uncomfortable in occasionwear. The best thing to do is offer support and a helping hand with the fashion choices. Plus, a shopping trip together could prove to be a beautiful mother-and-daughter (or son) bonding experience. Offer plenty of reassurance and help her to feel a million dollars on the day.

As women, we all have our body insecurities and your mum is likely no different, so help her to pick out something in a style she’s at home in, but elevated with an air of sophistication. If she hasn’t worn skirts since her school uniform, there’s no law that says she has to wear one on your wedding day. There are plenty of elegant trouser suits out there and she’ll look just as beautiful, feminine and smart. After all, separates are a girls best friend when it comes to finding the most flattering combination.

The key is to complement the bridal party, not to compete with it. So, be aware of colour palettes, themes and what the rest of the squad is wearing. A key consideration also is the time of year. What fabrics will mum be most comfortable in? Soft, floaty dresses are better for the summer, versus something more structured or tailored for the colder months. It’s also worth thinking about what she’ll need throughout the whole day, such as a light jacket or bolero that can be removed once you come in from the photos, and put back on for the sparkler send off.

Hats are synonymous with the mother-of-the-bride, but can be a bit of a palaver, not to mention expensive for the length of time mum is likely to have it on. But if her heart is set on it, then that’s what she should have. Alternatively, fascinators are super-smart and are easier to keep on all day. Accessories are the most fun part of putting an outfit together. They can be the star of the show, dressing up a simple outfit, or subtly complementing something more bold. Who doesn’t love a matching handbag and shoes combo? On that note, be sure to advise mum to ensure her footwear of choice is comfortable. She’ll be on her feet for a large portion of the day, mingling and welcoming long lost relations and dearly loved friends, so it’s important to make sure her feet still feel happy enough to join you on the dancefloor come the evening revelries.

Alexandra Horne from Jessica Kennedy in Canterbury (www.jessica-kennedy.co.uk) offers some intel on the ladies occasionwear designs coming in this year:

“I’d say the top colours for this season are pastels, such as Provence rose and taupe, pinks, silver angelica and silver. A lot of these pair beautifully with navy, in particular alabaster and rose work well with this shade of blue and are showing up in new designs.

“The go-to look right now is the tailored silhouette as well as floaty, slightly off-the-shoulder dresses.

“My advice would be to get in there early, find your boutique and buy. As right now you have the choice being early in the season.”

All imges on this page courtesy of Jessica Kennedy

Frill seekers

This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats

www.pronovias.com

Rochester Corn Exchange

Sunday 26th March 2023

Sunday 14th May 2023

Sunday 17th September 2023

Priestfield Stadium

Sunday 21st May 2023

Mercure Hotel, Tunbridge Wells

Sunday 2nd April 2023

Sunday 3rd September 2023

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

Sunday 1st October 2023

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bexleyheath

Sunday 23rd April 2023

Sunday 10th September 2023

Holiday Inn London Bexley

Sunday 15th October 2023

WEDDING FAYRE

Saturday y 20th & Sunday y 21st May y 2023 10am - 4pm

BLUEWATER

in the marquee outside The Village, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9SE

Free entry including a goody bag

Brides will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a £500 Bluewater Shopping Voucher

Pre-register at www.pdeweddingfayres.co.uk and you could win a year’s FREE subscription to Your Kent Wedding Magazine

pdeweddingfayres@gmail.com

In love with lace

This timeless fabric never goes out of fashion

Style no CWG956 by Oleg Cassini at www.davidsbridal.com

Philophile by www.hermionedepaula.com

Augusta dress by www.alanhannah.co.uk

Sephora skirt with Autumn top (left) and Marianna gown (right) by www.annageorgina.co.za

Egia dress by www.airebarcelona.com/en-gb

Teria by www.lunanovias.com

Josette bridal dress with pearl flower veil and Amelia flowergirl dress by www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion/the-bride

Delaina by www.azazie.com

Lacey dress by www.temperleylondon.com

Cairo dress by www.truebride.co.uk

Mia by www.josephinescott.co.uk

SuitedAND BOOTED

Styling advice for the groom-to-be

Choosing a wedding dress is only part of the story when it comes to your big-day styling. To achieve a coordinated look, it’s important to think about what the groom-to-be and groomsmen will be wearing too. What you choose will ultimately come down to the style of wedding that you’re planning, the location and, of course, the time of year. To help you create the perfect look, the experts at Suit Direct (www.suitdirect.co.uk) have shared their styling advice.

HOW SHOULD A SUIT FIT?

Whichever style you go for can make or break your look. An ill-fitting suit, sagging shoulders, or a bunched-up jacket instantly cheapens your look – so how can you tell if a suit fits correctly?

Shoulders – a perfect fit will see your suit jacket lie flat on your shoulders and not be too bunched up or hanging off at the edges. A good benchmark is being able to relax your shoulders easily and comfortably.

Jacket – a suit jacket should close without strain and not cause creases, bunching, or sag forward when buttoned up. Equally, it should drape smartly when open and not droop down at the sides. You should be able to slide your thumb between the button of the jacket and your stomach without it feeling too tight or loose. In terms of length, the bottom of the jacket should end where your thumb knuckle is, and you should leave the bottom button undone to allow more freedom of movement.

Arms – the sleeves of a suit should be snug but not tight and show around 1cm of the shirt’s cuff – perfect if you want to show off cufflinks.

Trousers – the trousers of your suit should fit comfortably around the waist without falling away from your hips. They should just graze the top of your shoes or even leave a small gap. Trousers that are too long will bunch up and spill over your shoe – so make sure you know your leg measurements.

HOW TO MEASURE A SUIT

Measuring for a suit can take a little bit of effort, but it’s worthwhile to ensure you look sleek and sophisticated on the day. Size up if you’re looking for a skinny-fit jacket and trousers, and don’t rely on old measurements – you’d be surprised how quickly they can change.

Measure and note down the most prominent part of your chest, the narrowest part of your

waist and from the top seam of your inside leg to the trouser hem. Then, slip on a jacket and measure from your shoulder to your shirt’s cuff. Men with larger waistlines should take this measurement where they would naturally wear their trousers – this will ensure a plus-sized gentleman can still get a comfortable fit.

HOW TO MIX AND MATCH SUITS?

When it comes to mixing and matching, the main thing to note is the colour of each suiting element; create a combination that works in harmony, complements each piece and doesn’t clash too much. Pair a coloured jacket with dark trousers or chinos for the perfect smart-casual look, or pair a classic tailored men’s suit jacket with a mismatched pair of coloured trousers. Whether you’re after a formal look or a creative combo – the options are endless. The suit has evolved, and it’s now acceptable to wear tailoring your way.

PROFESSIONAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS

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We offer you the very best, fully insured displays at every level; working with venues across the country to bring spectacular displays.

Bespoke and tailor made with the finest products, care and attention to detail with great value for money. Options from set budget packages to pyromusicals; there really is something for everyone.

NATURAL It’s only

With neutral colour palettes on the rise, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products to ensure you look on-trend this season

JA637 Stand Out Summer Blazer, £110, www.joebrowns.co.uk

Antique Gold Brimstone Silk Single Breasted 6 Button Waistcoat, £360, www.favourbrook.com

SM559 Summer Print Shirt, £38, www.joebrowns.co.uk

Square-Toe Moccasin Loafers, £95, www.dunelondon.com

Oxford Blue Dried Flower Buttonhole, £16, www.maryelizabethflowers.co.uk

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Weston Chronograph Leather Strap Watch 1710501, £179, https://uk.tommy.com

Stone Evering Linen Double Breasted 8 Button Shawl Lapel Piped Waistcoat, £208, www.favourbrook.com

Reiss Saturn Woven Tie, £58, www.next.co.uk

Organic Bray Herringbone Windsor Trousers, £260, www.favourbrook.com

Stone Linen Suit Jacket, www.jaeger.co.uk

Permanent

Pigmentation (freckles, sun spots etc)

Vascular (red veins, rosacea etc)

Skin Rejuvenation (collagen production) Acne Illumifacial (advanced skin rejuvenation)

Affordable

Fully

Q&A andFashionbeauty

Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals

MATTE VS. METALLIC

I tend to wear matte make-up products day-to-day, so I’m not sure whether to switch it up and use metallics for my wedding. Which is the best way to go with bridal makeup or do both have their merits?

Emma says: It really comes down to what you prefer. Matte make-up can suit anyone, it offers a more natural look. However, metallics can give a bold or subtle shimmer depending on how daring you want to be!

When it comes to choosing a make-up look for your wedding day, it’s important to remember that you want to look and feel wonderful. Whether choosing something you feel comfortable with or something a bit different, your make-up artist can try this with you. So, always remember to book a trial.

DARE TO BARE

What’s hot in the world of bridal fashion at the moment?

Fran says: The classic off-the-shoulder look is trending this year, which is a look that allows brides to be both timeless and trendy. Whatever your size or shape, this silhouette can be flattering and will enhance most styles from fit and flare, to A-line, and is available in a multitude of fabrics. What all of this means, is that you can easily perfect your dream look!

The Brichington Brides team are looking forward to the London Bridal Show this March, where we expect to see an array of flowers, floral print and big bows on the catwalk, which appear to be the next trends for 2024.

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Fran Smith, Birchington Brides, www.birchingtonbrides.co.uk

Emma Tedman, Beautification Station, www.instagram.com/beautification_station_london

Emma by Sophia Tolli, available at Birchington Brides

Sabrina by Sophia Tolli, available at Birchington Brides

BOOST YOUR SKIN FROM WITHIN

Raising the bar, St.Tropez’s new Self Tan Luxe Body Serum infused with a unique collagen-enhancing complex, responds to consumer demand for a hydrating, longer-lasting natural glow with skincare benefits. It works to firm, smooth, soothe, reduce redness and even skin tone while instantly hydrating skin in the most easy-to-use format yet. What’s more, it’s infused with the iconic St.Tropez Luxe scent, a fine fragrance with Tritech Olfactory Fragrance Technology, which equals no biscuity smell.

Having learned of its zero transfer attribute I asked Michaella Bolder, St.Tropez tanning and skincare expert, whether she’d recommend this particular product to brides, and if so when would be the best time to apply. She told me, “Yes, it’s a beautiful tan for brides. However, I’d always recommend to apply tan the day before. This way, you can be prepped and make sure you apply evenly without any worries or concerns on the morning of your wedding. It is zero transfer but as the tan starts to take, you want to make sure you’re super-confident, as it comes through over four to eight hours. So, always apply the day, evening or 24 hours before your big day. It leaves you with a beautiful rich, medium glow and with the skin being so hydrated it just beams.”

£35, available at Boots, Superdrug, Look Fantastic, ASOS, Amazon and all leading online retailers.

DAWN ‘TIL DUSK

Left with a hole in my life when my previous primer ran out I was bereft. Until Milk’s Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer landed on my desk that is. This lightweight water cream makeup primer with skincare benefits claims to blur pores and control shine for a long-lasting soft matte finish, and I can confirm it does just that. It feels fantastic to apply and leaves skin feeling satin smooth. After a long day visiting London recently my foundation looked as good when I arrived home as it did when I left. What’s more, it’s 90 per cent natural, clean, vegan, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, paraben-free, and silicone-free. I’ve found a new favourite! £31, www.cultbeauty.co.uk

GOLDEN GODDESS

Leading Irish make-up giant BPerfect Cosmetics is a celebrity and influencer-loved brand with a difference. Expanding into stores across the UK later this year, BPerfect has partnered with Love Island 2022 winner, Ekin Su Cülcüloğlu to launch a range of innovative new products.

Ekin Su wore BPerfect in the Love Island villa and has now shared her secret weapons in recreating her iconic golden goddess look. Launching with four luxurious products – the Fearless Face & Eye Palette (£29.95), the Radiant Glow Luxurious Skin Enhancer (£16.95), the Luxury Half Lash Set (£16.95) and the Mini Empress Base & Body Brush (£9.95), they’re set to become make-up bag staples. Check out www.bperfectcosmetics.com

BUZZBeauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

GET THE LOOK

World-class make-up artist Robert Welsh is one of social media’s stand-out creators, posting impressive make-up tutorials and refreshingly honest reviews, which have earned him a loyal following of millions. Now, you can create your own versions of Robert’s signature looks with his new Curated By edit from Ciaté London. The kit includes the Chocolate Trend Palette, Dewy Stix Highlight, Velvet Cloud Lip Shadow in Heavenly, Extraordinary Translucent Powder and Wonderwand Mascara.

The five-piece edit, £35, is available exclusively at www.ciatelondon.com. Follow along with Robert’s tutorial to get the look at https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFlTx6jjDb

OH-SO NATURAL

Founded in 1996, Ringana is a pioneering Austrian skincare company creating products so fresh it’s recommended they’re used within 10 weeks of opening. As well as using fantastic vegan formulations, the products also feature some of 2023’s most sought after active ingredients. I love the Tinted Moisturiser from the brand’s FRESH range, containing squalane. This olive-oil based ingredient is becoming increasingly popular because it helps to reconstitute our hydrolipidic film and is easily absorbed without leaving an oily residue behind. It works to strengthen the skin’s barrier and maintain hydration too. As a result, this gorgeous moisturiser creates a radiant, perfectly even complexion. Plus, the product covers the skin in a delicate tint, thanks to mineral pigments that adapt beautifully to its tone erasing small defects, redness and pigmentation spots. £40.80 (€46,90), www.ringana.com

ENCOUNTER THE ELEMENTS

This year sees perfume house Issey Miyake present two new fragrances: L’Eau d’Issey Pivonie (£68, 50ml) and L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Vétiver (£59, 50ml). The two launches celebrate nature in all its beauty, starting with water, of course, but also ushering in lush, vibrant florals and the intensity of vetiver.

L’Eau d’Issey Pivoine is 87 per cent made up of ingredients of natural origin, while this proportion for L’Eau d’Issey pour Home Vétiver is even higher at 93 per cent. These ingredients are exclusively sourced in a manner that respects the principles of fair trade and are responsibly harvested.

The perfect duo for the perfect duo! Available exclusively at The Perfume Shop from 26th March, 2023.

IN NEED OF A BOOST?

Green mandarin essential oil is packed with antioxidants and is known for its rejuvenating and brightening properties. It leaves dull skin looking luminous and radiant, perfect for reviving your complexion and bringing a gorgeous glow to it. That’s why the clever folk at Decléor have harnessed its power to create its Green Mandarin Glowing Collection.

TRIED & TESTED

Having keenly followed celebs’ ravings about Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream on social media, excitement levels at CWM HQ were high when a tub arrived in the office. Editor Olivia Gibson stepped up to try it, here’s what she had to say:

“This cream smells unbelievable and absorbs quickly, leaving behind beautifully hydrated skin, and after the first use I noticed a smooth and refreshed feeling. Fast-forward a few weeks and my skin now appears firmer and tighter too.

This award-winning product is free from parabens, soy, artificial colours, phthalates, sulphates and mineral oils – it’s suitable for vegans and is crueltyfree too. With skin-loving ingredients including guaraná, cupuaçu butter, coconut oil, açaí oil, Brazil nut and more – this cream is the ultimate body skincare product.” Find it at www.lookfantastic.com, £20

SHINE BRIGHT

I’ve fallen in particular for the Green Mandarin Aromaplastie Glow Booster Mask, which is designed to boost radiance and revitalise the complexion. A potent treatment that brightens and energises dull and tired-looking skin, offers the ideal pre-wedding boost. £37, www.facethefuture.co.uk

LUSCIOUS LASHES

LEGIT Lashes is Huda

Kattan’s debut mascara that’s been more than four years in the making. It features not one, but two full-size mascaras in one product. An innovative combo, it’s the ultimate multitasker helping to achieve the three pillars of luscious lashes – volume, length, and curl – in seconds. Each wand works effortlessly to give you the lashes you’re after, with both ends loaded with Huda’s signature extra black, Black-2 Liquid pigment. £24, https://hudabeauty.com

eSalon’s Silk Shine (£17) is a nourishing argan oil treatment that increases shine, strengthens hair and protects colour. Just a few small pumps (or one if you have short hair like me) gives hair an instantly radiant shine, while hydrating dry-to-the-touch ends and safeguarding against colour fade. It’s done wonders for the condition of my hair and a little does indeed go a long way.

eSalon is reinventing the way we colour our hair by creating a fully-customised professional-grade home hair colour that’s made to order and shipped directly to the door. Find out more at www.esalon.co.uk

BAN THE BLOAT

Professional nutritionists Wedding Wellness explain how to avoid untimely bloating on your wedding day

One of the most common digestive complaints is bloating, an uncomfortable, sometimes heavy sensation that can follow after eating a meal that for some, also results in feeling tired, unable to concentrate and having a physically noticeable bloated tummy. Not symptoms you want to endure on any day, let alone on one as special as your wedding. There are many possible causes of bloating, some of which come with additional digestive complaints such as pain, constipation and flatulence – usually an indication of poor gut health. These symptoms are usually referred to as IBS by doctors, but may also be the result of intolerances, allergies or other gut disease. There are however some simple, everyday things you can consider to help reduce that after-meal bloat. County Wedding Magazines’ beauty and wellness editor, Kelly Andrews, chatted to Minal Sudra and Elizabeth Andrews from Wedding Wellness to find out more.

CHEW PROPERLY

Most of us chow down through conversation, mid emails or in front of the telly without giving much thought to chewing our food. But, there are enzymes in the mouth that kick start digestion and if you haven’t allowed enough time for them to work in the mouth, it can make life more difficult for the rest of the gut to properly break down food, leading to irritation and bloating. Aim to chew each bite 20 to 30

times to allow the gut to digest with ease.

EAT AWAY FROM DISTRACTIONS

Focussing on food in front of you not only helps you to taste it better, your brain also has the chance to engage with what you see and smell before the first bite. Without the distraction of something else, potentially stressful, such as work emails, social media, or the latest crime drama on TV, your body is in a state of calm referred to as “rest and digest,” which is optimal at meal times. An otherwise engaged body won’t produce enough stomach acid to properly break down food, which may result in bloating and irritation. Take a proper lunch break, sit at the dining table without the TV on and put your phone away to allow your gut to concentrate on doing its thing.

START WITH SOMETHING BITTER

Ever wondered why a bitter green salad usually accompanies steak, or mint sauce is served with lamb? Bitter foots such as rocket, kale, chicory, lemon and watercress help kick start the digestive process by encouraging stomach acid production. This is especially important for meals that include fats and red meat, which compared to other foods, take longer to break down. Include raw and bitter foods with a lemon or vinegary dressing to start your meal and help your gut prepare for optimal digestion.

AVOID DRINKING WITH MEALS

It’s important for the stomach to be very acidic when digesting food, but drinking lots of liquid between mouthfuls can lower the concentration of acid, reducing the rate at which the gut digests. It’s recommended to drink 20 to 30 minutes before or after a meal to aid efficient digestion and prevent bloating. If you do like to drink with your food, stick to smaller sips rather than large gulps.

LOOK OUT FOR PATTERNS

If you tend to feel bloated after most meals, take note of what might be causing it. Some common culprits can be gluten or wheat, dairy, sugar, or fat-heavy foods such as red meat and fried foods. Compare how you feel when you don’t eat these items to get an idea of triggers or possible intolerances. Speak to a health professional for tailored advice and support on how to improve your symptoms with functional testing available for further insight.

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Wedding Wellness offers bespoke services for brides, grooms and couples, to help you reach your health and wellness goals in the lead up to your big day. Always consult a professional if you have any specific skin concerns or medical conditions for personalised support. Check out www.wedding-wellness.co.uk

If you are looking for a venue that can make your day truly unique please contact Jules Berry on jules@brenley-farm.co.uk

At Brenley we give you the freedom to design your own special day.

Set in the heart of the lush Kent countryside Brenley Farm has been carefully managed by the Berry family for many generations. The house and surrounding farm buildings are Grade II listed making it a beautiful setting to host your special day.

We offer a more informal approach to the wedding industry, providing a location where you are free to use your own suppliers

or our recommended ones and tailor your day to meet your needs whether you have 20 guests or 150.

We have two licenced ceremony spaces and different reception choices enabling you to adapt the venue to suit your needs, taste and budget - and with onsite accommodation for thirty plus, there is no need for your guests to go far.

BRENLEY FARM HOUSE Brenley Lane | Boughton | Faversham | Kent | ME13 9LY weddings.brenley-farm.co.uk

Intimate Events - Relaxed Vibes - Seamlessly Planned

If you dream of a Wedding by the Waves - Get in Touch! www.wavesweddingsandevents.com | becky@wavesweddingsandevents.com

“Introducing chefs Stephen Clark & Simon McNamara of Invicta Food Design who have an exciting new residency & Partnership with The Dreys!”

The Dreys is a family run private business offering bespoke weddings and events, based in 80 acres of private woodland in Kent.

Kent based Wedding and Event Planner, offering relaxed yet seamless planning services for intimate weddings and events in beautiful coastal destinations. From Margate to MoBay! For the Sun Seekers, Beach Babes, and Cool and Cultured Casual Couples!

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

HONEYMOONNews

FRANCE

Located in the heart of Burgundy, France, one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, is the new hotel COMO Le Montrachet.

Built on the former historic Hotel Le Montrachet, the new COMO property will be revamped and re-imagined by esteemed designer Paola Navone. The five-star building will be arranged across four heritage buildings, each of which will house sophisticated, sanctuary-like suites and rooms. Set to open in spring 2023, couples will adore the Shambhala Retreat, the first of its kind in France, exquisite dining options and wine experiences in one of France’s most beautiful settings.

To find out more, visit www.comohotels.com/new-como-properties

SAINT LUCIA

Couples looking for a picturesque honeymoon will love the new Total Romance Package at Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia, which includes everything from all-inclusive dining to a bottle of champagne on arrival. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from, including a tour of the nearby volcano, sulphur springs and mineral baths, a scuba diving course, a half-day sailing on a skippered resort yacht, and a relaxing Swedish massage.

Find out more at www.jademountain.com

SPAIN

Glamorous gastronomy awaits at Ibiza Gran Hotel, which was awarded Best Gastronomic Hotel of 2022, and is a must-visit for couples who love food. Its Michelin-starred flagship restaurant delivers seasonal, locally-inspired cuisine with a celebrated Mediterranean flare.

The property recently launched two new restaurants driven by a two-star Michelin chef, as well as a vibrant new late-night venue from the team behind the world-famous Park Chinois in Mayfair.

For more information, visit www.ibizagranhotel.com

MALDIVES

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, an exclusive private island resort on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, has launched an Island Romance Package. Perfect for a luxurious getaway or honeymoon, couples can indulge in lazy mornings by the pool, rejuvenating wellness treatments and intimate dining experiences.

The luxury package includes a stay in a beautifully-appointed villa or residence of the guest’s choice, a bottle of champagne, a three-course dinner at The Lighthouse, a 60-minute couples treatment at the overwater AVI Spa, and Club InterContinental benefits.

Visit www.ihg.com for more information.

SINGAPORE

Mondrian, part of Ennismore, a hospitality group with a global collective of 14 brands, will open a new property in Singapore in March 2023. The brand’s southeast Asian debut will inject its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into the vibrant neighbourhood of Duxton Hill.

Rising above the historic and colourful Chinatown shophouses with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a stone’s throw from the Central Business District and will house 302 guestrooms and suites, a cinematic rooftop pool and restaurants and bars.

For more information, head over to the website www.sbe.com/hotels

SOUTH AFRICA

Part of the Misty Mountain Reserve in South Africa, the new glass Ocean Dome is nestled within the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, 230m above the sea. Surrounded by nature, this stargazing accommodation offers captivating views of the Indian Ocean. Whether lazing on the air bed with a book or soaking up the bubbles in a tub, the dome promises the ultimate relaxation experience.

There are several activities available and day trips to Misty can be organised for couples wanting to explore the local area. Visit www.mistymountainreserve.co.za for more information.

TURKEY

The Mediterranean’s new chic boutique resort, Yazz Collective, is opening for its first full season in 2023. Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, the resort boasts an unrivalled location and is only accessible by sea.

This serene retreat turns the volume up at the weekends as resident DJs take centre stage to host sundown session and after dinner parties.

Comprised of a beach restaurant, with menus boasting seasonal ingredients and local produce, a bustling bar and 16 luxury guest houses peppered amongst verdant gardens, the resort has been designed to sit in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Discover more at www.yazzcollective.com

GREECE

Parga Beach Resort in Greece has unveiled 23 new luxury suites for 2023. Set directly on blue-flag Valtos Beach, the resort has chosen to expand after experiencing a 30 per cent increase in bookings year on year post-pandemic.

Featuring a harmonious minimal design with private balconies, terraces and some with private plunge pools, the suites offer a true sense of seclusion. Suited to couples and families alike, travellers of all ages are invited to explore the new facilities. Check out www.pargabeachresort.gr for more information.

Sunday 1 st October 2023 11am to 3:30pm

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England. A huge number of wedding specialists on hand to inspire and advise on how to bring your wedding dreams to life.

PLUS! Special offers on the day • The chance to win a luxury honeymoon

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment • Refreshements • and more...

For your FREE tickets and the chance to win a £250 voucher courtesy of SpaBreaks.com pre-register at: www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

AFFAIR A grand

Louise Prance experienced the ultimate luxury combined with traditional Greek appeal at Rhodes-based Ixian Grand & All Suites

Approaching Rhodes by air, you’d be forgiven for missing a bird’s-eye view of the Ixian Grand & All Suites thanks to the beauty of Greece’s largest island, but for the eagle-eyed travellers you can spot the hotel due to its inimitable layout and luxurious beachfront private pool suites nestled luxuriously on the beach of Ixia Bay, just metres away from the sea.

Ixian Grand & All Suites is only 7km away from Rhodes town and the Medieval City of Rhodes, as well as being a mere 10-minute drive from Filerimos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes.

Overlooking the Ixia Bay and Aegean Sea, this hotel has the beauty of being adult-only, so is the ideal destination for a honeymoon offering total relaxation.

LUXE APPEAL

With 124 deluxe guestrooms with garden or sea view, the garden complex offers accommodation in 122 spacious and comfortable guestrooms, while the suites area is comprised of five buildings with 102 rooms and suites.

While all rooms offer a level of luxury only befitting a resort of this calibre, the aforementioned beachfront private pool suites are without doubt the way to go if you’re looking for a once-ina-lifetime experience, and I can attest you will wake up every morning to pinch-me-moments looking out over your private infinity pool to the crystal clear Aegean sea that stretches as far as

the eye can see. Looking for further wow factor? Enjoy a romantic soak in the bath and appreciate the floor-to-ceiling windows while watching the sun set over the ocean.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Talking romance, no honeymoon is complete without a romantic meal or five, and the Ixian Grand & All Suites has romantic eateries down to a fine art. Vis-à-Vis, the hotel’s main buffet restaurant, focuses mostly on the Mediterranean diet and the Greek cuisine, but also international food.

Milonges, is an open-air restaurant offers traditional Greek cuisine and is located by the main swimming pool, serving lunch and dinner, while Muza Htista offers Japanese and Peruvian cultures. My personal favourite was the Alazonia Suites Restaurant – while only available to those staying in suites, this stylish restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, with outdoor or indoor seating options.

Evenings were spent embracing the laidback Greek culture and indulging in a tipple or three at Truman’s Lobby Bar, which has a stunning terrace with views to the gardens, pools and the sea.

AND RELAX…

If you’re able to drag yourself away from the room, the pools and the idyllic scenery, then it’s almost a perquisite to try out the hotel’s spa, and Ixian Grand & All Suites offers one of the most tranquil I’ve had the pleasure of attending.

Offering massages, facials and beauty therapies, the spa also has an indoor pool and a Turkish bath, as well as a complimentary gym with a fitness instructor offering various daily classes – if you’re so inclined. I opted for a more relaxing pastime instead, and indulged in a full body

massage. An hour of total bliss, I emerged feeling even more relaxed, if that’s at all possible.

SIGHT SEEING

While it may be unimaginable why you’d want to leave the hotel’s complex, it would be remiss to visit a Greek island and not explore the locality and embrace the culture. We opted for a day trip to the Medieval Rhodes Old Town.

With walls four kilometres long, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and dates back more than 2000 years. With a breathtaking history, the site features Medieval buildings, mosques, traditional fountains, oriental motifs, Byzantine and Gothic churches, shops, a market and restaurants aplenty.

We whiled away hours mooching inbetween the castle walls, picking up classic Greek souvenirs before sampling traditional Greek food – and of course wine. What could be better than enjoying a sun-drenched glass of white while looking at white-washed buildings before heading back for sundowners at the hotel?

No honeymoon would be complete without getting out on the water, and activities abound in Rhodes. From SUP fun, to romantic boat rides, to kayak tours. Tick the aqua box and your romantic Greek getaway would be really complete.

WIN A FOUR-NIGHT BREAK IN TUSCANY

The ultimate honeymoon destination, the romance of Tuscany awaits

Located in the Tuscan region, both Grand Universe Lucca and Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco are characterised by their elegance and luxury service. Alongside their stunning views, whether that be the terracotta tiles of Lucca’s city center or the rolling hills of Lucca’s wine region there’s history in abundance. As the birthplace of olive oil and famous classical composer, Giacomo Puccini, explore the region’s winding ancient walls, or stroll through the city’s many piazzas sampling the local produce and cuisine. Spend two nights at Grand Universe exploring the city’s romantic, candle-lit streets, later retiring to the hotel’s Champagne Rooftop for a complimentary glass of fizz and dinner in the hotel’s Legacy Restaurant. Once the city has been explored, continue your adventure into the mountains and vineyards of Tuscany for a stay at Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco, where a spa treatment for two awaits, alongside dinner at the hotel’s La Salette restaurant.

THE PRIZE

 Two nights at Grand Universe Lucca (breakfast for two persons for each night)

 Two nights at Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco (breakfast for two persons for each night)

 One dinner for two at each hotel

 A drink for two at Grand Universe Lucca’s Champagne Rooftop bar

 A luxury spa treatment for two at Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco

For your chance to win, answer this following question and enter online at www.yourkent.wedding

Q: In which part of Tuscany are the hotels located, the North or South?

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