At Pop Up Arcade we deliver our gaming equipment at weddings, corporate events, birthdays and many more events. We can set up almost anywhere as long as we have a power source. We have our own tents if you have an outdoor area, or we can set up inside if you have the indoor space.
We provide the consoles, games, controllers, screens and seating!
We have set packages for up to 5, 10, 15 or 20 people to be entertained at any one time. However, if you have more than this then we can make a custom package just for you! Our packages start at a minimum of 90 minutes and extra time can be added on!
To book or enquire, please contact us on the details below and we can start your Pop Up Arcade journey!
This issue’s cover brings all the drama! It is sponsored by Stone Court House (www.stonecourthouse.com) where the image was beautifully captured by Peggy Pollock Photography (www.peggy-pollock.com/weddings | @peggypollockphototgraphy). Turn to the features from pages 8 and 27 to learn more about the venue.
55 A FRESH START
This stunning and oh-so romantic shoot is bursting with the joys of spring
59 LOVE THROUGH THE AGES
Using a colour palette of navy, dark green, pale pinks and cream, this local shoot brings the romance to Hempstead House
63 OH, GO ON THEN!
Discover what’s hot in the wonderful world of wedding cakes
19 SPOTLIGHT ON... Bromley, Bexley and Dartford
27 HOME AWAY FROM HOME
We’ve rounded up some of Kent’s finest stately home and manor house venues for your consideration
68 ECO-CHIC ROMANCE
This team of local suppliers got together to show us how a big day can be chic as well as green
83 SPEND, SPLASH, SPLURGE Stunning jewellery and accessory ideas whatever your budget
77 I’M A BARBIE GIRL
Take inspiration from summer’s most anticipated movie release with fun, flirty styles
91 BEAUTY Q&A
Our local professionals solve your problems
92 BEAUTY BUZZ
Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be
95 BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIFE
Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas, talks wedding dos and OGX’s new Colour Retention range
32 CLASSIC COASTAL ELEGANCE
Rachel and Ryan used a romantic blush palette to style their day
39 IT MUST BE LOVE
Abi and Jonathan celebrated their respective heritages with personal touches throughout their wedding day
43 SPRINGTIME SUNFLOWER STYLE
Georgina and Frank said “I do” on 20th May, 2022
49 BOOGIE WONDERLAND
Abi and Callum drew on the colourful world of disco for their big-day styling inspiration
96 THE CITY OF LOVE
Discover why Paris is the perfect honeymoon destination
Here at Michaela Barnes Creations we aim for perfection but at a lower rate
Based in Faversham at Brogdale Farm, I started my business for brides to be able to get everything under one roof and not have the hassle of ordering samples online, and going to many suppliers for different things. You can book a consultation and come to view all samples.
From wedding bouquet’s, floral centrepiece’s and wedding venue décor, to personalised gifts, bridal jewellery, wedding favours and more. We even hire out venue décor such as sweet carts, 4 ft Lightup Love letters, prosecco walls and a cream post box for your wedding cards. All at a low rate.
We do weekly deals on our facebook page. Feel free to contact me for more information.
MICHAELABARNESCREATIONS WWW.MICHAELABARNESCREATIONS.CO.UK
ADVERTISING
AsI write the nation is excitedly anticipating the coronation of King Charles III. Whether you’re a royalist, or merely delighted at the prospect of an extra bank holiday, there’ll be something to celebrate. At least for the foreseeable future, May will be the month we commemorate the King’s jubilees, so we’re ready to party. Although you may be royaled out by the time you read this, I always think of our readers as queens and kings, princesses and princes, and believe you all deserve the royal treatment on your big day, so why not consider adding a regal edge to your nuptials?
Jewel-toned colour palettes are certainly seeing a surge in popularity, thanks to their opulent, rich hues; and shades such as purple and red have long been associated with royalty. When it comes to dining, think banqueting tables bedecked in gold cutlery and crystal, with tall candelabra and centrepieces. Of course, add this styling to a stately home wedding venue and you’re there! We have some suggestions for you from page 27.
EDITORIAL
Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | 01376 535 611 kelly.andrews@county.wedding
When it comes to your attire, what could be more royal than a ballgown? Pair a full, extravagant skirt with a dramatic train and veil, and you’ll have guests gasping as you make your grand entrance. If you like this idea, but fear the volume will impede you on the dancefloor, opt for a detachable skirt, allowing you to transform your look into a sleek silhouette for the evening. Finally, your very own crown is a must-have for this theme, whether it’s a flower version for a Queen Titania twist or a bejewelled tiara. Check out our jewellery and accessories feature from page 83 for some inspiration to suit any budget.
As we now patiently await the summer, don’t miss our host of styled shoots and real weddings this issue, ready and waiting for you.
Enjoy and keeeep planning!
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Set among 250 acres of beautiful Kentish countryside, Betteshanger Country Park was created in the early 2000s as an outdoor recreational venue, based on the old Betteshanger Colliery. Not your usual wedding venue! It has since developed into the modern, vibrant and unique location it is today.
Purchased in 2019, the current owners have delivered their vision of not only an outdoor park and activity site, but also a beautiful location for events of all shapes and sizes.
The Glass Room event space and The Lamp Room bar/restaurant were opened in 2022 as Deal’s newest wedding venues. These stylish and tasteful spots offer characterful backdrops for your special day. You can expect support from an onsite team of wedding planners, and the in-house catering team can create bespoke menus ensuring your big day is everything you dreamed of. “We’re excited to be able to offer our couples the perfect setting for their special days,” food and beverage manager Tyler Christy told us.
Find out more at www.betteshanger-park.co.uk
https://nphotography.co.uk
Ever wondered what a pre-shoot is? Also, known as an engagement shoot, it’s an informal photo session for you and your partner before your big day. You can choose when it takes place during the lead up to your wedding, whether it be in the same season, or at a different time of year. This is a fantastic opportunity for you as a couple to get to know your photographer and their way of working, after all you’ll be spending a lot of time in each other’s company on one of the biggest days of your life. So, never underestimate how much this process will help you to relax in front of the camera when it really counts. What’s more, when the big day finally rolls around you’ll then know exactly what to expect leaving you to feel at ease and relaxed. The result? Nothing but beautiful, natural images.
Nicky Tulip from Nicky’s Photography offers just such an opportunity, usually priced at £250. However, we’ve partnered with this local lovely to offer Your Kent Wedding readers a free engagement shoot when you book your wedding photography package with Nicky’s Photography for your big day. To claim, simply get in touch with Nicky before 30th June, 2023 and quote YKWfreePS.
Find out more at https://nphotography.co.uk
Brama, Bromley’s newest and only boutique hotel, has announced it will be welcoming guests just in time for summer, ideal if you’re set to wed in the area and guests need a stylish place to crash. With 23 beautifully designed rooms, Brama is set to combine convenience and comfort with appeal and bags of local flair.
The new lifestyle hotel is part of the major renovation of Bromley Old Town Hall following its addition to the Heritage at Risk register in 2009, bringing a new lease of life to the much-loved historical building. Steeped in history, the Old Town Hall officially opened in 1907, and has since played host to the wedding of David Bowie and been the local seat of government.
The design-led hotel is perfectly positioned for locals and visitors alike, in the heart of Bromley and close to shopping, train stations and connections to central London.
Rooms will start from £109 per night on a room only basis. Find out more at https://bramahotels.com
Penshurst Place and Gardens now boasts a new licensed outdoor space for couples seeking a beautiful location for their “I dos.” Located among 11 acres of formal gardens, The Nut Garden is surrounded by an oak pergola covered with rambling roses, ivy and climbing wisteria. At its heart, a central arbour with flowering foliage create the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows amid the ethereal beauty of nature.
The Nut Garden can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides an intimate and private ceremony space ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed and informal setting. Additionally, you and your guests can enjoy the romantic scenery throughout the gardens as you make your way there.
Penshurst Place and Gardens has been hailed Wedding Venue of the Year 2022/23 at the Kent Wedding Awards. It scooped the accolade in recognition of its unforgettable architecture, amazing gardens, and various indoor and outdoor settings to suit every vision.
Find out more at https://weddings.penshurstplace.com
Goupie is a family-run chocolate confectionery brand based in Goudhurst, Kent, hand-making a uniquely textured treat based on an old family recipe. Better still, everything the team makes is vegan friendly, gluten-free and sustainably packaged. After receiving a number of requests from customers for wedding favours, it was decided this year to officially create some options. These include mouth-watering chocolate covered marshmallow totes, personalised boxes, and whole tins of dips and dabs. You can also opt for a celebration tower in eight and 12 person versions, which offer a fun alternative to dessert or perfect for a treat with coffee.
Currently, Goupie’s products are stocked with a number of local independent retailers including Liberty and the National Trust, as well as being available online. What’s more, the brand has won a Great Taste Award, Sustainable Business the Taste of Kent Awards, Ethical Business in the Love Where We Live Awards and most recently it was recognised as a Green Business in the Times of Tunbridge Wells Awards.
Discover more at https://goupiechocolate.com
The team of specialist family law solicitors at local firm Warners have a wealth of experience in drawing up bespoke pre-nuptial agreements to fit the needs of particular couples. It’s all too easy to get swept away in the prettiness of wedding planning and romance of the occasion, but sometimes we might need to take a moment, just a moment, to let our heads rule our hearts. So, we asked Kirsty Humphrey, marketing manager at Warners, to tell us more about pre-nups and why a couple might choose to get one.
Kirsty says, “A pre-nuptial agreement is a document agreed by a couple before their wedding that sets out how their various assets would be shared if their marriage breaks down. Pre-nups aren’t binding in England and Wales, but the existence of such a document, if certain conditions are met regarding its creation, can be very persuasive in 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 dispute arising in the future.”
If you’d like to know more, check out www.warners-solicitors.co.uk
Having undergone significant renovations this year, Dreamland threw open it’s doors once more in April. It now features an exciting new family coaster, plus new amusements such as a reimagined mirror maze and pinball machines. These new attractions will sit alongside the much-loved scenic railway, the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster, and the iconic big wheel. As in previous seasons, Dreamland will be free to enter and pay per ride.
This year the attraction will present its largest ever programme of music and events, with new gigs added to the previously announced line up of stars. New acts include Placebo, The Streets, Rag n Bone Man, The Cuban Brothers featuring DJ Yoda, and Ocean Colour Scene. Additional events will take place throughout the season too, bringing family days out, musical theatre, dance classes and Margate Pride to Dreamland.
Park goers can enjoy the delights of the retro roller disco, the popular arcade and amusements, plus food and drink provided by hand-picked local traders. This year, pop up activations, art installations and free outdoor screenings from the Scenic Stage are also set to entertain.
So, why not grab your best gals and guys and head to Margate for a hen, stag or sten to remember, packed with iconic local character? Find out more at www.dreamland.co.uk
and we’ve been told by numerous guests that it’s like staying overnight in a museum. When the lights go down its wonderfully atmospheric.
What’re you most looking forward to about hosting weddings? Happy guests who’ll keep memories of our home for a lifetime. We live here in our very own private quarters, it’s our family home. We ask our guests to take off their shoes and walk around on the 100 per cent wool carpets, making themselves at home. We even see guests coming downstairs in their nightwear! It’s very comfortable and private, quiet for it’s town centre location and we’re not open to the general public. We’re able to accommodate a maximum of 18 guests ensuring they have plenty of room.
www.proudfoxceremonies.com
This month, we caught up with the utterly fabulous Martin Fox-Roberts of Proud Fox Ceremonies, and his alter ego, drag queen Maria Hurtz. We wanted to know everything about how he became a celebrant as well as what it’s like to have a ceremony conducted by the mischievous Maria. Click play or scan the QR code to find out the answer to these questions and more!
www.stonecourthouse.com
Having recently thrown open its doors to weddings, Stone Court House in Maidstone is one of Kent’s newest venues and will be taking bookings from May, 2023. Itching to know more, we chatted to owner Saban Demirbasa.
Tell us about the history of Stone Court House. Stone Court House is Grade II listed with both national and historical importance, and early records confirm that the building was the private residence of Lady Margaret Sackville (1562-1591) of Knole House, Sevenoaks, one of the top five National Trust properties in the country. Thereafter, it became the Crown Judges lodgings until the 1960s. In more recent times it sadly fell into disrepair until we purchased the property in 2019.
We understand there’s been extensive renovations going on. Can you tell us more about that?
We spent three years restoring Stone Court House, investing millions in the process. Only historical and natural building materials were used, such as sheep wool insulation, 45 tons of horsehair lime plaster, oak, wool carpets and water-based paints. Historic England officially removed Stone Court House from the Risk Register in November 2022, and we were shortlisted for the Historic Building Restoration Awards 2022.
What’s your favourite part of the venue?
All of it! It’s a truly beautiful and unique place, pictures don’t do it justice,
AMANDA WHITE,
www.styledtoremember.co.uk
Formerly Amanda Jane Events, Styled to Remember is a fresh new look, feel and lease on life for owner Amanda White. We got the lowdown on the rebrand, and heard of the business’ exciting plans for the future.
What sparked the rebrand?
Amanda Jane Events began more than 12 years ago, and after dealing with some life-changing moments, it felt like the right time for a fresh approach, new ideas and a business partner to share the highs and lows of our wonderful industry.
Changing the company name and rebranding was by no means out with the old and in with the new. We’re not trend-chasers, we listen to our clients’ ideas and needs, keep them within budget and ultimately create a wedding that’s unapologetically unique.
When the industry was put into lockdown, it was debilitating for us as a supplier, but our couples missed sharing their love declarations with family and friends. Finding alternative ways to share moments took us out of our comfort zone and look to alternative ideas. We realised quickly that smaller weddings became more intimate, somewhat more meaningful. So, we decided to incorporate a service for intimate dining experiences. We now have many new products that we love; our flower walls are very popular for example.
Being known as a rustic-style supplier is something I’m proud of, but the classics are elegant and fresh, so we’re looking froward to seeing more of this.
What does the future hold for you?
We hope to develop our relationships with venues, suppliers and clients to provide a bespoke service for each of our events. In focusing on our venue styling and incorporating new ideas, we hope to pass on our passion for weddings and events to those we connect with throughout our journey.
What’s your favourite trend at the moment?
We’re huge fans of whimsical meadow flowers, monochrome palettes, bows on dresses and floral patterns.
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.
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
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.
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.
The Pretty Prep Studios in Ashford launched last summer and gives bridal parties a fantastic space to get ready on the morning of the wedding. Some bridal suites are already occupied the night before, so you aren’t able to access them until late morning. Some venues don’t have anywhere at all for you to get ready, so this offers the perfect solution.
The studio is spacious, has fantastic lighting and enough plug sockets and mirror for everyone. It’s in a converted oast barn and the circular hop drying room has been turned into the most beautiful dressing room. There’s a dining room and kitchen with a full-size fridge to store those all-important bottles of fizz. Surely, there’s no better way to start your day!
We’ve teamed up with The Pretty Prep Studios to offer Your Kent Wedding readers a £45 discount on the studio’s day rate, along with a free bottle of prosecco waiting in the fridge on the morning of the big day. To claim, simply quote, “Your Kent Wedding,” when you enquire. Offer valid until 30th June 2023.
Find out more at www.theprettyprepstudios.co.uk
The hunt for the perfect bridal jewellery stops here, with a chance to win £250 worth of jewels from COEUR DE LION – celebrating 35 years in business this year! Handmade in Germany, each piece is lovingly crafted by a team of artisans from the finest materials at its Stuttgart workshop, genuine natural stones, shimmering crystals and freshwater pearls give each piece individuality. The brand’s new freshwater pearl collection offers the ideal bridal jewellery, or you could choose to spend your winning voucher on lovely gifts for all your bridesmaids.
Visit www.coeur-de-lion.org to view the entire range.
County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with COEUR DE LION to offer readers the chance to win a £250 voucher. Enter via our website. Terms and Conditions apply.
Whether you’ve planned grand-scale celebrations or intimate nuptials surrounded by your nearest and nearest, owner of Bexley-based Cake It or Leave It, Lyndsay AllenTrott, will work with you to create a big-day bake that perfectly complements your day, complete with real wow factor. All of her stunning, bespoke wedding cakes are made using only the finest ingredients, including freerange eggs from Lyndsay’s very own backyard hens and ducks.
We’ve partnered with local lovely Cake It or Leave It to bring you not one, but two fabulous offers! Firstly, benefit from a low deposit of £50 when you book (usually £100), then you’ll also get a fabulous 10% off your wedding cake order.
To claim simply get in touch with Cake It or Leave It at lynz1983@icloud.com or on 07403 268 004 before 30th June, 2023, and quote: “Your Kent Wedding.” To find out more, check out www.cake-it-or-leave-it.co.uk
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.
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 our website countyweddingevents.com.
• 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
ASCOT RACECOURSE
High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM
• Demonstration areas
• Refreshments
• And more...
WEMBLEY STADIUM
London, HA9 0WS
SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM
MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL
SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3:30PM
Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of
Pre-register 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.
A date for your diary...
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
BROMLEY COURT HOTEL
0208 461 8600 | www.bromleycourthotel.co.uk
Bromley Court has a rich, 200-year history with the atmosphere of an intimate country house. Its stunning gardens full of both beauty and history – the picture-perfect Italianate Gardens, with the urns and terracing, can still be enjoyed today.
Years of hospitality experience have gone into fine-tuning its event spaces, offering beautiful, air-conditioned rooms with modern chandelier lighting and stylish décor.
For the vows, The Wellington Suite is the hotel’s most popular space for up to 90, situated on the ground floor it consists of two rooms with connecting doors and its own bar. Both are beautifully light and bright with large windows offering fabulous views of the gardens. The rooms
benefit from having direct access to an external patio area and the gardens beyond. It’s also often utilised for the wedding breakfast, 90 seated guests or 150 standing.
The Garden Restaurant, an elegant suite with views over the landscaped garden and patio areas benefits from an adjoining bar and lounge, with ornate fireplace and chandeliers. It has its own dancefloor with fitted disco and lighting, which can be used if the resident DJ is booked. It can host ceremonies and wedding breakfasts for 180 seated guests or 250 standing.
Alternatively, for smaller gatherings The Darwin Room is tastefully decorated, has its own bar, access to the gardens and can host ceremonies and wedding breakfasts with up to 60 loved ones (standing 65). Amelia’s Room and Leona’s Room, host intimate ceremonies and wedding breakfasts of 40 and 20 guests respectively.
CAMDEN
020 8467 2782 | www.camden-place.com
Camden Place is a Grade II listed building which, since 1894, has been the magnificent home of Chislehurst Golf Club.
The mansion is set away from the road in 70 acres of beautiful grounds that exude peace and tranquillity. The high ceilings, period fireplaces and architectural details are representative of fine Georgian heritage, combining to give a sense of grandeur. The grand hallway with its magnificent sweeping staircase, and picturesque grounds, provide
stunning photographic opportunities.
When considering this big-day venue, there are three exquisite ceremony spaces, accommodating up to a maximum of 96 guests for a formal sit-down meal and up to 250 for evening receptions
For ceremonies and receptions these spaces can hold the following guest numbers: Imperial Lounge 80 and 150 (combined with the Oval), Oval 25, Dining Room 90 and 96. Alternatively, a marquee can be positioned within the grounds for weddings on a larger scale of up to 250 loved ones with stunning views of the course.
020 3598 9900 | www.themanoratbickley.co.uk
The Manor at Bickley is set in six acres of private ground, so as you drive through the gates, you’ll enter a world of calm, a true escape from the every day. Being here, it’s easy to see how Kent earned it’s name as the Garden of England, and is the ideal spot for photographs. The hotel features 25 en-suite bedrooms including the deluxe Garden Suite, perfect for the bridal party and later the newlyweds.
The Ceremony Room can host 120 guests and has been custom built to provide the perfect backdrop. Weather permitting, the Tiki Bar can
accommodate 100 loved ones for a relaxing, informal drinks reception following the “I dos.”
Receptions are held in the Billiard Suite for 63 guests. A traditional wood-panelled room it boasts views of the gorgeous grounds. The Garden Suite can hold 120 guests. The smaller of the venue’s two marquees, it links to the Garden Bar and Terrace. The Grand Marquee is so named as it can comfortably seat an impressive 500 guests.
The Manor at Bickley is available for exclusive use from 12pm on the day of your wedding until 12pm the following day. You’ll also have access to all en-suite bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis. In effect, from the electric gates onwards, The Manor is all yours!.
Join us at Deal’s newest wedding venue for your special day. With two stunning venues, 250 acres of gorgeous grounds and a creative in-house events team, we can create your perfect wedding day.
We create your package to suit your wedding Wedding Coordinator to help with planning
Creative Head Chef to help with bespoke menus and tastes
Woodlands, sea views and wild landscapes for special moments
Outdoor ceremony option (unlicensed)
Welcoming arrival packages
Adaptable catering packages
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
An elegant hotel with contemporary interior, Doubletree By Hilton Dartford Bridge is filled with modern furniture and comfortable seating areas. This hotel also contains an on-site restaurant, which offers a fantastic setting for rehearsal dinners.
Ceremonies of up to 120 loved ones, and receptions for 180 are held in the Queen Elizabeth Suite, which is bathed in natural light and opens out onto a courtyard area. The space also boasts a private bar,
dancefloor and space for a DJ in the evening – a soundproof partition splits the room making a smooth transition from day to night.
Couples who choose to celebrate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dartford Bridge will have access to a comprehensive range of resources, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and catering will be provided by the on-site culinary team who can accommodate both seated meals and buffet-style banquets.
KEVINGTON HALL
01689 821 369 |
http://kevingtonhall.com
Kevington Hall is an exclusive hire wedding venue set in 200 acres of Kent countryside. The stunning 18th-century Georgian house is classic in style with a contemporary fairytale twist. Boasting exclusivity, privacy, flexibility and a welcoming atmosphere, Kevington Hall could be just what you’ve been looking for!
The Ceremony Room here can accommodate 80 nearest and dearest. It’s a beautiful light and versatile space licensed for civil marriage and partnership ceremonies. The stunning Georgian windows overlook the lawns and the beautiful large oak tree. If you prefer more intimate “I dos” the Drawing Room is also licensed and overlooks the front lawns through a gorgeous rounded bay window. Here, you can comfortably seat 50 loved ones. Al fresco ceremonies are also an option on the lawn or in the glorious moon garden.
Following your vows, enjoy a sparkling drinks reception in the Sitting Room and let your guests explore the ground floor making themselves feel at home. Alternatively, if the sun’s shining why not make the most of the extensive lawns?
For guest lists of 50 or fewer, Kevington Hall can host your celebrations in the classical dining room. With elegant styling and a traditional feel, treat your guests to a delicious feast in luxurious surroundings. For up to 80 guests, the stunning Orangery is available – the perfect space to style any way you choose. It can also be converted into an amazing party space while your loved ones enjoy cocktails in the main house and you await the arrival of your evening guests. With state-of-the-art sound system and lighting included in the venue price, up to 250 people can enjoy this wonderful party space. For even larger celebrations of between 80 and 250, marquees or stretch tents are welcome on the lawns.
Discover why this historical hotel is the perfect venue for a Kent wedding by the sea, with a choice of dedicated spaces, award-winning dining, and an expert in-house team
The salt air, crashing waves, and those magical sunsets you only get over the sea... there’s nothing quite like a wedding by the coast. It can be yours at one of Kent’s most elegant venues, the Hythe Imperial Hotel.
This 18th-century manor is set on Hythe’s seafront, a quiet market town that overlooks the English Channel. It boasts some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in all of Kent. Those panoramic sea views aren’t the venue’s only attraction however. The Hythe Imperial also boasts beautifully landscaped grounds, covering 44 acres. This is the Garden of England after all.
Nestled among the gorgeous grounds you’ll find a charming gazebo, available for ceremonies from April to September. Meanwhile, inside the hotel there’s a grand ballroom and a choice of intimate rooms for both ceremony and reception.
Although bursting with history, the Hotel had a multi-million-pound refurbishment several years ago, updating the Victorian building with luxurious and contemporary interiors throughout. From walking the red carpet, to saying “I do,” through to the toasts, cutting the cake and sitting down for a sumptuous three-course wedding breakfast, finished with a night to remember – this venue offers one amazing luxurious coastal location for it all.
A jewel in the crown is the Hotel’s impressive Imperial Ballroom. This grand room overlooks the sea, with private access to an outside terrace and sun deck, and its own bar. There’s nowhere better for wedding
receptions. Opulent and full of character, it’s still a perfect blank canvas where individual décor ideas to come to life.
A further element delivering the wedding wow factor in spades is the Hotel’s spectacular chandelier, which is a jaw-dropping 11 metres long and hangs above the centre staircase. Weighing 250kg and created using 25,000 individual crystals, it’s the largest example in Europe.
The Coast restaurant has been awarded an AA rosette for fine dining. From chef-prepared meals to a tasty evening buffet, you can expect modern British cuisine using local ingredients for a wedding breakfast sure to delight, served with flair. This includes fresh fish landed just a pebble’s throw away along the beach, to fresh meat and vegetables also sourced in Kent.
This is just the start as the Hotel can also cater more relaxed weddings with barbecues and other laid-back options such as fish and chips or fork buffets. The venue even has a glamorous and glitzy Moët & Chandon champagne bar, the only one on the South Coast (the other being in Harrods). This exclusive venue seats 40 and can even be used for an intimate wedding.
Being a hotel, the Hythe Imperial also makes it easy for you and your guests to enjoy a seaside stay for a day or two, or perhaps longer. It’s such a comfortable and relaxed way to enjoy your big day, with everything all under one roof.
The Belcourt Suite is a popular choice, a penthouse at the top of the Hotel with uninterrupted coastal views. For the wedding party there’s a wide choice of recently-refurbished rooms and suites, ranging from spacious and decadent, to family rooms and cottage-style suites. As part of many packages, a complimentary overnight stay in a deluxe room is included for the two of you on your wedding night. Special rates are
There’s even a luxury spa for some pampering ahead of the big day. This includes a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, relaxation room and gym. Plus, therapists offer everything from facials to hot stone massages, to take away any last-minute stress.
The Hythe Imperial has an expert in-house wedding team, there to help you plan every detail of your perfect Kent seaside wedding. Choose from a selection of flexible wedding packages, or put together a bespoke wedding experience tailored just for you.
If you want to take the next step towards your dream coastal wedding, get in touch and book a viewing. Set foot inside the welcome surroundings with a glass of fizz, take a walk around the Hotel’s grand rooms and outside spaces, and start to fall in love with this landmark venue on the Kent coast.
01622 200 391 | www.stonecourthouse.com
Located in the heart of Kent, Stone Court House is a grand Grade II listed four-storey Georgian Townhouse of historic and national importance. With parts dating back to the Medieval period, it was once the private residence of Lady Sackville of Knole House, Sevenoaks, spanning in excess of 15,000sqft with 25 rooms. It boasts historical features such as a Medieval wall, Roman wishing well, oak-panelled Tudor and Georgian living rooms, masonic and spiritual carvings and windows, and Tudor fireplaces.
Extensions have been added onto the original building over seven hundred years, with the last addition of a large grand ballroom in the late Georgian period boasting 4m-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers with a grand Regency staircase.
After an extensive three-year, multi-million-pound restoration, Stone Court House was finally opened to guests on 3rd June, 2022, as a luxury boutique hotel. There are six large double bedrooms named after judges, inspired by the period Stone Court House spent as The Crown Judges residence. All have standout features including Gothic four-poster beds, large bathrooms with rolltop
baths, Tudor oak beams, Regency styling and oak-panel detailing. Recently granted its ceremony licence, couples can now wed in the Georgian Ballroom with up to 75 loved ones. Featuring Georgian architecture with large windows it’s bright and spacious. For al fresco nuptials, the internal courtyard (30), and large Georgian veranda (100) are exquisite spaces.
Post-vows, a marquee forming an L-shape surrounding the civil room and Georgian veranda, can host 100 friends and family. With 24hr alcohol, and live and recorded music licences, you can dance the night away.
When tying the knot here, tours of the property can be arranged, and couples benefit from a free menu tasting. What’s more, 18 guests can stay overnight, and couples can enjoy a discount on their first anniversary stay! Also, why not host your hen and stag night here?
A standout feature is The Judge Wright bridal suite, which includes two bedrooms with the master bedroom containing a king-size Gothic four-poster, two bathrooms (one with a large cast iron roll top bath), dedicated bridal dressing room and with its own private living room spanning 116sqm. It can accommodate six in total.
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE
01303 234 111 | www.aspinallfoundation.org/weddings
A magical and unique setting steeped in history, four-star Grade II listed mansion Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife reserve and award-winning wedding venue, set within 600 acres of magnificent private parkland and home to 900 wild endangered animals.
Set among 14-acres of perfectly manicured gardens and adorned with white rambling roses, the garden Pergola seats 110 guests and is an enchanting place to say ‘I do’ outside. Additionally, the second outdoor ceremony option is the Moroccan Courtyard located in Port Lympne Hotel. Offering a more intimate wedding for yourself and 25 guests, it boasts original 1920s details from Phillip Sassoon’s original design and has also been decorated with items from Marrakesh. For al fresco entertaining post-vows, nestled amongst the gardens of the Hotel, The Iceberg Terrace can comfortably seat 100 guests and has views of the Lime Tree Avenue and the Trojan Steps.
Inside, for the ceremony, the mansion boasts delightful muralpainted rooms by famous English artists such as Rex Whistler, Spencer Roberts and Martin Jordan. The stunning Spencer Roberts room is hand-painted and showcases a mural of animals, some of which live at Port Lympne; it seats 50 for the ceremony, and 30 for the wedding breakfast.
The Long Room can be used for wedding ceremonies witnessed by 100 guests (wedding breakfasts, 50) and has wonderful views of Southern Terrace and 600-acre reserve.
The venue’s stunning new glass orangery and terrace are a creative salute to the theatrical entertainment style of the Gatsby era. Truly private and available for exclusive use only for 120 guests for wedding breakfasts, it includes a dancefloor, cloakroom and luxury washrooms, fully incorporated kitchen and has the option to add a marquee or food station on the adjoining lawn.
Private guided safaris can be arranged for you and your guests. What’s more, with unique overnight accommodation available from star gazing to luxury lodges set within animal enclosures, there’s ample choice for staying guests.
www.aranyaphotography.co.uk
ST AUGUSTINE’S
01843 830 150 | www.staugustineskent.com
St Augustine’s is a Grade II listed building set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Westgate-On-Sea in Kent. Formerly a Catholic boarding school, it has a Chapel and beautifully maintained gardens, which boast a gorgeous gazebo, licensed for ceremonies, and a relaxing patio area along with a vast lawn complete with a swing.
An array of function rooms are available for any occasion. The Kent Suite (Chapel), hosting 218 for ceremonies, 100 for dining, 250 for informal party, is the hidden gem of St Augustine’s.
Mainly used for ceremonies and christenings, it’s also available for receptions and even has its own bar.
The Ruby Hall, hosting 500 for cocktail parties, 220 for formal dining, or 180 for a dinner dance, boasts an array of beautiful chandeliers and views of the gardens. One of the largest function rooms, it’s primarily used for wedding breakfasts and receptions.
01634 332 700 | https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200272/eastgate_house
Built in 1590, Eastgate House is a Grade I listed Elizabethan town house. It’s one of Medway’s heritage wedding venues and the most impressive and distinctive building on Rochester’s High Street.
Full of herbaceous lavender and vibrant pelargoniums, the landscaped gardens are a wonderful place to congregate after the ceremony and mingle with your guests. It also provides the opportunity to get a closer look at Charles Dickens’ famous Swiss Chalet and a romantic backdrop for those all-important photos.
The building has many stories to tell, having been a family home, a Victorian school and a museum. In fact, it provided inspiration
for one of the area’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens, featuring in The Pickwick Papers and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Imagine stepping through the stone archway at the front of the building and making your way up the wooden staircase to the oakpanelled ceremony room, which features an original tiled fireplace, to say your vows in front of 40 loved ones.
After the “I dos,” the historical, Grade I listed, Rochester Corn Exchange is only a short walk away. Here, The Queens Hall (up to 300 guests) and The Princes Hall (100 guests) can take you from a delicious wedding breakfast through to the evening reception.
01304 448 844 | www.soltonmanor.com
Solton Manor is set within eight acres of secluded gardens and picturesque grounds in the Kent countryside. The surroundings offer enchantment and tranquillity for the duration of your wedding or event.
Fusing timeless elegance with contemporary touches, and a sprinkling of romance, you have a couple of options for tying the knot here. If you’re looking for an al fresco setting, hold your ceremony in the ruins of Godric’s Garden; the flower-filled stone ruins, with exquisite views across the countryside, can host up to 150 loved ones.
Alternatively, the converted 1950s Dutch barn, with wall-toceiling windows overlooking the wildlife lake and rambling paddock, can accommodate 150 attendees. The barn, which also boats timber beams, elegant ceiling ivory drapes, stage and bar, is a great space for the evening do for 150.
When tying the knot here, couples benefit from complimentary use of the venue’s Dovecote Cottage on the night of the wedding. The cottage can also be used that morning to get ready in with a continental breakfast hamper for up to four people. Plus, there’s ample accommodation in the historical house for up to 24 guests, available at an additional cost. An experienced wedding team is also on hand throughout the planning process.
Rachel and Ryan used a romantic blush palette to style their day
Images courtesy of Emma Hall Photography
AlthoughRachel and Ryan went to the same school and knew the same people, they’d never met each other. “We actually met on good old Facebook,” Rachel tells us. Having found shared interests and similar personalities, the pair hit it off right away.
Ryan proposed on the seafront outside Hythe Imperial Hotel, in the same spot where they’d shared their first kiss. They’d decided to walk down there one evening, and when Ryan popped the question it was a huge surprise for Rachel. “It was a little unusual to go for an evening stroll down the road though,” she realises when she came to think of it.
Rachel used to work in the spa at the Hythe Imperial Hotel, so understood well what a lovely venue it is. In fact, Ryan’s dad got married there, so it held a special place in his heart too and always said he wanted to get married there. So, they wasted no time and set the date for 31st July, 2022. Read on as the bride tells us more...
Rachel’s vision for the flowers was of something simple and elegant and opted for blush pink and ivory roses, peonies, astilbe, gypsophila and some light grey eucalyptus. “I let my florist take the lead and she did an amazing job,” she says. The bridesmaids had slightly smaller versions of the same bouquet and on the day, Angela from Pink Blossom Events tied a pendant containing a photo of Rachel’s late nan around the stems so that she could be with her as she walked down the aisle.
The beautiful centrepieces featured the same flowers as Rachel’s bouquet with lots of pinks and foliage. The arrangements sat in gold containers with the greenery spilling over the side. “They looked very classic in the Imperial Ballroom,” the bride remembers. The table décor was completed with scattered tea lights.
The three-tier wedding cake was also created with the wedding’s palette in mind. Pink roses and foliage were added as decoration, with gold drips to complement the centrepieces and cake topper. Also to mirror the gold in the centrepieces the place names were written in gold script, as were the elegant table numbers.
The couple’s wedding favours were little candles in jars, and Rachel popped some blush ribbon around them to tie in with their chosen colour palette. The candles were chosen as a nod to an inside joke among their friends who know that Ryan absolutely loves scented candles. Guests were also given alcoholic lollipops as an extra bit of fun.
Loved ones were also treated to a sweet cart that had been decorated in the wedding’s signature colours. The bags too were pink and white and flowers were draped around it.
Rachel always dreamed of a backless, fitted dress with thin straps and that’s just what she told the consultant when she arrived at the boutique. Options were pulled including one she was particularly hesitant to try on as she didn’t like the straps, but when she gave in and slipped into it, everything changed. “I absolutely loved it,” Rachel shares. “I loved the feeling it gave me and knew then and there it was the one.” She kept her jewellery and accessories simple with a pair of teardrop earrings and a necklace.
Ryan wore a light grey checked suit as he wanted to stand out from his groomsmen, who all wore navy three-piece suits. All of the gents accessorised with blush pink ties to complement the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Finding the right look for the bride tribe was the biggest challenge for Rachel. “I’d been looking for ages and couldn’t find anything in the right colour, or something that would flatter them all.” Eventually she found the contenders online, and when she sent them to the girls, they fell in love. “Even better,” Rachel says, “They were on sale for less than £30!”
The big day was intimate with 50 guests, so they couple decided to keep the entertainment simple and personal. A DJ played everyone’s favourite songs, and the sweet cart really was a hit. This allowed the newlyweds to spend quality time with their nearest and dearest. “We could just chill, which we both loved and so did our guests,” Rachel explains.
For Rachel and Ryan the ceremony was the highlight of their day. “There was something so magical about standing in front of our closest friends and family and becoming one,” Rachel remembers.
“Everyone who came made the day super special,” the bride continues. “My bridesmaids did an amazing job, and one of my older brothers made a speech, which was lovely. It included stories about me when I was growing up that even I couldn’t remember. So, that meant a lot to me. Also, our wedding coordinator at the Hythe Imperial, Georgia, did an amazing job of telling us what to do, where to go and son on. She’s actually one of my bridesmaid’s best friends, so knowing her made it even better!”
ROLL CREDITS
Venue and catering, Hythe Imperial Hotel, www.hytheimperial.co.uk | Photographer, Emma Hall Photography, www.emmahallphotography.com
Dress, Wed2B | Accessories, Etsy | Hair stylist, Charley Finch, www.instagram.com/charleyfinchhairstylist | Make-up artist, HH Makeup Artist, http://hhmakeupartist.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS | Groom’s suit, Suits Direct | Cake, Chereece Horton | Flowers, Pink Blossom Events, www.facebook.com/people/Pink-Blossom-Events/100064877298104 | Entertainment, Sugar Promotions, www.sugarpromos.co.uk
“Don’t let things get to you. Just enjoy yourselves, that’s all that matters.”
Images courtesy of Natalie Hyland Photography
Abi and Jonathan met online, and after five years together, while celebrating their anniversary, Jonathan popped the question. Abi remembers, “He’d booked a window table with a view at Sushi Samba. Starter and mains had been served and enjoyed, then just before the dessert menu was presented, Jonathan knelt down on one knee while no one was looking and asked me to marry him.”
The pair began to look for a wedding venue and once they’d seen Rowhill Grange nothing could beat it or even match it for them.
Read on as the bride gives us the lowdown on the big day – 21st August, 2022...
We chose favours that would reflect our cultures. They were Welsh cakes and love spoons, along with Africa-shaped key rings, African beads,
I wore an ivory lace dress, chic and simple, and accessorised it with pearl earrings and necklace.
bracelets and bags.
The wedding car was all the groom’s idea – it’s his Mustang! It was the highlight of his day.
Each tier of our cake had a different flavour to accommodate the tastes of our friends and families
As we were getting married on a Sunday, we opted for a Sunday roast wedding breakfast.
Our centrepieces and bouquets all featured eucalyptus with ivory flowers.
How did we feel on the day? I was nervous, but Jonathan was totally laid back – ‘Oh well, it’s a day out!’
The weather was glorious and we loved sharing our special day with our friends and family.
We hired a disco light for the dancefloor, which really added to the party atmosphere.
Venue and catering, Rowhill Grange, https://alexanderhotels.co.uk/rowhill-grange | Photographer, Natalie Hyland Photography, https://nataliehylandphotography.co.uk | Dress and accessories, Angelica Bride, www.angelicabridal.co.uk | Wedding rings, COO Jewellers @ Chic Weddings, https://coojewellers.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, David’s Bridal | Groom’s suit, Dyfed Menswear Cardiff, www.dyfedmenswear.co.uk | Cake, Shelley’s Cakes, www.shelleyscakes.com | Flowers, Chic Weddings & Events, www.chicweddings.co.uk Entertainment, Unique Events, www.unique-eventslondon.com
Georgina and Frank said “I do” on 20th May, 2022
Images courtesy of Nicky’s Photography
Frank proposed to Georgina in the kitchen of their first home. He’d made her believe they were going to the pub for lunch, and when she came into the kitchen before they were due to set off, she found a projector displaying photographs of them on the wall and big floral letters that spelled, “Marry me.” Georgina says, “We’d been together around five years and it was special to have the proposal in the first home we’d built together.”
The couple dreamed of a rustic, country barn venue,
somewhere that would suit a bohemian-style wedding with picturesque grounds for the all-important photos. “We’d seen images of Cooling Castle Barn set up with beautiful fairylights and knew this would be the kind of setting we’d like to get married and celebrate in,” Georgina explains. When they later found out that there was ample accommodation nearby for friends and family, this sealed the deal.
Join us as Georgina tells us all about the big day...
I wore Valentine by Suzanne Neville. It was a lace, fitted, off-the-shoulder, long sleeve, white wedding dress with a fish tail train. I was drawn to the lace detail and vintage look in particular, plus the material was flattering and made me feel comfortable with my figure.
Choosing my dress was a really special moment, as both my mum and aunt had got their wedding dresses from the same boutique and were both there when I said, “Yes,” to the dress.
I had nervous tummy butterflies in the morning, so I’d highly recommend a calming herbal tea to soothe any nerves, along with the bucks fizz of course!
The groom and groomsmen were all dressed to match in beige tweed suits with burgundy ties and brown shoes.
The bridesmaids wore navy, silk dresses. Exactly the same colour but in varying styles.
The main theme and wedding décor was fresh flowers and sunflowers, and we repurposed what we could from the ceremony into the reception space, such as the sunflower arch, which was later used as a backdrop to the top table, plus sunflower and rose meadow pew ends.
As well as the centrepieces we also opted for other floral features such as hessian chair bows with sprigs of gypsophila, gypsophila on the stair rail to the ceremony room, and apple crate boxes containing sunflower arrangements.
For the centrepieces, we alternated tall stands holding large sunflower and rose arrangements, with smaller, wider bowl arrangements, along with floating candles in cylindrical vases.
My uncle made me a wooden sign that read: “Take a shot, we’ve tied the knot. Find your seat and let’ get ready to party.” This was displayed in the entrance to the wedding breakfast next to a tray of limoncello shots. We also had a wooden welcome sign, from Your Beautiful Day.
Our flowergirl carried a floral hoop and wore gypsophila in her hair. The bouquets all featured sunflower and roses, and the gents wore rose and craspedia buttonholes.
It absolutely poured with rain all morning, which apparently is good luck. Fortunately, the sun came out just as we got married, so we’re so grateful that we could have some lovely outdoor photos in the sunshine once it all dried up.
Our fourtier cake was decorated with white roses and included Bakewell, carrot cake and red velvet flavours
Our table plan was a rustic, wooden board with a hessian background, Kraft paper and lace detail, with some flowers decorating the frame. The design complemented our invitations, as did our favours – £1 scratch cards in a Kraft paper envelope, detailed with lace and a penny.
A harpist played before, during and after the ceremony. I have an Irish family so this was a lovely Celtic touch to the day. We then had a saxophone player perform throughout dinner and during the evening celebration.
My stepdad walked me down the aisle and did the speech. We have a really close relationship and a lot of banter, so everyone expected an embarrassing speech! He certainly brought the humour, but a lot of emotion too. He asked my grandad and aunt to join him for parts of it as they had a lot to do with my upbringing, which was an unexpected, but lovely surprise.
THE W-DAY TEAM
Venue and catering, Cooling Castle Barn, www.coolingcastlebarn.com | Photographer, Nicky’s Photography, www.nphotography.co.uk Dress and hair accessory, Pantiles Bride, www.pantilesbride.com
| Bridesmaids’ dresses, Ghost | Jewellery, Lily & Roo | Shoes and bag, Jimmy Choo | Hair stylist, Hair by Janine, www.instagram.com/hair_by_janine.x | Make-up artist, Katie’s Faces, www.instagram.com/katiesfaces | Suits, Mr Munro Menswear, www.mrmunro.co.uk | Cake, All Shapes & Slices Cake Co, www.allshapesandslices.co.uk
| Flowers, The Flower Alchesmist, www.thefloweralchemist.co.uk | Stationery, Your Beautiful Day, www.your-beautiful-day.co.uk | Entertainment, The Entertainment Agency, www.the-entertainment-agency.com | Caroline Hall Harpist, www.carolinehallharpist.com | Toastmaster, Julie Lucas Toastmaster, www.instagram.com/julietoastmaster
Your dream day. Our beautiful flowers.
8-10 Church Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1SE 01303 252626
www.stembystemflowers.co.uk
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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.
Nestled within 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Marleybrook House is discreetly located within the historic district of Canterbury.
Former home to the international singer, actress and cabaret star Eartha Kitt, the idylic thatched house is desirably centred within the impeccable grounds of the venue to provide the perfect backdrop of a countryside setting.
The house is a stunning feature for your timeless wedding album. With beautiful blooms and wildlife in every season, it looks picturesque in every photograph.
Exclusive use with exhilarating rides include the Waltzer, Roller Coaster, Big Wheel, Twist, 50ft Octopus, Dodgems, Helter-Skelter and adult sized Victorian Swing Boats together with many children’s rides, traditional side stalls and many props to set the authentic ambience. We offer pick and mix options to create your own bespoke fairground along with different packages including one for EVERYTHING!
Abi and Callum met when they both moved into the same houseshare while working in London. “It wasn’t love at first sight,” Abi says. “When we first met we were both seeing other people and probably took a month or so to even learn each other’s names!” A few months later though they found themselves becoming friends, bonding over the various horrible things going on in the house, and their relationship blossomed from there.
Callum proposed in Zante when the pair were on holiday shortly after buying their own flat. “It was a huge shock,
particularly as he’d deliberately spent the evening before managing my expectations by telling me not to expect a proposal any time soon,” Abi tells us.
As soon as Abi and Callum saw Marleybrook House, they knew it was the one. “We always wanted something a bit different for our wedding and absolutely loved the fun fair concept,” the bride explains. “The whole venue was absolutely stunning, and was the first place we found ourselves able to envision getting married.”
Join us as Abi gives us the lowdown on their vibrant and joyful wedding day...
Images courtesy of Scott Kendall Photography
I wore an A-line princess gown, Brooke by Adrienne Papell. I’d always wanted a dress in this style and it was the very first one I saw and picked out as soon as I walked into the boutique – I knew it was the one. I only had very limited accessories: Sophia Webster Bridal flats and earrings that belonged to my Nanny.
The theme of our wedding was colourful disco, so all of our choices reflected that. Marleybrook is a stunning venue so we didn’t need to go too crazy with extra decorations, but added a few bits that reflected us.
We were both so emotional during the ceremony, were just so happy. It was finally happening after the Covid postponement. When the “I dos” were over, we both fully committed to enjoying ourselves – it was such an exciting and fun-packed day.
We asked for mixed brights for our floral displays, with some scattered sunflowers. I absolutely loved the flowers on the day, especially those over the arch, which doubled up as our top table backdrop.
Our cake was just amazing. The sugar flowers were incredible and were the same ones used in my bouquet and floral arch, but made from sugar. Most importantly, it was absolutely delicious and we were able to take the flowers home to keep.
We hired a shimmer wall with a colourful balloon backdrop, which was styled behind the cake during the day and then used as a photo booth backdrop in the evening. I’d given Mini’s Event Hire a blank canvas, and on the morning when it was being set up I loved it so much, I cried!
I spent lots of free time before the wedding making little disco ball vases using mirrored bathroom tiles and fishbowls, which we used as centrepieces. Additionally, we had one specific disco ball made for us by an Etsy supplier emblazoned with our names and wedding day
The place name holders were made from disco-ball themed Christmas decorations, which guests were able to take home afterwards as favours.
Our tables were named after different names we call our cat, which received some amused reactions on the day. We had photos of our cat set up on each table accordingly.
The food was just amazing, our caterer created a Mexican-inspired menu specifically for us based on our favourite food options. Callum wore a blue suit, as did his two best men.
I had a mixed gender bridal party of bridesmaids and bridesmen, as my three best friends are men and I couldn’t bear the thought of them not being part of my bride tribe. The girls wore long teal dresses and the boys wore raspberry coloured suits. Everyone looked amazing and the colours worked together super-well.
The big entertainment for the guests, of course, was the funfair. Marleybrook has the largest private funfair in the UK and we hired out all of the rides for our guests to use. Everyone absolutely loved it and it completely outdid their expectations, as well as our own. It was so much fun and made the day so special, so... us
While we were on the waltzers, Callum managed to lose his wedding ring! Quite the drama. But after a five-minute stress we decided to just get on with our evening. Happily, the Marleybrook team went truly over and above and managed to locate it three days later.
My top tip would be not to leave all the tiny jobs to the end just because they don’t need to be done in advance, such as buying confetti, picking music and so on. When you let it all pile up close to to the big day, it can make the last few weeks very stressful!
Venue, Marleybrook House, www.marleybrookhouse.co.uk | Photographer, Scott Kendall Photography, www.scottkendallphotography.co.uk | Dress and accessories, Country Brides, www.countrybrides.co.uk | Hair stylist, Hair by Becks, www.facebook.com/hairbybeckstaylor | Make-up artist, Beauty Calls, www.beautycallstherapy.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, EverPretty | Bridesmen’s suits, Topman at ASOS | Groom’s and best men’s suits, Moss Bros | Cake, Pretty Petal Cake Co, www.prettypetalcake.co.uk | Flowers, Foxgloves Birchington, www.foxglovesbirchington.co.uk | Stationery, Mally’s Crafts, www.mallyscrafts.co.uk | Catering, Scott Anderson Catering, www.andersonscaterers.co.uk | Videographer, Meros Productions, www.merosproductions.co.uk | Balloon installation and shimmer wall, Mimi Event Hire, www.mimieventhire.com
This stunning and oh-so romantic shoot is bursting with the joys of spring Images courtesy of C and C Imagery
stylists Sam and and Katie at A Touch of Kent, new to the wedding industry, loved the concept of depicting a fresh, new beginning to married life. What better way to do so than by using 2023’s trending wedding colour palette of sage green in contrast with the luxury and elegance of gold accents? With the help of C and C Imagery, the duo and their team portrayed their idea through an ethereal shoot perfectly timed for the spring, when we think most of fresh beginnings. It’s just dreamy!
THE DREAM TEAM
Concept, planning, venue styling, signage and flowers, A Touch of Kent, www.atouchofkent.com | Photography, C and C Imagery, www.candcimagery.co.uk | Venue, The Night Yard, www.thenightyard.com | Dresses, Vicki’s Bridal Boutique, www.vickisbride.co.uk | Suits, Well Suited Ltd, www.suited-well.co.uk | Make-up artist, Samantha Campbell Bridal Makeup, https://scampbellbridalmak.wixsite.com/ samanthacampbellbrid Hair stylist, Versastyle by Laura, https://versastylebylaura.wixsite.com/website | Cake, Newington Cakes, www. newington-cakes.com Stationery, Love Tea Designs, www.instagram.com/loveteadesigns | Prop hire, The Little Wedding Warehouse, www. thelittleweddingwarehouse.com Tableware, Black Saucers, www.blacksaucers.com | Models, @leighs.model and @ben_allthetime
£70 per person
Using a colour palette of navy, dark green, pale pinks and cream, this local shoot brings the romance to Hempstead House
Images courtesy of Kayleigh
Stammers Photography
Videos courtesy of Charli May Video
Whendevising the concept for this styled shoot, photographer Kayleigh Stammers wanted to cherry pick elements from different periods of history to convey the romance of a wedding. “I was aiming for a fusion of vintage and contemporary, if you will,” she says. The styling of the bride was carefully thought out to bring the soft, romantic feel with an off-the-shoulder gown and bespoke sleeves complemented by the showstopping lace boots. The stunning ceremony arch too draws from another era and the shoot’s florist incorporated a variety of foliages, both purchased and foraged, with subtle, pale pink roses to reflect the theme.
SHOOT CONTRIBUTORS
Venue, Hempstead House, www.hempsteadhouse.co.uk | Photographer and shoot coordinator, Kayleigh Stammers Photographer, www.kayleighstammersphotography.com | Dress, Gillian Roberts Bridal, www.gillianrobertsbridal.co.uk | Accessories, Honey V Tiaras, www.honeyv.co.uk | Hair stylist, Versastyle by Laura, https://versastylebylaura.wixsite.com/website | Make-up artist, Pav Kooner, www.instagram.com/pavxkooner | Cake, Sue Hurst Cake Design, www.suehurstcakedesign.co.uk | Flowers, Bay Blooms, www.instagram.com/bay_bloomskent | The Bear Florist, www.instagram.com/thebearfloristkent | Venue styling, Bay Wedding Props, www.bayweddingprops.co.uk | Stationery, Creative Tone, www.instagram.com/creativetone_ | Confetti, Your Confetti, www.yourconfetti.com Audio guest book, Temptation Towers, www.temptationtowers.co.uk | Celebrant, The Inclusive Celebrant, www.theinclusivecelebrant.com
Crockery, Kent Crockery, www.instagram.com/kentcrockery | Jewellery, Fitzgerald Jewellers, www.fitzgeraldjewellers.co.uk | Transport, Kent and Medway Wedding Cars, www.weddingcarskentmedway.co.uk | Boots, House of Elliot, www.houseofelliotcollection.com | Videographer, Charli May Video, www.charlimayvideo.com | Models, Grace and Joe, @grace.and.joe
jeys-heavenly-events@outlook.com
07922 791 784
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
WEDDINGS • BONFIRE NIGHT • ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS • RETAIL FIREWORKS
Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996
Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996
Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
Floriana from Let Them Eat Cakes says, “This year is seeing a greater emphasis on messier and organic artful styles. I’m seeing more perfectly imperfect-looking cakes, incorporating buttercream palette painting and sculptured flowers. Think of them as edible impressionist works of art that guests can admire throughout the day before indulging in the deliciousness – the perfect combination of visuals and flavours.”
Greta from Gauer Sugarcraft says, “I’ve noticed a continuous increase in requests for sugar flowers in 2023. These can be designed in many different shapes, colours and styles, from traditional roses to the most exotic varieties in order to match different cake styles. Traditional wedding
cakes with an emphasis on floral decoration and textures have enchanted a great number of couples.”
Claudia from Purple Flour too is receiving a lot of requests for floral designs, “I’m seeing a lot of sugar flowers and edible pressed, organic flowers in gorgeous, vibrant colours on my sketch pad, more so than in previous seasons.”
Claudia from Purple Flour says, “Where the last couple of years have been dominated by semi-naked and fully buttercream covered cakes, I’m seeing a shift towards wedding cake tiers covered in white chocolate ganache and sugar paste again. These are more stable in warmer weather than buttercream, and my recommendation to couples,
especially with summer weddings, is to consider a classically covered cake as a canvas for all decorations.”
Sue at All Shapes & Slices too has noticed old favourites making a comeback: “I’m finding fondant-iced cakes decorated with sugar flowers are coming back into fashion. Also, cake tables are receiving plenty of interest and make a stunning and mouthwatering display at a wedding reception.”
“Intimate weddings with guest numbers from around 10 to 50 are ever-popular in the wake of the pandemic,” say Erica and Charlie from Bluebell Kitchen. “We’re all about creating small cakes with big wow factor. We love to achieve this with amazing oversized sugar flowers, designed to work in harmony with a couple’s palette and other florals.
“Another way to bring big impact to a small cake is to make them appear larger using acrylic separators to magically multiply tiers.”
Indeed, all agree that Perspex tiers and playing with height are taking on a major role in wedding cake design in 2023. Claudia says, “As many more couples are environmentally conscious, the use of tall cake stands or Perspex tiers are always preferable to the covering of dummy polystyrene layers that can’t be recycled and end up in landfill.”
Floriana adds, “As well as playing around with height, being creative with formation is a further emerging trend, which again moves us away from formality and uniformity towards a more relaxed and informal look.”
Greta says, “In order to make sweet options more diverse, we’re offering two new products this year: the macaron tower and the cupcake tower. Macarons, in addition to being gluten
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.
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free, add flavour and bring a romantic, vintage touch to the party. Being highly customisable with different flavours and colours, they enchant couples who want to make the big day even more elegant.
“Wedding cupcakes are a great option for those who opt for a smaller wedding cake and would like to complement it with another sweet treat. Cupcakes are full of elegance and can also be given as wedding favours guaranteed to delight your guests.” As well as a macaron version, Sue has another towering option to bring to the party..., “I now offer doughnut towers,” she tells us.
It seems that delicious macarons are where it's at this year, as Claudia is in a agreement and has joined the bite-size revolution.
“Macarons as table favours are requested more and more and I’m offering them to all my couples alongside the well-established and much-loved cookie favours,” she says.
“Macarons make a decadent little treat, can be completely tailored to the colours and theme of your wedding, and the fillings I’ve chosen for this season are delicious. White chocolate and passion fruit, lemon and lemon curd, vanilla and raspberry are already the most popular.”
If your budget won’t stretch to a cake and these tasty morsels, but you love the idea, Erica and Charlie from Bluebell Kitchen have the solution: “It’s possible to create a tasty tower of macarons topped with a tier of cake in your favourite flavour. We love this combination and it gives our couples a little extra flexibility with flavour too.”
We love how versatile these moreish little bites of joy are! The ladies from Bluebell Kitchen continue, “We’ve noticed an evolution from simple macaron favour boxes to gourmet, handpainted, personalised versions for each guest. We’ve had couples ask to add a personalised macaron at each place setting, with each of their guests’ initials painted onto them in an ornate design.”
Greta says, “In my opinion, contemporary cakes with clean decoration, marble effects and muted tones are the biggest trends so far.” This is something that Erica and Charlie have noticed too, taking it to the next level. “Handpainted wedding cakes have been around for a while, so have marble versions, but what makes ours different is that we combine the two! Our unusual, abstract marble effect is hand-painted almost like oil on a canvas, acting as a themefitting background to sugar flowers.”
| © www.fionakellyphotography.com
All Shapes and Slices, www.allshapesandslices.co.uk
Bluebell Kitchen, www.bluebellkitchen.co.uk
Gauer Sugarcraft, https://gauersugarcraft.co.uk
Let Them Eat Cakes, www.letthemeatcakesuk.com
Purple Flour, https://purpleflour.co.uk
With sustainability being such a crucial concern for the wedding industry right now, this team of local suppliers got together to show us how a big day can be chic as well as green Images courtesy of Emily Brown Photography
WhenGaynor Lawson at Bailey & Blossom set out to collaborate with other Kentish wedding suppliers on a styled shoot, her vision was of all shades of red, with white, green and black, combining sleek lines with a countryside vibe. Next, photographer Emily Brown, celebrant Kate Mitchell and stationer Maddy Bishop from Green Planet Living joined the project and it started to evolve as they brought with them their passion for eco-conscious weddings.
Emily is a proud member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance and offers a range of eco-conscious prints and products. Meanwhile, Kate uses recycled ribbons, paper and natural elements in her ceremonies, and a tree is planted in the name of each of her couples via The Woodland Trust. It’d be a shame not to showcase this important aspect of the suppliers’ work, so things gathered momentum from there.
Black Saucers Hire also came on board. The company offers beautiful place settings and cutlery, eliminating the need for single-use plastics. Next, the wonderful contrasting dresses, which were supplied by Kiss The Bride, a boutique less than five miles away from the venue, reducing time in transit. Filo Vegan Cakery created an amazing bake using the best vegan ingredients, and we’re told it tasted amazing! And it doesn’t end there, as make-up artist Deborah Hall uses vegan and cruelty-free make-up and hair products.
Edenwood Place is a cool, botanical space that’s easy to make your own, from the chilled outdoor bar area to the breathtaking views over the valley below. Gaynor’s fabulously lush floral arrangements enhanced the venue’s verdant vibe and were created so that the components could be reused later in other arrangements following the shoot.
THE TALENTED TEAM
Venue, Edenwood Place, https://edenwoodplace.co.uk | Photographer, Emily Brown Photography, www.emilybrown.photography | Shoot coordinator and flowers, Bailey and Blossom, www.facebook.com/baileyandblossom | Dresses, Kiss The Bride Rochester, https://kissthebride.uk.com | Accessories, Honey V Tiaras, https://honeyv.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Hall of Fame, www.halloffame.uk.com | Cake, Filo Vegan Cakery, https://filovegancakery.co.uk | Celebrant, Celebrant Kate, www.celebrantkate.co.uk | Stationery, Green Planet Living, https://greenplanetliving.co.uk | Tableware, Black Saucers, www.blacksaucers.com | Models, Dawn and Ash
Emily Brown from Emily Brown Photography (www.emilybrown.photography) says: My brand and its ethos are based on my personal passions for sustainability and an overall respect for the natural world. You may not think there’s too much a wedding photographer can do to help you achieve a sustainable wedding, but there’s actually quite a bit. In 2022, I was accepted as a member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance Here are some of the ways in which I strive to work in an eco-friendly way. It’s about making small changes that mount up to make a big difference.
• We use a green energy supplier, but all energy used is generated from solar panels. To be certain, all charging and electronic use is traced using smart plugs.
• All batteries are rechargeable and any office waste is recycled or repurposed.
• We have invested in an electric vehicle, with the intention of retiring my petrol car entirely.
Evie West from The Country Blush (www.thecountryblush.co.uk) says: If you’d like to make your wedding as sustainable as possible, I’d start by thinking carefully about the suppliers you choose to use. Make sure you select a venue and other professionals who are striving to be as eco-conscious as you and who are local to where you’re getting married.
When creating your menu, your caterers should use foods that are in season and use local produce wherever they can, to reduce the impact on the environment. When styling your big day, hire as much as you can and choose things with a dual purpose; for example, doubling up favours with place names. Who doesn’t love a little gift personalised with their own name?
Dried flowers are also a great alternative to fresh, and you can repurpose them to use them around your home or gift to your family and friends after the wedding. What you choose to wear can strike another green note, as you can purchase pre-loved gowns and outfits, or hire them. There are some great suppliers who even rent out bridesmaids’ dresses.
• To combat any unavoidable carbon emissions and mileage, I’m partnered with TreeSisters, who plant trees in areas of deforestation. I donate a non-negotiable amount monthly, equating to the planting of 800 trees per year.
• All contracts are sent electronically.
• All newlyweds are given a plantable card, embedded with wildflower seeds, as a thank you for booking and a donation is made to TreeSisters on their behalf following every marriage I photograph.
• I offer a range of sustainable products, enabling my clients to showcase and treasure their memories without harming the environment.
• Wedding albums and prints are crafted using only sustainablysourced/recycled materials, and all USBs have been replaced with handcrafted wooden print boxes made in Cheshire.
• My website is running on green energy and I track the amount of carbon that is produced when visitors click on the site via www.websitecarbon.com
Kate Mitchell, also known as Celebrant Kate (http://celebrantkate.co.uk) says: Here are my top tips for planning a sustainable wedding day:
•Look for photographers who use water-based ink and are carbon neutral. You can’t tell the difference in the quality of their printed photographs, but the planet feels the benefit.
•Use recyclable or plantable invitations, place settings and menus. Give your guests the opportunity to have a permanent reminder of your wonderful day in some flower seed-infused paper, which will bring them pleasure in the months to come.
•Choose an eco-aware supplier and ask questions. For example, I use ribbons that were once plastic bottles, compostable and plantable paper for scrolls and certificates, and donate two trees in the couples’ names for each wedding I undertake, in a woodland they can visit together.
•Wedding favours are often left behind, so be sensible when making choices. Edible options are always popular, so your favourite sweets with a custom label is a great idea, or go for the traditional five sugared almonds in a reusable bag. Another option is a wooden gift –a wooden pen bearing your wedding date makes a gorgeous treat.
Joanne Scott from The Wedding Dolls (www.theweddingdolls.co.uk) says: There are more ways than you think to make your wedding day as sustainable as possible. Lots of small gestures can make a big impact on the environment. Don’t go out of your way to search charity shops and boot sales for décor items. Travelling around week after week sourcing items that you’ll have no use for after the wedding isn’t helping to keep your carbon footprint down. Instead, hire what you need. There’s a misconception that it’ll cost more, but in the long run buying your own styling items that you can’t reuse or resell just creates waste.
Flowers are crucial to the look of your wedding day; we get that, and aren’t saying you can do without them, but you can make a conscious effort to go as green as possible with your blooms. The best way to do this is to go seasonal and go local. This will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of flying in out-of-season varieties and it’s more cost effective too. Just ask your florist about their supply chain to make sure the blooms are grown locally, rather than provided by a wholesaler who actually gets them from overseas. Always ask your florist too whether they use floral foam in their designs, as this equates to single-use plastic and won’t break down in landfill.
Guests often prefer to use their cars to get to the venue as it can be out of the way, but this will leave a heavy carbon footprint. Why not encourage loved ones to take public transport to get them close, and arrange a coach to collect them all, take them to the venue, and back again at the end of the night. It will reduce pollution and avoid the need for lots of cars to be collected the following day before your hire period runs out.
A bridesmaid’s dress doesn’t have to be worn just the once. You could give your bride tribe a colour palette and let them pick a gown that’s gorgeous and glamorous, as well as being one they’d happily enjoy wearing again and again. This way, it doesn’t have to sit in the back of the wardrobe for years before being thrown out.
Toastmaster, Julie Lucas (www.instagram.com/julietoastmaster) says: Lots of couples I speak to are keen to make greener choices when planning their weddings, and there are so many ways to do it now, from catering to recyclable invitations and decorations all readily available. A few of my favourite ideas include swapping out a wedding favour for a charitable donation, a really nice way to make a difference and avoids buying multiple, single-use items.
Another thing to be mindful of is your venue styling. Consider renting decorative elements rather than buying everything new. Alternatively, if you do buy new items, look at new ways you can donate them afterwards so that they can be enjoyed by others once you’ve finished with them.
Everyone loves the iconic confetti shot after you’ve tied the knot, but as an alternative to paper confetti, why not go with a plant-based approach? Rose petals, lavender, or other fresh herbs will give your photos a stunning array of colours while being biodegradable.
Once you start looking, you’ll be surprised how many little things can make a big difference to the environment when you’re planning your big day.
Samantha Richards from A Touch of Kent (www.atouchofkent.com) says: With the UK holding close to 280,000 weddings per year the average celebration produces more than 20kg of plastic waste. That’s a lot! In 2023, as a society we’re becoming a lot more conscious of our carbon footprint and how we can reduce it. So, how can you plan your wedding while maintaining sustainability?
•Use your table centrepieces as aisle ends. Whatever you choose to have as centrepieces, double these up and walk down the aisle with them too. Not only does this cut down on wastage but it saves you money too.
•Use seeded paper for wedding invitations. That way, when the day is over, guests can throw their invites into the garden, allowing nature to take its course and growing beautiful wildflowers.
•Use artificial flowers instead of fresh. Faux flowers are now more realistic-looking than ever. If you can’t tell the difference, neither will your guests.
•Signage hire. Find a supplier who can create personalised acrylic signage for hire. That way, you can have exactly what you want for your big day and they’ll clean it and reuse it for the next couple.
Karina O’Donnell from Simply Ceremonies (https://celebrant-uk.co.uk) says: It’s so important that we all consider how to incorporate sustainability into weddings and there are many ways this can be done within your ceremony too.
You could choose a green venue. Look for a local celebration space, one that uses renewable energy sources, or consider holding the ceremony outdoors in a natural setting. Celebrant-led weddings offer the chance to hold your (non-legal) “I dos” anywhere a landowner will allow, including woodland, fields and gardens.
You could also consider using natural materials such as wood or stone for your ceremony arch, or incorporate potted plants to line the aisle, which could be utilised again as centrepieces at dinner, before being given to guests to take home as beautiful mementos.
Finally, when considering confetti, there are many eco-friendly options to throw, such as dried flower petals, hole-punched leaves, lavender, and beautifully-scented herbs. Alternatively, get your guests to source vintage bells from local charity shops to ring as you exit as newlyweds, and blow bubbles over you instead of releasing balloons or lanterns.
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Take inspiration from summer’s most anticipated movie release with fun, flirty styles plus something pink for bridesmaids
The perfect item of jewellery or accessory piece can elevate a bridal look into the stratosphere, so don’t let budget hold you back, we have some ideas for every purse
Gold
www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk
www.dressdreams.co.uk
Diamante wedding garter, £15.99 www.fhinds.co.uk
Petal Earrings, £95
star pins, £55
Bara combs, set of two, £88 www.dressdreams.co.uk
Alina stud, £60 www.dressdreams.co.uk
Daydream earrings, £95 www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk
Diamante tennis bracelet, £14.95 www.fhinds.co.uk
Alexa shoes, £95 www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk
Maria earrings, £90 www.dressdreams.co.uk
Bespoke graduated Akoya pearl necklace, £1,390 www.jewellery-maker.co.uk
18ct white gold diamond solitaire stud earrings, £699 www.fhinds.co.uk
18ct white gold diamond solitaire necklace, £799 www.fhinds.co.uk
Nelina bridal necklace, from £450 Available to order in all colours of 9ct or 18ct gold, with white or pink pearls. https://navettejewellery.co.uk
18ct white gold diamond-cut flexible wire set with Akoya pearls, £1,450 www.jewellery-maker.co.uk
Bespoke hand-crafted matching Mokume Gane wedding bands, £POA www.jewellery-maker.co.uk
Bespoke hand-crafted boulder opal set, £POA www.jewellery-maker.co.uk
Valentina, £400 Available in cathedral length www.luciaveil.com
Demi Headband, £475 www.edenbstudio.com
Discover
timeless elegance with contemporary style, the new Pearl Collection from 77 Diamonds explores the mesmerising play of colour and contrast in pearl jewellery. Discreet diamond accents grace the soft satin of pearls, bringing to light these incredible treasures from the sea.
A long-held tradition, our fascination for pearls dates back millennia. Brides would often be gifted pearl jewellery ahead of their wedding day as a symbol of strength and purity. The clean, bright finish of a pearl is the perfect addition to any bridal gown and will be cherished as a glowing symbol of love for generations.
Make pearls the jewellery of choice for your special day and enter our competition for your chance to win the stunning Tesora Necklace from 77 Diamonds. A lesson in understated elegance, the classic appeal of the Tesora will grace any outfit with a glowing, mirror-like sheen. Featuring a single pearl drop, this piece shows delicate diamond accents that are sure to catch the eye. The Tesora is set with a single round-shaped freshwater pearl, specially picked by 77’s jewellery experts for its superior quality.
Anna Byers, 77 Diamonds’ head designer says, “By honouring centuries of traditions and craft, we look to magnify the natural beauty of pearls and incorporate them into our daily lives. Each pearl has been carefully selected for its lustre and sheen and makes for a truly precious gift.”
For your chance to win the stunning Tesora Necklace from 77 Diamonds worth £1,100, simply answer this question and enter online at www.yourkent.wedding ‒ good luck!
Q Where are 77 Diamonds’ stores located?
Located in West London and Manchester, 77 Diamonds is an esteemed jeweller that specialises in matching wedding rings and sparkling bridal jewellery. Handcrafted by experts in the heart of Mayfair, their pieces are designed to be cherished as family heirlooms for generations. Above all, their exceptional team of diamond and jewellery specialists will help create jewellery that symbolises your eternal love with your partner. Whatever your desired style and budgetary requirements, 77 Diamonds will help you design personalised jewellery that reflects your unique story.
Specialising in diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery, 77 Diamonds will work with you to come up with handcrafted, custom-made and engravable designs for your special day. You can choose from a variety of precious metals, including white gold and platinum, as well as a wide selection of premium diamonds and gemstones. Additionally, 77 Diamonds also offers bridal necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Visit www.77diamonds.com to learn more.
I’m really nervous about having my make-up done for my wedding day as I’m normally quite fussy about my look. What can I expect from a trial?
Ruth says: I can totally understand how some brides might be nervous about their make-up, but please don’t be. Personally, I think a trial this the fun part of organising the wedding as this is where you can try different styles until you achieve your desired look. It also gives you a chance to get to know your MUA. I always send out the following information, so my brides know exactly what to expect and also what I need, allowing me to do the best I can for them...
• It’s a good idea to wear an old, pale coloured top as this will reflect the light, or wear an off-the-shoulder top.
• At the trial I need to set up in front of a window with the daylight shining onto your face. I like to stand while doing make-up and will need space for a director’s chair. A table would also be helpful for me to put some of my kit on.
• Please ensure you’re not wearing any make-up and have a cleansed face. Don’t add moisturiser, as I’ll choose this for you depending on the foundation I use and your skin type.
• It’s good to have a couple of pictures of you wearing natural, day make-up and an evening look as this gives me an indication of the intensity of make-up you’re comfortable with.
• Please start collecting pictures of looks you like. These pictures need to be realistic and represent a model with similar colouring to yourself. The more you can tell me about your wedding the better the make-up will suit your vision for the day.
• I like to give plenty of time to my brides at the trial so please allow two-and-a-half hours maximum, but it may not take this long.
• I feel it’s also best to not bring anyone with you to a trial or if you have children or pets then please ensure they’re out of the area so you can sit back, relax and I’ll do the rest.
Laetitia Rix, Makeup Angel, www.makeupangel.co.uk
Ruth Ashcroft, www.instagram.com/ra.mua
We can’t stop obsessing over real bride Jojo’s make-up look from issue 106. It’s giving us Princess of Wales vibes! How did you achieve this look and would it suit anyone?
Laetitia says: Jojo wanted a natural make-up with good definition to accentuate her large green eyes, flawless skin and a nude lip. I started with her eyes and used a pale, shimmering gold swept across her eyelids and a little in the inner corner to brighten. I’ll often look at the flecks of colour within the iris and take into account what jewellery is being worn. Jojo was accessorising with gold.
Next, I added a soft, pink brown in the socket line so that when her eyes were open a warm wash of colour was visible. I then added a deep brown in the outer corners and a little below for definition. Jojo had opted for semipermanent eyelash extensions, which she’d had applied a few days before, so I added a black gel eyeliner with a subtle wing, which brought the definition and emphasised her beautiful eyes. Waterproof mascara was applied to her bottom lashes, along with a little eyebrow pencil and clear gel to keep her eyebrows in place. Eyelash extensions always lend a little glamour to your bridal look and can be a more practical option than false lashes, especially if you get emotional!
Onto the complexion, and after moisturising, I primed her skin with Deliah Cosmetics Underwear, then applied Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter beneath her foundation to give her that lit from within glow. This is how you achieve that flawless finish. A little concealer under the eyes was all that was needed with a brightening powder and a fine dusting of translucent powder all over to set the base. I then swirled a luminous pressed powder from her temples onto the tops of her cheekbones to highlight and dial up the glow.
Bronzer was used to contour and warm up the skin and a pop of coral blush gave Jojo a healthy glow. One of my favourite lipsticks, Charlotte Tilbury in Dancefloor Princess, and lip liner completed the look with a final spritz of Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.
Nikkie Tutorials swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and what’s good enough for Nikkie is good enough for me! This multi-benefit brow serum that noticeably improves hair texture, manageability and encourages the appearance of fullerlooking brows, blends six rejuvenating ingredients that work now and later to create a look you’ll love. Think a smoother, softer, tamer, fullerlooking brow ready to frame your gorgeous eyes as your new spouse gazes into them and says ‘I do’. Find it on the company’s website www.anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk for £61.
I recently attended a masterclass with Super Facialist’s resident skincare expert, Charlotte Connoley, which posed the question: do we really know our skin type? If like me your answer is somewhat hesitant, it may interest you to know that there’s an easy way to find out. Charlotte suggests simply splashing your face with water and leaving it for 20-25 minutes. If it feels prickly afterwards, you have sensitive skin; if the water’s gone, then it’s dry; if the skin is tight, it’s dehydrated; and if it feels perfectly comfortable you’re blessed with a normal skin type. Whatever you discover, Super Facialist has a range of products specifically tailored to each type, recognising this can change throughout the year. This allows you to affordably create your own individual skincare routine to support your skin throughout the seasons.
Having learned that my skin is dehydrated, I tried the divine Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (£9, www.lookfantastic.com) and my annoying dry patches have been banished!
A multi-use bronzer, blusher and highlighter, ICONIC London’s new Kissed By The Sun is an all-in-one cheek glow product allowing us all to harness the mystical power of the sun! Available in five different shades its pearlescent pigments disperse a wash of radiant shine, while its hybrid powder-meets-cream texture sits beautifully on the skin. Find it for £26 online at www.iconiclondoninc.com
Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be
Fans of Dr.PAWPAW, take note! Staying true to the brand’s environmental values its new skincare range, YOUR gorgeous SKIN, presents a vegan, streamlined collection of nine accessible, multi-tasking solutions suitable for all skin types complete with an innovative, trademarked formulation – papayaluronic. This new concept in skincare provides the nourishing and soothing effects of papaya extract, teamed with eight hyaluronic acids, which absorb into all five layers of the skin for instant, long-lasting hydration. Available at www.lookfantastic.com from £4.99.
Finally, a potent serum containing plant-based retinol alternatives. After years of research and testing, Tatcha has developed its most powerful wrinkle-smoothing formula producing retinol-like results, adding moisture back into the skin and even soothing irritation. Unlike vitamin A derivatives, which need to be started slowly in order to build up a tolerance, The Silk Serum is made to use whenever you want, up to twice daily right from day one. No build up time or complicated skin-cycling necessary. Find it at www.tatcha.co.uk and Space NK for £98.
NEOM products are all designed to be small, but impactful tools for your wellbeing toolkit. Helping you de-stress during those tense moments encountered while wedding planning is the new Calming Pen (£20). The ideal on-the-go solution, offering micro-moments of calm and composure. Hero essential oils include lavender, chamomile and sweet orange. Simply roll onto pulse point whenever you’re in need of a moment of calm. And breathe...
Visit www.neomorganics.com
Supergoop! has finally made it to Europe. The brand has built an enviable reputation as the expert in SPF over the course of its 15 years of innovative product development and feel-good formulas that make wearing that oh-so important sun protection every day, a pleasure. Since its launch in 2005, the brand’s mission has been to challenge myths about SPF, including the perception that it’s a seasonal product, making wearing sunscreen an accessible ritual for all. I love Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 with its invisible, natural finish (£32, 50ml). Explore the range at www.sephora.co.uk
KAYALI’s new fragrance, Yum Pistachio Gelato, 33 Eau de Parfum Intense, is a gourmet’s dream. When I heard about it, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to wear it or eat it! The sweet scent offers a delicious explosion of irresistible notes including creamy pistachio gelato, voluptuous whipped cream, roasted hazelnut, sweet rum, fluffy marshmallow, and fizzy cotton candy. Fabulously wearable, this truly yummy fragrance charms with a scent trail that’ll have you smelling good enough to eat! Available at www.cultbeauty.co.uk, for £79 (50ml) or £107 (100ml).
It’s the make-up look that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into summer or onto a beach; it’s the vibe of having a freshly bronzed complexion, kissed by the sun ‒ sounds perfect for a summer wedding day doesn’t it? Renowned for pioneering the look in 2018, Nudestix has now launched The Sunkissed Nude Story featuring healthy bronze, fresh blush and kissable lip shades in the brand’s award-winning creamy formulas. Shop the range at Selfridges, Boots, Harrods, Cult Beauty, The Hut Group, and Sephora.
Palette London has all of 2023’s big-hitting trends sewn up with its stunning array of nail colours. From pastel lilacs and yellows to vivid magenta tones, there’s a polish to complete your look and complement your wedding palette! Every glossy nail paint, base coat and variety of top coats are vegan, cruelty-free, halal and made using a minimum of 70 per cent plant-based ingredients. What’s more, the formulations go beyond offering professional quality, they also strengthen while they colour, improving the natural health of nails. Priced at £8 each, you can shop ‘til you drop at https://palettelondon.com
Known for innovative skincare technology, premium Spanish spa brand Germaine de Capuccini has launched its new Timexpert Hydraluronic, which redefines and smooths the skin from within, restoring its plumpness. The exclusive formula combines the power of hyaluronic acid with the brand’s patented HLG nanopolyer, to create an innovative product set to benefit a wide range of skin concerns, not least preventing signs of premature ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dehydration. Discover the range (from £54.30) at https://germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk
WhenI met with celebrity hairstylist and OGX ambassador, Michael Douglas to mark the launch of OGX’s new Colour Retention range, I can say with confidence that I was definitely having colour retention problems. I’d recently taken the plunge with my dream pastel violet hair colour, but my beloved shade was quickly running away from me. Michael very kindly offered to top my colour up, and while he mixed together a stunning new violet for me, I asked him about OGX’s new range. “All of the brand’s products are PH-balanced with sulphate-free surfactants, which don’t bind to anything you don’t want them to meaning they’re all very gentle on colour,” he told me.
I’m sure we can all agree that there’s not much better than that fresh-from-the-salon feeling, which is why OGX created the new collection, to extend salon or at home colour for up to four weeks. The new products also contain a colour bond plex technology, which helps to protect and strengthen strands for healthylooking, vibrant hair.
With the gorgeous colour applied, Michael began to style my short crop and I was curious whether he had any advice for brides-to-be
the brush moving. Most of the answers to hair problems are actually in styling products. OGX do a heat protection spay that I use all the time as a blow-dry spray, along with the fantastic Air Dry Cream, it’s brilliant.”
thinking about colouring their locks prewedding. He said, “It’s so high risk isn’t it? Do not do anything experimental, that’s the main thing! A lot of people seem to want to look like someone else on their wedding day, but I always think it’s better to look like the best, sexiest version of you – make you look great that day!
“Unless you wear your hair up a lot though, I never think it’s such a good idea. Remember, photos are forever. My favourite look was when Jennifer Aniston married Brad Pitt. She had great hair, everyone knew her for her that. So, actually she just had it down with some little diamonds sewn into it on a thin thread, which pinned it really nicely. I’ve tried the technique myself with a thin fishing wire woven through the hair before a blow dry and it just supports the style beautifully.”
Michael continued, “I also like the idea of doing something for the day and changing it up for the evening.” I was totally on board with this, having noticed an increasing trend in brides pulling off an outfit switch-up between the ‘I dos’ and celebrations. Michael suggested: “There‘s something nice about having the hair scraped back for the morning and then something a wavy in the evening or vice versa.”
By now, I was delighted with my own hair and wanted to know more about achieving the same look at home. After all, we can’t all have a celebrity hair stylist on call! He said, “A lot of people want frizz-free shiny hair and ask me on Instagram what shampoo and conditioner they need to buy, but it’s actually down to styling technique. Use a decent bristle brush with a metal barrel, hold the dryer at a particular angle for a long time, about four seconds longer than you think you need to, and keep
So, how did you come to work with OGX as it’s brand ambassador? I asked. “During lockdown when all the hairdressers shut down, I decided to go on social media and talk about the best consumer products to use at home. I was getting around 4,000 people a day watching the lives, so a lot of brands got in touch asking me to talk about their products and OGX offered to send me some of its range. When I realised that most of my audience aren’t going to be spending £20 on a bottle of shampoo, yet were the very people asking for help, I agreed to try them. When I saw the huge range of products all PH balanced and with sulphate-free surfactants, at £6.99-£7.99 a bottle, it peaked my interest. I was able to send hundreds of OGX goodies out to my followers, and you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who came back to me saying how much they loved them. We shot 45 one-minute videos for OGX looking at common hair problems with the products to solve them. It’s a great match!”
I left the studio with a spring in my step confirming that indeed, it is difficult to beat the feeling of a fresh new do!
Check out this list of products used on my hair by the fantastic Michael Douglas, as well as those that have helped me prolong the life of my preferred shade...
•OGX Colour Retention Shampoo and Conditioner
•OGX Colour Retention Hair Mask
•OGX Keratin Smoothing Oil Collection
•OGX Argan Oil Morocco Penetrating Oil
•OGX Miracle Gloss Smoothing Spray
Available at many high street retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Look Fantastic, Feel Unique, Waitrose and more, as well at www.ogxbeauty.com
For haircare tips and tricks aplenty, follow www.instagram.com/mdlondon
Aftera speedy trip on the Eurostar and a leisurely stroll, we arrived at the Shangri-La Paris. With all that Paris has to offer, the actual accommodation you find yourself using can often feel like an afterthought. However, with the history and majesty of the Shangri-La Paris, the hotel is as much a tourist destination as the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe or even the Eiffel Tower. A former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, overlooking the River Seine, the hotel is centrally located in the 16th arrondissement and seamlessly blends European grandeur with traditional Asian hospitality.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a welcoming member of the hotel concierge who checked in our bags while we were given a guided tour. The building is a stunning feat of architecture and the location alone is enough to take your breath away. The hotel has plenty of stand-out features (too many to mention), but the impressive marble-lined swimming pool converted from the former stables, the relaxing spa, state-of-the-art health club and stunning entrance hall are all must-sees.
If you want to relax with a drink in your hand, then you’ll feel right at home in the stunningly decorated Le Bar Botaniste or Les Lounges, both of which offer a friendly and impressive service.
Catching our breath for a moment, we were shown to our suite. In all honesty, the view of the Eiffel Tower a few hundred feet away, in plain sight of our room, made it very hard to focus on the suite itself for a good few minutes! But after wiping the stardust from our eyes, we discovered that we had been treated to a magnificent space. The biggest bed I’d ever seen, a walk-in wardrobe and a lavish bathroom greeted us; with every aspect of the room designed around that view. The attention to detail was beyond anything I could have imagined with every amenity you could possibly need at your fingertips.
One of my favourite aspects was the balcony, which showed the tower in all its splendour and views of the city at every turn. Sitting there with a cup of tea and homemade macarons was one of the highlights of the trip, and I opted to be out on the balcony every spare moment I had.
There are two restaurants at Shangri-La Paris, both of which are beautifully decorated with stand-out food. Shang Palace, where I had the pleasure of dining, is France’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant and what a treat it was! Inspired by Southeast China’s culinary traditions, the restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine by chef Samuel Lee.
With so much choice, we were a little lost for words, but thankfully the charming hostess was very helpful and suggested options that she felt we would enjoy.
Every dish was incredible and the food complemented the surroundings perfectly. We started with the chef’s special sashimi; immaculately prepared, it set the standard for what was to follow. The lobster dumplings were a particular favourite of mine and is something I’d eat every day if possible. After several dishes, it was safe to say I was stuffed, but when the dessert arrived, I couldn’t help myself; the rice balls with mixed fruits and whipped cream was delicious and one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime meal, then this is it. It’s been months since we visited, but we still talk about how delicious everything was.
With such awe-inspiring surroundings, we couldn’t resist a short stroll over to the Trocadéro and across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. As beautiful a sight at night as during the day, we couldn’t believe our fortune.
When we eventually headed back to the hotel, we wearily made our way up to our bedroom. The suite had an impressive TV, but it almost felt like a redundancy next to the view from the windows. I’m typically a blackout sleeper, but on this occasion, I had to sleep with the curtains wide open.
After a wonderful night’s sleep, we ordered breakfast to our room and enjoyed it out on our balcony terrace. Barely noticing the brisk February weather, we dined in what felt like the historic heart of Paris. Breakfast was up to the high standards we’d come to expect from the Shangri-La Paris, and when it came to checking out, we felt devastated to be leaving. I can say with absolute certainty that we left with our chi restored and look forward to returning in the near future!
BOOK IT: www.shangri-la.com/en/paris/shangrila
Melissa Cullen reveals why Paris is the perfect honeymoon destination
For our second evening in Paris, we had the fortune of being hosted by the Hôtel Dame des Arts. Just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame, it’s located in the Latin Quarte, which is considered the artistic heart of Paris. The hotel boasts terrace rooms looking out to the Eiffel Tower, a spacious and luxurious rooftop bar, and a charming secret garden courtyard – a gem in the centre of a bustling, metropolitan area.
Entering through a sleek, sliding door, we felt like we’d been invited into an ultra-secretive club. The hotel’s lobby, with its dark motif, stylish sofas and low lighting simultaneously blended Art Deco architecture with the feel of a futuristic nightclub. After checking in, we were shown up to our room, which continued the theme exhibited in the lobby. The architectural vision of the hotel is singular, drawing you completely into the world the owners have created.
Our room was the natural extension of the hotel; with all the amenities any couple could desire. Every aspect had been well thought out and cleverly made use of the space available. A sliding, frosted-glass door separated the bedroom from the bathroom area, and the use of lighting and sleek, curved panelling made us feel like we were on the set of a high-budget movie. Our room even had a terrace looking out to the Eiffel Tower, bringing us back into the heart of Paris.
After dropping off our bags, we were given a guided tour of the hotel. The beautifully arranged restaurant and bar giving way through an impressive door to a stunning garden space. A mix of comfortable furniture and grounding flora, the tranquillity of the area makes you forget being mere feet away from the busy streets surrounding the hotel – a true feat. Our next stop was the hotel’s gym. The curved, wooden panelling enveloping the walls of the room is really a sight to behold. The final stop of our tour was the building’s rooftop terrace, and I assure you, our guide had saved the best for last. The terrace looks out in every direction across Paris, choosing a seating location is an almost impossible task!
Major sightseer locations such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Panthéon are all visible from the terrace; with stunning pieces of Parisian history everywhere you look. I can imagine sitting at the bar on a summer’s evening watching the sun go down over one of the most beautiful cities in the world being a truly transformative experience.
Once our tour had ended, we made our way down to the restaurant for dinner. Starting with a cocktail in hand, the space had a buzzing atmosphere and was full of people laughing and enjoying the splendour. My hubby and I ordered the corn ribs with magic mayo and cotija cheese as a starter and were impressed by the delicious taste and presentation. After examining the menu and struggling to choose just one dish for our main, we asked our friendly waiter for his recommendations. We chose to share the pork ribs in a Roja and Verde sauce, and when it arrived at our table, we were both incredibly excited for what was to come. Every part was wonderful, and although we were sure we wouldn’t be able to fit any dessert, when we saw the menu, we just had to try the chocolate ganache cake with coffee cream. I’m a big sweet person, so the dessert ticked all of my boxes, and I would happily eat it over and over again if I could!
After a busy few days exploring the city, it’s safe to say we were in need of some sleep. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I drifted off and awoke never wanting to leave.
When we eventually motivated ourselves to go downstairs for breakfast, everything looked delicious and we couldn’t decide between the continental or cooked option or which of the vast array of drinks to go for. The food was delicious and when it came to checking out, we felt incredibly sad to be leaving and wished we could re-live the experience all over again. We’ll be heading back to Paris soon, and when we do, we’ll definitely be staying at both of these fabulous hotels again.
BOOK IT: www.damedesarts.com
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