VOWS Beachside

Julia and Mark said “I do” on 22nd October, 2022 at Artists Beach House (The Beacon House) on Tankerton Beach in Whitstable

Images courtesy of Emma Migden Photography met Mark through work in 2018, while they were both retraining for different roles. Mark was a single parent whose two daughters lived with him full time, while Julia was living alone and looking for her Mr Right. “For me, when Mark was in the room, everything felt right with the world,” Julia says. “He was a little less romantic about it though, not realising how he felt until it was the last time we’d see each other and that awful feeling soon made him realise he had to say something to me.” Their first date was a family day out with Mark’s girls, and Julia says, “We all slotted together straight away, like a puzzle that was meant to be.”

Mark proposed at Leybourne Lakes, much to Julia’s surprise. He asked her to take a photo of him together with the girls, so she walked away to get a good vantage point, and when she turned they’d all taken their jackets off to reveal t-shirts saying, “Will you marry me?” and “Will you marry my Daddy?” Julia remembers: “The girls were so excited!”

The couple loved the idea of an outdoor wedding and originally looked up woodland wedding venues, before coming across Artists Beach House in Whitstable. They fell head over heels for it, and their recent move put it just 10 minutes away from their new home. Here, bride Julia shares her treasured memories of the big day and it’s preparations...

I wore an Essense of Australia gown. I went shopping with the girls and we picked out 14 dresses for me to try on, but I chose this style because it was princessy and fitted in well with the beach location. Most of all, it was comfortable!

When I started walking down the aisle through the meadow, I felt so emotional. It was just like I’d imagined it. The sun was shining, our song was playing, Issy was in front of me starting to throw her petals and Lily was behind holding my train.

We had a fish and chips van cater our wedding breakfast, and enjoyed exotic fruit cocktails for dessert. In the evening we had grazing platters with our cheese wedding cake.

Design your wedding around you, don’t follow the crowd. We kept some traditional elements that we liked and mixed formal with informal aspects. Our informal food choices meant guests were moving around and mixing without being sat at one table for most of the day. It really added to the relaxed feel of the celebration.

We had a very relaxed and informal wedding where our guests could mingle and meet each other. It was fantastic how everybody came together, dancing and laughing the night away.

Artists Beach House is already beautifully decorated with beach-themed memorabilia, interesting books, and cosy cushions. To complement this, Lily made chalk board signs, which were a really special touch.

We had a lively, four-piece, acoustic band called The Romantics for the evening. They played an excellent set while roaming the venue engaging with different groups, before bringing the house down as guests danced and sang under the stars.

The Street is a spit of land opposite Artists Beach House (The Beacon House) that’s revealed when the tide is out. We really wanted some of our photos out there, which was incredible. It was just amazing to be surrounded by the sea!

We hired The Beacon House for a week to have our family-moon there. It was so relaxing to wake up to the sound of the waves each morning. The venue just kept getting better as we explored the meadow, relaxed on the seating area, and enjoyed early-morning and late-night sea swims.

I’d recommend hiring a videographer. It’s an extra expense but so worth it. The day goes so quickly, so it was lovely to be able to look back at the video and remember it.

JULIA AND MARK’S SUPPLIERS

Venue, Artists Beach House (The Beacon House), www.instagram.com/seabeaconkent, www.facebook.com/seabeaconkent Photographer, Emma Migden Photography, www.emmamigdenphotography.com | Bride’s dress, Victoria Grace Bridal, www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk | Wedding rings, Iconic, www.iconicstore.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Pretty Please by Katie, www.prettypleasebykatie.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJ’s House | Groom’s suit, Suit Direct (Marc Darcy) | Catering and cake, Pippa White Catering, www.pippawhitecatering.com | Cheese cake, Cheesemakers of Canterbury (sourced by Pippa White Catering), www.cheesemakersofcanterbury.co.uk | Flowers, Jane at Graham Greener, www.grahamgreener.com | Transport, Longley’s Private Hire, www.longleysprivatehire.co.uk | Stationery, VistaPrint | Entertainment, The Romantics via Alive Network, www.alivenetwork.com Equipment hire, Canterbury Catering Hire, www.canterburycateringhire.co.uk

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)

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