Your Kent Wedding - Issue 110 September/October 2023

WIN!

A Yorkshire break worth £1,000 on health and wellbeing

TIME travellers

Kent's

historical venues

Edw d S photography

Perfectly capturing your day in any light

As a documentary photographer who not only understands how to utilise the art of posing, and light-shaping tools to add a hint of drama to your images, I also provide you both the guidance and support throughout your wedding day.

Click here to see the whole gallery

“I have never felt more beautiful in my life and Ed captured that perfectly. I cannot just highly recommend Ed as a photographer but sincerely think that anyone who doesn’t hire him to take their pictures is losing out. I would hire Ed 100 times over again.”

-Rebecca & Julian

Visit my website for more information. +44 7590 017 483

www.EdwardSollyPhotography.co.uk

• Six Hours

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On the cover

REGULARS

7

VENUES

19 SPOTLIGHT ON... Maidstone and Medway

25 TIME TRAVELLERS

We round up some of the county’s most iconic historical wedding venues

This issue’s cover is sponsored by Bradbourne House (https://bradbournehousekent.co.uk), a luxury, exclusive-use venue located in the heart of the Kent countryside. It features real couple Lizzie and Jordan on their wedding day, taking a stroll around the grounds of this beautiful venue. The image was captured by Tom Cullen Photography (www.tomphotos.co.uk).

FEATURES

53 GOING TO THE CHAPEL

Captured at one of Kent’s newest venues, Chapel House Estate, this shoot features rich tones and pampas pops

57 ONCE AND FLORAL

Everything you wanted to know about wedding flowers but were afraid to ask

62 SEASIDE AND CITRUS

We love the fresh lemon colour palette of this shoot. Paired with the location’s bracing sea air it enlivens the senses

77 WINTER WOODLAND FANTASY

Embrace the spirit of nature and discover floral headpieces that make a statement

https://florenceberry.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

71 BOUTIQUE BLISS

We chatted to the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big-day’s vibe

81 FASHION FOCUS

The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

82 ALL DRESSED UP

The new season bridal edit of dreamy dresses features delicate details, fairytale-inspired florals and flowing fabrics

93 BEAUTY Q&A

Our local professionals solve your problems

94 BEAUTY BUZZ

Get the look with the latest must-haves

96 BEST FACE FORWARD

We investigate the much-discussed bridal musthave treatment, HydraFacial

98 LADY OF THE DANCE

Strictly’s Luba Mushtuk talks health, wellbeing and the all-important first dance

REAL WEDDINGS

32 GOING THE DISTANCE

Keen runners Kim and Paul celebrated their sustainable wedding day at Frasers, Egerton

39 A WORLD OF WONDER

Marie and Aaron styled their wedding with a nod to all their favourite fictional realms

45 AN OCTOBER LOVE STORY

Autumnal vibes were at the heart of Amelia and David’s wedding day at The Gardens, Yalding

GROOMS

89 GROOMS’ NEWS

The latest best buys and product launches

90 SKIN DEEP

WarPaint For Men shares its make-up and skincare tips for grooms-to-be

HONEYMOONS

101 MAGICAL MAURITIUS

Explore this year-round honeymoon hotspot for a taste of the local cuisine, lush scenery and sustainable hotel choices

© Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

UNFORGETTABLE HEN PARTY EXPERIENCES AWAIT AT OUR EXQUISITE HOLIDAY LET

We are thrilled to announce the availability of our stunning holiday let tailored specifically for extraordinary hen parties. Our luxurious holiday let has been meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of hen parties, offering a blend of comfort, sophistication, and ample space for memorable festivities. Nestled in a picturesque location, our property provides a perfect backdrop for an phenomenal hen party experience.

Spacious Accommodation: Sleeping up to 16 people, living areas, and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

Entertainment Galore: The property is equipped with a range of entertainment options, including a large dining area with integral bar, a living area with comforting open fire.

Stylish Outdoor Spaces: Stunning garden, complete with a charming patio area, fire pit seating area, outside bar and a rejuvenating hot tub.

Central Location: Situated in the beautiful Kent countryside, conveniently located near popular destinations such as Canterbury, Whitstable and Ashford which all boast nightlife venues, restaurants, and attractions.

At Yew Tree Farm, we understand that each hen party is unique. Therefore, we are happy to arrange additional services that allow our guests to tailor their experience according to their preferences. We can organise a range of activities to make your celebration truly extraordinary, like caterers, cocktail making and crafts.

We had the most amazing weekend at Yew Tree Farm for my best friend’s hen-do. The house is unbelievable, so big and has everything you could need! The garden was the highlight for us, made even better by the best weather we could have asked for. Michelle is such a lovely host, really accomodating and even popped in to say hello to the bride. I would recommend to anyone and would love to come back one day!

To book our holiday let for an exceptional hen party experience, please drop us an email on yewtreefarmkent@gmail.com or contact owner Michelle on 07887 712185

ADVERTISING

Account Manager

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

Autumnal creations

Yes,I successfully survived the summer – hurrah! To be fair, I don’t know if we can even describe the last few months as summer, but never mind, it suited me down to the ground! Now, here we are in autumn already. This season is growing enormously in popularity for weddings and is one of my favourites as I love to see couples getting super-creative with their themes and colour palettes. Think rich jewel tones, which are stunning on their own or used with pastels as an accent colour. Rust is huge at the moment. Oh-so modern, it comes into its own during the autumn months. More so than any other season, autumn immediately conjures up associated colours typified by nature at this time of year, such as the reds and oranges of turning leaves.

EDITORIAL

Deputy Managing Editor

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

It’s also ideal timing if you fancy something a bit quirky. With Halloween on the horizon, add plenty of pumpkins to your styling. What about carving your own romantic scenes into them to represent your unique love story and using as illuminated centrepieces? Gothic and enchanted forest vibes also work particularly well at this time of year. What’s more, the much-loved rustic feel really comes into it’s own when given a harvest-time twist. September and October are also awash with wedding fairs, so as well as being a lush time to get married, it’s the best time to flesh out your vision with supplier soul mates! Our sister brand, County Wedding Events, is hosting an array of wedding shows across the South East this autumn, including at Bradbourne House and Penshurst Place. Head over to www.countyweddingevents.com to register.

This issue we’ve got three stunning styled shoots for you offering a whole heap of wedspiration. Meanwhile, the county’s wedding florists and bridal boutiques, give us the benefit of their wisdom to aid you in your quest to put together your dream day. So, as ever, enjoy and keeeep planning!

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding

ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding

MANAGING DIRECTOR

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

or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Kent Wedding is published six times a year.

105 WIN!

A romantic break in Yorkshire worth £1,000

39 FLOWERGIRL FUN

Marie and Aaron’s little daughter made the cutest flowergirl at their wedding. Here she is, off duty with daddy, enjoying some fun at Marleybrook House’s fairground.

Kelly Andrews, editor

WINNING WAYS

Kent-based Baldwins Travel has been voted Travel Agent of The Year – London and South East England (Small Agency) 2023 at this year’s Agent Achievement Awards. The event was held at the prestigious Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London, where the travel industry comes together to celebrate the very best travel agents in the country. On winning this award Nick Marks, managing director, says, “We’re absolutely delighted to win this coveted prize, which is due to the hard work and dedication of all the team at Baldwins Travel. We pride ourselves on giving the very best service to all our clients and we cannot thank everyone who voted for us enough. This award means the world to the team.”

So, if you’re keen to place your honeymoon plans in the safest of hands, find out more at https://baldwinstravel.co.uk

NEWS Nearlywed

Catch up on the latest from around the county

EDITOR LOVES

Kakawa Artisan Chocolate is the home of handcrafted, small-batch chocolates in the heart of the Kent countryside. Its dedicated chocolatiers create hundreds of tasty creations including bestsellers The Original (£3.95), an irresistible symphony of creamy milk and velvety white chocolate; Traditional Chocolate Bars (from £3.95), embodying the heart and soul of Kakawa and a timeless homage to classic chocolate indulgence; and Topped Chocolate Bars (from £5.95), each one a work of art, expertly adorned in carefully chosen toppings such as biscuits, fudge and meringue.

What’s more, this local brand’s commitment to the planet is just as deep as its love for chocolate. By sourcing sustainable cocoa and using eco-friendly packaging, its making indulgence a guilt-free experience!

Kakawa isn’t just about making chocolate, it’s about creating edible works of art, which is why the bars make for wonderful wedding favours. Choose your favourites and the team will provide personalised labelling for your big day. In the past they’ve even used wax stamps supplied by their happy couples to stamp personalised chocolate plaques. If you’d rather take a hands-on approach though, you’re welcome to go along and make your own favours for an extra special personal touch. With more than 200 flavours to choose from, you can be as creative as you like in terms of finding the perfect fit for your vibe and theme. Their creativity knows no bounds, and neither does your chocolate adventure.

It doesn’t end there as the team at Kakawa are happy to welcome you and your hens to their HQ and fully-licensed premises. This means that between chocolate-making experiences you can all have a drink and chill while your treats set.

Find out more at https://kakawaartisan.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Get your fill of planning and wedspiration at a variety of wedding fairs happening across the county this season.

Sunday 17th September, 2023

10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Wedding Fair, Rochester Corn Exchange www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

Sunday 17th September, 2023

11am-3pm

Lympne Castle Wedding Show www.idoweddingevents.co.uk

Saturday 30th September – Sunday 1st October, 2023 | 10am-4pm Bluewater Wedding Fayre www.pdeweddingfayres.co.uk

Sunday 1st October, 2023

10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

Sunday 8th October, 2023 | 11am-4pm Signature Wedding Show at Wembley Stadium www.countyweddingevents.com

Saturday 14th October – Sunday 15th October, 2023

The National Wedding Show www.nationaweddingshow.co.uk

Sunday 15th October, 2023 | 11am-3pm Bradbourne House Wedding Showcase www.countyweddingevents.com

Sunday 15th October, 2023 | 11am-3pm

Hythe Imperial Hotel Wedding Fair www.hytheimperial.co.uk

Sunday 15th October, 2023 | 10.30am-2.30pm

The Kent Wedding Fair, Holiday Inn London Bexley www.kentweddingfair.co.uk

OH-SO CHIC

Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Faversham has announced the completion of its marquee wedding venue’s refurbishment. With an eye for style and a commitment to creating unique experiences, the standard marquee has been transformed into a breathtaking space that blends style with a touch of whimsy. The centrepiece of the refurbishment is the addition of the wooden hit and miss interior, complemented by a luxurious marble backdrop.

To enhance the ambience further, blue uplighters have been installed to accentuate the marquee’s interior walls, casting an inviting glow upon the surroundings. Meanwhile, the living walls bring a touch of greenery, creating a charming and immersive environment.

Further highlights include the stylish restroom facilities within the marquee, ensuring comfort and convenience for you and your guests; and the new selfie area adorned with elegant gold mirrors and blue uplighters. Additionally, there’s a private outside area which features rattan corner seating, ideal for a spot of mingling and relaxation. For the littlest guests you could even set up tipis, garden games or a bouncy castle ensuring they’re equally as entertained as the grown ups.

To bring an extra touch of excitement and flavour to events here, the Roaming Cowgirl food truck offers the venue’s famed Korean cowgirl wings, irresistible boneless bits, and comforting mac and cheese, all served from this charming vehicle complete with your very own private chef.

Discover more at www.cavehotels.com

A NEW CHAPTER

Self-made serial entrepreneur Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland, whose net worth is more than £500 million is one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Toronto and is a household name in her native Canada. She and hubby Dr Stephen Mulholland, a world-renowned plastic surgeon, threw caution to the wind and decided to buy a bolthole in Britain after their youngest of eight children flew the nest.

The couple purchased the historical, romantic and regal Grade I listed Lympne Castle in Kent overlooking Romney Marsh and the English Channel. “I was drawn to the beauty of its architecture; the magic of visiting, let alone owning, an actual castle; and the beautiful English countryside. Visiting Lympne Castle was like fulfilling a dream,” Ann says.

As well as providing a glorious home for the Kaplan Mulholland family, the Castle will also continue in its long-established use as a wedding venue. In fact, Ann raced to the rescue of dozens of couples who’d been told by the previous owners that their forthcoming nuptials at the castle had been cancelled due to the sale. But not only did Ann agree to honour those dates, she has given the nearlyweds a 20 per cent discount on their big day! Ann says, “What couple wouldn’t want to be married in a castle? Just over an hour from London by car, Lympne Castle offers a true fantasy experience.” Plans are already afoot to film a docu-reality series about Lympne Castle and the couple’s forthcoming adventures.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

Less than a year after opening its doors, Kent wedding and events venue Chapel House Estate has been named Hospitality and Events Start Up of the Year at the South East finals of the StartUp Awards 2023.

Located in Minster, this 732-year-old chapel, surrounded by 35 acres, opened as a luxury wedding and events venue in July 2022. Nestled amongst romantic gardens and orchards, it’s fast become a popular destination for couples to wed, and this award gives it the recognition it deserves for its successful first year in business.

Built from the ground up by owner Darren Ellis, Chapel House Estate has everything you need for your perfect wedding day, from the lovingly converted old malt granary where you can hold your ceremony, to the sympathetically restored 13th-century chapel, which now boasts luxurious accommodation with five bedrooms. The on-site No 9 Restaurant with a changing locally-sourced menu provides catering for weddings and events, and there’s even nine hideaway lodges, enabling up to 34 people to stay at the estate.

“I’m so proud of everything my team and I have achieved in such a short space of time,” says Darren Ellis, owner of Chapel House Estate. “The award goes to everyone involved in the project from contractors to front and back of house staff.

“I feel very proud to open such a beautiful venue and to become a custodian of such a charming, precious and ancient Grade II listed flint and stone-built building. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new award-winning venue in Thanet, Kent!”

Learn more at https://chapelhouseestate.co.uk

www.scottcollier.co.uk

The duo plan to invest £20million undertaking a grand renovation of the Castle, which dates back to the 1080s when Saint Thomas Becket was a resident. Ann’s ultimate vision is to transform the Castle into a one-of-a-kind Medieval tourist destination, conference and events venue. She explains, “Imagine as a guest being transported back in time to experience visiting the Castle centuries ago, with fun, music and atmosphere, knights of the realm greeting you, plus jesters, stewards and ladies dressed in clothing of the period.” Ann will hire local people and suppliers, and is looking forward to supporting the local community, giving the Castle a new lease of life, while preserving it for generations to come.

You can stay up to date at www.lympne-castle.com

Scan to view video

FOLKESTONE’S CHARMING WEDDING VENUE

Civil Ceremonies

Wedding Breakfasts

Great location for photos opposite The Leas and next to Clifton Gardens

packages start from jus 90 per perso £79 per person

Freebies & OFFERS

Gorgeous discounts and giveaways up for grabs

CLAIM YOUR FREE SACRED LIP BALM WORTH £10

FIT FOR A QUEEN

Inspired by organic shapes and capturing fluid elements in motion, Lucy Quartermaine creates stunning jewellery from remarkable designs that will transform your bridal style.

Originally produced to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Pearl collection complements 925 silver with freshwater pearls for a timeless design perfect for a wedding day.

Visit https://lucyqdesigns.co.uk County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Lucy Quartermaine to give readers the chance to win a threepiece set of Royal Pearl pieces worth £237. For your chance to win enter via our website, www.yourkent.wedding

WIN PERSONALISED BRACELETS

Are you dreaming of making your special day even more memorable for your beloved bridesmaids? Look no further! We have an exciting opportunity for you to win personalised bracelets for each of your bridesmaids, courtesy of Merci Maman.

Merci Maman understand the importance of thoughtful and meaningful gifts, especially when it comes to your bridesmaids. Its handcrafted Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet is a bestseller, a timeless and beloved piece testament to the elegance and charm that the brand’s jewellery carries. Crafted with love and attention to detail, these bracelets will serve as treasured keepsakes for your bridesmaids, a symbol of your lasting friendship and gratitude.

Visit www.mercimamanboutique.com/en County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Merci Maman to give readers the chance to win two personalised pastille chain bracelets worth £237.

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

Sacred is a new award-winning, Sandgate-based, 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, and the latest contributor to the circular beauty movement. It was founded in 2020 by Natalie Hughes from Kent thanks to a desire to make the naturally effective products she was struggling to find on the high street, in a way that’s kind to skin as well as good for the planet. The brand’s ethos is about offering people an opportunity to experience slow, mindful beauty, and in just two years, its progressive wellness products have made it into the hands of celebrity and bridal make-up artists. Two hero products have even won the Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2022 – the elemental Glow Face Oil, and Spring Revival Hydrating Body Balm. Natalie is now on a mission to push circular beauty into the mainstream and change the narrative around anti-ageing products.

We’ve proudly partnered with this caring local beauty brand to offer readers of Your Kent Wedding the gift of a free Sacred Lip Balm worth £10 when you spend more than £40 on www.sacredskincare.org. An ultra-conditioning matt lip balm, it’s made with luxurious and deeply nourishing raspberry and pomegranate seed oils to soothe, soften and protect your lips leaving them prepped and kissable for your big day. To claim, simply add ‘Your Kent Wedding’ to the notes section at the checkout. Offer valid until 31st October, 2023.

WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

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

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

EAST MIDLANDS

SURREY

SUSSEX

SUN 8 OCT | LAYER MARNEY TOWER Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US

SUN 29 OCT | HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

SUN 1 OCT | MULBERRY HOUSE Chelmsford Road, High Ongar, CM5 9NL

SUN 15 OCT | BRAXTED PARK Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SUN 15 OCT | THAT AMAZING PLACE Hubbards Hall Farm, Harlow, CM17 0NH

SUN 22 OCT | SELDEN BARNS Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL

SUN 15 OCT | RUSHTON HALL Desborough Road, Rushton, Kettering, NN14 1RR

SUN 1 OCT | NUTFIELD PRIORY Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redbridge, RH1 4EL

Signature

WEDDING SHOWS

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

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

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Competitions

• Entertainment

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

WEMBLEY STADIUM

London, HA9 0WS

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM

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

• Demonstration areas

• Refreshments

• And more...

Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website.

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

X Sarah

A date for your diary...

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.

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

Photography: Tom Cullen

MAIDSTONE & MEDWAY Spotlight on...

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

BRADBOURNE

HOUSE

01732 897 436 | www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk

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

The House boasts 20 acres of picturesque parklands, including ancient trees, tranquil lake and the secret garden fruit orchard. From the moment you drive through the iron gates, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine stripey lawns, and a plethora of wildlife.

The venue offers two licensed indoor ceremony areas: The Drawing Room for intimate ceremonies with up to 50 guests and The Great Hall for “I dos” witnessed by up to 100. These two beautiful spaces can also play host to your reception. The Great Hall allows for large numbers to come together and celebrate, from a decadent wedding breakfast for 100, to that all-important evening do accompanied by 200 loved ones. The bay windows of the Drawing Room are practically made for a wedding cake

to sit in and the ceiling is particularly ornate covered in gold detailing. Here you can comfortably host up to 100 standing or 40 for a wedding breakfast. Additionally, The Breakfast Room offers a different feel within the house. The dark oak interiors adorned in portraits mean this is often referred to as a gentleman’s room. Complete with a grand piano, it’s the perfect setting for intimate meals seating 40 or relaxing with tea and cake.

What’s more, there are two outdoor spaces in which you can exchange your vows, each licensed to hold up to 100 loved ones. These are The Great Hall Steps at the front of the house, and the Hatton Fruit Garden. The steps offer the grandest of entrances for the venue’s brides. As you ascend the marble steps to complete your journey down the aisle, the house itself provides an impressive backdrop. The Hatton Fruit Garden is the venue’s antique apple and pear orchard. Originally planted as part of the Dig for Victory campaign, the walled gardens now provide that idyllic secret garden spot where you can say, “I do.”

Bradbourne House offers a complementary menu tasting for the two of you with its executive chef, and a toastmaster is included in the hire to aid the seamless flow of your day.

THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM

01634 823 846 | https://thedockyard.co.uk/hire/weddings

It’s all hands on deck to ensure you have the perfect wedding day at The Historic Dockyard Chatham! Where else can you say your wedding vows under sails that have cruised the world’s oceans and witnessed timeless stories of love and loyalty; or celebrate in rooms where illustrious heroes have rejoiced in their greatest victories? Set among 400 years of maritime history, this venue provides an iconic backdrop to your day.

Commissioner’s House, Britain’s oldest naval building, is an elegant Georgian-style historical home with a choice of two recently-decorated rooms to suit all themes and guest numbers: the Sunne Room and the Ballroom, both of which can host 70 seated. Complete with your own balcony overlooking the secret walled garden, there’s even a getting-

ready room here, sure to aid you in creating special memories with your bride tribe on the morning of.

Meanwhile, Commissioner’s Garden provides the perfect setting for drinks receptions and photographs. It’s yours for the day and offers guests the chance to play garden games on the lawn. You can also tie the knot on the Patio as 80 loved ones look on. Receptions at the Commissioner’s House and Gardens can accommodate 120 for a sit-down meal and 200 for the evening reception.

If you’re looking for a venue with a difference, why not say your vows aboard the magnificent sloop, HMS Gannet? Choose from the Commander’s Cabin (up to 40 guests), the Quarterdeck or the main deck (up to 70). From saying “I do” to enjoying canapés and drinks on the deck, it’s a special space for all to enjoy, before heading off to Commissioner’s House to celebrate for the rest of your day.

NETTLESTEAD PLACE

01622 328 328 | www.nettlestead-place.co.uk

As you arrive at Nettlestead Place via the 14th-century gatehouse, the Grade I listed manor comes into view. Still a private family home, it has over the centuries staged many a lavish event and celebration. With more than 10 acres of award-winning gardens, the grounds feature a pictureperfect sunken pond and breathtaking, far-reaching views across the Medway. Stone walls, archways, secret gardens, a children’s maze and winding pathways offer an array of incredible photo opportunities for your couple shot backdrops.

Ceremonies are held in the manor’s stunning 13th-century undercroft, characterised by three Medieval pillars and vaulted ceiling. It’s an

impressive and unique location befitting such an important occasion. Guests are also free to wander and explore.

Outdoor ceremonies take place in the beautiful Rose Garden, with its 300-year-old lime tree. Beneath one of its boughs is a wooden gazebo, where you’ll say “I do.” The sweet fragrances of the surrounding flora combined with the secluded setting make this a truly romantic setting.

Receptions are hosted in the striking large wedding marquee, which is positioned to make the most of the far-reaching views. It can accommodate up to 150 day guests, and 200 evening guests. It boasts wooden floors, dividing walls, and a private bridal changing room, along with the ideal blank canvas to decorate as you wish.

You’ll be offered a free tasting menu experience and wine tasting experience when you book your wedding day here.

   





 

BILSINGTON PRIORY

A stunning venue with a real WOW factor, any couple would feel really special in this impressive setting steeped in history.

Bilsington Priory is a beautiful space to marry in, with a dedicated team to look after 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.

www.bilsingtonpriory.co.uk

Bilsington Priory, Priory Road, Bilsington, Nr Ashford Kent TN25 7AU

OAD ST WEDDINGS

01795 720 193 | www.oadstweddings.com

Oad St is a family-owned and run wedding venue. Working to meet customer needs for the past 30 years, it prides itself on the quality and warmth of its service, creating unforgettable memories for its couples to cherish. Located in the beautiful countryside of Borden, with convenient links to the M2, M20 and Thanet, it’s easy to reach while still feeling pleasantly secluded.

Offering a modern twist on a countryside venue, the modern elegance of Oad St is evident in its high-end interiors. The team is understandably very proud of the stunning dining hall and elegant luxury bar, as well as the excellent food and service.

The venue doesn’t hold a ceremony licence as yet, but does welcome celebrant-led nuptials. The indoor ceremony hall can seat a maximum of 88 nearest and dearest with the option of overflow seating slightly further back in the bar area to increase the number to 108. The space provides simple tranquillity with modern details, including greenery and flowers draped from the vaulted ceiling, large floor-to-ceiling windows and

furniture options to complement these stunning features.

The outside ceremony space will be able to accommodate 108 loved ones. As a new venue the team is working hard to ensure every area is of the highest quality. There are plans afoot to redesign and renovate this space with landscaping and unique features, to ensure the most beautiful, private setting for your “I dos.”

A memorable, fun and relaxed drinks reception awaits the arrival of your loved ones either in the bar or in the gardens with the quirky cocktail bar. Then, receptions for 108 diners are hosted in the Dining Hall, the perfect blend of luxury elegance and contemporary beauty, allowing you the flexibility to add personal touches if you wish. If you prefer to take it easy though, it is equally beautiful without!

As the evening unfolds, lights dim to create a romantic starlit ambience, and the open-plan layout means that no matter where you and your 250 guests are, everyone can enjoy the night together.

Once you’ve secured your date, you’ll be allocated a dedicated wedding coordinator, and offered a wine-tasting night. The venue’s catering partner also offers food tastings at their kitchen space, all at no extra cost.

THE GARDENS

01622 814 650 | www.thegardens.co.uk

The Gardens is a quintessentially English countryside venue with 12 acres of gardens. Located in the quaint village of Yalding, the venue is a horticultural masterpiece divided into 16 landscaped gardens. Each one celebrates a different period or style in gardening providing virtually endless whimsical and romantic photo opportunities.

You have a choice here of three ceremony spaces. The Gazebo set among the gardens can seat 130, and surrounded by nature it offers beathtaking views at every turn. The Ceremony Tipi can seat 100. New for 2023 it’s attached to the barn and is the perfect all-weather, yearround option for intimate and informal “I dos.” The Barn is ideal for the winter when 130 loved ones can gather to witness your vows. It offers a gorgeous location with bifold doors spanning the width of the room

providing views of the gardens beyond.

Once you’re wed, you can celebrate in style in The Tipis with 130 loved ones for a sit-down meal and later 300 for a buffet. Romantic fairylights cascade from the wooden beams, while the firepits exude subtle light and warmth, creating a serene ambience. In the summer months, the sides of the tipis can be opened allowing you to enjoy views of the grounds.

The Barn is ideal for the evening bash, accommodating 240 standing guests. Here, you can enjoy a large dancefloor, DJ booth and a wellstocked bar.

The Gardens hosts a number of VIP events throughout the year to inspire couples who’ve booked their wedding here. These provide an opportunity for you to meet the team and recommended suppliers, taste the culinary delights provided by the venue’s in-house chefs and gather ideas for your big day.

Flowers by Floral Explosion

Flowers by Floral Explosion

Time travellers

We round up some of the county’s iconic historical wedding venues

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. Its idyllic setting provides sensational views for a picture-perfect wedding album, and a variety of beautiful locations within the estate to utilise on the big day.

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 when it was first designed by Phillip Sassoon and it has also been decorated with items all the way 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 mural-

painted 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 are located right at Port Lympne; it seats 50 for the ceremony, and 30 for the wedding breakfast.

The Long room can be used for wedding ceremonies of up to 100 guests (wedding breakfasts, 50) and has wonderful views over the 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 seated dinner/wedding breakfast, its inclusive of a dancefloor, cloakroom and luxury washrooms, fully incorporated kitchen and has the option to add an additional marque or food station on the adjoining lawn.

When you’re tying the knot here, you are having something inspiring and totally different. Being located within a wild animal reserve even means that private guided safaris can be arranged for couples and their 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.

THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE

01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com

A beautiful Norman church looking almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, its floors are covered with straw, while candles and torches cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built in around 1100, and the atmosphere and restful silence within is palpable.

Standing on an ancient, prehistoric mound ovelooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a village pond and stunning stone circle. Its walls are comprised of local flint with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy, truly evoking

the atmosphere of times long since passed. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak, in the 16th-century style.

Civil ceremonies take place in the ancient church building itself, accommodating up to 40 guests along with the the two of you. Blessings are also permitted either inside the building or among the grounds, particularly in the stone circle.

Receptions also take place inside the church, and are laid out in a Medieval banqueting-style format with various options for catering, including a hog roast banquet, grazing-style buffet or high tea. Seating 42 guests, it also boasts options for music and dancing in the evening until 10pm. The minstrels gallery in particular offers dramatic theatre with space for musicians and photographers alike. The venue is available April to October, and December.

PENSHURST PLACE

01892 870 307 | https://weddings.penshurstplace.com

Set in an estate of 2,500 acres, the 14th-century house and formal gardens are steeped in natural splendour and historical architecture. With towers and crenelated ancient walls interspersed with arched leaded windows, this grand stately home welcomes visitors through the wicket gate in the large wooden doorway that previously saw centuries of royalty passing through it.

You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding spaces here and most are so flexible they can be used for the “I dos” and reception. The Baron’s Hall (200 ceremony, 136 dining and 200 reception guests), built in 1341 is the venue’s oldest room, brimming with character and original Medieval architecture.

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

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

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

If you prefer to celebrate al fresco, the Inner Courtyard (120 ceremony and 200 standing reception guests) alongside the Baron’s Hall where you can say your vows beneath the King’s Tower, is surrounded by sandstone walls and scented roses. The Nut Garden (136 ceremony guests) located amongst 11 acres of formal gardens is an ethereal space featuring an oak pergola, which is the summertime is covered in rambling roses, climbing wisteria and ivy. Finally, if you don’t require a legal ceremony and decide to opt for a blessing, you’ll definitely want to look at Lancup Well (200 ceremony guests) as the perfect spot. Here, you can enjoy a blessing amongst fine topiary as the sun dapples the surface of the lake.

HEVER CASTLE 01732 861 800 | www.hevercastle.co.uk

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

The award-winning Italian Gardens are a real highlight and showcase original statues from Rome, found alongside the stunning Loggia and Trevi-inspired fountain, overlooking the 38-acre boating lake. The impressive arched columns within the gardens, set off against the perfectly planted borders bring a true taste of Italy into the heart of the Kentish countryside.

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

The Tudor Suite Sitting Room within the Astor Wing can also host 60. This exclusive space opens out onto the nearby lawns overlooking the Castle. The Astor wing itself is an Edwardian extension built onto the Castle in 1903. Designed in the Tudor style, it boasts hand-carved oak panelled walls and large open fireplaces, along with an eclectic collection of private artwork, all while retaining the feel of a private country home. There are also 27 bedrooms here offering onsite accommodation for you and your guests.

Finally, the Loggia located in the award-winning Italian Gardens, is the venue’s outdoor ceremony area overlooking the lake. It can host 70 to 180 nearest and dearest for the “I dos.”

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

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

UPNOR CASTLE 01634 718 742 | www.medway.gov.uk/info/200271/upnor_castle

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

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

Wander back in time as you make your way down the enchanting cobbled high street to the grand entrance gates, where you’ll pass

through the dramatic, studded oak doors of the gatehouse, finding the grassed inner courtyard beyond. The venue boasts a river view and glorious gardens too.

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

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

GOING THE

distance

Keen runners Kim and Paul celebrated their sustainable wedding day at Frasers, Egerton

Images courtesy of Florence Berry Photography

Video courtesy of Story by Shan

Kim

and Paul are both keen runners and met at their local running club. In fact, it was Paul who encouraged Kim to take part in her very first marathon.

Time flew, and Paul proposed to Kim at home on Christmas Day with Reggie and Ronnie, the couple’s dachshunds by their side. “We sadly lost my dad in the October,” Kim shares. “But Paul had managed to ask him for his permission to marry me before he became too unwell, so it was a significant year for us.”

The pair dreamed of a countryside wedding surrounded by nature, so Frasers, Egerton, was a true realisation of this. “The beautiful setting matched perfectly with our vision and we were able to plan exactly the day we wanted. The team were completely flexible and we loved the fact that it’s an eco-venue,” Kim explains. She continues, “We really wanted to have a sustainable event that would be kind to the environment and Frasers ticked all our boxes with regards local sourcing, homegrown produce and generally being so eco-friendly.” What’s more, because protecting the environment was so important to the couple, they were passionate about supporting local businesses. Being so close to home was a real plus and they were able to feel comfortable knowing that guests could enjoy the day without having to travel too far. Another tick in the venue’s favour was the on-site accommodation, including Stag’s Barn, where guests who had travelled from further afield could stay overnight. Here, bride Kim tells us more about their sustainable wedding day at Frasers...

SETTING THE SCENE

With a rustic theme in mind, befitting the countryside location and farm setting, the couple had a plan to bring the outdoors indoors with their venue styling. “Frasers totally smashed this out of the park for us!” Kim says. Proprietor, Lisa Fraser, created all of the floral displays using plenty of seasonal blooms and foliage, filling milk churns and troughs from the farm. “It took my breath away when I saw the flowers on the day,” Kim remembers. “I just hadn’t imagined anything quite so beautiful.”

The rustic theme continued throughout with a palette of green, pale pink and cream, and utilising eucalyptus, roses, hydrangeas, stocks, lisianthus, and green bell. The al fresco ceremony space was decorated with flower garlands and milk churns filled with blooms, while the marquee’s interior was adorned in fresh flowers, natural foliage and grasses from the farm. The Garden Terrace featured planted feeding troughs bursting with herbs and flowers, and each table had a vase of freshly cut blooms from the garden at its centre.

Further personal touches included small tea light holder favours with wooden hearts bearing the couple’s names and wedding date; and place names engraved on granite.

In keeping with the day’s laid-back vibe, the couple opted for a barbecue wedding breakfast, which went down a storm with all assembled. Plus, the bespoke cocktails served as arrival drinks were a real treat.

“It was amazing to see how our vague ideas developed after discussing everything with Lisa, then watching it all come together in a unique and special celebration, just for us.” – Kim

He has a great reputation within the wedding circuit, with his hilarious sense of humour together with his amazing sleight of hand makes him one of the best magicians within the South East of England. Magician Richard Harrington is a member of the world famous Magic Circle where they hold the highest standards in magic.

If you would like to add a little sparkle on your special day, and give something for your guests to talk about in years to come then book Magician Richard Harrington. 0758167022

LOOKING THE PART

Kim knew exactly what she was looking for in the allimportant dress and found Carmela Ivory pretty quickly. Paul purchased the earrings and bracelet she accessorised it with, which he gave to her as a wedding gift on the big day.

Paul and his stepdad wore the same style of blue suit, just with different ties and pocket squares.

The couple were keen for their bridesmaids to have a choice of style, so they opted for navy blue and left it with the ladies to select the silhouette they preferred. The two younger girls chose different floaty styles, while the two ladies wore the same style with floaty sleeves.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

During the day magician Richard Harrington moved from table to table entertaining guests. “Everyone thought he was amazing,” Kim remembers. “It was a great way to keep loved ones entertained and helped to bring them together.”

Later on, the newlyweds performed their first dance to Everlong by Foo Fighters, before live band Happy Hour welcomed guests to the dancefloor in the Oak Barn. “They were fabulous, we all loved having live music,” Kim says.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“Waking up on my wedding already at Frasers was really special for me. I was somewhere that felt like home,” Kim shares. “I had plenty of time to enjoy the build-up and get ready without having to worry about transport and traffic. Having my bridesmaids with me in the morning was also really special. I felt excited and totally relaxed. Even getting dressed and having our hair and make-up done together was stress-free.”

The bride continues, “I was super-excited. I just couldn’t stop smiling knowing it was only a short walk across the lawn to see Paul and say our vows in front of everyone before starting our married life together.”

The bride and groom can’t speak highly enough of their venue and its team. Kim tells us, “Getting the right dynamic with the people you’ll be working with is so important. In my case, I felt like I was working with friends who wanted the absolute best for me. Obviously, I’m slightly biased but Lisa and Jo do look after you like you’re one of their own!”

THE GETAWAY

The newlyweds spent their wedding night at Frasers in the oast’s decadent bridal suite, just a few steps away from where they’d been celebrating all day. “Spending the night there felt a little like the party was still going on,” Kim says.

They awoke the next morning to birdsong and stunning views of the countryside, before enjoying a full English breakfast with their other overnight guests. “The Kentish black pudding was to die for,” we’re told. Bellies full, it was time to head to the airport to fly to the Maldives for their honeymoon. Paul had arranged everything – 10 days at Coco Palm.

“Keep it local for the sake of sustainability and the convenience of your guests.” – Kim

ROLL CREDITS

Venue, catering and flowers, Frasers, Egerton, https://frasersegerton.co.uk | Photographer, Florence Berry Photography, https://florenceberry.com | Videographer, Story by Shan, www.storybyshan.com | Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses, Wed2B Ashford Groom’s and groomsman’s suit, Santoro Milan, Bluewater | Accessories and wedding rings, A.Simmonds, www.asimmondsjewellers.co.uk Hair stylist, Glenda the Hairdresser, www.instagram.com/glendathehairdresser | Make-up artist, Laura Millington, www.instagram.com/lauramua18883 | Cake, Belle’s Bespoke Cake Design, www.facebook.com/bellesbespokecakedesign | Entertainment, Richard Harrington, www.facebook.com/magicianrichardharrington | Happy Hour via Alive Network, www.alivenetwork.com and www.happyhourmusic.co.uk

Luxury eco-estate located in the heart of the idyllic Kent countryside

FOOD – Home grown, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients lovingly prepared and served exactly how you like it.

DRINKS – The finest selection of Kentish beers, wines, ciders and spirits for your special day. Why not include a cocktail hour to wow your guests.

STYLING – Frasers offers a bespoke floral and event styling service using home grown and locally sourced blooms and greenery.

ACCOMMODATION – 10 luxury on-site bedrooms for you and your guests to enjoy – Why not stay the night before?

Frasers, Kentish to the core – The perfect sustainable, stress-free venue choice www.frasersgerton.co.uk 01233 756122 weddings@frasersegerton.co.uk

Frasers own photography

Savona photography

Matt Cook photography

Matt Cook photography

Havenfield Hall

AWORLD

of wonder

Marie and Aaron styled their wedding with a nod to all their favourite fictional realms

Images courtesy of Howling Bassett Photography

For their first date Marie and Aaron met up in the foyer of Cineworld in Ashford, where Marie worked at the time, before heading to Nandos together. Aaron was too nervous to talk, whereas Marie was too nervous to stop!

“The following week Aaron asked me to be his girlfriend and a rather drunk man came over to marry us, while sharing wedding advice that’s too rude to repeat!” Marie remembers.

Aaron proposed on Marie’s birthday during the 2020 lockdown, while enjoying a picnic in the garden. “When I opened Aaron’s card and it said ‘fiance’ I worried for a moment that Moonpig had sent the wrong card,” Marie

laughs. Then Aaron got down on one knee.

The couple like to describe Marleybrook House as having “lots of pockets” but admit that Aaron’s step-mother puts it better when she refers to it as “a little village.” Marie explains: “There are so many different areas you can go to without getting lost from the main action. There are fun and quirky features everywhere you go.” It was also ideal for the kids activity Marie made as they were tasked with spotting different features.

The date was set for 1st June, 2023. Here the bride tells us more...

I wore Ashton by Phoenix Gowns. I had the spaghetti straps removed and a corset back added. The dress was A-line, but I opted to wear a bigger petticoat to give it a fuller effect. I was constantly amazed by the level of detail in it, my favourite being the tiny daisy in the centre of the bodice.

As a surprise I had a picture of the two of us added to the underside of Aaron’s tie, a picture of him and his dad was under his dad’s tie and a picture of me and my dad under my dad’s tie.

The bridesmaids wore pale blue and the detailing on their gowns paid slight homage to mine.

For our daughter, Daisy, I wanted something with a ballerina look to it, thinking about the ballet dancers in The Phantom of the Opera. For the walk down the aisle we managed to convince her to wear the flowercrown we’d bought her, but it was quickly whipped off afterwards!

For Aaron, excitement turned to nerves while he was waiting for me to arrive at the altar. “But,” he says, “When I saw our daughter Daisy come down the aisle as our flowergirl my nerves eased, then I saw my bride and I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Aaron wore Brocton by Peter Posh, a sky blue three-piece tweed suit. His best man was dressed to match.

Our florals featured avalanche roses, pale blue delphinium, marguerite daisies (in honour of our daughter, Daisy), pale pink roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and wedding fern. I asked the florist if she could tie my blue rosary around my bouquet as my something blue.

Our centrepieces were inspired by various fictional worlds. We used bits and pieces we found from around the house and bought others – it was a lot of trial and error! Our sweetheart table, Atlantica, was decorated with netting, shells, pearls and a dinglehopper (aka the fork Ariel finds aboard a sunken ship in The Little Mermaid). This was my favourite film growing up so it was nice to have that nod.

Other tables include Neverland, Wonderland, Hogsmede, Oz, Gotham, Westeros and Tortuga.

Tucked away waiting to go down the aisle, I could hear my family playing their instruments while they sang Marie’s Wedding, a traditional Scottish song. The Scottish influence continued when my mum read the Robert Burns poem, A Red Red Rose, and we walked back up the aisle to 500 Miles by the Proclaimers with everyone singing along.

As the tables were named after different fictional worlds, we used Marleybrook’s suitcases to display the table plan.

Our place names differed according to table. For Hogsmede the place name was a key, while for Wonderland they were playing cards and so on. Tortuga was particularly fun to do. We gave everyone the pieces of eight as a reference to the film quote: “Those aren’t pieces of eight. They’re just pieces of junk!” So while one person got a necklace, another got a wooden eyeball!

Marleybrook House has a wonderful collection of whimsical decorations on hand such as a gypsy caravan, tractor, even a red telephone box with a toilet inside!

We were really undecided on what we wanted for a cake and were just thinking about having light blue fondant icing until I saw some cakes with pressed flowers on them and fell in love. The top tier of our bigday bake was vegan, coconut with tropical coulis. The middle tier was lemon and elderflower and the bottom was chocolate.

Aaron says, “My sister and I both went on a ferris wheel, which had spinning seats. I’m not great with spinning rides and it ruined me! After recovering somewhat, the wife then dragged me on the last ride of the night – the waltzers.”

Marleybrook uses Scott Anderson Catering and they were so accommodating. My favourite foods are risotto and cheesecake, which they happily organised for us even though it wasn’t originally one of the options.

Marleybrook House has a fairground, so there were loads of rides to choose from as well as stalls where you could win prizes. Guests could also treat themselves to some candyfloss.

When we got engaged, my sister, Katie, said that she was already writing her speech. However, nearer to the time she said she didn’t want to do it anymore. Imagine my surprise when she appeared with a mic following our first dance and began to sing It’s Your Wedding Day from the Wedding Singer, the first musical I performed in at drama school.

THE W-DAY TEAM

Venue, Marleybrook House, www.marleybrookhouse.co.uk | Photographer, Howling Bassett Photography, www.howlingbasset.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, Alta Costura, www.altacostura.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Ever Pretty | Flowergirl dress, MillyWeddingshop, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MillyWeddingshop | Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits, Birchington Brides, www.birchingtonbrides.co.uk | Hair stylist,

Francesca Stally | Make-up artist, Leigh Sinden, www.facebook.com/leighbeautyandMUA | Cake, Westwell Cakes, www.westwellcakes.com Flowers, Wild Daisy Florist, www.wilddaisyflorist.com | Entertainment, DJW Discos, www.djwdiscos.co.uk | Catering, Scott Anderson, www.andersonscaterers.co.uk | Videographer, Caught by Lens, www.caughtbylens.co.uk

The Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel is a country hotel venue set in Kent, England. Located in a picturesque rural setting, this clubhouse offers elegant function rooms, vast fairways, and stunning photographic opportunities for your big day. It is situated just a short journey away from the towns of Maidstone and Ashford, providing easy access for guests coming far and wide. If you’re looking for a spectacular countryside venue with all-inclusive services and amenities, look no further than The Weald of Kent.

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

LOVE STORY An October

Autumnal vibes were at the heart of Amelia and David’s wedding day at The Gardens, Yalding Images courtesy of Steph Newton Photography

Amelia met David in Tunbridge Wells at a jazz event. “Long story short, I spilled an entire pint of beer over David, which he found hilarious. I’ve since been known as Spilly Millie, and the rest is history!” Amelia tells us.

David proposed in 2021 while the couple were out walking their spaniel, Ernie, at Bedgebury Pinetum, which is their favourite place to go. “We’d been decorating our Christmas tree that morning and spirits were high, but not once did the thought cross my mind that he’d propose that day,” Amelia says. The couple walked far into the forest and found a lake. Amelia started taking photos, and didn’t realise that David was behind her on one knee. In fact, she only just managed to catch the words as he suddenly blurted them out: “Millie will you marry me?” The initial tears from Amelia were followed by the response: “Are you sure?” Then, “Absolutely!”

The Gardens, Yalding, was the perfect wedding venue for the couple – low key, rustic, and romantic, with a homely feel. “It just felt right,” Amelia explains. “We only visited that one venue, as we cancelled all of our other viewings straight after.” This was the one! Join us as we learn more about 14th October, 2022... W-day.

I wore Serenity by Suzanne Neville. I just loved how simple and classic it was, and the long fluted sleeves made it feel so romantic. It was as if it had been made especially for me; I’ve never felt so like myself in any item of clothing.

Our flowers were an explosion of autumn. There were reds, oranges, yellows, greens and pinks. We placed a big emphasis on dried flowers, with plenty of autumn texture. They all made the wedding beautifully vibrant and fun.

The bridesmaids chose their own dresses, as I wanted them to feel comfortable and beautiful. They all wore the same orangey/red colour, but their necklines differed, which I loved as it didn’t feel too uniform.

David didn’t expect to cry, but totally lost it and started bawling like a baby when he saw me walk down the aisle! This was the highlight of the day for him.

David wore a dark navy checked suit, while the groomsmen were dressed in plain navy suits, allowing the groom to stand out a little.

We had long trestle tables, which brought a great flow and vibe to the tipi. Everyone felt included.

We didn’t have any centrepieces on the tables, but rather small jars filled with gorgeous autumnal flowers, which we dotted around the venue. We also had large floral and hop hoops suspended from the centre of the tipi, which made an incredible statement.

Continuing our autumn and rustic themes, we had a beautiful semi-naked vegan carrot cake made. It was dressed in figs, berries and rosemary sprigs.

Guests’ names were printed onto their own individual menu card made from plantable paper. They could then use these to grow wildflowers when they got home. We named the tables after our favourite trees to reflect our proposal location and our love of nature.

We hired some lovely sofas to stage the dancefloor room and provide décor as well as a place to sit in comfort. However, later into the evening, they became beds for some of my overly intoxicated bridesmaids!

After the ceremony and during the reception we had a saxophonist playing outside. He was fab and it was lovely to have some light music in the background as loved ones mingled.

Our wedding planner and coordinator Ana, from The Wedding Bee, created the wedding of my dreams and went beyond any expectations I had. We couldn’t have done it without her. The organisation, on-theday coordination, décor, design, creativity, setting up – everything was perfect. I had not one concern or stress the entire day thanks to her.

We chose to do small decorative vials of limoncello as wedding favours. These we special because the yellow tones tied in so nicely with our autumnal colour palette, and it’s my granny’s favourite afterdinner drink!

Stop and take a hard look around every so often. It’s amazingly overwhelming and it goes by so fast. Try to cherish everyone there and everything that’s going on, even in the background.

AMELIA AND DAVID’S SUPPLIERS

Venue and catering, The Gardens, Yalding, www.thegardens.co.uk | Photographer, Steph Newton Photography, https://stephnewtonphotography.com | Wedding planner and stylist, The Wedding Bee, www.theweddingbee.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Pantiles Bride, www.pantilesbride.com | Hair stylist, Chloe Cooper Hair, www.instagram.com/chloecooperhair | Make-up artist, By Eleanor Veness, www.instagram.com/byeleanorveness | Suits, Moss Bros | Cake, Purple Flour, https://purpleflour.co.uk | Flowers, Hellebores & Hedgerows, www.helleboresandhedgerows.co.uk | Signage, Made by Jo, www.madebyjo.co.uk | Furniture hire, Locate to Create, www.locatetocreate.com Entertainment, Mint DJs, https://mintdjs.co.uk | Photo booth, 20-20 Sounds, www.20-20sounds.com

During the evening, a DJ performed alongside the saxophonist and a bongo player. They played in the middle of the dancefloor surrounded by the crowd, which everyone loved. It was great fun, and a twist on the traditional wedding band.

Sunday 29 th October 2023 11am to 3.30pm

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

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

• Entertainment • Refreshments • and more...

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

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

TO THE

Chapel Going

Captured at one of Kent’s newest venues, Chapel House Estate, this shoot features rich tones and pampas pops

Images courtesy of Cassandra Wright Photography

The aim of this shoot was to bring together suppliers most local to lovely new venue, Chapel House Estate, which opened in July of last year. The vision was of a fun look with rich tones including Pantone Colour of the Year Viva Magenta, featuring throughout its banquet setup.

“Working in the wedding industry can be isolating as many of us work independently,” says shoot coordinator Miranda Vernon from Pretty Petal Cake Co. “So, the goal was to showcase how we can all work together to create something truly special.”

THE DREAM TEAM

Venue, Chapel House Estate, www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk | Photographer, Cassandra Wright Photography, www.cassandrawrightphoto.co.uk

Cake, favours and shoot coordinator, Pretty Petal Cake Co., www.prettypetalcake.co.uk | Dress and accessories, Novo Bridal, www.novobridal.co.uk | Hair stylist, Hair by Laura Jane Gosman, www.instagram.com/hairbylaurajanegosman | Make-up artist, Kent Makeup by Jo, www.kentmakeupbyjo.com | Suits, Well Suited for Men, www.suited-well.co.uk | Flowers, Pampas & Palms, www.instagram.com/pampasandpalms | Balloons, Glam Event Prop Hire, www.glameventhireltd.co.uk | Candelabras and table runners, Thanetian Weddings & Events, https://thanetianevents.co.uk | Stationery, Millbank & Kent, www.millbankandkent.co.uk | Entertainment, The Audio Guestbook Company, www.theaudioguestbookcompany.co.uk | Models, Callum Endicott and Abbie Smith

Once and floral

With the help of some local wedding florists we tackle the big-day bloom questions on everyone’s lips

Flowers are absolutely integral to shaping your big-day theme and can’t help but bring an air of romance to proceedings. Whether you’re all for the more is more approach, or prefer a minimalist interpretation, you might have some burning questions when it comes to this element of your to-do list. Your Kent Wedding is here to help, with assistance from some of the county’s talented wedding florists.

FLORAL FASHIONS

What are the hottest new trends in wedding flowers?

Gaynor from Bailey & Blossom (www.baileyandblossom.co.uk) says, “Flowers, flowers, flowers!  While we love creating big bold designs full of foliage, the new direction for wedding florals is to use much more flower with only minimal foliage. Instead of the heavy, rounded, dome designs of a few years back, today’s designs are looser with a nod to the Japanese Ikebana style, giving each flower their own space. This really ties in with sustainability too as they’re often created without the use of floral foam.

“Roses, and more roses! The garden rose, the big blousy cousin of the normal rose that’s typically been used in wedding work for many years, boasts colours ranging from the typical

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Should my dress have a bearing on my choice of bouquet?

Sam from Lympne-based Emily&Me (http://emilyandme.co.uk) says, “When deciding on your bouquet, you should definitely consider your dress. If you have chosen an amazing gown, you might not want something huge that’s going to cover it. Likewise, if you’ve chosen something

blush, peach and ivory, through to creamy yellows, caramel, toffee and even grey. They’re the perfect flower to use if you’re looking for the effect of a peony out of season. And the very best bit – they smell divine!

“Then we have reflexed roses. A trend that started in the U.S. a few years ago, this is now becoming big in the UK. Your florist has to get the rose pretty much to the point of full bloom, then manipulate the petals so that they point downwards. This offers a more contemporary vibe to bouquets with a beautiful silk ribbon to finish for a super-elegant look.”

Jo from Eliza Rose Artisan Floral Design (www.theartisanflorist.com) says, “We’ve recently seen trends like moon gate arches, flowergirl hoops and reflexed rose petals, but going forward there’s a shift towards upgrading the traditional buttonhole and dressing the groom. Indeed, why shouldn’t floral trends

traditional, a shower or waterfall bouquet works well but can sometimes be seen as a little old fashioned. If you’ve gone all out on your attire though, I think a perfectlyproportioned bouquet works well allowing everything else that’s been so carefully considered to shine.

“Something to remember too is that white roses are actually off white. So, if you opt for these, ask the photographer to up the exposure so that they perfectly match the dress.”

include the suited-and-booted members of the wedding party? Especially since there’s been a change to the traditional black tails and waistcoats of the early 2000s and suits now come in so many fabrics and colours.

“Lapel flowers are a show-stopping alternative to the traditional buttonhole that are easy to attach to your suit of choice and really stand out. Created using a selection of fresh and dried flowers they really pop and go hand in hand with the bridal bouquet or fellow grooms’ suit.

“If a lapel full of blooms isn’t quite your thing then a pocket square could be an option. A selection of florals created and placed on an insert that sits in the top pocket, without pins ruining the material, or stems and petals falling off or twisting around. So, there’s no need to always opt for the standard white rose and gyp buttonhole – think outside the box.”

Image courtesy of Bailey & Blossom

Image courtesy of Eliza Rose Artisan Floral Design |

Image courtesy of Emily&Me

FIRM FLORAL FOUNDATIONS

Will the style of my venue influence my flowers?

Tanya from Stem by Stem in Folkestone (www.stembystemflowers.co.uk) says, “Yes, it’s so important to bear in mind the type of venue you’ve chosen. For example, an old timbered building is likely to have low ceilings with low light levels so big, tall arrangements would be out of proportion. Complementary containers would include earthenware pots and metal jugs. We love using wooden boxes for table centrepieces.

“For a modern building with lots of light, high ceilings and glossy surfaces, arrangements can be much bigger and any palette will work, multi colours or a repetitive single colour would equally be effective. Glass, mirrors, sculptural containers and metal stands are all great display choices.

“On the other hand, if you’ve chosen a grand Victorian hotel, a traditional mix of flowers such as roses, lilies, dahlias and peonies would be perfect to blend in well with the interior. Or for a barn setting, a wildflower look would be fantastic with flowering grasses, daisies, cornflowers and nigella.

“Finally, for an outdoor setting, the best thing to do is keep it simple as you already have a lovely garden backdrop. But, just in case it rains, plan arrangements that can be moved inside.”

Gaynor from Bailey & Blossom says, “There are some things to bear in mind. If your venue is quite dark and moody, then perhaps you might consider using lighter coloured flowers and foliage to try and lift the visual environment –eucalyptus and the large head of a bright white hydrangea would work brilliantly, while smaller flowers might get lost. Alternatively, if you have the blank canvas of a marquee be bold and go with striking colours. Summer weddings with hues of fuchsia, yellow, orange and blue are delightful and fun – bright florals help create a party atmosphere. Then there are the orangeries with their floor-to-ceiling windows they’re great places for using large quantities of greenery and seasonal flowers as you look to bring the feeling of the gardens outside and into your room.”

SHOWSTOPPERS

Bouquets, centrepieces, accessories... what haven’t I thought about yet?

Sam from Emily&Me says, “Once you have the main items, you might want to think about something with wow factor. A beautiful fresh flower arch or a moon arch will give your first kiss that picture-perfect frame and your guests will love it for selfies too!

“Flower walls have had their time but a stunning fireplace decoration or classic pedestals and urns are a timeless addition that will never be out of fashion. Our arches and pedestals can be moved from ceremony to reception, so although these items cost more, they are great value for money that make your day extra!”

Image courtesy of Stem by Stem

Image courtesy of Bailey & Blossom

Image courtesy of Emily&Me

Image courtesy of Stem by Stem

Image courtesy of Emily&Me

Your wedding day will be one of the most special & memorable days of your life & choosing your flowers is a very special part of it.

Whether you are planning a low - key intimate gathering of friends and family or a huge formal wedding, we provide a personal yet professional flower service - our experience is your peace of mind.

webiste: www.flowersbg.co.uk

instagram: flowersofboroughgreen mobile: 01732 886222

Your dream day. Our beautiful flowers.

8-10 Church Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1SE 01303 252626

www.stembystemflowers.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

Aside from being breathtakingly beautiful, there’s good reason flowers are popular at weddings. Check out our symbolic suggestions.

Anemone – anticipation and protection | Gypsophila – everlasting love | Carnation –pink symbolises gratitude, white represents pure love | Cornflower – prosperity and friendship

Gardenia – gentleness and joy | Chrysanthemum – happiness, longevity and devotion

Daffodil – new beginnings and hope | Daisy – innocence and loyal love | Freesia – friendship and trust | Hydrangea – gratitude and understanding | Iris – faith, valour and wisdom

Lavender – devotion, serenity and grace | Lily – purity | Lily of the valley – sweetness and purity of heart | Lisianthus – confidence, charisma and charm | Orchid – refinement, thoughtfulness and charm | Peony – romance, prosperity, good luck and a happy life | Protea –courage and diversity | Ranunculus – radiant charm and attractiveness | Rose – red symbolises passionate love, pink symbolises admiration, and white symbolises purity | Sunflower – dedicated love | Sweet pea – blissful pleasure | Tulip – perfect and deep love

GROW GREEN

How can we keep sustainability at the forefront when choosing our flowers?

Do your research and look for a local florist with sustainability as its central ethos. These folks will be doing everything they can behind the scenes to make sure their practices are as green (pun intended) as possible. For example, they’ll be using local growers to ensure the miles your flowers travel are kept to a minimum, thus reducing their carbon footprint.

MOVING ON

How can I get the most out of my floral budget?

Luisa from Wild Daisy Florist (https://wilddaisyflorist.com) says, “To get the most out of your wedding flowers, first ask your florist for advice on what you can reuse and move from your ceremony area to your function room. Elements like aisle flowers, pedestal arrangements, and registrar table displays can all be moved. Even some wedding arches can sometimes be transported to another room to sit behind the top table. You’d also need to talk to your wedding venue, who know their spaces best and can guide you on what previous couples have done.

Moving the registrar table flowers to the top table is the most common choice, and the easiest. This shape and style can also go onto a mantelpiece in some venues. It’s called a long and low arrangement.

“Centrepieces can be given as gifts for loved ones who’ve helped along the way. Just make sure it’s the flowers themselves that you give away, and not florist’s hired vases or stands! This also offers you a sustainable approach ensuring your flowers don’t go to waste and containers are reused.”

Sustainable florists will also be cutting down or eliminating completely their use of single-use plastics. Floral foam or oasis, now rarely used, was a terrible culprit but these days you’ll find most designers using ecofriendly alternatives such as moss. You’ll also be able to spot a sustainability-conscious florist when they wrap their bunches in paper rather than cellophane.

Alternatively, you may want to consider using dried flowers. These are totally on trend and always in season! They’re also easily converted into stylish home décor after the event, which you can treasure forever as a reminder of your big day. One word of caution though, do check that they’ve been naturally air-dried without the use of chemicals and toxic dyes, otherwise you could lay waste to all your good intentions.

Image courtesy of Wild Daisy Florist

CITRUSSeaside and

We love the fresh lemon colour palette of this shoot. Paired with the location’s bracing sea air it enlivens the senses

Images courtesy of Mrs C Walters Photography

WestBay House in Westgate-on-Sea evokes the literary romances many of us grew up dreaming of, such as the beloved epics from the minds of Austen and the Brontës. Designed in the Queen Anne Revival style, its romantic features offer undeniable potential for show-stopping backdrops ideal for intimate weddings. Accompanied by a group of Kent-based suppliers who shared this vision for the venue, shoot coordinator Fiona Markham at Styled to Remember set out to turn dreams into reality.

“We made it a priority to show the functionality of the house both internally and externally through the venue styling,” says Fiona.

“Being located by the seaside, we wanted to incorporate movement during the outdoor ceremony with draping. We also adopted the vibrancy of yellow via lemons and flowers throughout the indoor ‘I dos’ and wedding breakfast, beautifully complementing the modernity of the interiors.”

Fiona continues, “The Covid-19 pandemic has made many couples redefine what weddings mean to them, resulting in an increased appeal for intimate celebrations. West Bay House allows you to gather with your loved ones, while embracing the grandeur of a traditional wedding.”

THE DREAM TEAM

Venue, West Bay House, https://westbayhouse.co.uk | Shoot coordinator and venue styling, Styled to Remember, https://styledtoremember.co.uk | Photography, Mrs C Walters Photography, www.instagram.com/mrs_c_waltersphotography | Dresses and accessories, Bridal Boutique of Jules, www.boutiqueofjules.co.uk | Hair stylist, Claudia Harrison Hair, www.instagram.com/claudiaharrisonhair

Make-up artist, Kirsten Hair & Makeup, https://kirstenhairandmakeup.com | Cake, A Spoonfull of Sugar, www.instagram.com/a_spoonfull_of_sugar49 | Flowers, Eliza Rose Artisan Florist, www.theartisanflorist.com | Stationery, Wish Upon A Calligraphy, www.wishuponacalligraphy.com | Catering, Esca Catering, www.instagram.com/escafudgeandbuffets1 | Emma’s Decadent Desserts, www.emmasdecadentdesserts.co.uk | Videographer, Maverick Weddings, www.maverick-weddings.co.uk | Celebrant, Simply Ceremonies UK, https://celebrant-uk.co.uk | Jewellery, Navette Jewellery, https://navettejewellery.co.uk | Garden games, Vintage Charm Kent, https://vintage-charm.co.uk | Confetti, Shropshire Petals, www.shropshirepetals.com | Audio guestbook, Temptation Towers, www.temptationtowers.co.uk | Cocktail piano, Book a Bar, www.bookabar.events | Entertainment, Amber H Music, www.instagram.com/amberh_music | Favours, DMS Luxury Treats, www.instagram.com/dms_luxurytreats | Models, Ben Gonsalves, @ben_allthetime | Tenecia Thorman, @teneciamodel | Keya Lily Reads, @kyalilyreads

JewelleryStudio

Creating Individual Jewellery

Classic & Bespoke Wedding Rings

Precious Jewellery - Design and Bespoke

Remodelling of sentimental or old jewellery

One-day workshop

www.navettejewellery.co.uk

4 Merchant, EvegateArtisan & Business Park Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX

info@navettejewellery.co.uk

01233 228755 navettejewellerystudio

Looking for something to entertain your guests? Vintage garden games have all the fun & nostalgia of days gone by!

Our beautiful collection of classic wooden games is perfect for any celebration.

Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays - these timeless favourites will bring playful competition & lots of fun to your day.

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

Weddings - Renewal of vows - Baby naming - Hand fasting Contact Karina O'Donnell, Independent Celebrant to book a free consultation quote NAl

®

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

Based in Beckenham and covering the Kent area, we provide beautiful edible Wedding Favours, Wedding Cakes and Dessert Table Treats!

Our biscuit wedding favours add an elegant statement to your tables as well as providing a delicious treat for your guests... and can be personalised especially for you and made to compliment your colour scheme and theme!

When it comes to our wedding cakes, at DM’s Luxury Treats less is more.... our style is ‘beautiful simplicity’ modern yet classic and always delicious!

If you are looking for something beautiful and delicious for your special day then get in touch today, email: dmsluxurytreats@gmail.com

We’d love to hear from you!

The Winter Wedding Expert

HOT TOPIC THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL!

The county’s experts offer stellar advice on personalising your nuptials

IMAGINE ME AND YOU

Mercedes from 4YaParty Weddings and Events (www.4yaparty.co.uk) says: One of my favourite ways to personalise weddings when decorating is with photos. It’s the perfect way to show your favourite moments from your relationship or a time line of significant events throughout your years together. Perhaps you had an engagement shoot and you’d like to show the resulting images to your guests. Some of the most popular ways to display these is in your centrepieces.

THE STORY OF US

Nicky Clements from Nicola Rose Weddings & Events (www.nicolaroseweddingsandevents.co.uk) says: Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should reflect your unique love story and personalities. Here are some ideas to help you personalise your wedding.

• Start with your invitations. Include all the necessary information for your guests, but also consider adding a fun infographic detailing significant moments in your relationship, from when you first met to when you got engaged and moved in together.

• Writing your vows is an intimate and personal moment to share. If you feel daunted, the internet is full of helpful ideas to get you started.

• Take inspiration from royalty and consider having an image that holds special meaning embroidered onto your dress, veil or pocket square, such as a picture of your pet or the place where you got engaged.

• Create a signature cocktail that is inspired by a wonderful holiday or your upcoming honeymoon.

• Having a wedding website is an excellent way to provide your family and friends with helpful information, such as local hotels, directions and parking. It’s also a great place to share fun and fabulous details about your love story as a couple, including gorgeous photos. With a little planning and creativity, you can personalise your wedding to tell your story and make your day truly special.

www.florenceberry.com

We’ve incorporated frames with our table centres or even hung them from the centrepiece itself. We’ve used photos to form an element of the table number displays in the past too.

If you want to make a bold statement of your love, our neon frame with string lights is a beautiful way to display images all lit up. What better way to make sure your big day tells your personal love story than by sharing it through photos?

https://assassynation.co.uk

YOU AND ME, ALWAYS

Celebrant Alex Hilder (www.alexhildercelebrant.co.uk) says: The very first thing to do is to book a celebrant! They’ll create a totally unique ceremony just for you, meaning you can start the day as you mean to go on. This is exactly what I do, and what I love to do! Working with me gives you total freedom to be as personal as you want to be. This year I’ve done a theatre-themed wedding ceremony for a couple who met doing panto. For one couple who loved quizzes and games, we even played a find-the-ring-bearer game with a Mr & Mrs/Heads or Tails mash up. The guests absolutely loved it, especially the one who got to be the totally unexpected ring bearer. Because I actually get to know you before the wedding, I can weave in so many little details and tell your love story amongst it all. When guests tell me, ‘It was just so them!,’ I know we’ve got it spot on.

JUST THE TWO OF US

Claudia Newberry from Purple Flour (https://purpleflour.co.uk) says:

Personalising a wedding cake comes in many forms and can range from subtle touches to all out designs reflecting your personalities and style.

For most couples, using a particular colour throughout their wedding in the cake design, stationery, flowers, bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s attire is the perfect answer, and this season I’ve seen greens and white alongside pale pinks as well as brighter colour palettes inspired by flower meadows.

I get asked to incorporate subtle touches like initials, wedding date and place often, and I sometimes work with cake toppers and figurines of the couple (or their pets) to add a unique touch.

For some though, only a totally immersive design featuring a shared passion will do –think superheroes. Silhouette cakes that tell a love story are the perfect choice for some couples too.

The key to having your perfect personalised wedding cake is good planning, I recommend speaking to your cake designer about the look and feel of your big day, and ask them to offer ideas on personalisation. During the design process be sure to rule in elements you love, as well as ruling out things you’re not keen on. With the right designer you’ll have the perfect big-day bake!

BOUTIQUE bliss

We chatted to the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big-day’s vibe

Rustic radiance

PICTURE THIS... An idyllic countryside barn setting, full to the brim with wistful styling features such as lace, hessian, wood, farmyard props, pampas grass, wildflowers and meadow-inspired arrangements. Imagine walking down the aisle in one of these beauties.

Style

Find it Beautiful In Curves, Ashford

Pure

Style PB230

Find it Birchington Brides, Ramsgate

Style Harper

Find it The Bridal Boutique of Jules, Deal

Style Pocohontas

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

Style D3655

Find it Victoria Grace Bridal, Canterbury

Collection Jennifer Wren

Style Jazz (JW220937)

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

Designer Willowby by Watters

Saros

Designer Romantica Collection

Designer Madi Lane

Designer Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

Designer Essense of Australia

Designer Romantica

Timeless romance

PICTURE THIS... A stately home or country manor house venue styled in a timeless fashion with a classic pastel colour palette. You can rest assured your wedding photos will never date and you can look back with no regrets... because you walked down the aisle in one of these gorgeous gowns. www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk

Designer LQ Design

Find it Beautiful In Curves, Ashford

Designer Romantica

Style Liliana

Find it Birchington Brides, Ramsgate

www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com

Designer Casablanca Bridal

Style Angie

Find it The Bridal Boutique of Jules, Deal

Designer Disney Fairy Tale Weddings

Collection Platinum Collection

Style Aurora

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

Designer Essense of Australia

Style D2761

Find it Victoria Grace Bridal, Canterbury

Designer Allure Bridals

Collection Abella

Style Santiago

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

Fashion-forward chic

PICTURE THIS... An urban-chic, industrial venue or modern minimalist city setting. It’s a fashion-forward, black-tie affair, with an edgy vibe and oodles of white blooms with clean-cut greenery. Imagine jaws hitting the ground as you walk down the aisle in one of these stunners.

Designer Romantica

Style Marilyn

Find it Birchington Brides, Ramsgate

www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com

Designer Eliza Jane Howell

Style Lucille

Find it The Bridal Boutique of Jules, Deal

Designer Allure Bridals

Collection Abella

Style Samira

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE DIRECTORY

BEAUTIFUL IN CURVES

Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, Kent www.beautifulincurves.co.uk

@beautiful_in_curves

BIRCHINGTON BRIDES

36 Maple Leaf, Manston Business Park, Ramsgate, CT12 5GD www.birchingtonbrides.co.uk

@birchingtonbrides

THE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OF JULES

26 Dover Road, Walmer, Deal, CT147JW www.boutiqueofjules.co.uk

@BoutiqueofJules

VICTORIA ELAINE BRIDAL

3 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, ME14 1JL www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk

@victoriaelainebridal

VICTORIA GRACE BRIDAL

Designer Essense of Australia

Style D3634

Find it Victoria Grace Bridal, Canterbury

Designer Allure Bridals

Collection Abella

Style Carmen

Find it Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone

15a Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HG www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk

@victoriagracebridal

WINTER WOODLAND

fantasy

Embrace the spirit of nature and discover floral headpieces that make a statement

Images courtesy of Ferns Photography

Photographer and shoot coordinator Fern Sherratt-Wells (Ferns Photography) had a woodland vibe in mind for this styled shoot, unfortunately though rain put a bit of a dampener on things. But it didn’t hold her and her team back for long, as thinking on their feet, they hired the nearby Tadasana Rooms and moved the whole shebang inside. “It gave us the most incredible light and space to work in,” Fern says.

The floral pieces by Tumbleweed and Honesty bring a cooling blend of wintery tones, before moving steadily into more vibrant hues. The flamboyant headpiece was created on site by florist Kim as a fast, expressive, fun concept for bridal headwear.

THE TEAM

Shoot coordinator and photographer, Ferns Photography, https://fernsphotography.co.uk | Venue, Tadasana Rooms, https://tadasana.uk Accessories, The Ginger Dog, www.etsy.com/shop/thegingerdog | Dress, Vinted | Hair and make-up, BrodieEvelyn MUA, www.facebook.com/BrodieEvelynMUA | Flowers, Tumbleweed and Honesty, https://tumbleweedandhonesty.com | Model, Chernise Spratt

Weddings at The Alexander Centre, Faversham

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

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

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

For more information

www.thealex.org.uk

01795 591691 weddings@thealex.org.uk ·

PEARLY QUEEN

Female-founded jewellery brand Pearloir has just launched a new collection perfect for brides. It includes plenty of pearly pieces, including these Giselle baroque pearl-encrusted cubic zirconia earrings, £140 and matching Majestic baroque pearl choker, £115, https://pearloir.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Say I do wearing a gold vermeil initial necklace, £145, www.antoniaguise.co.uk

It’s all white

The latest Fiesta Collection from Gossard will offer support under a wedding dress while looking romantic and stylish too. Sizes range from 32A to 38E and prices start from just £18, www.gossard.com

FASHION

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

Purse-friendly pieces

This white gold-plated freshwater pearl bracelet, £70, is from the new affordable luxury jewellery brand Maudella. This first collection is a mix of contemporary everyday styles with some timeless classics and a few statement pieces for that extra wow factor! The full range comes in both 18-carat gold or white gold plating with prices starting from £35 up to £130, https://maudella.co.uk

WINGS OF LOVE

The new bridal collection from British jeweller Kirstie Le Marque includes these on-trend angel wing earrings, £350, www.kirstielemarque.com

NEVER FULLY DRESSED

focus

Beauty sleep

Guarantee some shut-eye in one of these 100% mulberry silk eye masks, £45 each, available in ivory and champagne, https://janedarcy.ie

This Lillianna pyjama short set, £98, is from the newly launched brand Mia Amore and is perfect for getting ready on the morning of the wedding. The latest range features timeless silk, satin and lace collections in an inclusive range of sizes from UK8 to 24, www.mia-amore.uk

All DRESSED UP

The new season bridal edit of dreamy dresses features delicate details, fairytale-inspired florals and flowing fabrics

AT JGB EVENTS WE OFFER HIGH QUALITY 4FT LIGHT UP NUMBERS AND LETTERS.

Available for hire throughout Kent and East Sussex to add that special touch to your event, party or wedding.

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 provide professional, bespoke designed, high impact, fully insured firework displays and pride ourselves on what we deliver. In addition, we offer pyromusicals, lower noise, firework signage, photographic opportunities and cold sparks.

Whatever the occasion AJ Pyrotechnics can light up your night!

We provide professional, bespoke designed, high impact, fully insured firework displays and pride ourselves on what we deliver. In addition, we offer pyromusicals, lower noise, firework signage, photographic opportunities and cold sparks.

WEDDINGS • BONFIRE NIGHT • ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS • RETAIL FIREWORKS

We provide professional, bespoke designed, high impact, fully insured firework displays and pride ourselves on what we deliver. In addition, we offer pyromusicals, lower noise, firework signage, photographic opportunities and cold sparks.

WEDDINGS • BONFIRE NIGHT • ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS • RETAIL FIREWORKS

WEDDINGS

• BONFIRE NIGHT

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

• ALL YEAR CELEBRATIONS

• RETAIL FIREWORKS

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

Tel: 01303 867011 or 07826 658996

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

Email: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk

Navvy creates artisan bags using leather sourced from ethical manufacturers. Finished using vegetable-tanned leather known for its quality, longevity, and lower impact, Navvy’s range of backpacks, satchels, and mini bags are beautiful investment pieces that would make a thoughtful gift for the groom-to-be.

The team at Navvy tells us: “It goes without saying that as designers, we have a huge responsibility and opportunity to do everything we can to ensure our pieces cause no unnecessary harm to the environment. The first pillar of our two-pronged approach consists of creating timeless pieces and offering long-term repair and servicing, hoping to break the cycle of fast fashion.”

Head over to www.navvylondon.com for more information.

Model, TV personality, and influencer Eyal Booker and his brother Ariel Booker have launched Wavy, the Everyday Curl Crème for men.

The duo is hoping to start conversations around male hair care and break the masculine norms while paving the way for a new era of men’s grooming. Designed to maintain and enhance curls for all hair types using high-quality ingredients, the Everyday Curl Créme lasts for up to 30 days when used daily.

To find out more, visit www.feelwavy.com

Adidas has released a new timepiece collection made using luxury materials and reimagined silhouettes. The Expression One (pictured) is a pared-back design with a strong personality, perfect for the groom-to-be who wants a statement piece to wear for years to come.

The SS23 collections align with the Adidas Originals Time for Me campaign, which celebrates self-expression and individuality, the core values of the brand.

Visit www.adidas.co.uk for more information.

Grooms’

NEWS

Grooms editor Melissa Cullen reveals the latest best buys and product launches

The newest edition to the Cologne Forte Collection, Aqua Media, is made from tangy, sparkling, and almost mouthwatering fresh notes that are full of life.

Francis Kurkdjian tells us: “Aqua Media smells like happiness, vitality, and energy, reassuring in its apparent simplicity. It puts me in a good mood. I have nothing else to add; everything is already there, written in the formula.”

This scent is now available to buy from Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and John Lewis.

Check out www.franciskurkdjian.com for more information.

Black Eyewear is the creation of optician and lifelong jazz devotee Robert Roope. The brand has lots of stunning models in its collection, each embracing different jazz artists. Roope’s array of designs includes frames dedicated to Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. With new designs being added, the collection is full of striking styles that are perfect for summer weddings.

Discover more at www.blackeyewear.com

Available from www.raymond-weil.co.uk

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil has introduced its latest freelancer model, the Freelancer Tri-Compax Chronograph. This new watch features a 43.5mm stainless steel case, the choice of a calf leather or stainless steel strap, and a power reserve of up to 56 hours.

Skin

DEEP

WarPaint For Men shares its make-up and skincare tips for grooms-to-be

Ourgrooms’ editor, Melissa Cullen, chatted with the founder of WarPaint For Men, Danny Gray, to discuss his skincare advice for grooms-to-be.

Base prep – As great make-up starts with healthy skin, preparation is key to ensuring any products you apply, like tinted moisturiser or concealer, sit well and last all day. Start by using a hydrating cleanser with warm water to wash your face. Follow this up with a hydrating moisturiser and a primer to create a great base for your make-up. It’s a good idea to leave the primer for a minute or so before applying any products.

SPF always – It’s important to wear SPF every single day to protect your skin from sun damage. Don’t worry; sun cream designed for your face isn’t the same greasy stuff you’d use for your body. It's often lighter and non-greasy, helping to create a good base for make-up.

Foundation vs tinted moisturiser –Sometimes, foundation can feel a bit too much in the warmer months, so instead, you can opt for a tinted moisturiser. These offer light coverage for your complexion while keeping your skin moisturised.

Cool eyes – Using an eye cream is a great way to combat dark undereyes and crow’s feet. A hack to really wake up and refresh tired eyes is to keep your eye cream in the fridge. Anything cooling will help depuff your eyes and

help you feel fresher on a hot day.

Even complexion – To make sure your make-up looks even and natural, use a brush or sponge for application. When applying foundation or tinted moisturiser, blend it all over your face, up to your hairline, and down your neck. Take extra care to blend in areas that crease, which might get warmer during the summer, such as around the nose and under the eyes.

Get bronzed – Do you want that just-backfrom-holiday look without reaching for the fake tan? Try using a bronzer to lightly contour the face and add extra warmth to your skin. Lightly sweep the bronzer across the top of your forehead and cheekbones using a powder brush, and gently buff out any harsh lines using the brush.

Facial hair focus – Are your beard or brows looking a little patchy, or lighter after time in the sun? Keep your facial hair looking fuller and thicker with a make-up pencil. Keep the pencil sharp, and you’ll be able to draw hair-like strokes to fill any patches or lighter areas. Try using a small comb to blend and shape the hair. Don’t sweat it – If you’re worried about looking sweaty or oily, using a light, translucent powder on the face can help take away shine. Gently sweep the powder in circular motions over any areas of your face that can look shiny, usually the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

For more information about WarPaint For Men, visit www.warpaintformen.com

Photo Credit: James Green Photographer

Are you looking for your perfect wedding bouquet?

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

Q&A Beauty

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

GLAM UP

I always wear the same minimal face of make-up but don’t want to look washed out in the photos of my autumn wedding. How can I step it up so that I still look like me, but a more glamorous version?

MUA Ruth Ashcroft (www.instagram.com/ra.mua) says: There are various elements you can add to your minimal make-up to bring out your inner glam. For example:

•Bronzer and blush. Bronzer will bring the warmth back to your complexion and a touch of blush can give you that sought-after healthy glow. I add blush to the cheeks after applying lipstick or balm, to ensure I have the right intensity of colour. If you add too much blush or bronzer you can tap over the area lightly with your foundation brush to make it more subtle.

•Lips. Use a lipliner to outline the lips then fill in. This should help to make your lipstick or balm last longer.

•Eyes. Add a simple wash of colour, brown is always a good neutral choice, then blend it out so you don’t have any harsh lines. Follow this with a hint of shimmer on the centre of the eyelid. Adding eyeliner gently into the root of the lashes will emphasise your eyes, then apply mascara to open them up and make them appear bigger. The next step would be to add a few individual lashes to the outer third of your own lashes for a glamorous look.

If the above sounds daunting, don’t worry as your make-up artist will have it all in hand, taking out the stress of doing your own make-up on your wedding day. They’ll make sure you look the best version of you.

BARELY THERE BEAUTY

I’m loving the trending no make-up make-up look, and would love to go with something similar on my wedding day. What do you recommend?

Emma Tedman from Beautification Station in Bexley (www. instagram.com/beautification_station_london) says: No make-up make-up is such a huge trend at the moment! Think fresh, dewy skin, fluffy brows and lashes, all finished with a natural lip colour!

For a wedding, I’d start by using a lightweight, sheer foundation – a good one to try is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, which leaves a beautiful luminous finish. But remember to prep your skin well – hydration is key! Be sure to use concealer and powder where needed. Cream blushes and bronzers are perfect for this look to give a natural flush of colour. My faves are Rose Inc cream blush in Heliotrope and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream.

For the dewy look, apply Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter under the foundation or use as a highlighter on the high points of your face. Keep brows fluffy with a brow gel and curl lashes before applying mascara. Lastly keep lips a lovely natural colour with a lip tint. Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss lipstick balm in Pillow Talk is a fab choice for this!

YOUR BIG-DAY BOOST

anatome is an apothecary created in London by Brendan Murdock. The brand’s supplements have been formulated with the finest, scientific ingredients and botanical adaptogenics to support the body as it faces daily challenges. They’re especially designed to offer solutions to key issues, such as gut health, menopause, hormonal imbalance and fatigue. These blends promise to restore a sense of joy and wellbeing.

The Women’s Health Essentials Duo, £54.40, includes Women’s Daily Wellbeing + Hormonal Support Supplement, and the Essential Daily Probiotic + Gut Support. The former is a blend of vitamins, minerals and botanicals, which help boost energy levels, balance hormones, and support a healthy immune response by providing key nutrients missing from most daily diets. Meanwhile, the latter offers a step towards a healthier lifestyle via beneficial bacteria to replenish the gut, and strengthen the immune system to fight viruses and bacterial infections. Check out www.anatome.co

TEAR-PROOF YOUR LASHES

Weddings come with lashings of emotions – crying from happiness as you say “I do,”welling up at the groom’s speech, or just plain old sobbing during your first dance. Thankfully Ardell’s latest launch is the solution to all your emotional big-day problems. Ardell’s Active Lashes retain their 3D curl even through tears and dancing sweat, creating an eye lift that won’t quit. Beautifully made with lustrous black fibres on a flexible band that’s easy to apply and comfortable to wear, these lashes offer vivacious volume, instant lift and tear-proof long wear. Find them at Superdrug for £7.99.

BUZZ Beauty

Get the look with the latest must-haves

ON-THE-GO HYDRATION

Is your skin feeling tight? Is it looking dull or dry? Are visible fine lines and wrinkles appearing? Is your make-up just not sitting right? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions you’re most likely one of the 90 per cent of the population who suffer from dehydrated skin. The 3 in 1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist from Ella & Jo is your convenient solution. Its formula provides fastabsorbing, long-lasting hydration that you can carry with you. It offers the perfect pick-me-up before the speeches or dancefloor.

£26, https://ellaandjo.co.uk

TOO CUTE!

Iconic lip-care giant Carmex has announced a line of irresistible miniature Carmex coin purses in collaboration with quintessential British brand Anya Hindmarch. The recognisable little yellow pot is a staple of many a make-up bag, but can often get away from you, rolling around at the bottom of a handbag. Enter this oh-so cute coin purse, keeping the essential little pot safe and easy to access. Made from shiny capra leather and boasting a tassle zip pull, lobster clasp, Carmex logo and Anya Hindmarch gold-tone bow, this limited-edition offering is destined to become a collector’s item. £225, www.anyahindmarch.com

ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS

The Cloud Beauty Blender, £9.50 from Bedew Skin, lets you apply your liquid cosmetic products flawlessly. A super-soft and bouncy beauty blender, it expands and softens when wet to give your skin a glowing finish befitting any bride. Simply soak in cold water and squeeze out the excess before use. It’s available in black and light grey. Check out https://bedewskin.co.uk

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Most of us long for baby soft, smooth and hydrated skin; especially if you’re preparing to look your big-day best or have more flesh on show while away on honeymoon. The honey-coloured Q+A AHA

Exfoliator Body Scrub works a treat at buffing away dead skin cells and build-up, and at banishing lizard skin. Making light work of any bumpy and rough patches, pimples, and hyperpigmentation, it resurfaces to reveal a brighter base. A sensorial experience, it combines golden vanilla, coconut, crisp apple, macadamia, exotic papaya, and honeyed amber. Yum. £8, www.qandaskin.com

A BRIDE’S BEST FRIEND

Jessica Rose Skincare is the first range of its kind to be designed exclusively for brides. Developed by bridal make-up artist Jessica Rose alongside leading skincare experts, the aim is to help brides whose lack of skincare routine or product knowledge may result in a less than satisfying make-up finish on their big day. This range can help you feel confident in your own skin, and ensure that your wedding face sits better, lasts longer and stays in place for a flawless look in your treasured photographs.

The four-step routine is designed to be used for at least six months before your wedding day, and contains all-natural ingredients including damask rose chosen for its calming, soothing and hydrating properties. See www.jessicaroseskincare.co.uk where you can also find bridal skincare tips and wedding-morning advice.

BEHIND THE MASK

Skin Laundry, a revolutionary skincare brand hailing from California boasts a variety of products ideal for achieving that pre-wedding glow. I love the Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask – an absolute treat! A must-try for any bride, they’re biodegradable and formulated with sodium hyaluronate, vitamins, amino acids, and natural plant extract. Each mask saturates dry, tired skin leaving it hydrated, replenished, relaxed and refreshed! Priced £40, https://store-uk.skinlaundry.com

ORANGE YOU GLAD YOU TRIED IT?

I won’t lie, when Huda Beauty’s new #FauxFilter Colour Correctors Correct & Brighten turned up in the office, their orangey hues made me think the brand’s boffins had lost the plot! How wrong was I? These little wonders harness the power of colour theory by using opposing colours to neutralise unwanted discolouration. The peachy tones cancel out darkness and pigmentation to create even skin, which explains why this is the best product I’ve ever used for concealing my dark under-eye circles. Never again will I question Huda Beauty! £26, https://hudabeauty.com

WOODEN HEART

Luxury British skincare brand Ashmira Botanica is formulated with high quality natural ingredients packed with natural plant extracts, essential oils, and clays, is completely vegan, and formulated in small batches to minimise its ecological footprint.

Inspired by Chinese medicine, the core concept is derived from the ancient philosophy of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The holistic, natural treatments can be personalised based on your biorhythm (year of birth), current skincare issues, and/or emotions, as well as being tuned to the season and time of year.

I recently met the brand’s founder Tracey at a wedding show and discovered that my element is wood, she then proceeded to describe me to a tee based on this, which was eerily fascinating! Head over to the website, https://ashmirabotanica.com, to discover your own element and check out the box sets. The Ashmira Botanica Wood Gift Set, £45, includes a 25g pot of Elemental Clay Powder, 5ml Elemental Elixir, 15ml Rice Balm Face Cream and 100ml Organic Rose Hydrosol.

ENHANCE THAT FLUTTER

Designed to build longer-looking natural lashes in just a few weeks with a superprecise applicator, Babe Essential Lash Serum boasts an ultra-nourishing formula including biotin and amino acids to boost your lash line and lash retention over time. It’s your evening routine essential, and is even safe to use while wearing extensions and strip lashes. Stand by for eyelash envy! £80, www.beautybay.com

Best face forward

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews investigates the much-discussed bridal must-have treatment, HydraFacial

Asbeauty editor here at County Wedding Magazines I get to talk to a lot of bridal make-up artists and skincare specialists, and have heard them recommend a course of HydraFacials on many an occasion. It’s suitable for all skin types and addresses all skincare needs, so this apparently is the best way forward to glowing big-day skin. I needed to investigate for myself so, I headed to my local HydraFacial provider, The Melrose Clinic in Leigh-on-Sea, quick smart.

I was lucky enough to have the chance to give the gold level HydraFacial a whirl, and my treatment begun with a cleanse before my therapist, Cornelia, went in with a lymphatic drainage massage. This stage is designed to assist your body’s natural ability to recycle, by opening up its lymphatic system. It helps to get rid of toxins built up in the skin, as well as reducing puffiness.

The first step of the HydraFacial proper is an exfoliation, offering the skin a second, deeper cleanse. The system uses vortex technology, a vacuum to the uninitiated, via the device’s wand, which is where the magic happens. HydraFacial works with several highly-regarded professional brands including JLO Beauty, Murad, ZO Skin Health and Circadia to produce signature products especially for this treatment and its associated technology.

The liquid is released into the tip of the wand, which is then passed over the face. Meanwhile, the technology delivers deeper product penetration and longer-lasting results than a traditional facial ever could. The first solution, Active Pore, contains algae extract, lacid acid and glucosamine. Nothing too harsh, and it works to give the skin a deep exfoliation.

Next is a light GlySal peel, so called as it contains both glycolic and salicylic acids. When you book the recommended course of

HydraFacials, your therapist will gradually move you through the strengths – 7.5 per cent, 15 per cent, and 30 per cent. It’s important not to shock the skin, so they’ll check all the way to make sure it’s happy and reacting well before moving to the more intense versions.

The peel opens up the pores and exfoliates even more deeply than the previous exfoliation step. You’ll also find it has a brightening effect and helps with breakouts, no doubt music to your ears as you prepare for your big day.

Moving on to the extraction part of the process, the vacuum technology comes into its own removing black heads from the nose, and is much kinder to the skin than squeezing them out. Although I didn’t have any blackheads, I do struggle with an oily T-zone, so this was one of the most satisfying sections for me. Be gone dirt and debris!

The chemical peel is then neutralised before moving on to the booster, exclusive to the gold level. During my consultation at the beginning of the treatment, we’d discovered that my skin was particularly dehydrated. The sudden temperature change hadn’t been doing it any favours and what I thought were just dry skin patches, turned out to be eczema. So, my therapist selected Hydraglucan by Nassif MD. As well as a healthy helping of hyaluronic acid it also contains glucosamine, which aids collagen production and softens skin tissue. My skin was so parched, it soaked the product up in double quick time, literally lapping up every drop of goodness from the booster.

I was next put under red LED and infrared lights to bring any redness down and ensure the serum fully penetrated the skin. These also heal, which was great news for my eczema patches. There’s also a blue light option, which is likely the one your therapist will opt for if you suffer from breakouts as it’s antibacterial. I relaxed beneath the glow for 15 minutes, while I tried not to doze off, so relaxed was I by this point.

Finally, came the skin infusion, the part that makes the complexion really glow. It contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, arnica to calm, and mineral skin conditioners – copper, magnesium and zinc.

If you ask your therapist at the end, they’ll show you the gunky jar! This is where all of the extractions from your skin end up. To be fair, mine could have been worse. But knowing the content of that jar was once stored in the pores of my face and now isn’t, was super-satisfying. No lie, I’ve been talking about this treatment since I left the clinic. I entered with utterly miserable skin and over the next few days it began to feel clearer, lighter and crucially was responding to the skin care I was applying. I’m happy to report that I’m so pleased with the result, I no longer feel self-conscious when I dare to go out make-up free. I can only imagine the results following a full course.

For brides-to-be a course of six HydraFacials six months before the big day is recommended. This allows time for the chemical peel intensity to be increased gradually and have optimum effect. It’s advised that your final treatment be left no later than a week prior to the wedding just in case of any adverse reactions. The most popular option amongst nearlyweds is the silver HydraFacial, priced at £140 the cost comes down when you book a course, and includes everything I’ve talked about above, minus the booster serum.

Contact your local HydraFacial provider to learn more. You can find your nearest at https://hydrafacial.co.uk

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!

Lady of the dance

Beauty and wellness editor, Kelly Andrews, talks to Strictly’s Luba Mushtuk about health, wellbeing and the all-important first dance

Mushtuk has been a pro dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing since 2016. On a break between tours, she took some time out to chat to our beauty and wellness editor, Kelly Andrews. Here, she shares her top health and wellbeing tips for soon-to-be weds, as well as giving us the lowdown on how she keeps fit and healthy when she’s not performing on the show or touring.

Luba

We understand you’re a fan of getting outdoors to exercise. Where do you most love to go?

I love the outdoors especially on those rare sunny days. I’m a big sun lover! One of my favourite spots in London where I go for a run and exercise outdoors is Hampstead Heath; it’s so big and full of nature, with a great view over the city. I love being out in the fresh air.

How did you discover your passion for dance and decide to make it a career?

It all started when I fell in love with a skirt that my mum made for me when I was around three years old. I was a very naughty child, but once I had music and a skirt I was just off dancing by myself, rather than making a mess around the house! That was why my mum was so keen for me to keep dancing, it kept me out of trouble!

From the age of four, I started competing. My oldest brother was already a dancer by that time and gave me a lot of lessons at home, so even at four I was very advanced compared to my peers. I guess the universe made a decision for me, I never even questioned my career path, as I’d already been doing it my whole life. I can’t even imagine doing anything else.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

I’m proud of how I’m able to communicate my passion and love for dance with millions of people and hopefully make them feel every single emotion I’m expressing through my art. Being on TV is so amazing, as you can bring joy to so many people, and hopefully inspire them too.

How did you get involved with Strictly?

I started as an assistant choreographer in 2016, which I did for two years and absolutely loved working behind the scenes. I always dreamed of being a professional dancer on the show though, so I’m grateful it happened that way.

What style would you suggest a couple learn for their first dance as beginners, even for those of us with two left feet!

The first dance is such a special moment and should be magical. I’ve choreographed a good few for for my friends, I love doing them, but it all depends on music choice. Once, I did a wedding dance mix of eight songs complete with a change of a dress. It’s about the couple, music choice and what they really want. A waltz or American smooth are both good choices for a classic first dance but if you want something a bit different, more fun, just go for it!

Tell us about your own healthy living regime. How do you stay fit and healthy in between series and tours?

It’s so important to stay healthy while on tour, as our schedule is so busy. But I also keep fit and healthy between tours and building up to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s actually very simple for me – I eat very clean and exercise daily, whether that’s pilates, a run, boxing, or dance. I also think sleep is such an important part of staying healthy. I certainly love my beauty sleep – I never get less than seven hours and always try to listen to my body.

What does a typical day look like for you? How does your fitness and wellness regime fit in?

If you want to fit it in, you will. It’s all about prioritising fitness and wellness that makes you feel good. I think you’re more likely to stick to a schedule if you work out in the morning, then there’s less chance of something coming up in the day that can cause exercise to fall down the list of priorities. Doing it first thing means you can’t push it back. There’s also something to be said for putting yourself first – do something for you first thing.

My typical day starts with an early morning workout, I find it sets the

tone for the rest of the day. I finish the workout feeling strong, energetic and proud that I started the day with something positive. I obviously love dancing, but I’ve been really enjoying pilates recently too.

Following that, I’ll eat breakfast, have some coffee, check my diary to make sure I don’t miss any commitments, then let the day begin.

What keeps you motivated?

I find motivation within myself. I’m constantly looking to improve and become better than I was yesterday. I think that this attitude is part of being a professional dancer, you have to want to keep pushing to be better.

I’m driven to grow and evolve as a person too. I love learning and experiencing new things. I think it’s important to broaden your knowledge and change as you gain experience, which is why I try to always say “yes” to new opportunities, even if they seem scary or risky at the time.

I also find motivation in the people around me. Whether it’s family, friends, or people I work with. I’m constantly inspired by them and their achievements.

What are your top tips for a couple looking to get in shape for their wedding, and how can they maintain it once it’s back to reality with a bump?

It’s a common goal for couples to get into shape for their big day. It might be obvious, but my advice would be to focus on both nutrition and daily movement. Eating a balanced diet that includes wholefoods and avoiding highly processed, sugary foods can make a huge difference to how you feel. It’s also very important to keep hydrated and get enough sleep. I believe to look good you must feel good.

In terms of movement, finding an exercise routine that works for both partners can be helpful. You could schedule some joint sessions and some separately. For example, if you’re learning some fresh moves for your first dance you could take a dance class together (and learning that will get you into shape let me tell you!). Then, perhaps a running session apart, if that makes sense for your schedule. It’s also nice to have some ‘me’ time.

For maintaining after the wedding, I think it’s important to remember how good the new routine made you feel. But most of all, remember to love your body whatever shape you are. Beauty comes from the confidence within, so make sure if you’re looking to get into shape, you’re doing it to be stronger and healthier. Getting in shape is not always easy, but it can be a rewarding experience.

If you could tell people about one simple, initial change we could all make to our lives to start us out on the path to a healthier lifestyle, body and mind, what would it be?

Personally, I’ve found our minds and bodies are completely interconnected, and if you love yourself, you’ll fuel your body and mind with good nutrition, movement and affirmations. So, I think making a commitment to self-care and self-love is the initial step needed to make positive lifestyle changes. Then to look after your physical self, perhaps start with smaller changes that are achievable. If you’re early in your journey, you could start to get to know your body better by doing 10 minutes of stretching every morning, or if you’re slightly further along, start a new fitness class.

Whatever changes you choose to make, the key is to stay committed and consistent. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.

You’re an incredibly busy lady, how do you maintain a healthy mind amidst the pressures of a hectic schedule?

Maintaining a healthy mindset throughout a hectic schedule is just

something that comes with experience, it’s definitely become easier over time! I’ve learned what I need to prioritise in order to make sure I can remain consistent. This means exercising in the morning, spending time meditating, and keeping an organised diary. Now I’m able to just get things done without thinking about it, but that’s only because I’ve managed to put in the time and hard work to figure it all out. Be patient with yourself and stay committed, and you’ll get there, wherever it is you want to go.

Is there anything you can suggest to calm the stress levels during wedding planning?

Try to remember that it’s a blessing to have met the love of your life, that both committing to each other for a lifetime is a beautiful thing and the rest is just details.

I’m a very organised person and I love to plan things, but I can imagine that planning something as big as a wedding would be super stressful. If you’re lucky enough to have friends or family members who want to support you with the planning, maybe take them up on it! Or if you can afford it, seek support from a professional wedding planner.

It’s also important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner, and not about pleasing everyone else. I’ve heard a lot of my friends who’ve got married say that it’s impossible to please everyone. So, I suppose you can remove some of that stress by prioritising what you want and what makes you both happy, whether that means having a big wedding or eloping. Don’t feel pressured to conform to society’s expectations or what others want from or for you.

What’s next for you?

My goal is to continue growing, continuing to improve my craft, and grab on to any opportunities that inspire and challenge me! I love life so I’m just going to keep on living and hopefully I’ll have many more wonderful opportunities to inspire others.

You can follow Luba on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lubamushtuk, and catch her on Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 this autumn.

All images courtesy of www.instagram.com/lubamushtuk

Magical

MAURITIUS

Editor Claire Ridley fell in love with this year-round honeymoon hotspot

A LUXURY RETREAT

Nestled on the north coast of the island in Anse la Raie (a popular kite surfing spot) sits the five-star, eco-committed boutique hotel Paradise Cove. With Mauritius fast becoming a sustainable island, Paradise Cove’s effort to go green includes being part of the Positive Impact Movement (created by the Attitude hotel group) ensuring local sourcing and no single-use plastic.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

I was excited to visit this adults-only tropical paradise, an acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World, having benefitted from a renovation in 2019. It offers a warm welcome with 75 rooms and suites including the Deluxe Premium Rooms, one of which was to become my home for three blissful nights. This honeymoon hideout has been authentically designed in the island’s signature style with wood, rattan and tropical palm-print wallpaper and furnishings.

The rooms have been positioned to admire the panoramic cove views, along with the cluster of other areas that make up this glamorous getaway. Centred around the main reception built under a charming thatch roof is the stylish STAY bar; the complimentary tea bar boasting locally grown flavours; the main swimming pool where I enjoyed an early morning dip each day and The Dining Room restaurant where the delicious buffet breakfast was brimming with exotic flavours.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

There’s so much choice between the four restaurants at this dreamy destination with a Dine-Around experience available in three of them for half-board and all-inclusive guests. For delicious sushi, the à la carte Japanese XO restaurant won’t disappoint while if it’s seafood you’re after, try the Cove Restaurant’s private kiosks on the sand for catch of the day.

I was in for a treat at the trendy Peninsular Restaurant and bar perched

overlooking the jetty and lagoon with far-flung views stretching across to the five north islands in one direction, and the new infinity pool (that’s heated during the winter months) in the other. A highlight was an invite to the launch of the new five-course vegan fine dining experience by Michelin-starred Chef Alexis Gauthier. I tucked into a fondant heart of palm made with pressed watermelon followed by a semi-confit cut of giraumon with a medley of grains and wild rice. The lychee wine is a must-try while you’re on the island, it became my favourite tipple of the trip!

RIDING THE OCEAN WAVES

I was lucky enough to hop on board the hotel’s 12-seat catamaran for a full-day cruise around Îlot Gabriel and Île Plate (also known as the Flat Island). After settling in for a suntan, and a delicious barbecue lunch, the boat reached Coin de Mire where it was time to grab my swimmers and jump into the warm Indian Ocean to snorkel (dive enthusiasts can scuba dive here). Looking to make a memory on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon? Then book a sunset cruise or the Stargazing experience with an astrologer out on the jetty which is just one of the many You&Me Moments the resort offers. Back on land, activities include yoga, Tai Chi, a gym plus two floodlit tennis courts. One of my favourite pastimes was relaxing in the cute love nests dotted around the grounds, promising privacy for honeymooners.

ISLAND ESCAPE

The wellness journey starts the moment you enter the lush open-air spa where

the tempting treatments are known as Beauty Rituals of the World of the organic French brand Cinq Mondes. I indulged in a 50-minute full body massage with therapist Samantha who used a scented pure coconut oil made on the island. Dreaming of a couple’s massage in one of the love nests at the water’s edge? Consider it done!

WITH LOVE FROM MAURITIUS

Step back in time at the historic Château De Labourdonnais, a twostorey, colonial-style Creole mansion and heritage site which was once a sugar plantation. This local landmark boasts French-style furnishings plus an orchard in the grounds that contributes to the fruit production on the island. There’s a rum distillery, plus you’ll be spoilt by the menu choice at La Table du Château, (https://domainedelabourdonnais.com).

No trip to Mauritius is complete without a visit to the vibrant capital city of Port Louis with its street markets and bustling scenes - it was a fun way to fill my Insta feed at every turn!

Couples can get married at Paradise Cove – the Classic Wedding Package includes locally grown flowers, no single-use plastic and locally sourced ingredients for the dinner – a romantic Renewal of Vows is also an option. Stay at five-star Paradise Cove boutique hotel from £334 per room each night, based on two people sharing a Deluxe Premium Room on a half-board basis, www.paradisecovehotel.com/en www.instagram.com/paradisecovehotel www.facebook.com/ParadiseCoveHotel

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT

Love nest with a view

Climbing aboard the hotel’s catamaran

Admiring the sunset

Greetings from Île Plate

Chilling out in The Spa

A WARM WELCOME

I was invited to stay at the newly opened adults-only Sunrise Attitude, a four-star hotel committed to tourism with a positive impact with 153 rooms commanding prime position on the east coast. It’s opposite the powder-white sandy beach at Belle Mare boasting picture-perfect views of the clear lagoon which I couldn’t wait to swim in. Beach volley is a pastime here, along with sundowners on the shore - the local Phoenix Beer is a must-try!

Stand-out features include eight villas with plunge pools where you can wake up to room service. The 28 swimup rooms are another fab offering for honeymooners, linking each terrace to the main Papaya Pool and swim-up bar, plus there’s also Bar 31 boasting a stunning view of the beach and pool.

As with all eight Attitude properties, Sunrise Attitude has been designed in keeping with the local surroundings, marrying earthy tones with on-trend, hand-crafted furnishings created by local artisans using locally sourced materials including raffia. In their bid to eliminate single-use plastic, this eco resort provides you with a reusable water bottle and tea and coffee are collected from reusable glass jars at the Bulk Shop - don’t miss sampling the local passionfruit, mango and vanilla tea!

DINE IN STYLE

I had high expectations for an authentic tapas-style dinner at the brand’s signature Kot Nou restaurant (present at all Attitude hotels) and I wasn’t disappointed – you can take a cookery class here to learn the local recipes.

Similar to Paradise Cove, the DineAround option allows you to pick between three restaurants on a halfboard basis where you’ll be spoilt for choice! The Market restaurant specialises in local and international delicacies using the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients – I tucked into vegan pancakes for breakfast.

The Social House restaurant and bar is an informal setting playing live music during the evening where I shared tasty vegan platters, and my favourite spot for lunch had to be Taba-j, the brightly painted kiosk serving traditional takeout street food. I couldn’t get enough of the local roti washed down with alouda (a Mauritian milkshake).

Experience one of your first meals as newlyweds with an invite to a local team member’s home for an Otentik dinner. My host was Concita Fortuno, who welcomed me for a wonderful evening of food, music and dance – she even taught me how to cook gateaux piment (chilli bites!)

EARLY TO RISE

I couldn’t wait to experience the Secret Sunrise guided meditation to music on the beach – even if it did mean getting up earlier than normal! Chilling out wearing headphones, it was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s free and takes place twice a week and a private 20-minute session can be arranged, with large groups invited to experience the interactive dance session.

LET THE MAGIC HAPPEN

I indulged in treatments at the new Spa POZ (meaning to relax and take a break). Dotted within this tranquil leafy space are single and double open-air creole treatment huts, a salt hammam (that helps to soothe skin problems) and a beauty salon. The vegan spa products packaged in reusable tins are handmade on the island using local plants with 5% of each purchase at Spa POZ (and from the Otentik Bazaars selling souvenirs) donated to

the Green Attitude Foundation helping fund sustainable development projects.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Why not split your stay between the three and four-star Attitude hotels that cater for most budgets in adults-only and family-friendly properties? Coin de Mire Attitude offers great value for money (https://hotels-attitude. com/en/coin-de-mire-attitude) while Lagoon Attitude boasts 182 rooms including ten romantic whirlpool suites (https://hotels-attitude.com/ en/lagoon-attitude). It’s home to the Marine Discovery Centre, dedicated to the preservation of the marine ecosystem from where I set sail on a glass-bottom boat for a snorkelling trail to marvel at the underwater world. If you’re lucky, you might spot some whales from the boat ride too!

I was fortunate to visit Tropical Attitude with its 58 sea-facing rooms and 11 villas with private pools where a floating breakfast can be served (https://hotels-attitude.com/en/ tropical-attitude). A complimentary boat trip departs twice daily from here to the untouched Ile aux Cerfs where I sunbathed on the pure white sand.

If you’re searching for a fun-filled family-moon then head to Zilwa Attitude (https://hotels-attitude.com/ en/zilwa-attitude) which faces the northern islands. I couldn’t wait to take the raft over to Gran Zil for a beach barbecue lunch and chill out in an over-water hammock - I didn’t want to leave. Weddings take place here, with exclusive use of the island booked creating memories made in Mauritius.

Stay at four-star Sunrise Attitude hotel from £155 per room each night, based on two people sharing a Couple Room on a half-board basis, https://hotels-attitude.com/en/sunrise-attitude www.instagram.com/attitudehotels www.facebook.com/HotelsAttitude

PASSPORT AT THE READY

I flew direct to Mauritius with Air Mauritius from London Heathrow. Prices start from £709 return in economy class, www.airmauritius.com

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT

Learning to cook Mauritian style at dinner with Concita

Loving the snorkelling trail at Lagoon Attitude

Soaking up the rays at Sunrise Attitude

Wedding Entertainment

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!

WIN A ROMANTIC BREAK IN YORKSHIRE WORTH £1,000

Grinkle

Park Hotel is a stunning and luxurious baronial country house set in 35 acres of land between the North Yorkshire Moors and villages and beaches of the Yorkshire coast. With its magnificent grounds and a choice of reception rooms to cater for both intimate and larger celebrations, it is the ideal setting and venue for a romantic post-vow minimoon or an extra special North Yorkshire wedding.

Classic Lodges is a nationwide collection of exclusive hotels that all have their own exceptional and charming character, whether that’s a peaceful country getaway or a city centre stay. Each of the hotels provides a friendly, relaxing atmosphere while maintaining Classic Lodges’ signature style, comfort and luxury. Steeped in history, all of the hotels have equally stunning views to accompany the suites and rooms.

To book a stay with Classic Lodges, please visit www.classiclodges.co.uk

THE PRIZE

One lucky reader will win a luxury two-night stay for two at Grinkle Park. The winner of this fantastic prize will be greeted with a glass of Lanson Champagne upon arrival and enjoy a three-course dinner for two on the first night before settling down for a good night’s sleep in a double room. The prize also includes a delicious full Yorkshire breakfast or continental version both mornings. For your chance to win, head to our website www.yourkent.wedding and answer this question:

Q: Grinkle Park Hotel is situated in how many acres of land?

Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

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AN EXQUISITE STATELY HOME AND GROUNDS

Goodnestone Park is a vast, privately-owned estate located in the heart of the stunning Kent countryside, just an hour’s journey from London. The 1704 Queen Anne style mansion boasts a rich history and our magnificent grounds, with impressive views of our historic Estate parkland, make the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams.

The house was renovated in 2016 and offers a luxurious location for your big day. With all the grandeur of the house’s history and the comfort of its modern furnishings, it provides the ideal place to stay.

Accommodation includes the Grade II* Listed House, which has 12 bedrooms and can sleep up to 24 so there’s no shortage of spots for you, your bridesmaids and family to spend the morning getting ready before your big day! Bonnington Cottage is also available to rent as extra accommodation for wedding guests.

We have a list of trusted local suppliers, as well as our experienced in-house wedding coordinators, to help you every step of the way - we know how to take the hassle out of wedding planning to leave you free to enjoy your special day.