NEARLYWED NEWS

BORN TO SHINE

Kent-based Ark Jewellery’s Kristina Smith, has been nominated in the Rising Star category of the Professional Jeweller’s Power List 2021. This is the latest instalment in a great year for her having also found herself as a finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards Creative Jewellery Design category in June.

Kristina says, “Art without a story is meaningless. But like all good art, my pieces give you room to discover your own emotions and connections, weaving them into a story that ultimately makes them part of your life. I’m so pleased to have been awarded these accolades, as they confirm my hard work is paying off.”

Ark Jewellery offers bridal consultations, plus bespoke rings and packaging. Head over to www.arkjourney.com to discover more.

MIX IT UP SUITS YOU

SD Home of Menswear by Suit Direct recently opened the doors to its newest store in Bluewater Shopping Centre. SD offers a fantastic range of suiting, accessories and casualwear from leading brands including Ted Baker, Selected Homme, Marc Darcy, Ben Sherman, Jack and Jones, Racing Green, Limehaus, Gibson London and Jeff Banks. From three-piece suits to casual essentials, it aims to be a one-stop-shop for all things men’s fashion.

Mark Cotter, CEO of SD Home of Menswear by Suit Direct says, “Our instore teams work tirelessly to make every customer experience enjoyable. We offer one-to-one suiting appointments for those after a little more assistance and the team are always on hand to help whenever possible.”

To find our more visit www.suitdirect.co.uk

NEWS Nearlywed

Catch up on the latest from around the county

Mixology Events has re-launched its bridal party cocktail masterclasses. Designed for groups of any size the classes are custom-built, 100 per cent interactive and hands-on. You’ll be treated to a complimentary cocktail before being guided through the background and concepts of mixology, cocktail making and techniques. Then, you’ll each make – and drink – four cocktails at your own workspace, allowing everyone to create simultaneously. Finally, you can indulge in some healthy competition as each bar competes to make an original cocktail using a wide range of liquors, spirits, syrups, fresh fruits, juices and specialised equipment. Tom Cruise, eat your heart out!

Mixology Events has several permanent and partnership venues, including one in Maidstone, as well as a mobile cocktail bar hire service, so the team can come to you anywhere, any time. Head over to https://mixologyevents.co.uk to discover more.

#KentishAndProud

Recent research into the most Instagrammable National Trust properties, conducted by www.heatingforce.co.uk, has placed Kent treasure Chartwell near the top. With 28,065 hashtags on Instagram, Chartwell, once home to Winston Churchill came in third place just behind impressive country piles Waddesdon Manor and Cliveden.

In 2019 Chartwell welcomed 253,032 visitors, who flocked there to see the property’s main attraction – the largest collection of the late prime minister’s paintings. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a day out together this autumn, check out www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

The recently-refurbished Dress Dreams Boutique in Sevenoaks offers the modern bride a wonderful range of contemporary gowns with wow factor to reflect their spirit and individuality. Its dresses are created by some of the finest fashionforward designers from Israel to Australia. The latter is at the cutting edge of contemporary bridal fashion and Rachel Rose Bridal is right up there leading the charge. The designer’s creations are sexy, feminine and unconventional – luxe yet comfortable.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be at Rachel Rose Bridal’s Kent launch at Dress Dreams from 2nd-16th October 2021. Celebrating real women, body confidence and inclusivity, this exciting contemporary bridal brand empowers women everywhere.

To secure your slot head over to www.dressdreams.co.uk and book a normal bridal appointment during the event dates. Pssst… there’ll even be a gorgeous bridal giveaway!

TWINKLE AT TWILIGHT

Situated in the gorgeous Kentish countryside in Upchurch, The BarnYard has recently undergone an exciting new renovation. Totally different to the existing wedding offerings the new Apple Barn and Courtyard can host twilight wedding ceremonies for up to 100 guests and up to 200 for the evening bash. You can host indoor “I dos” in the barn itself or choose to hold an al fresco ceremony in the beautiful Courtyard Gazebo.

Decoration is allowed earlier in the day and there’s a stunning dressing room available to book for anyone who wishes to get ready on site, including a fridge full of bubbles and snacks. The barn has also been kitted out with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, which is available to those opting for the DJ inclusive package.

To find out more about The BarnYard visit www.the-barnyard.com

COME ON IN

Scan to view video https://jeffoliverphotography.com

Photography team Jeff and Sarah Oliver have taken to YouTube to create an indispensable video library of Kentish wedding venue tours. Originally aimed at helping couples and venues placed in a difficult position by various lockdowns, the channel is now set to be a useful tool for anyone planning their Kent wedding.

Each episode is packed with everything you could possibly need to know about each hotspot from map location, overnight accommodation, outdoor space and all of your indoor celebrationspace options. They’re also inspiringly interspersed with examples of the pair’s spectacular photography work captured at the respective venues, giving you a good idea of where best to pose for your own pics.

Check out the tour of Port Lympne Hotel above, and find the channel by popping over to YouTube and searching: The Olivers. Don’t forget to hit subscribe!

You can find out more about Jeff Oliver Photography at https://jeffoliverphotography.com

AUTUMN BE-GINS!

Kent winemaker, Mereworth Wines has brought together existing winemaking techniques to create a new range of spirits, including two new gins.

Mereworth’s fruity pink Harvest Gin is delectably smooth. Made using the fruits and botanicals grown in the fields surrounding the winery, it’s steeped in juniper, homegrown Saltwick Media strawberries, raspberries, orchard apples and meadow flowers.

The second addition to the range is the Oak Aged Gin. Having already won medals in the Gin Masters and International Wine & Spirits Competition prior to its release, this gin is steeped in carefully selected botanicals in 100 per cent wheat spirit. It’s then married with some of the finest toasted oak available, imparting deliciously nutty, spicy and citrus flavours. With hints of nutmeg and vanilla, and a long finish full of warming spices, this works perfectly with ginger ale. Check out https://mereworth.co.uk