WIN! A luxury break in Bath worth £1,250 Marriage material Read about reader weddings Confirmed guestlist? JUL/AUG 2025 £3.55 KENTWEDDING TOP TO BOTTOM Your venue styling tips FEEL the BEAT Book your wedding entertainment Your guide to local venues
REGULARS 7 EDITOR’S LETTER Issy Chamberlain shares her top picks from this issue 9 NEWLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the Kent area 76 COMPETITION Win a luxury mid-week break for two at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Worth £1,250 CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2025 On the cover... Morgan and Grant’s wedding at Cooling Castle Barn pictured by Nicola Tulip Photography (nphotography.co.uk). Their wedding had lots of fun elements and even included a grand entrance from the groom. Find out more on page 29! 21 FEATURES 21 HOW TO SET THE SCENE The time has come to set the tables, but where to start? 47 PUMP UP THE JAM Check out our top tips for securing entertainment 51 WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE Wedding guest advice to help you avoid the classic blunders 52 UNCONVENTIONAL WEDDING HACKS TikTok creator, Anna Konstantopoulos, who runs the page @unseenandbelieved, created a viral video for users to reveal their innovative wedding hacks 17 VENUES 17 SPOTLIGHT ON ASHFORD, SWALE & THE WEALD Find your local venues 3
REAL WEDDINGS 29 LOVE IS IN THE AIR Morgan and Grant make the most of wedding fun with some well selected transportation! 35 A DREAM COME TRUE Leonie and Kenny tie the knot at their dream venue – with hints of Disney romance throughout. GROOMS 71 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 72 GET A WHIFF OF THAT Explore the hottest men’s fragrances on the market 73 GROOMSMEN GIFTING Find the perfect present for the man of the moment, fathers-of-the-bride and -groom, best men and ushers 74 FAMOUS FIVE Here are five completely different looks – which one takes your fancy? HONEYMOONS 79 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 82 THE MAGIC OF MERSEA ISLAND Rachel Westall enjoyed a stylish stay at The White Hart Inn, Essex’s best kept secret 83 A HIDDEN GEM Take a moment to relax at the delightful Bush Hotel Farnham 84 SAIL AWAY Experience the high life aboard a luxury river cruise along the Rhine 86 AVA MOMENT IN MEXICO Richard Jones tells us all about his time at two all-inclusive heavens on the Yucatán Peninsula 88 EXPLORE ITALY From world-class accommodation to memorable excursions – here is your ultimate guide to honeymooning in Italy FASHION & BEAUTY 54 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 55 SUNSET DRESSING These pieces deserve a place in your honeymoon suitcase 56 ROMANCE RUNNING WILD Add an ethereal touch with these bohemian styles 63 RED-CARPET READY These aisle-approved styles ooze Hollywoodinspired glamour 66 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the latest must-haves 68 SKINCARE THROUGH THE AGES Experts reveal the best skincare treatments for every decade 29 35 66 63 71 4
Coastal Elegance Meets Boutique Luxury in Kent Book your private tour with Dover Marina Hotel & Spa and enjoy a FREE cocktail on us! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate seaside ceremony or a full weekend celebration, our elegant hotel combines boutique style, fine dining, and spa indulgence to create a truly unforgettable experience. @dovermarinahotelweddings weddings@dovermarinahotel.co.uk www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk/weddings 01304 203633
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... Follow us on /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents HOSTED AT Sunday 5th October 2025 11am to 3.00pm FREE ENTRY Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges www.countyweddingevents.com/registration IN ASSOCIATION WITH
29 35 Morgan and Grant’s fun-filled celebrations Picking the right entertainment Leonie and Kenny’s dreamy wedding 47 It’s officially too hot to think, and all I want is to be laying by a pool waiting for the snack bar to open. For a lot of our couples, the summer is the best time to get married – you can almost guarantee a dry day with a stunning sunset, but there’s so much more to consider! My main concern would be sweat and all its consequences. Is my make-up going to melt off, will my dress have decent aeration, and will my hair frizz up the second I step outside? All pertinent questions that I’m sure some of you have already considered. Being a guest at a summer wedding is a doddle – yes, your make-up may melt, and your hair might frizz but it’s not your wedding album. Anything after “I do”, it’s a drunken haze that you’ll be sorely reminded of the following morning. When the time comes for your own nuptials, you suddenly realise how good you had it. In this issue, we help you pick the hottest entertainment and music for your big day and how to style it all! You’ve probably never spared a second thought on what goes into a table setting, but that’s all about to change. Strap in, get a cold drink and let’s dive in! Chat soon! ISSN 1746-9384 Your Kent Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Kent Wedding is published six times a year. ADVERTISING Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 495 julia.owen@county.wedding 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 Summe lovin’ EDITORIAL Features Editor Issy Chamberlain | 01376 535 611 issy.chamberlain@county.wedding I sy Issy Chamberlain, Features Editor 7 nphotography.co.uk @CountyWeddingMagazines @countyweddingmagazine @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Learning to set the scene 21 terivphotography.co.uk www.zanepersaud.com crespocruzphotofilm.mypixieset.com EDITOR’S LETTER 7
bradbournehousekent.co.uk | weddings@bradbournehousekent.co.uk | 01732 897436 Bradbourne House, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6DZ Breathtaking scenery, exceptional service and fine, locally sourced menus An idyllic setting for your Wedding Day, located in the heart of the Kent countryside
LEEDS CASTLE ACQUIRES HISTORIC PIECE FROM LADY BAILLIE’S ‘LOST’ COLLECTION The exquisite secretaire à abattant (writing desk), sold off following Lady Baillie’s death in 1974, has been acquired by Leeds Castle Foundation thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the dedicated efforts of the Castle’s curatorial team. Designed by the esteemed 20th century designer, Stéphane Boudin, and intricately painted in trompe l’oeil (from French meaning ‘to deceive the eye’) by Roger Natter, the secrétaire will be re-united with two existing Boudin commodes already in situ within the castle. Its acquisition into the Leeds Castle collection is the first time that an object has been returned to Lady Baillie’s original collection. Boudin, whose expertise earned him the sobriquet the ‘decorator’s decorator’, partnered with Lady Baillie from 1935 until his death in 1967, to create many of the interiors within the castle; including the Blue Bedroom, the Library, and the Dining Room. Boudin’s global renown also earned him commissions with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and he later worked closely with Jacqueline Kennedy to redecorate several rooms within the White House, including the Red Room. Leeds Castle extends its heartfelt gratitude to the players of The National Lottery and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their unwavering support, belief in the Castle’s mission, and their commitment to preserving and enhancing our shared cultural heritage. https://leeds-castle.com EMPOWERING BRIDES TO EMBRACE THEIR OWN BRIDAL STYLE Vicki’s Boutique celebrated its 4th anniversary this April and are ready to reintroduce themselves to customers and suppliers. The boutique is run by two sisters, Hannah and Megan, who named the boutique after their grandma, Vicki. Vicki was a wedding designer and maker in the ‘50s, and her very own wedding dress, made from curtains, hangs proudly in the boutique. Hannah and Megan’s goal is to bring personal flair and something new to the bridal industry. Four years ago, they set out to create a boutique that they would want to experience as customers. They aimed to create a unique space that not only provided a beautiful environment but also housed a collection of dresses that brides had never seen before. Their research quickly revealed the underappreciation of British Bridal’s homegrown talent. Some of the most iconic bridal gowns have been handcrafted in this country! Exquisite British gowns have shaped history, and they think there is something so beautiful about brides being a part of the British bridal story. To find out more or to book an appointment, please visit vickisbride.co.uk THE ULTIMATE BITE-SIZED GUIDE TO WEDDING PLANNING Wedding planning just got easier with the launch of The Wedding Lounge, a new podcast designed to provide engaged couples with expert advice in easily digestible, 20-minute episodes. Hosted by UK wedding planners Natasha Hildyard (founder of Natasha Spencer Weddings and Events) and Evie West (founder of The Country Blush), this podcast is set to become an essential tool for brides, grooms, and anyone involved in planning a wedding. With busy couples in mind, The Wedding Lounge takes the stress out of wedding admin by delivering practical, no-nonsense advice in short engaging discussions. Covering everything from budgets and wedding etiquette to wetweather plans and marquee logistics, each episode packed with insights from two UK-based wedding planners. The podcast will also feature expert interviews, with upcoming guests including County Marquees, Wildbox Bars and Juniper & Co. New episodes are released every Tuesday morning; The Wedding Lounge is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Player FM, Deezer, Boomplay, and more. Instagram: @theweddingloungepodcast NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on news in your local area LOCAL NEWS 9
THE KOREAN COWGIRL OPENS ANOTHER RESTAURANT! The highly anticipated opening of The Korean Cowgirl, a vibrant new restaurant that blends bold Korean fried chicken with traditional smoked America barbecue, is officially here. Located in Ashford’s Eureka Park, this exciting culinary destination is set to offer both locals and visitors an unforgettable dining experience. The Korean Cowgirl offers a fresh twist on traditional dishes, combining the fiery heat and savoury umami of Korean cuisine, with the satisfying smoked flavours from Texas. From spicy bites and wings to melt-in-your-mouth smash burgers, the restaurant is redefining fusion dining with creative and mouthwatering dishes. “We are incredibly excited to bring a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Ashford” said John Bingley, executive chef of The Korean Cowgirl. “Our pitmaster works around the clock on our USDA Texas-style brisket and Korean barbecue sausage; which are cooked low and slow for 15 hours on our on-site smoker. We can’t wait for our guests to experience it.” Whether you’re a fan of Korean fried food, chicken wings, or looking to try something entirely new, The Korean Cowgirl promises to deliver an exciting dining experience that’s bold, flavourful, and fun. For more information visit: thekoreancowgirl.com A FIRST LOOK AT KENT’S NEWEST WEDDING BARN, COMING APRIL 2026 The Ferry House is set in the beautiful waterside hamlet of Harty, on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Owned by local farming family, the Burdens, since 2000, the team has invested decades of wedding experience into designing the ideal, purpose-built space for wedding celebrations. “We’re so excited to share this first look at Spring Barn with our couples,” says Victoria Burden, coowner of The Ferry House. “We’ve designed it to feel timeless, in keeping with The Ferry House’s 16th century origins, with a modern edge.” The exterior artist’s impression (above), reveals large windows and bi-folding glass doors that open to sweeping estuary views, filling the barn with natural light and creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, exposed oak beams, textured brickwork, a polished concrete floor and soft, neutral tones will give the space a warm, rustic and refined simplicity – a perfect backdrop for couples to inject their own style. Every detail has been meticulously planned with weddings in mind. “The barn will feature lounge-style seating, a dancefloor and a large bar, all in one room. This was really important to us in our design, because it keeps our wedding parties together, whether guests want to be up dancing, socialising or relaxing,” adds Victoria. Also new for 2026 are reborn wedding menus, crafted from the Burden’s homegrown, family-farmed and Harty estate produce, alongside quality Kentish ingredients. Guests can enjoy garden-inspired cocktails and mocktails, and a carefully curated selection of Kent wines, beers, soft drinks and spirits; including those made from the Burden farm grains by the Copper Rivet Distillery in nearby Chatham. Work on Spring Barn begins in October 2025, with The Ferry House remaining open daily for restaurant dining and stays throughout. For more information visit: theferryhouse.co.uk/weddings NYETIMBER – THE ULTIMATE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE For those planning a wedding or celebratory party, Nyetimber English sparkling wine offers a range of bespoke packages and wine tastings – helping people to select the perfect sparkling wine to impress their guests. Nyetimber has a dedicated weddings and celebrations manager, Helen MacKenzie, who runs personalised Nyetimber tastings, so people can select the best sparkling wines for the occasion, with a bespoke pricelist. Rather than just enjoying sparkling wine as an aperitif, Nyetimber wines are purposely crafted to pair with many different foods, so they can be enjoyed throughout the celebrations. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage offers flavours of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples, giving it a hint of decadence and elegance. Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2016 is a superb accompanying wine for white fish or poultry dishes, whilst Nyetimber Rosé Multi- Vintage is recommended for weightier dishes such as a salmon fillet or duck. Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie MultiVintage was designed with dessert in mind and masterfully balances sweetness and acidity. Those who place larger orders for a big celebration will also receive a gift from Nyetimber on top of their wines. With orders of 60 bottles or more of Nyetimber’s core range, they offer a personalised magnum of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage and a Nyetimber bottle stopper. With orders of 120 bottles or more of Nyetimber core range, they offer a personalised magnum of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage and two tickets to an Open Day Tour at the Nyetimber estate. With orders of 30 bottles or more of any 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvee, they offer a personalised 1086 Rosé magnum. With orders of 60 bottles or more of any 1086 Prestige Cuvee, they offer a private tour of the Nyetimber West Sussex Estate for six people. What’s more, orders of 12 bottles or more of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage 375 ml half bottles come with name tags and ribbons to turn them into charming wedding favours and table-place name cards. For more information visit nyetimber.com 10
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. WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2025 KENT SUN, 28 SEP 2025 | CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, TN8 7AD SUN, 26 OCT 2025 | CHILSTON PARK Sandway, Lenham, ME17 2BE SUN, 2 NOV 2025 | BRADBOURNE HOUSE New Rd, East Malling, ME19 6DZ SUN, 9 NOV 2025 | PENSHURST PLACE Penshurst, TN11 8DG WORK WITH US As part of Ellis Media and Events Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com. COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS WHERE LOVE MEETS PERFECTION! COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS
NORFOLK SUN, 9 NOV 2025 | KIMBERLEY HALL Wymondham, NR18 0RT HAMPSHIRE SUN, 21 SEP 2025 | TYLNEY HALL Ridge Lane, Hook, RG27 9AZ SUN, 28 SEP 2025 | AUDLEYS WOOD Alton ROad, Basingstoke. RG25 2JT SUN, 12 OCT 2025 | LAYER MARNEY TOWER Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US SUN, 9 NOV 2025 | NUTFIELD PRIORY Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redhill, RH1 4EL SURREY ESSEX SUN, 21 SEP 2025 | ORSETT HALL Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, RM16 3HS SUN, 26 OCT 2025 | BRAXTED PARK Braxted Park Estate, Great Braxted, CM8 3EN
HERTFORDSHIRE SUN, 21 SEP 2025 | THE HERTFORDSHIRE White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7PY SUN, 28 SEP 2025 | CONSERVATORY AT LUTON HOO Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, LU1 4LF FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents SUN, 5 OCT 2025 | BARN AT ALSWICK Hare Street Road, Buntingford, SG9 0AA SUN, 19 OCT 2025 | WARE PRIORY High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SUN, 14 SEP 2025 | CHENIES MANOR Rickmansworth, WD3 6ER SUN, 19 OCT 2025 | RACKLEYS Marlow Road, Cadmore End, HP14 3PP BEDFORDSHIRE
Signature • Free entry • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more... Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges www.countyweddingevents.com/signature-events WEDDING SHOWS Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, DA9 9ST SUNDAY 5TH OCT 2025 | 11AM - 3PM BLUEWATER Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 12TH OCT 2025 | 11AM - 3PM MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 14TH SEPT 2025 | 11AM - 3PM ASCOT RACECOURSE
Pre-register for all of our events at www.countyweddingevents.com ASCOT RACECOURSE 14TH SEPTEMBER 2025 BLUEWATER 5TH OCTOBER 2025 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD 12TH OCTOBER 2025 X Sarah Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to the next wedding show season – perfect for all those couples recently engaged. 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. Sarah Ellis, Managing Director Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges A date for your diary... GREAT EXPECTATIONS
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 Set amidst acres of private secluded grounds surrounded by delightful countryside views, Haven eld Hall is the perfect venue for bespoke ceremonies or receptions. e grounds and buildings are exclusively yours for the day. With 3 separate approved locations for ceremonies including an outdoor gazebo, vaulted barn and cart shed. With extensive lawns able to accommodate marquees if required. We pride ourselves on working with you to provide a truly bespoke and unique package like no other. haven eldhall@outlook.com • 01634 669758 www.haven eldhall.com Located in the Alkham Valley, Folkestone e perfect venue for your wedding A beautiful 19th Century house and gardens with spectacular views across the valley.
Tie the knot in a local hotspot A shford Located on the River Stour, this lovely area is host to many wedding venues in Kent. Below, you can find a selection of some of these venues. THE SECRET GARDEN secretgardenkent.co.uk | 01233 501 586 The Court Yard, Mersham-le-Hatch, Hythe Road, Ashford, TN25 6NH CROWN LODGE KENT crownlodge-kent.co.uk |07594 460 694 Coldharbour Ln, Wye, TN25 5HE KENNINGTON HALL kenningtonhall.co.uk | 07795 361 431 Canterbury Road, Ashford, TN25 4EN ODO’S BARN odosbarn.com | 01233 721 748 Court Lodge Farm, Bilsington, Ashford, TN25 7JY HAYNE HOUSE haynehouse.co.uk | 01303 472 001 Saltwood, Hythe, CT21 4EH SWARLING MANOR swarlingmanor.com | 07850 974 748 Swarling Hill Rd, Petham, CT4 5QW THE HOUSE MEADOW thehousemeadow.co.uk | 07791 133 997 Worsenden Farm, Fosten Lane, Biddenden, TN27 8EL WILLESBOROUGH WINDMILL willesboroughwindmill.co.uk | 01233 733 416 Mill Lane, Willesborough, Ashford, TN24 0QG Swale The Borough of Swale is a beautiful district with a mix of busy towns and rural villages. It offers a range of opportunities for a quiet event or a big hurrah! HEMPSTEAD HOUSE hempsteadhouse.co.uk | 01795 428 020 London Road, Bapchild, Sittingbourne, ME9 9PP WEDDINGS IN KENT weddingsinkent.uk | 07887 730955 Alpaca Farm, Yaugher Lane, Hartlip, ME9 7XE ASHFORD, SWALE, AND THE WEALD Spotlight on... www.josephkinerman.co.uk BLISINGTON PRIORY 17 LOCAL VENUES
THE DREYS thedreys.co.uk | 01622 236 550 Squirrel Wood, Rumstead Lane, Stockbury, Sittingbourne, ME9 7RT BRENLEY FARM HOUSE brenley-farm.co.uk | 01227 751 203 Brenley Lane, Boughton, Faversham, ME13 9LY CAVE HOTEL & GOLF RESORT cavehotels.com | 01227 752 277 Brickfield Lane, Boughton, Nr Canterbury, ME13 9AJ MOUNT EPHRAIM COUNTRY HOUSE & GARDENS mountephraimgardens.co.uk | 01227 751 496 Staplestreet Road, Hernhill, Faversham, ME13 9TX THE ALEXANDER CENTRE https://thealex.org.uk | 01795 591 691 15-17 Preston St, Faversham, ME13 8NZ THE BARN YARD the-barnyard.com | 01634 235 059 Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne ME9 7EZ The Weald This nestled area of breathtaking greenery and nature makes up the Weald, which borders many counties in England; but most importantly borders Kent. Below you can find examples of idyllic venues within its rural landscape. BILSINGTON PRIORY ESTATE bilsingtonpriory.co.uk | 01233 720 992 St Augustines Priory, Priory Rd, Bilsington, Ashford, TN25 7AU WEALD OF KENT GOLF COURSE & HOTEL weald-of-kent.co.uk | 01622 891 671 Maidstone Rd, Headcorn, Ashford, TN27 9PT www.kerryannduffy.com BRENLEY FARM HOUSE WEALD OF KENT AND HEADCORN LODGE 18
MARRY on the edge of our largest natural lake INDULGE in romance around picturesque woodlands DINE with breathtaking panoramic lake views DANCE the night away on your private lakeside terrace FINALE finish outside with a private BBQ & fireworks Book a viewing today – 01474 823 333 or email events@fcdhotels.co.uk Inn on the Lake Hotel @innonthelakehotel A2 Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HB www.fcdhotels.co.uk Lakeside Vows, Nature's Elegance, Your Forever Romance Key Features Just outside London All-in-one venue 2 & 3 day wedding packages
& events@holidayinndover.co.uk | 01304 821 230 The feeling of true love in every moment. Civil ceremonies in our romantic garden gazebo and hotel. Capture memories in landscaped gardens with free guest parking. Our Grand Marquee is now available for dry hire.
How to set the scene Wow guests with a carefully curated look throughout the day No matter what you may know about weddings and the requirements for styling them, there’s always something that may pop up to surprise you. Luckily for you, you’re reading this magazine, so you’re already five steps ahead of a bride who isn’t. In this feature, we will guide you on your approach to venue styling and show how you can cover every corner in purposeful decoration. Outdoor weddings create a summer garden party atmosphere and can be lots of fun when incorporating games and food trucks – they also grant a lot of freedom with space. Invariably, outdoor venues have a keen eye on garden design, so it’s not likely you’ll need to do much decorating. However, whatever you do add, you need to ensure it won’t blow away, won’t cause harm to the local environment and won’t take away from the natural backdrop. Décor pieces like flower arches, lanterns/festoon lights, shaded areas and logs, are safe additions to any celebration. For the middle ground between outdoor and indoor, we have marquee/teepee weddings. These are cornerstones in the summer wedding market and grant you a lot of freedom of movement. Here you can have formal table settings that lead to garden games and a barbecue. This option also offers a fail-safe, should the weather turn nasty, and you’re caught in the rain. Marquees come in a variation of sizes, so can cater to intimate weddings or big blowouts! You’ll want stand-out décor to jazz it up and draw guests in; you’ll also want to consider bunting, hanging greenery, plenty of lighting, and hopefully, an area for the dancefloor. www.zanepersaud.com Ahh...quintessential British countryside, highlighted by an exquisite bit of architecture. Manor houses create a very formal wedding, fit for any season but particularly spring and winter. Their classic designs make for a stunning wedding album and will often have lots of spaces/rooms for activities. For venues like this, you may want to lean more on entertainers like string quartets, magicians, live drawers, bands, and other classic music acts. These entertainers are made for venues like this; they can elevate the formal atmosphere and won’t cause any running around or throwing of balls – like in garden games. We recommend taking pictures of areas you’ll be celebrating in so you can match your décor to what is already there. The last thing you need is clashing colours or crowded ceremony rooms. These venues work well with a collection of round tables for the wedding breakfast and often call for large flower displays flowing down the stairs. There are many couples out there that live for the hustle and bustle of large towns and city life, if this is you then you may consider a city wedding. The perk of having your wedding here is that you’ll never be short of transport or late-night eateries. Your biggest concern will be getting everyone parked and ensuring that, either the venue can do both ceremony and reception, or that the two different venues are close together. When it comes to styling, you’ll want to consider a ’less is more’ approach. Everything you hire will need to be delivered in a timely manner – on busy streets, this can be a potential problem. City venues call for a chic design, with crisp linens, and perhaps monochromatic colour schemes. If you have the chance at hosting some of your celebration on a rooftop terrace, then this would be the place for large flower displays or activities for guests. Castles offer some breathtaking backdrops, both inside and out! They have impressive halls and equally as impressive gardens, that have both been maintained throughout the years. They may lack some crucial colour, but this can be easily incorporated through your décor. In venues like this, you’re going to want stand-out pieces that complement the wow-factor of those stoney walls. This style of venue would suit banquet hall tables with candelabras, luxurious table runners and a statement cake table. If you want a fairytale ending, then this is the place to do it! unsplash.com.@hannahwrightdesigner unsplash.com.@samsonyyc Vineyards feel like a dose of exotic destination wedding but without the stress of travel. Their backdrops are eyecatching, large, and play with both indoor/ outdoor celebrations. This venue lends itself nicely to most wedding styles and can jump between formal events to boho-chic. Plus, if you’re wine fan, you’ll be in safe hands for your wedding drinks. When it comes to the décor, you won’t want to take away from the perfect views of symmetrical greenery, however, it is important to make it your own. We recommend well placed lanterns, barrel pieces (as a nod to the vineyard), rustic banquet tables and wooden elements wherever you can get them. danmorrisphotography.co.uk 21 VENUE STYLING
FLORAL EVERYTHING! Floral arrangements are a staple at every wedding and there’s a reason for that – they are visually stunning and are great space fillers. Flowers add character that you can lean on with your styling throughout; they’ll fit your theme and all you need to do is chuck down some fairylights next to it and you’re golden. Greenery/foliage has the same effect and are perfect if you’re really going for that whimsical wedding look. Types of floral inclusions are as follows: floral garlands, bouquets repurposed from the ceremony, mini vases filled with blooms, flower walls for photo opportunities, and edible flowers on the food and cake. Flowers can be dotted all over the show and come in varying styles – it is one of the most bespoke elements of your wedding. Whilst the florist can guide you on what looks good, you have creative freedom to include any flowers that hold sentimental value to you (provided they’re in season). For example, one of my mum’s favourite flowers is sweet peas, so I would include them in my bunch as a subtle nod to her. Going further than styling, real flowers don’t have to be a one-trick pony; if you particularly like your wedding bouquet, then you can get it sent off to be set in resin or dried and framed. But back on track, if you want your flowers to fit a specific theme, and you’re not sure where to start, then it’s best to understand the venue you’ll be celebrating at. If you’re going for an outdoor wedding, then wildflowers or large flowers would work – for example, in a summer garden, you may want a large display of hydrangeas, or in a woodland setting, you would opt for snowdrops or bluebells. Alternatively, if you’re getting married in a castle, a formal bloom like roses would lend itself well to the environment. PLAY WITH LIGHTING AND TEXTURES Nothing says, ’I’ve got my act together’ like coordinated lighting! Fairylights, festoon lights, lanterns and any other bulb you can think of, are great ways to pull together the wedding look. Lighting can also highlight the events areas, making it clear where guests need to go. With outdoor weddings, you’ll have a lot more freedom when it comes to hanging lighting and placing down lanterns; as there’s plenty of room to move around and festoon/fairylights can be placed anywhere with strategic poles or pergolas. However, if you’re in a manor house, you’ll need to be mindful of perhaps old wooden beams, limited space for movement, and any damage that could occur when hanging lights. It’s important to note that natural light is also your best friend on your wedding day; if you’re getting married in the summer, then make the most of the outdoor sunshine! The party can always move inside when the sun goes down. Textures add the same ‘put-together look’ aesthetic as lighting does, creating this effect can be a hard thing to master, but keep in mind that it all stems from your theme. Classy and clean? Try white flowers and candles for a centrepiece. Boho and rustic? Colourful crockery and linen runners on oak tables – it’s ultimately the contrast of soft materials with hard surfaces. Lighting and textures can be paired nicely, adding fairylights to fabric will create an ethereal glow your guests will be obsessed with and the low lighting is the epitome of romance. unsplash.com.@jkalen71 unsplash.com.@jkalen71 unsplash.com.@jkalen71 22
Ready to capture your dream wedding? At Jon Snapaway Media, I specialise in preserving the magic of your big day with a fun, creative, and confident approach. From intimate moments to unforgettable highlights, every shot is designed to tell your story. Offering both photography and videography, I create a seamless, stress-free experience, ensuring your memories are beautifully captured forever. 07852 572 808 info@jonsnapawayphotography.com www.jonsnapawayphotography.com @jonsnapawaymedia 5 Church Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1SE 01303 252626 www.stembystemflowers.co.uk Follow us on Facebook ...LOVE FLOWERS Your dream day. Our beautiful flowers.
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... Follow us on /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents HOSTED AT Sunday 12th October 2025 11am to 3pm FREE ENTRY Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges www.countyweddingevents.com/registration IN ASSOCIATION WITH
DÉCOR FOR EVERY STAGE There are three key parts of your day that you need to decorate for: the ceremony, the wedding breakfast, and the reception. All of these should follow the same theme, but only the reception may differ slightly – going for a more pared-back look to allow room for dancing. See below for our décor checklist: •Entrance décor (flower arches, ballons, etc) •Signage (welcome signs, table plans, info signs) •Easels! It’s all well and good having the signs, but don’t forget the thing you need to display them. •Chair covers/chair hire. Does your venue come with chairs included in the price? Are they already pretty or do they need jazzing up? •Aisles. These can sometimes come already perfect, but an additional frill of flowers or some lanterns can elevate it. •Ceremony backdrop. Again, does the venue speak for itself or does it need vamping? If you’re getting married outside, how can the ceremony be positioned to get the best backdrop possible. •Guestbook station. Unfortunately, you can’t just stick a book on a table and call it a day. The guestbook table will need some cohesive props to draw people’s attention to it. •Ceiling installations. Maybe you could add some hanging foliage to your converted barn to bring the outdoors in? Perhaps you could add more fairylights to the marquee? •Cake table. The cake will, of course, be stunning and to show respect for the work having gone into it, you’ll need something pretty for it to stand on. A table with similar décor to the guests’ tables would give it an appropriate stage to shine. •Tablescaping: centrepieces, charger plates, cutlery, napkins, glassware, tables runners, candles, table numbers, and favours, are all on your list of things to organise for tables at your wedding breakfast. 25 VENUE STYLING
YOUR FAIRYTALE WEDDING AWAITS Set in the heart of the Garden of England, Brandshatch Place offers the perfect countryside setting for your dream wedding. Our idyllic rural retreat with gorgeous grounds provides an enchanting backdrop where your love story unfolds. With over 20 years of experience creating unforgettable weddings, we’ll craft a bespoke wedding day that’s authentically you. Experience the Magic at Our Wedding Showcases Join us throughout the year for exclusive showcase events where you can explore our beautifully dressed venues and meet our experienced wedding team. Ready to Begin Your Journey? Contact our wedding team today for a personalised show round and discover why couples choose Brandshatch Place for their most important day. HOTELS BUILT FOR PLEASURE BRANDSHATCH PLACE HOTEL & SPA FAWKHAM, KENT Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa Brands Hatch Road, Fawkham, Kent DA3 8NQ 01474 875000 | handpickedhotels.co.uk/brandshatchplace
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... Follow us on /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents HOSTED AT Sunday 14th September 2025 11am to 3:00pm FREE ENTRY High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges www.countyweddingevents.com/registration IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Say ‘I do’ at your Enchanting Leeds Castle wedding Transform your wedding dreams into reality at the iconic Leeds Castle, steeped in over 900 years of history and nestled in the captivating Kentish countryside. With our award-winning venues that welcome between 10 and 500 guests, bespoke wedding packages and late availability offers, your celebration will be truly unforgettable and uniquely yours. @leedscastleevents leeds-castle.com/wedding Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent
Love is IN THE AIR Morgan and Grant made the most of wedding fun with some well-selected transportation! Images courtesy of Nicola Tulip Photography 29 REAL WEDDINGS
Morgan and Grant met when Morgan was working as a barmaid at the Marriot Hotel in Bexleyheath. Grant was staying there for business, and it was at the bar that they got chatting. Morgan declined Grant’s initial offer for a drink, but after a month of getting to know one another, she accepted. Grant popped the question at Morgan’s sister’s wedding right at the end of the night. At 10PM when her sister was about to throw the bouquet, the DJ started playing Bonfire Heart, the bouquet was handed to Morgan and she was spun around, to the sight of Grant on one knee. Morgan adds, “it was the most amazing moment to be able to share that with my sister and all my family.” The date was set for 12th July 2024 at Cooling Castle Barn. Here we find out more about their special day... SETTING THE SCENE The chosen venue for Morgan and Grant’s special day was Cooling Castle Barn and it was the stuff of dreams for this couple. Morgan recalls, “from when I was a little girl, I had always expressed to my mum that I wanted to get married in a barn. The moment we walked into the venue, we both knew it was perfect. The venue was pretty much bare apart from a few lights, but I saw so much potential and there was a lot of freedom for decoration. The grounds were intimate which I loved because it encouraged the guests to stick together.” For wedding favours, Morgan and Grant treated their guests to chocolates from Harrods and small bottles of alcohol. To hold the treats and to label seats, the couple had mini clay hearts on string personalised with names. These were placed on the tables, decorated with logs and floating candles in glass jars. Their table plan had an extra personal touch, with each table being made identifiable with childhood pictures of the bride and groom. The chosen cake for this special celebration was a three-tier French fancy cake by Sam Woodruff. Flavours included Biscoff, lemon and chocolate – delicious! This followed a three-course meal provided by Cooling Castle Barn. For guests that wanted to leave a message for the couple, perhaps imploring their cake choice, they could do so at the telephone booth the couple hired. When it comes to transport to wedding venues, we are used to seeing a classic car, but Morgan had other ideas for Grant! As a surprise for the groom, the bride hired a navy blue (to match the theme) helicopter to deliver him James Bond-style, to the venue – talk about an entrance! LOOKING THE PART For Morgan, it was hard to find the right dress as nothing quite had the wowfactor she was dreaming of. It wasn’t until she asked a stylist to find her a dress that wasn’t like any of the others that she found the one. Morgan recalls, “when the stylist hung the dress in the changing room, I was already convinced it wasn’t the one. However, I decided to go with it as I had nothing to lose, and I had that feeling!” Morgan had found the dress of dreams, and it was half price too! That was fate giving her the seal of approval. Grant wore a three-piece royal blue suit with a yellow tie to perfectly incorporate the theme. The groomsmen wore matching suits to Grant, paired nicely with the bridesmaids. The maid-of-honour wore a royal blue dress, and the bridesmaids wore lemon yellow – all of which were floor length. TIME TO CELEBRATE For the ceremony, Morgan and Grant hired a harpist, who just so happened to be the same harpist that played at Morgan’s mother’s wedding (a wedding that took place at The Marriot that Morgan worked at). The harpist injected the romance 30
for the ceremony, and she was followed by a string quartet who performed while photos were being taken. Morgan adds, “we also had the amazing Rich Narin drawing live caricatures of all the guests, which they loved.” To welcome the newlyweds to their wedding breakfast, they had a saxophone player perform Freed from Desire, which had everyone up on their feet and waving napkins. In the evening, they had a Jersey Boys tribute band called The Other Guys, which Morgan says, “was a fantastic way to finish off a wonderful day.” To accompany this wonderful display of entertainment, Morgan and Grant provided their guests with a pick’n’mix stand, complete with cakes from Harrods! MEMORABLE MOMENTS It’s expected that on the morning of your wedding, you are to experience some hardcore nerves. Morgan’s nerves doubled when she realised, she was half-an-hour late for her nuptials! Luckily the venue and suppliers were on-hand to diffuse the situation and remind Morgan that this was her special, day and it’s fine to be a little late. Morgan recalls a special moment on the day, “walking down the aisle with my mum by my side, to get to the end and see Grant in floods of tears. It was quite a surprise as I didn’t bet on him crying!” This, being followed by the grand entrance to the wedding breakfast, left this couple feeling like celebrities. As Morgan very accurately states, no wedding is perfect and theirs wasn’t without its hiccups. They fell victim to the classic vow fumbles (saying ‘I do’ too early or having to repeat yourself), but they also had their fair share of wardrobe malfunctions! Morgan adds, “Grant’s button came off before the ceremony, my sister’s zipper broke on her dress and we had to pin her in it, there was a whole team around her trying to get it to stay up – but despite all that, it was the most perfect day.” Big events like weddings can take a lot out of you, especially if you haven’t got much help. Luckily for Morgan and Grant, they had the aid of Morgan’s mum. Morgan adds, “she was my wedding planner and my best friend throughout the whole thing, so if anyone deserves recognition it’s her! She also walked me down the aisle and did an amazing speech!” – three cheers for mum! HONEYMOON This couple’s honeymoon was threefold and started on the gorgeous shores of Cornwall. Morgan and Grant went straight to Cornwall after the wedding and spent a week exploring the picturesque area. The second part of the honeymoon was a bucket-list-ticking extravaganza. They flew to San Fransico where they spent the night and the following morning, hired a red Ford Mustang and drove to Los Angeles. Morgan adds, “after a few days exploring LA, we drove through the blistering heat of Death Valley to get to Las Vegas. To our surprise, we were upgraded to a suite at our hotel and had a view of the strip that was to die for!”. To round off the trip of a lifetime, they embarked on a Carribean cruise on The Icon of the Seas. Although, this wasn’t without its troubles. Unfortunately for Morgan, her luggage was dropped into the ocean whilst being loaded onto the boat! WEDDING TIP Keeping organised when planning a wedding isn’t for the weak – it takes a clear vision and a tight budget. Morgan and Grant’s advice to keep on track is to make a spreadsheet. Here you can track what’s been booked, what’s outstanding, who costs what and when things need to be paid. This is a great tip and combined with a designated wedding planning email address, you’ll be onto an organised winner. They also recommend doing the rounds at your wedding together – it would feel natural to divide and conquer, but in doing this you miss precious time together. 31 REAL WEDDINGS
MORGAN AND GRANT’S SUPPLIER LIST Venue, Cooling Castle Barn, coolingcastlebarn.com | Photographer, Nicola Tulip Photography, nphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Wed2be Hair stylist, Sophistic Hair, @sophistic_hair | Groom’s suit, Santoro Milan, santoromilan.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Brideside Boutique, bridesideboutique.co.uk | Cake, Cakes and Bakes by Sam, cakesandbakesbysam.co.uk | Flowers, Danny Watchom Designer Florist, dannywatchorn.squarespace.com | Transport, Northumbria Helicopters, www.northumbria-helicopters.co.uk | Entertainment, The Other Guys, theotherguysentertainment.com | Harpist, Hilary Maslin, hilarymaslinharpist.co.uk | String quartet, Estilo String Quartet, @estilostring4 Caricaturist, The Artful Doodler, theartfuldoodler.co.uk | Saxophone player, Robyn Taylor, robyntaylorofficial.com 32
Claudia Newberry 01892 520219 claudia@purpleflour.co.uk www.purpleflour.co.uk Instagram @purple_flour Danni Beach Photography
ENCHANTING WEDDING VENUE A unique, classically romantic country house and gardens for your wedding ceremony and reception 01227 751 496 | weddings@mountephraimgardens.co.uk | www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk GUEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE MAIN HOUSE SLEEPING 22
A DREAM COME TRUE Leonie and Kenny tied the knot with hints of Disney romance throughout Images courtesy of Teri V Photography Leonie and Kenny met online, and it was an instant connection for both. Leonie was ready to give up on finding love online but then fate brought these two together. Their conversations were built on a shared love for Disney, but it was Kenny’s humour, honesty and caring nature that really sold Leonie. Their bond was instant and there was nothing coming between these two. With the pandemic approaching, Leonie and Kenny knew they didn’t want to be apart for an uncertain amount of time. So, within six months of the first date, they had met each other’s families, bought a house together and already started discussing things like marriage and kids. Leonie adds, “there are those that thought we were crazy or moving too fast, but we always said, ‘when you know, you know!’. When you meet the love of your life you don’t want to waste a single second!” Kenny spared no romance when planning the perfect proposal. His original plan was scuppered, no thanks to covid, but everything happens for a reason and the new engagement plan was testament to this. Kenny had arranged the hire of a Morgan convertible (the ultimate romantic vintage car) and drove Leonie around the Scottish Highlands, stopping at various points to take in the spectacular sights. The last stop was at a breathtaking waterfall with amazing scenery, it was here that Kenny announced his final surprise and got down on one knee. The date was set for 29th April 2023 at Leeds Castle. Here, bride Leonie tells us more... REAL WEDDINGS 35
We used fairylights and lanterns throughout the venue to further highlight the fairytale romance we were going for. We paired this with a 360-video platform with flowers so our guests could get some beautiful shots. Our flowers throughout the venue followed the colour theme of burnt orange. This even covered buttonholes and video platform backdrops. Each table had a log slice in the centre, which then had items on it that represented the film. For example, Beauty & the Beast had the rose, a handheld mirror and books. Our table plan was made up of different Disney films and at the top we invited everyone to ‘Be Our Guest’. I fell in love with Leeds Castle when my dad took me there as a child. I announced to him on that day that I would get married there and Kenny helped to make that dream come true. We of course visited the venue several times before planning our big day and luckily Kenny adored it too. For me the venue is breathtaking – a real English fairytale venue with so much historical charm. It offers some great photo-ops as well, which is ideal for any wedding. Our wedding favours and seat names were combined into one delicious treat. We had decorative biscuits, personalised with guest names. For the cake we opted for a three-tier extravaganza with ombre-style buttercream and painted flowers, all to suit the theme. 36
My dress was a Pronovias wedding dress called Karnur, with removable lace and beaded overskirt/train. Once the train was removed, the dress became a fitted A-line silhouette. The dress was heavily embellished with beading, that sparkled when it caught the light. My dress was described by my friends and family as very Swan Lake or even Elsa from Frozen. We hired a live band, Ukes Of Hazzard, who were fantastic! The really got the guests dancing – which led to a couple of dance-offs throughout the night. A lot had happened in the lead up to the wedding – my dad had a triple heart bypass in February, and we moved in with him to help with his recovery, as well as looking after the dogs and house. Knowing that our big day was finally happening, and we were getting married in a dream venue, just felt completely surreal/ overwhelming but also perfect. Kenny wore a navy herringbone tail suit hired from Moss Bros. Paired with a custommade double-breasted grey waistcoat with burnt orange-hued back lining. This was accompanied with an engraved Tissot watch and bespoke cufflinks made from his late father’s ashes. For food we had delicious canapés and a three-course meal. For some late-night snacks, we provided breakfast baps, alongside mini fish and chips. My bridesmaids wore burnt orange-coloured satin dresses, with rose gold -toned open toe chunky heeled sandals; they also had matching rose gold and white nacre necklaces, a present from me. I wanted their gifts to be something they could wear again and would suit them all. 37 REAL WEDDINGS
www.yourkent.weddingRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=