Kent couples win dream weddings Two Kent couples are celebrating after winning fully funded weddings at two of the county’s most sought-after venues as part of Glow Events’ “Win a Wedding” competition. The lucky winners, Nicola and James, and Katey and James, were surprised with the lifechanging news during a special announcement evening at The Orangery in Maidstone. Nicola and James will marry at the historic Bilsington Priory in May 2026. Their win comes after a challenging weddingplanning journey that included the loss of their original venue and difficult family health circumstances. Having first met in 2008 and since welcomed their son, Henry, the couple said the prize will allow them to fully enjoy their long-awaited wedding day and finally look ahead to a honeymoon. Meanwhile, Katey and James will celebrate their wedding at The Gardens in December 2027. The couple, who reconnected after the pandemic while working together, have built a happy blended family with their three children. Their winter celebration will be filled with personal touches, including a special role for Katey’s 92-year-old grandmother as flowergirl. “We are absolutely delighted for both couples,” said Glow Events Director Emmet Hannan. “Hearing their stories and seeing their reactions was incredibly moving.” Both winning couples will now work with the team to plan their dream celebrations, creating two unforgettable wedding days in stunning Kent settings. Visit bilsingtonprioryevents.co.uk LOVE STORIES AT CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE Couples dreaming of a wedding that’s completely their own will love what Chiddingstone Castle has to offer. Rather than following a set formula, the historic country house specialises in bespoke celebrations, ensuring no two weddings are ever the same. From choosing between a variety of beautiful ceremony locations to hosting drinks receptions in different areas of the estate, couples have the flexibility to design a day that reflects their personalities and style. The experienced catering team can also create everything from traditional wedding breakfasts to Asianinspired feasts, elegant afternoon teas or even relaxed fish and chips. Looking for something unforgettable? The team has helped arrange fairground carousels, Spitfire flypasts, marching bands, arrivals by horseback and helicopter, and even dogs and pet owls as ring bearers. Couples can experience the venue for themselves at the Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show on 20th September, where they’ll be able to tour the venue and meet the wedding team. The Castle has also released additional availability for spectacular firework displays in 2027 and 2028, offering even more ways to create a truly memorable celebration. Visit chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/weddings Solton Manor’s new manager Historic wedding venue Solton Manor has announced a major programme of investment alongside the appointment of Rebecca Wise as General Manager, marking a significant new chapter for the centuries-old estate. Located near Dover and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Solton Manor continues to expand its exclusive-use wedding offering through a series of enhancements designed to provide couples with greater flexibility and choice. Among the latest developments is the restoration of The Old Stables, transformed into an elegant indoor ceremony space by designer Michelle Shakallis. During the renovation, a historic farm bell was discovered and reinstated above the estate’s Bell Tower Barn, where it now symbolically marks the beginning of wedding celebrations rather than the end of the working day. The venue’s ongoing improvements include the creation of Finet’s Glade, a dedicated woodland ceremony space accommodating up to 200 guests, expanded outdoor ceremony options, increased capacity within the Dutch Barn, and the refurbishment of both the Dutch Barn Bar and Dovecote Cottage, now a luxury two-bedroom retreat. Additional enhancements include a new accessible ground-floor bedroom within the Bell Tower Barn and the redecoration of key rooms throughout the Manor House. With its blend of historic character and continued investment, Solton Manor is reinforcing its position as one of Kent’s most distinctive countryside wedding destinations. Visit soltonmanor.com Daniel Luke https://marcuscurryphotography.com 8
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