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March/April 2015 cover
cover
Cover image provided by Wild Rose Photography, www.mywildrose.co.uk
 
March/April 2015
Wonderful world of weddings
News and products from around the country

Endless love
With just a week to plan their big day, Kirsty and Robin were determined to show those closest to them how much they meant too

Parental guidance
Help your mum find her fabulous supporting role look with our pick of the top mother-of-the-bride collections

Nailed it
We scratch the surface to find the best products out there for perfectly painted nails

Gold standard
We speak to four leading ethical jewellers and learn how you can make a difference with Fairtrade gold

The hen commandments (and stag don'ts!)
See off your single days in style with our definitive guide

Return to spendour
Turn your attention to elegant styling and luxurious details to give your wedding a sensationally sumptuous feel

Man power
This issue, Rachel's diary has been hijacked by the groom!

Protect your perfect day
We remind you how precious your nuptials are and how important it is to get them insured

Caribbean class
An all-inclusive 'family-moon' doesn't mean you have to compromise, as Jo Fletcher-Cross discovers

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
24th April, 2015
Giveaways
 
For some terrific FREE TO ENTER competitions, giveaways and offers,
visit our website at www.yourkentwedding.com
National Wedding of the Year
 
National Wedding of the Year
 
Here at Your Kent Wedding we love our Wedding of the Year competition and we’re very excited to announce the National Wedding of the Year award will be up for grabs again this year. All over the country, in our 17 regional titles, couples will enter in the hope that their big day will be voted best in the area, and then the overall winner from each magazine will be entered into our nationwide contest. A panel of editors will consider everything about each day – the sweetest details, the stunning photos, the most fabulous stories – to decide who’ll win the National Wedding of the Year title.

The winners will receive a fabulous grand prize of a three-night mini-moon at the award-winning Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, on a half board basis in a Pool Villa complete with return airport transfers – worth £3,000!

Nestled between the Atlas Mountains and the Djebilet Hills, the luxury hotel, which opened in April, 2012, as part of the Oetker Collection, is an idyllic resort of 41 suites, villas and palaces.

Situated amidst Balinese-inspired gardens, with cascading water features and lakes, the spot boasts three restaurants, a stylish rooftop bar and an indulgent spa – just perfect for newlyweds.

Visit www.palaisnamaskar.com

If you’d like to be in with a chance, and your wedding takes place between 1st October, 2014 and 30th September, 2015, enter online at www.yourkentwedding.com
Romantic words
 
Romantic words
 
New company The Chalk Spot has certainly hit the spot with brides-to-be. The team’s extensive craft and retail experience means it can create items not shown on its web pages and buy a completely bespoke item.

Its real selling point is its customer service and friendly approach. Owner Clair Farmer tells us, “We pride ourselves on understanding current trends and that our boards represent the romantic and individual feel we’re seeing more of in 2015.”

To see more designs, visit www.thechalkspot.co.uk
Endless love
 
Endless love
Image provided by Samantha Jones Photography
 
With just a week to plan their big day, Kirsty and Robin were determined to show those closest to them how much they meant too

"I first met Robin in his mum’s kitchen,” Kirsty tells us. If that sounds a little unusual, it’s perfectly fitting for this unconventional pair. “A big group of us had enjoyed an open-air cinema event and congregated back in the kitchen. I turned around and saw Robin for the first time.”

Kirsty isn't quite sure if she believes in love at first sight, but this was the closest thing to it. “We were definitely attracted to each other from that first moment, and we spent the rest of the evening laughing and talking,” she says.

As Robin’s in the Royal Navy, he had to return to duty. Four weeks passed until his next leave, when they could finally go on their first date. Then he went away for another four weeks, and so it continued.

Popping the question
“I remember cuddling up on the sofa with Robin, watching a documentary about James Corden and Gary Barlow,” remembers Kirsty. “It included Gary agreeing to sing at a fan’s wedding, at which point Robin turned to me and asked which celebrity I’d want at our wedding, if we ever got married. Out of nowhere I burst into tears, and told him that I'd just want my mum!”

Kirsty’s mum had been facing cancer on and off for the past nine years – undergoing operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But her latest scan showed that it had spread and there were no more treatment options available.

“Due to the illness and the fact I was so keen to have mum at our wedding, Robin never actually proposed. I've never received an engagement ring, but I don’t want one as it’s part of our story. Having said that, Robin is well aware that an eternity ring will be expected when we have our first child!” says Kirsty.

www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk
Shake it up
I don't know about you but this time of year always makes me want to shake things up a bit. The resolutions from a few weeks ago are now long forgotten – though I did try to see them through– and it feels like the perfect excuse for a whole new look.

It could be your haircut, your W-day colour scheme or maybe even a different style of dress – it always feels good to look at things with fresh eyes. That's why in this issue we're giving a whole new perspective to some of the biggest big-day headaches.

Take our hen and stag party feature on page 59, it's full of facts and top tips to inspire even the most well researched bride. We've also got cakes on page 69. We show you how to carefully cater for your guest list, no matter how big or bijou, and not a single tired tier in sight! We've shone a spotlight on a new wedding venue in the form of Sprivers Mansion in our styled shoot on page 64 – and make sure you cast your eye over page 17 where we show you lots of pretty venues in Bromley, Bexley and Dartford, proving there are plenty of beauty spots all over the county. But if you do want to jet away, don't forget to enter our competition this issue where you've got the chance to win your dream honeymoon in the Seychelles, worth nearly £6,000.

Let me know how your planning's going, I love hearing from you.

Enjoy!

Ivana Sidey, Editor
 
Make sure you email editor@yourkentwedding.com to keep us up to date with all your news
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Win a dream honeymoon in the Seychelles worth £6,112
 
Win a dream honeymoon in the Seychelles worth £6,112
 

If jetting off to an exclusive island with a 2.5km white beach surrounded by turquoise seas and tropical forests sounds like your kind of honeymoon, then Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa could be the perfect destination for you. Situated on Silhouette Island, just a 20 minute helicopter transfer from Seychelles International Airport in Mahé and a 45-minute boat trip via Bel Ombre Jetty, the resort offers guests five spacious, contemporary private and peaceful villa categories, all infused with tropical chic style. From the fabulous Presidential Villa, offering panoramic views of the mountains or pristine beach, to the Deluxe Hillside Pool Villas and Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villas which each feature a private pool and large circular bath; or the Beach Villas dotted along the seafront just steps from the beach, or the beautiful Garden Villas set in the lush natural surroundings of the island, all offer a back-to-nature experience with the amazing amenities offered by this luxury destination.

At the heart of the resort, by the stunning landscaped infinity pool, lies a selection of bars and dining venues, including the Italian Portobello Restaurant with its expansive wine cellar serving exclusive wines from all over the world, while beachside Sakura serves sushi and contemporary East Asian cuisine. Central to the Labriz experience is the Grann Kaz Plantation House, which has been expertly renovated and allows guests to experience the grandeur of a Seychellois plantation house. The ground floor is home to a traditional Creole restaurant, while Lo Brizan bar offers the chance to relax by the pool after dinner with cocktails and live music.

If all this doesn't sound relaxing enough, then you can visit Silhouette Spa at Labriz, a strikingly beautiful space which offers indoor and outdoor couples therapy suites and a comprehensive spa menu. Then you can explore the marine world of the Seychelles from the Eco Centre – the resort offers the only five-star National Geographic PADI diving centre in the region. Back on dry land you can take fascinating guided mountain walks through the jungle with the resident naturalist to explain the amazing sights and wildlife.

The combination of luxury, first-class design, a breathtaking setting and heritage makes this an ideal honeymoon destination.

To find out more visit www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com
 
Enter here
Spotlight on... Bromley, Bexley,
& Dartford
 
Spotlight on... Bromley, Bexley, <br />& Dartford
 
Hall Place and Gardens

Set within walled gardens, Hall Place & Gardens’ beautiful, colourful façade of mixed red brick and monastic stone sits alongside the River Cray.

The Tudor building makes for an inspiring wedding venue – complete with a variety of historical rooms with their own elegance and style. Four of the rooms are licensed for ceremonies for up to 100 people – from the grand panelled Great Hall, which is next to the garden and minstrels’ gallery, to the Great Chamber, which boasts carved ceilings and views over the topiary and has capacity for 50 of your nearest and dearest.

Later, stay in the Great Hall to enjoy your reception. This has space for 100 seated or up to 140 evening guests. The adjacent Tudor kitchen also works well to house the evening buffet and bar, with the connecting north courtyard ideal for those wanting a breath of fresh air, while still staying close to the hub of the party.

Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01322 526 574
www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

We love… anyone booking a reception will be offered a tasting by the caterers.

Turn to page 17 of the current issue for more local venues.
A slice of action
 
A slice of action
 
Make sure no one misses out on a tasty treat with our expert guide to the best bakes for your guest list

What's the best cake for... 50 guests?

"For a more intimate wedding, you don’t necessarily have to have a small cake. One of my couples chose a three-tier naked Victoria sponge with glazed figs, blackberries and mint leaves, which was served as afternoon tea straight after the vows. This was a lovely addition to the reception and made a change from canapés. What’s more, it made a great talking point and gave everyone an excuse to have a huge slice"! – Ketta Shimmin, Flossie Pops Cakery

www.flossiepopscakery.co.uk

Turn to page 69 of the current issue for for more expert advert on the best bakes for your guest list.
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Parental guidance
 
Parental guidance
 
It may be your big day, but it’s a big day for another lady too. Help your mum find her fabulous supporting-role outfit with our pick of the top mother-of-the-bride collections

Linea Raffaelli


With a spectrum of natural tones ranging from bronze to ecru, and bold summer accents of coral and lemon colouring its collection, Linea Raffaelli’s options for mothers this summer are ideal for enhancing and illuminating all complexions. Key styles for the season include A-line, supple skirts, vibrant lace and cut-out back details. To finish off her sophisticated summer ensemble, the brand has a selection of elegantly cut blazers and jackets.

www.linearaffaelli.com

Turn to page 98 of the current issue for more mother-of-the-bride collections.
Forthcoming Events
 
Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements.
 
To view more events, please visit the events page on our website.
 
The Wedding Fair, ExCel, London
Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
Web: theweddingfairs.com/excel-london/
Dates: Sat, 18 Apr 2015 - Sun, 19 Apr 2015
Time: Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
 

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