Editor loves and inspiration

Beautiful in Curves, a bridal boutique in Ashford, Kent, offers a wide range of wedding dresses in sizes 18-34. With prices ranging from £800.00 to £1,600, the boutique stocks gowns from top designers such as Millie May Bridal, White Rose and White Studio London.

The team tells us: “We have many years of experience in the bridal industry and would like to think our collections represent today’s exciting fashion trends in wedding dresses. From the ever-popular boho gowns, mermaid dresses, romantic princess gowns, and everything in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The collections are also carefully chosen to offer the support and structure we know you are looking for.”

The team also stocks mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses in sizes 18 to 34, so the important people in your life can ensure they also look and feel amazing.

Exclusively for Your Kent Wedding, Beautiful in Curves is offering brides-to-be who purchase a full-priced dress a free veil worth up to £100. To claim this fabulous offer, simply mention the magazine when enquiring or purchasing your gown. Offer ends 31st July 2025.

See more offers in our Freebies and Offers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Adriana Herran tells us the latest hair and make-up trends for brides-to-be.

"As we look ahead to bridal beauty trends in 2025, we can expect to see a continuation of the natural-yet-modern aesthetic that has been popular in recent years. Brides are embracing dewy skin, minimalist eyeshadow, and neutral lipstick shades, but with a twist of modernity. I predict that in 2025, we will see brides playing with eyeliner techniques and daring to experiment with more captivating lipstick shades.

"Drawing inspiration from the latest runway shows in France, Italy, and the UK, we anticipate a focus on natural-looking skin with a pop of colour either in the eyes or lips. The trend of rosy cheeks and an overall healthy glow will continue to prevail, reflecting a fresh and radiant bridal beauty aesthetic.

"In terms of hair, modernity will be at its peak with sleek buns and intricate styles that complement a summer wedding look. These hairstyles will enhance the bride’s natural features and make-up, creating that coveted ‘it’ factor. Additionally, a touch of romanticism will be introduced through loose waves with centre parts, showcasing weightless, bouncy and healthy hair."

See more trend predictions in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Oad St Weddings is a family-owned and run wedding venue in Sittingbourne, Kent, that’s now offering a Twilight Wedding Package. Twilight weddings are an ideal option for those who desire a more casual feel to their day. With a ceremony in the early evening hours, followed by a hand-crafted luxury grazing table and party all night, you can be sure your guests will receive the starlit treatment at Oad St Weddings.

“Working to suit customer needs for the last 30 years, we pride ourselves on the quality and warmth of service, creating those unforgettable memories for you to cherish,” says the team at Oad St Weddings. “The venue is situated in rural countryside, with great links to the M2, M20 and Thanet, making us easy to reach but yet feeling like you’re a million miles away. Our venue is surrounded by agricultural land, creating the perfect backdrop for those captured memories.”

See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Faye and Damian met during a half marathon at Hever Castle in 2021. “We know you’re wondering, how on earth do two people meet at a half marathon?” says Faye. “When we first locked eyes, I was chatting to my running companion in the registration queue when we accidentally joined the wrong line. Damian saw our mistake and jumped into the conversation to point us in the right direction. A short while later, we bumped into each other again while buying coffee in the athletes area, which prompted a smile from Damian. We met for the third and final time that day during the run, where we came face-to- face on either side of a kissing gate. Damian, kindly let me pass through first, remarking, ‘I promise I’m not following you!’ I smiled and later, encouraged by my friend and convinced the third meeting was fate, found Damian on Instagram, and the rest is history.”

Damian proposed on Christmas Day after they’d done a park run in Southampton. “It was a total surprise,” shares the bride. “We got to spend the entire Christmas period sharing the happy news with our friends and families.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

David King is an award-winning photographer based in Canterbury, Kent, known for his creativity and passion for capturing wedding moments timelessly. “Delve into my unwavering love for weddings and my heartfelt commitment to delivering stunning, romantic, and timeless images that encapsulate the essence of each couple’s special day,” says David. “I have a friendly and creative photography style, perfectly tailored to complement and enhance the magic of every wedding celebration. I have extensive experience and showcase the remarkable venues I have graced with my artistry, including The Orangery, The Gardens, Winters Barns, and more, affirming my adaptability and expertise in diverse settings. I offer a range of photography packages, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. Each package has an all-encompassing nature, including all-day coverage, personalised consultations, storybook albums, and a treasured USB of edited images. By entrusting me with the task of capturing your wedding day, I promise an unforgettable journey filled with artistic innovation, unwavering passion, and unparalleled dedication to capturing the essence of love.”

Meet more local photographers in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Elizabeth Anne Norris tells us about how to make your own wedding rings.

"Even with no prior experience, you can design and create your own beautiful gold or silver wedding bands in just an afternoon. You can choose from white gold, rose gold, yellow gold or sterling silver, and you have the option to combine these metals. Personalise your rings with engravings, textures, and unique designs, all under the expert guidance of an experienced instructor.

"Prior to our workshop here at Elizabeth Anne Norris Jewellery, we will have a half-hour consultation to discuss your design ideas and ring sizes. On the day of the workshop, you’ll enjoy tea and snacks while learning the techniques needed to craft your rings. You will cut and shape the metal, solder it into a perfect circle, and finish with polishing. There’s also the option to add stones and engraving after you’ve completed your rings. Celebrate your accomplishment with a toast, and walk away with original, handcrafted wedding bands that represent you."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Claire and Warren met on a car cruise. “We’re both into cars, but we didn’t actually get together until eight or nine years later,” says Claire. “Warren proposed on my birthday, which is a week before Christmas. It’s my favourite time of the year and having our boys watching made it extra special.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Nicola Tulip from Nicky’s Photography tells us about how this styled shoot came to be: “My moodboards had collections of bright and lively images that I felt would be perfect for a styled shoot. Full of gorgeous colour yet softened by textures. The dresses were from a designer of stunning one-off pieces that always photograph so well. The flowers were just stunning, with a mixture of colour and texture. For the models’ hair, we took inspiration from the 1920s, which was just stunning. I really wanted to capture fun and vibrance throughout, include current prop ideas and demonstrate the ultimate way to travel with fantastic transport.”

See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Hayley and Ed met while they were both working at an insurance company 10 years ago. “We reconnected several years later and have been inseparable since,” says Ed. “We share the same values, a laid-back approach to life and a love of animals.”

“I proposed to Hayley at Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, which has a beautiful view overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House,” shares the groom. “Hayley lived in Australia for a few years and I knew it would be special to do it in a place that she holds dear. I asked her to pose for a photo against the backdrop and then dropped to one knee. Based on her shocked reaction and happy tears, I would say it was a big surprise.”

The couple shared their first coffee date at Oad St Weddings. “It used to be a tea room, so it holds great sentimental value for us,” explains Ed. “The venue is beautiful inside, with low lights and foliage and a contemporary deco-styled bar, so it felt perfect for our day. The surrounding area is quiet and picturesque, and the staff have always been so friendly whenever we have visited for meals over the years. Oad St Weddings was an easy choice for us once we were shown around by the wedding coordinators, Summer and Charley, and we were so glad that six years after that first coffee date, we were enjoying our first dance in almost the exact spot.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Captured amidst the dramatic backdrop of Cave Hotel & Golf Resort, this styled shoot showcases a modern twist on a fairytale wedding. “The photo shoot brought together a team of talented suppliers to create a scene bursting with vibrant colours and contemporary elegance,” says Kayleigh Wild from Cave Hotel & Golf Resort. “The Korean Cowgirl Ceremony Space, known for its eclectic ambiance featuring captivating graffiti, served as the perfect canvas for this celebration of love. The juxtaposition of urban art against the backdrop of a traditional ceremony space created a one-of- a-kind setting, setting the stage for a wedding shoot that breaks away from the ordinary. Breathtaking floral arrangements by Mimi Fleur served as the centrepiece of the event. Featuring a symphony of bright hues, the flowers transformed the space into a whimsical wonderland. The bride, wearing a stunning gown by Victoria’s Bridal Boutique Ltd, stole the show with bows in her hair.

“The Cave Hotel provided the ideal backdrop for this wedding vision. Its dark and captivating atmosphere created a truly unforgettable experience. This collaborative effort not only showcases the talent and creativity of these wedding industry professionals but also provides engaged couples with inspiration for their own celebrations. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Cave Hotel & Golf Resort offers a range of options to suit your style and preferences.”

See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download