Editor loves and inspiration

Lauren and Joe met in secondary school in 2005. Over the years, their relationship blossomed, and on their fifth anniversary Joe surprised Lauren by popping the question on a sun-kissed beach in Cyprus. It was the perfect moment that marked the beginning of their next chapter together.

When choosing a backdrop for their big day, Lauren and Joe knew they wanted something outdoors, in a beautiful location that reflected their style – and The BarnYard fit the bill perfectly. The couple chose a soft baby blue, pale pink and white colour palette that complemented The BarnYard’s aesthetic. Lauren tells us, “We went to open days and fairs to get inspiration for our décor. Along with the help and recommendations from Lisa at Flowers & Sparkle Florist, we were able to put together our dream day.”

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Emily Tanner from Heart E Designs wanted to combine bright colours and playful vibes to create a fun styled shoot on the Kentish coast. “In true wedding-day style, it rained, but that didn’t put us off,” says Emily. “With a strong team of award-winning creatives and like-minded wedding-industry experts on board, including Skye the cockapoo, this vibrant shoot filled the room with love and laughter!”

See more from the styled shoot in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Firm friends and business partners Mel and Lisa founded the bridal boutique ReNovia this year. Former secondary school teacher Mel and wedding and events planner Lisa have combined their experience and knowledge to launch this exciting business venture. Not only do they sell new and pre-loved wedding gowns and mother-of-the-bride/ groom dresses, but they also run a bridal-wear agency, plan weddings and events, and have even started a networking group in Hythe, Kent.

ReNovia has appeared at several wedding fairs this autumn and has begun forming collaborations with venues across Kent to work on exciting projects such as fashion shows and a curated wedding-fair experience, where couples can enjoy a fully interactive event with selected suppliers. Mel and Lisa have also featured as live guests on Simply Business Club’s radio show, Business Networking Show.

One of ReNovia’s key pillars is sustainability. They stock a range of designer collections, including Maggie Sottero, Ronald Joyce, Pronovias and Calvin Klein. Brides can trust in the quality of their gown for the big day, and the beauty is that they can later resell the dress through ReNovia’s agency.

See more local companies in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

British pearl jewellery brand ORA Pearls has opened The Pearl Shop in the heart of Whitstable on Harbour Street. The store’s marine aesthetic reflects the brand’s identity: elegant, modern, and rooted in a deep appreciation for nature’s most cherished gem.

In addition to its signature pearl pieces, The Pearl Shop offers permanent welded jewellery — a growing trend in which custom-fit bracelets or anklets are painlessly welded on, symbolising connection or personal milestones.

The boutique also features a range of objets d’art, alongside a curated selection of gifts and small objects chosen with care and creativity.

The brand behind The Pearl Shop is led by an all-female team, committed to sustainability, craftsmanship, and supporting women. All pieces are made in limited quantities to avoid overproduction, using recyclable packaging and ethically sourced materials.

See more local news in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Meaningful keepsakes aren’t just for the bride – they’re a wonderful way for the groom to shine too. Look for engraved cufflinks or tie bars that can feature your initials, wedding date, or a short phrase that holds special meaning for both of you.

If you have a sentimental watch passed down through generations, now is the perfect time to wear it. Alternatively, you could choose a new watch to mark the occasion and have it engraved with a meaningful date or message.

A bespoke tie offers a personal touch, crafted from fabrics that reflect your colour palette, or even a pattern inspired by your heritage.

Pocket squares can carry sentimental details too. Consider hand-stitched monograms, a hidden message in the hem, or fabric taken from a loved one’s outfit.

See more inspiration in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Helen and Ben met like many modern couples, online through a dating app. Their connection was instant, and over time their bond only grew deeper. Ben proposed during a magical city break in Berlin. “It was our last night, and we’d managed to get last-minute evening tickets to visit the dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag Building,” says Helen. “Ben asked me to marry him just outside, a few minutes after midnight, making it Valentine’s Day. I was overjoyed and excited that we could look forward to planning more of our bucket-list trips together.”

The couple dreamed of a venue surrounded by nature, with an outdoor ceremony setting. Helen explains, “The Ferry House felt remote enough to enjoy the scenic views over the water’s edge. The backdrop and the oak gazebo made it an easy choice for us. A major factor was having an all-in-one venue with accommodation. There are rooms on-site and cottages nearby, which was exactly what our guests needed.”

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle has unveiled details of its new Knights’ Retreat family accommodation. Having opened in July, the accommodation has been designed to spark the imagination of guests both young and old. The eight whimsical lodges are stowed away within the castle’s idyllic 500-acre grounds and were inspired by Queen Eleanor of Castile’s vision for a ‘Castle of Delights’.

Named after mythical creatures such as the Basilisk, Minotaur, and Gryphon, these fairytale lodges provide the perfect base to explore the delights of the Leeds Castle estate. Guests staying in a Knights’ Retreat lodge benefit from complimentary access to the Castle and its magnificent grounds.

See more local news in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Chilston Park’s interior exudes timeless elegance, blending classic Georgian architecture with rich period furnishings.Grand chandeliers illuminate oak-panelled walls, while antique portraits and plush fabrics add historic charm. The drawing rooms and library offer cozy sophistication, and each individually styled bedroom reflects traditional opulence with modern comfort. It’s a refined, yet welcoming, atmosphere steeped in heritage. Chilston Park’s exterior is a striking example of Georgian country house architecture, set amidst 77 acres of lush Kent countryside. Its red-brick façade, tall sash windows, and symmetrical design exude stately charm. A serene lake, manicured gardens, and tree-lined drive enhance its picturesque appeal, offering a tranquil, regal setting that captures the essence of English heritage. Ceremonies can take place in various areas:

There are many stand out features at Chilston Park, but some that take your breath away are the historic lake, the elegant fountains, mature parkland, the grand staircase, the marble lounge, and Culpeper’s restaurant. Some places just need to be visited to truly appreciate the beauty they display! For Chilston Park, it’s not just about hosting weddings, they build a long-lasting relationship with their wedding couples and treat them to a menu and wine tasting — the ideal way to get to know the venue. They also offer romantic anniversary stays with complimentary upgrades to the bridal suite that you’ll stay in on your wedding night.

See more local venues in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

It would be very easy to sit here and say, ’a picture is a picture, why do I need to care about the different styles?’, but in this approach, we lose the magic of photography. If you and I took a picture of the same thing – yes, the subject would remain the same, but the style would differ completely! Mine might be more slapdash and yours may be artistic. The same applies to wedding photography – what one artist views as improper, the other will see as an opportunity and vice versa. There are countless different types of photography, but for the sake of this issue, we have broken them down into the current most popular types: traditional, dark and moody, documentary/photojournalistic, light and airy, vintage, and fine art.

Find out more about the different types of photography in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Maria and Ben met at work, and after six months of office flirting they went on their first date. Ben was about to move closer to London and wanted to get at least one date in before he left – choosing to take Maria for a romantic walk in Deal. Their long-distance relationship started and would consist of fleeting visits after work. Their love bloomed and they eventually moved in together. Ben popped the question after a day of mooching around Christmas markets.

When it came to choosing a venue, Maria and Ben wanted something that felt magical. “We had visited a handful of venues, but Bradbourne House was the one that gave us that feeling of being the one,” says Maria. “The house felt like a place we could return to repeatedly.”

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your Kent Wedding. Download your free copy here.