Editor loves and inspiration

A Stolen Moment Photography is a talented photography business based in Folkestone, Kent. Owner Daniel Ilkhan first picked up a camera at the age of 11 and has had a passion for seeing life through the lens ever since.

“I photographed my first wedding abroad in 2015, and from that moment I knew I didn’t want it to stop there,” says Daniel. “By being present from the bride’s preparation right through to the first dance, I fell in love with the entire concept of the wedding day. Every wedding story is unique, and I love to savour each moment as your story unfolds, capturing the raw emotion as you and your loved one start the next part of your journey together.

“I pride myself on carefully selecting candid, natural shots, creating memories that you, your family, and your friends will look back on and smile at for generations to come. This gives couples the opportunity to relax and not feel the need to act unnaturally during photos.

“With that being said, in my pre-wedding consultations I work closely with the soon-to-be newlyweds to gain an understanding of what they want to achieve and to take on board any ideas they may have. This allows me to build a professional yet comfortable relationship with them so that when the nerve- wracking and highly anticipated day arrives, I’m a familiar face – ready to work with them and help them comfortably and confidently document their special day.”

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

Multi-award-winning artisan producer Simply Ice Cream has announced the launch of new two-litre scooping tubs. The tubs will initially be available in two of the brand’s best-selling flavours, Dreamy Vanilla and Heavenly Honeycomb, making them the perfect addition to any wedding dessert table.

Handmade in small batches in the heart of the Kentish countryside, Simply Ice Cream’s creations are crafted using natural ingredients, with no artificial colours, flavours, or emulsifiers.

“At this time of year, we know families and friends love sharing exceptional food,” says Sally Newall, founder of Simply Ice Cream. “Our new two-litre scooping tubs make it easier than ever to enjoy our handmade ice cream together.”

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

Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, filled with choices that define your day and reflect who you are as a couple. To avoid weddings becoming wasteful, more couples are considering sustainability — whether that means reducing waste, supporting ethical vendors, or simply minimising their environmental footprint. The good news? Eco-friendly choices can be seamlessly integrated into every stage of your planning. This guide will help you make sustainable decisions without compromising your style or vision.

One of the first steps in planning your day is defining your overall vision. Discuss the style and vibe you want for your wedding – formal, rustic, or casual. There’s no right or wrong choice, but it should reflect your personalities. For example, if you’re an introvert, a large-scale wedding may feel overwhelming; likewise, if you love big events, a small registry office ceremony might feel underwhelming.

Before booking anything, take time as a couple to define what sustainability means to you. Is your focus on low waste, ethical sourcing, supporting local communities, or reducing carbon emissions? Creating a shared vision ensures your values shine through every decision.

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

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.