Editor loves and inspiration

Jewellery designer and maker, Elizabeth Anne Norris tells us how you can make your own wedding rings.

"Most couples who come to make their wedding rings have no prior experience. After a 30-minute consultation about your rings, there’s a four-hour workshop with step-by-step tuition showing you how to create your wedding rings to your design. I break the process down into easy to follow steps, demonstrating each step before you go and carry out the step yourself.

"You’ll have expert support, where I check your progress at every stage and, rest assured, I can fix any mistakes − doubtful that’ll happen though!

"Provided you don’t want them hallmarked, laser-engraved or stones added you can take your rings with you on the day. If you do want any of the additional services, I can arrange all of that for you and let you know how long they will take."

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Amy and Dan met when they were 17 and hit it off straight away. “I worked in a tearoom and Dan worked in a fruit and vegetable shop and delivered to us. Dan was the guy that all the ladies fancied so I thought there was no chance; he was handsome with dark hair and chatty, I thought: he's a bit of alright!” Dan adds, “Amy was always chatty too, she never stopped talking; plus, as she worked in the tearooms I would always get a free breakfast!” After a relationship beckoned, Dan proposed on the 10th July 2021. Dan had planned to do it at Cirque Du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall, however this was cancelled due to Covid. He then decided to propose at Trafalgar Square by the fountains, but little did he know, England would make the World Cup finals! “He had no choice but to try and find somewhere else to propose,” shares Amy. “Luckily we had a nice walk along the embankment and strolled down to the London Eye, where Dan proposed on one knee! This took me by complete surprise, I was not expecting it whatsoever! It also took Dan by surprise as London was so busy with lots of England fans so he had a big audience!” The date was set, 2nd September, 2023, with Chilston Park Hotel setting the scene. “Chilston Park Hotel blew us away! It has so much to offer; beautiful interior and décor, and stunning grounds. It just looked stunning from the moment we drove down the driveway!” recalls Amy. “Sophie, our coordinator, was exceptional, going above and beyond to help make sure everything was perfect, which it was!”

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Sophie and Sam instantly clicked 10 years ago when they met on a night out at Kent University; Sophie was a student and Sam was out with his rugby team. After starting a relationship Sam later proposed while the couple were in Thailand after a day of exploring the Phiphi Islands on a secluded beach. “He felt like it was the right moment, after carrying the ring in a box on a wobbly boat for the entire day!” shares Sophie. “It was near the beginning of the holiday, so it gave us a good excuse to celebrate for the remaining duration!” The big date was set, 8th July 2023 with Chapel House Estate setting the scene.

Read more about their day in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!

Jess and James met through mutual friends in 2012 and found mutual interests in music and festivals for a relationship to soon blossom. James proposed to Jess on 17th December 2021 on a cold Christmas getaway to Berlin, Germany, which was a surprise to the unsuspecting bride-to-be. The big date was set, 13th May, 2023, with Reach Court Farm setting the scene.

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The Bromley Court Hotel
020 8461 8600 | https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk

The Bromley Court Hotel is a 200-year-old building which was once a manor house and then extended in the 1970s. The landscape gardens provide plenty of photo opportunities including: a ceremony gazebo, an original 1800s urn and beautiful walkway with steel arches decorated with seasonal flowers. Years of hospitality experience has gone into fine-tuning the hotel's bedrooms and event suites. Its wedding suites include features such as chandelier lighting, ornate fireplaces, large bay windows, floor-length drape curtains, stylish bars as well as some of the building's original features especially the grand main staircase perfect for photos.

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The Castle Westhanger
01303 261 068 | www.westenhangercastle.co.uk

The Castle Westenhanger is situated just outside the historic market town of Hythe. The scheduled ancient monument is surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent countryside, where couples can find countless photo opportunities. This fortified, quadrangular manor house, dating back to 1343, is a hidden gem and has been sympathetically restored in recent years; beautiful sash windows symmetrically line the front of the manor house and ancient ruins surround the venue.
The venue’s interior is quirky and full of character, with surprises to be found at every turn: flagstone flooring, exposed brick walls, beautiful wooden beams − all tell the story of this historic venue. There’s also a unique and romantic dovecote with 400 nesting boxes, glowing candles, and twinkling lights cascading from the ceiling. The quirky room is perfect for intimate wedding photos and holds a special place in the hearts of many couples who have tied the knot at The Castle Westenhanger.

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Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, has four new luxury Lakeside Lodges. Nestled within more than 500 acres of historic and seasonal parkland, a haven of tranquillity, the lodges offer an exclusive escape for guests seeking a serene getaway. Accessed via a private walkway that meanders through the captivating Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, guests enjoy direct entry to the historic Grade I listed Leeds Castle, steeped in more than 900 years of history. The highlight of the lodges is the magnificent view they offer over the Great Water from the private deck, as well as extraordinary nighttime views through the stargazing rooflight directly above guests' beds. Designed by Koto in its signature style, the lodges feature sculptural forms that maximise natural light, connecting guests with the outside world. They allow guests to fully immerse themselves in nature, fostering a sense of calm and tranquillity. The lodges will also have private spaces where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while enjoying a soak in the luxurious Lusso stone bathroom, featuring a sleek black external bathtub. They also benefit from large opening sliding doors that promote natural ventilation, and a motorised blind system. “Our new Lakeside Lodges will add another exciting opportunity for guests to enjoy a luxury stay within the grounds of Leeds Castle,”said Helen Bonser-Wilton, chief executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation. The Lakeside Lodges are priced from £325 per night on a bed and breakfast basis for two adults.

Visit https://leeds-castle.com/stay/lakeside-lodges

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Canterbury's Beautiful in Curves is pleased to add Sydney's Closet, and its sister label Michelle's Bridal, to its boutique. Sydney's Closet share the brand's ethos by using curvy models in its images showing how brides will look in their dream dress on their special day. “Our shared belief is you shouldn't have to imagine how a dress may look or fit,” says Beautiful in Curves owner Zoe. “We believe that you should experience that special moment of seeing and feeling your dress during your appointment.” With sizes 16 to 34 available in the boutique to try on, Zoe selects gowns to provide the support you're looking for in a dress. “We will then spoil you with choice!” adds Zoe. “Sydney's Closet offers glamorous satin gowns, mermaid styles, boho dresses and, not forgetting, the sparkling princess gowns which are still as popular as ever!” Visit www.beautifulincurves.co.uk

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Alex, Alex Hilder Celebrant, www.alexhildercelebrant.co.uk

Q When couples book a celebrant service for their wedding day, how do you work with couples in the run-up to the event and on the day itself?

A We talk (and laugh!) a lot! This is where designing and creating a ceremony that is absolutely 'you' starts. Choosing to have a bespoke wedding ceremony with an independent celebrant means that this moment will be the heart of your day; and to get it just right, takes a lot of talking (usually on Zoom), a lot of questions, both in our chats and on your questionnaires, and a lot of laughing from us all! If you're comfortable enough with your celebrant to share all your stories and a smattering of your secrets (knowing that unlike the best man's speech you'll have full editorial control over what goes into the final script), then we can create a ceremony for you that's totally you and will leave your guests wondering how long we've been friends! And that's how it will feel on the day itself. Your celebrant will steady your nerves and welcome you with a big smile into that special space we create together, the one where you can stand up in front of your friends and family, open a window for them into the fun of your world and make some truly meaningful promises.

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“I'm Emily, owner and creative director at emilyssdesign, an illustration-led design studio from my small art room in Kent! I specialise in bespoke wedding stationery, illustrations, prints and original artworks. Your wedding stationery could consist of save the dates, invitations, name cards, table numbers, table plans, welcome signs, just to name a few and I can cater for all of these!"

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