Editor loves and inspiration

Chelsea and Scott met at work and would regularly talk over coffee as friends. “When we realised that there was much more to our relationship and that we had so much in common, we decided to try dating,” says Chelsea. “Our love of rum, holidays and reality TV has brought us closer than I ever imagined possible. Almost three years later, we’re living together and are now married.”

Scott popped the question on a Friday night whilst watching Gogglebox on Channel 4. “It was a nice surprise and special enough for us,” shares the bride. “I immediately messaged photos of the ring to all of my friends and family before we enjoyed the rest of the evening together.”

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

Love It Again Bridal is a home-based bridal boutique in Maidstone, specialising in pre-loved wedding and occasion wear. “Very often when purchasing pre-loved, the bridal experience is often sidelined, but we believe that every bride is deserving of a bridal experience, no matter their budget, size or lifestyle choice,” says owner Eve Gardner. “We decided to base our shoot around the budget wedding theme, highlighting that you can still have a glamorous wedding without compromising on quality or style. Our venue of choice was our friends at The Friars, for whom we are recommended suppliers. It’s a truly stunning location, set in tranquil surroundings. With summer in mind, we opted for a blush pink and sage theme. Our model wore a simple, white, elegant gown by Whistles, which was paired with a pre-loved bridesmaid’s dress from a popular high street brand complemented with traditional bridal make-up by Emz Makeup Artist. The mother-of-the-bride wore a blush pink summer dress with a matching hat, shoes and bag, and we opted for simple white dresses for our flowergirls, one of which is from our collection; the other, plus the outfit our cheeky little page boy wore, were outfits they already owned.

“No bridal look is complete without blooms and Linsey at Stag Cottage Flowers created bouquets that reflected our colour palette with a feminine touch. Finishing the look were flower crowns for the flowergirls. Moving onto the reception, we were joined by the incredibly creative Mercedes at 4YaParty Weddings & Events. Matching our concept perfectly, her styling oozed elegance and her love letters created an intimate ambience. Completing the look was stationery by Natalie at NK Calligraphy. Each place name was skilfully handwritten and the floral detailing on the menu cards perfectly matched the flowers in the bouquet.

“No wedding reception would be complete without a wedding cake and the talented Julie at Julie Walker Luxury Cakes provided just that. Her beautifully crafted cake brought an excellent contrast to our blush tones, with a modern but rustic twist.”

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

Stephanie and Stephen met at work in 2016. “I had recently moved home after living in Portugal for five years,” says Stephanie. “After some time working together, constant office banter and a lot of flirting, we went out on a date to the cinema. I was very set on what I wanted and within a few months we had brought our first home together. We got engaged in 2019 and were due to get married in April 2021, but the world had other plans. We welcomed our first child, Sienna, in June 2020 and had the pandemic to contend with, so it ended up not going ahead. In August 2023, we welcomed our second daughter, Pippa, and Stephen decided it was time to tie the knot, so in October 2023, we booked our last-minute wedding at The Ferry House.”

Stephen popped the question in New York on the viewing deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. “Going to New York was my biggest dream as a little girl,” shares the bride. “I had no idea that he was planning on proposing and wondered why he had packed a random pair of socks in his hand luggage. The socks had the ring hidden in them, as he didn’t want to put it in his hold luggage in case it got lost. On the day we arrived, the temperature was below freezing, but we still headed out to the viewing deck, and Stephen got down on one knee in front of hundreds of people. I was speechless and eventually managed to say yes. We spent the rest of the trip celebrating.”

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

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