Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local Kent wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Surviving one of the hottest British summers on record has made us wonder: is it still possible for couples to have their dream cake in the blistering conditions that are set to become a regularity over the years to come? We've heard one or two disaster stories about melting, collapsing bakes! However, having chatted to Claudia Newberry at Purple Flour we're delighted to report that the answer, without compromise is, “Yes!”
Purple Flour has just delivered beautiful buttercream cakes, ganache masterpieces, and traditional iced classics, as well as naked and semi-naked creations all in the beautiful sunshine. We asked Claudia what her secret is! “The key is simple: planning,” she says. “You need to work with the whole wedding team, from the caterers, florists, venue and of course the couples to agree on three things. Firstly, how you're going to store the cake before it goes on display. Secondly, where are you going to display your creation? And lastly, when are you going to cut it?
“We spent many an afternoon adding the finishing touches to our cakes while sitting on champagne crates in the back of a chiller van! You just need to plan. Cake in the sun? Heck yeah!”
Have a word with the experts at https://purpleflour.co.uk
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Leah immediately knew that Lee was someone she wanted to be friends with when she met him while working in the restaurant at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa. The friendship grew through mutual support and in time blossomed into a relationship.
The couple went to Nerja in Spain on holiday with best friends Riley and Ilona in September 2019 and while visiting The Balcon De Europa, which looks out onto the Med, Lee popped the question. “I had an inkling it might happen, but I was still overwhelmed when it did and I didn't answer him for a really long time!” Leah remembers.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Looking for your dream dress? We spoke to local suppliers and asked for their top tops. Hayley Freeman-Revell from Victoria Grace Bridal says, “We're lucky to stock two dedicated curvy collections including the stunning EveryBody EveryBride from Essense of Australia. The truth is that no matter what shape or size you are you should be able to look and feel amazing in a bridal gown.”
Vicky Lamb from Victoria's Bridal Boutique advises: “Speak to your boutique before your appointment and we can have a selection of dresses ready for you, taking away the overwhelming experience from looking through hundreds of gowns. Try on all different styles, you'll be surprised by what you feel fabulous in. ”
See more from our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Ruth Ashcroft MUA tells us how to find the perfect make-up artist for your big day.
"Check out Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration on looks that you may like and are realistic.
"Think about having your bridesmaids' and mother-of-the-bride's make-up done. It's an additional expense and you may think they can do their own, but are they going to be consistent? Why leave it to chance?
"Recommendations are always a good starting point, but check out the MUA's style via their website or social media, as what your friends like may not suit you or the look you want to achieve.
"Look for a professional make-up artist who specialises in bridal. They'll have had experience of any situations that may arise in the morning and weddings can be stressful, so someone who has a calming influence might be a wise choice."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Rebeca and Gary have known each other since childhood. They went to the same schools and were even part of the same friendship groups and growing up their parents' houses were only one street apart.
Gary proposed the day before Valentine's Day while the couple were on holiday travelling around New Zealand. He chose the most romantic of spots on a hillside overlooking Lake Taupo at sunset, one of their favourite places.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Robyn and Sam met on a night out, which in itself wasn't unusual as they would often bump into each other while out with their respective friends. But following this one particular time they decided to meet up again properly, perhaps realising there might a reason their paths kept crossing.
We fast forward and, now a couple, Robyn and Sam had booked a long weekend away in the Cotswolds. One evening, while they were there, before heading to the pub for dinner, Sam popped the question. “I had no idea, but it was perfect for me, as it was just the two of us,” Robyn remembers.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Having recently received their wedding license, the team at The Boathouse, Yalding – Megan Robb and Laura Spencer, decided it was time to show off their venue as well as the work of its talented approved suppliers. The gorgeous resulting images illustrate just how this Shepherd Neame-managed house can be transformed into a stunning wedding venue full of natural light, making the most of it's rustic timber beams and beautiful riverside location.
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Folkestone-based AJ Pyrotechnics was born from a love of fireworks, so the team who create the displays are naturally a passionate bunch. The business offers individually designed firework displays for weddings around your own requirements, featuring fantastic effects and innovative elements including coordinating colour schemes, low noise, hearts and bespoke firework signs.
Wedding packages give you and your guests a high impact display using only the best professional materials. The bronze, silver and gold options last for a maximum of 10 minutes and have been put together to suit most budgets.
For further information, head over to www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
See more from our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
The ultimate space for bride-tribe preparations has arrived in Ashford. Based in a beautiful, light and airy oast barn, The Pretty Prep Studios have been thoughtfully and purposefully designed for wedding day mornings with every detail in hand from umbrellas in case it rains, to boxes for belongings to hide any untidiness from photos. There are four beauty stations, so no more fighting over plug sockets or mirrors and there's plenty of free parking so you can leave your cars if you wish.
The kitchen and dining area is the ideal place for some morning snacks and bubbles, where your best gals can chill after they've had their turn in the hair and make-up chair. We adore the circular changing oast, a luxurious area with plenty of space for slipping into your wedding dress. What's more, we all know these things can't be rushed, so the studio is available as early as you need it and for as long as it takes.
The Pretty Prep Studios can accommodate bridal parties large or small – even with 10 or more people, there's still plenty of space. To find out more, head over to www.theprettyprepstudios.co.uk
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Lizi and Jack met during their third year of university, at one of the first social nights after the Christmas break. Lizi says, “I didn't take to him immediately, but he won me over when I realised we were both as socially awkward as each other! His Geordie accent was, and still is, a winner for me.”
While on holiday in Thailand in January 2020, they'd make it a routine to watch the sunset from their hotel's private beach with a couple of beers. One day following a boat trip, Jack suggested they head back to enjoy the sunset as usual, so he grabbed the beers from the hotel room while Lizi made her way to the beach. When he joined her 10 minutes later, he pulled out an engagement ring and said, “You know you've been wanting a new ring... what about this one?” He'd had it hidden in the camera case the whole time – “I had wondered why we didn't take many photos!” Lizi says.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
