Editor loves and inspiration

Hayley and Ed met while they were both working at an insurance company 10 years ago. “We reconnected several years later and have been inseparable since,” says Ed. “We share the same values, a laid-back approach to life and a love of animals.”

“I proposed to Hayley at Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, which has a beautiful view overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House,” shares the groom. “Hayley lived in Australia for a few years and I knew it would be special to do it in a place that she holds dear. I asked her to pose for a photo against the backdrop and then dropped to one knee. Based on her shocked reaction and happy tears, I would say it was a big surprise.”

The couple shared their first coffee date at Oad St Weddings. “It used to be a tea room, so it holds great sentimental value for us,” explains Ed. “The venue is beautiful inside, with low lights and foliage and a contemporary deco-styled bar, so it felt perfect for our day. The surrounding area is quiet and picturesque, and the staff have always been so friendly whenever we have visited for meals over the years. Oad St Weddings was an easy choice for us once we were shown around by the wedding coordinators, Summer and Charley, and we were so glad that six years after that first coffee date, we were enjoying our first dance in almost the exact spot.”

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

Captured amidst the dramatic backdrop of Cave Hotel & Golf Resort, this styled shoot showcases a modern twist on a fairytale wedding. “The photo shoot brought together a team of talented suppliers to create a scene bursting with vibrant colours and contemporary elegance,” says Kayleigh Wild from Cave Hotel & Golf Resort. “The Korean Cowgirl Ceremony Space, known for its eclectic ambiance featuring captivating graffiti, served as the perfect canvas for this celebration of love. The juxtaposition of urban art against the backdrop of a traditional ceremony space created a one-of- a-kind setting, setting the stage for a wedding shoot that breaks away from the ordinary. Breathtaking floral arrangements by Mimi Fleur served as the centrepiece of the event. Featuring a symphony of bright hues, the flowers transformed the space into a whimsical wonderland. The bride, wearing a stunning gown by Victoria’s Bridal Boutique Ltd, stole the show with bows in her hair.

“The Cave Hotel provided the ideal backdrop for this wedding vision. Its dark and captivating atmosphere created a truly unforgettable experience. This collaborative effort not only showcases the talent and creativity of these wedding industry professionals but also provides engaged couples with inspiration for their own celebrations. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Cave Hotel & Golf Resort offers a range of options to suit your style and preferences.”

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

We love flowers here at Your Kent Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are lots of ways to incorporate flowers into your décor, such as bouquets, buttonholes, flower walls, table runners and pew ends, to name but a few. To help inspire you, we’ve asked Louise from Louise Roots Wedding & Event Florist to share her trend predictions for 2025.

"Meadow aisle flowers are probably our most requested design right now. These are perfect for creating a beautiful ceremony aisle, but they can easily be repurposed for the reception. They are great for placing at the front of the top table, below seating plans and at doorways and marquee entrances.

"Huge baskets filled with flowers and trees for the ceremony and reception and smaller baskets for the tables are popular. Bridesmaids’ baskets are making a comeback too. Loose and wild designs look great in baskets and are so pretty for a summer wedding.”

See the latest flower trends in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

The Bilsington Priory Estate, a historic gem nestled near Ashford, has announced the launch of its new website. In collaboration with Lemonade Design Co., the updated site features an enhanced user experience, highlighting the Priory’s rich history, a range of wedding packages and the Edwardian manor house with fabulous afternoon teas and events.

Libby Lawson, the owner of Bilsington Priory and Estate, tells us: “We are excited to unveil our new online presence. The new website reflects our commitment to providing an engaging and informative experience for recently engaged couples, our wonderful returning afternoon tea guests, and visitors to the numerous and exciting events we hold across the Estate. We invite everyone to explore the site and discover what makes Bilsington Priory a unique destination for a wedding or celebration.”

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

Samantha and Joseph first met while out with friends when they were 14 years old. “We didn’t say hello to each other, but that evening Joseph added me on Facebook and we spoke for four days before Joseph asked me out,” says Samantha. “I found Joseph to be very handsome and talking to him felt so easy and he always made me laugh.”

Joseph proposed on the couple’s eighth anniversary. “He asked me while we were in Poland,” shares the bride. “I had no idea he was going to propose and I was in complete shock when he asked me to marry him!”

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

You said ‘yes’; the ring is on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops right away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking the time to do your homework first can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you but also ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment that you’re planning.

To help give you some inspiration, we've asked Beautiful in Curves to share their favourite winter dress. The dress is called MG168 by Millie Grace and is a long-sleeved A-line crepe dress with a plain yet refined silhouette that embodies effortless grace.

See more beautiful dresses in our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Make-up artist Adriana Herran shares her top looks for an autumnal wedding.

"Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. The weather is just right – not too cold or too hot – making it the perfect season for styling. The colours of autumn are mainly earthy tones and are absolutely gorgeous. To embrace the season, I suggest opting for one of the season’s colours. You could choose a latte smoky eyes and warm tones to complement your cheeks and lips. Alternatively, go for a minimalist look and enhance your lips with a red wine lipstick to make them the focal point of your look.

"The key is to enhance your natural beauty by incorporating warm, seasonal colours that complement your autumnal theme.

"Remember to schedule a make-up trial before the big day to ensure you achieve the perfect look!"

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

Amy and Alex met at work. “I think looks were the initial attraction, and I loved how good Alex was with his son,” says Amy. “Alex proposed while we were skiing in Les Gets, France, in April 2022. We were at a friend’s charity event, and by pure coincidence, I actually won the raffle and had to go on the stage. As I looked around, Alex was coming towards me and getting down on one knee. This was really out of character, as Alex is really shy and doesn’t like attention. He had gotten the DJ to play my favourite song. It was so lovely to be there with most of his family watching. I then rang all my family and friends back in the UK in hysterical tears, showing off my beautiful ring!”

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

Local celebrant, Karina O’Donnell, shares her tips for creating a Halloween-themed wedding.

"Having an outdoor wedding on Halloween is not for the faint-hearted. I recommend that you wrap up warm, use lots of different-sized candles and consider holding your wedding ceremony in close proximity to the warmth of a huge bonfire. This will not only create an enchanting atmosphere but will also keep you and your guests from getting cold for the duration of your wedding.

"Ask your guests to bring a carved pumpkin with them. These could be placed with candles lit to enhance your aisle as well as around your ceremony area. Walking up the decorated aisle to a hauntingly beautiful classical piece of music will add an atmospheric and dark twist too.

"There are also plenty of creative ways to include Halloween within your ceremony script, including the use of themed readings, poems or quotes from your favourite Gothic literature and films written within your vows. If you’re choosing a hand-tying or sand ceremony, you could use orange, black and other dark colours."

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

Katie and Marc met at school when two mutual friends introduced them. “We were in a relationship for five years before we went our separate ways,” says Katie. “Four years later, Marc reached out to see if I wanted to go for a drink. I thought it would be an opportunity to reassure us both that we’d made the right decision all those years ago; however, within five minutes, it was clear that we were going to get back together.”

Marc proposed in December 2021 during a break in Rye, East Sussex. “We had to postpone the two-night getaway for a year due to the pandemic,” shares the bride. “We were both fortunate to have very busy jobs during the pandemic, so we were desperate to get away for a couple of days relaxing in front of a log fire with some mulled wine, so it was absolutely perfect!”

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