Editor loves and inspiration

Fate seemed to draw Marite and Artis to each other. “One week before we met, Marite recorded a video of someone singing at an open mic, which later turned out to be a video of me,” says Artis. “So, in a way, our story began before we officially met. We actually met at Marite’s friend’s birthday party, where I ended up by sheer coincidence as some people who I met during the day at a Couchsurfing meetup invited me to come along. At the party, I met a lot of friendly people, and soon we all started meeting up more frequently, going on trips and hikes together. Initially, neither of us were romantically interested in the other. But as we spent time together, we had the chance to get to know each other better, slowly and naturally, without the pressure of dating. I started to get interested in Marite and asked her out on a date, but she was not interested in a relationship at that point. Things started to change when we went on a trip to Greece with a small group of friends. That’s when we got into deeper conversations and discovered each other’s core values and personalities. We realised how similar our views on life were and couldn’t stop talking the whole trip. Not long after returning from Greece, while making burritos at home together, we decided to give our relationship a chance.”

Artis proposed on the couple’s fifth anniversary in Greece, where they first had those meaningful conversations. “We had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant, after which we went up the nearby hill to a small viewpoint overlooking a village in Meteora under the open night sky,” shares the groom. “It was a very beautiful and meaningful place for us. Marite suspected the proposal because it was an unusual amount of planning by me. She later told me that she was also keeping her expectations low in case it didn’t happen. When I proposed, I was very nervous. Nobody else was around, but exactly when I asked the question, a motorcycle honked as it passed by. She replied, ‘Of course, yes!’ We stayed up on the hill, reflecting on our life journey together and looking forward to a new chapter in our future.”

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

N2 Sweet Lab, based in Maidstone, Kent, has a passion for chocolate, cakes and desserts. The company offers a range of delicious treats that would make wonderful favours or thank you gifts. The owners, Ned and Nina, tell us: “During the pandemic we had a lot of free time and decided to dedicate it to chocolate. It started out as making desserts, cakes and of course, our favourite chocolates. Slowly we gained popularity, and interest grew, and so did the orders. As demand continued to grow, we decided it was time that our love for chocolate took a physical form outside of our home. In September, N2 Sweet Lab opened its doors and invited all chocolate lovers, be it big or small, to join us in our passion of enjoying bonbons, bespoke cakes and treats suited for celebrations and even the smallest occasions. Our love for chocolate inspired us to create something that would bring others joy and let us be a part of every special moment that marks their life."

Meet more local companies in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Carly from Bridal Boutique at Chilham tells us the latest fashion trends.

"Bridal fashion continues to evolve, with 2025 embracing trends that balance timeless elegance with fresh, modern details. Designers that are popular at the moment include Milla Nova, Love Story London, Paloma Blanca and Eva Lendel, who blend classic sophistication with contemporary flair perfectly. Brides are gravitating towards dresses with luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring and romantic designs that feel both fashion-forward and classically beautiful.

"Among the standout trends we are being asked for a lot is a return to simple, elegant styles. Clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and subtle details are redefining bridalwear, proving that less is often more. Crepe and satin gowns with sleek cuts and modest necklines are particularly sought after, offering an understated yet breathtaking aesthetic that lets the bride shine.

"Subtle embellishments are adding just the right touch of glamour to these pared-back designs. Bows, buttons, and pearls are dominating bridal collections, creating delicate accents that feel luxe. Oversized bows, either on the back of the dress or as detachable accessories, are perfect for brides looking to make a dramatic statement. Covered buttons, running elegantly down the back of gowns or on long sleeves, are a nod to vintage charm. Pearls, meanwhile, are appearing in unexpected ways, from scattered embellishments on veils to intricate beading on bodices, adding a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the simplicity.

"This combination of modern minimalism and thoughtful detailing ensures that today’s brides have a wide variety of options to suit every personal style while staying on-trend."

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

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