Editor loves and inspiration

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

Claire and Warren met on a car cruise. “We’re both into cars, but we didn’t actually get together until eight or nine years later,” says Claire. “Warren proposed on my birthday, which is a week before Christmas. It’s my favourite time of the year and having our boys watching made it extra special.”

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

Nicola Tulip from Nicky’s Photography tells us about how this styled shoot came to be: “My moodboards had collections of bright and lively images that I felt would be perfect for a styled shoot. Full of gorgeous colour yet softened by textures. The dresses were from a designer of stunning one-off pieces that always photograph so well. The flowers were just stunning, with a mixture of colour and texture. For the models’ hair, we took inspiration from the 1920s, which was just stunning. I really wanted to capture fun and vibrance throughout, include current prop ideas and demonstrate the ultimate way to travel with fantastic transport.”

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

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