Editor loves and inspiration

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

A team of local suppliers worked together to create a luxurious yet intimate setting for this styled shoot. The shoot coordinator, The Pretty Events Co., tells us: “Often the power of candlelight can get lost in lighter, airier venues, so The George Vaults was the perfect place to really give them their moment. The use of mirrors allowed us to further reflect the light and create a romantic ambience. The simple floral displays were an uncomplicated but stylish pairing alongside the glassware. To finish the look, our bride wore two designs from Rachel Allan.”

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

If you’ve booked your venue, then the next thing you’ll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. To help you create the wedding of your dreams, we’ve asked Rebecca Yussuf from Lilac and Lace Floral Design how to style a neutral and elegant themed wedding.

"This gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens, pictured, incoroprated pastel shades of British-grown spring flowers and hand-dyed natural petal confetti, which looked beautiful. Spring weddings fit the neutral and elegant theme perfectly. Seasonal flowers for spring include blossoms, tulips, ranunculus and viburnum opulus."

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

Set within the captivating surroundings of the Cave Hotel, Firepit Weddings is a new must-see wedding package. The stylish and sophisticated restaurant-style setting features rustic wooden beams, exquisite marble tables, and Opti-Myst fires that add warmth and charm to your special day. Begin your journey by entering through the exclusive hotel entrance, taking the lift to the first floor, and crossing a beautifully constructed glass bridge, enhancing the overall guest experience.

With the ability to accommodate up to 30 cherished guests, Firepit Weddings promises an intimate and unforgettable celebration in a restaurant-style atmosphere. Additionally, the Firepit is licensed for ceremonies, providing the perfect indoor venue for your vows.

The package also includes exclusive access to the Firepit venue, a complimentary glass of bubbles, a tasting menu and much more.

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

Ann-Jee and Nick were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at a Halloween party 10 years ago. “For me, it was love at first sight,” says Nick. “She was so effortlessly charming and funny, with a captivating smile. Sadly, my ‘friend’ had already told Ann-Jee all of my most embarrassing stories, so she took a bit more convincing, especially as I was the only person in attendance who hadn’t bothered with a costume!”

Nick popped the question at Lake Como in 2020. “Ann-Jee always loved the serenity of mountains surrounded by lakes, so she was blown away when I got down on one knee in a beautiful private garden by the water under the glow of the moon,” shares the groom. “I knew she’d say yes (we’d discussed marriage many times), but I was still incredibly nervous and kept slipping off at dinner to practice my speech. It didn’t help much, and before I’d even gotten down on one knee, I was a blubbering mess, which might have given my intentions away a little.”

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

Insanity Strings is a string music agency that offers bespoke wedding entertainment to suit your needs. The team at Insanity Strings tells us: “Whether it be a solo violinist or cellist performing while your guests take their seats and as you walk down the aisle, or an electric violinist or string quartet performing upbeat music against backing tracks at your drinks reception, we create an exceptional ambience for your special day.”

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