Editor loves and inspiration

Make-up artist Liberty Haynes shares her top beauty tips.

"Firstly, congratulations on your engagement. I always ask my brides to provide me with two recent photos of themselves where they feel good. It’s a great reference to see a person’s style and what level of make-up they feel best in. In addition to this, a few inspiration photos gathered on Pinterest are also helpful to get an idea of your desired look.

"Look out for make-up you admire on people with similar colouring and characteristics as you. This helps to avoid feeling disappointed if you don’t closley resemble your images! Your make-up artist should be able to go through colours, tones and textures that will look best on you.

"Bring photos of any dresses, shoes, jewels, or accessories you have so far! It’s really lovely to see how the look will come together and necklines and accessories can hugely affect how your hair and make-up come together."

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

Anna and Owen met at university in 2012. “We knew of each other but didn’t really get to know each other until a few months later,” says Anna. “When we spoke to each other properly, there was instant chemistry and we’ve been extremely close ever since. Our attraction to each other was obviously physical, but our personalities are very compatible and we can always make each other smile and feel loved.”

Owen proposed in 2016 on their third anniversary. “He popped the question in East Park in Southampton,” shares the bride. “It was certainly a surprise! He proposed to me with a ring that belonged to his late mother, which made it even more special and sentimental.”

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

This shoot was planned by fashion designer Jane Amor. “Jane designs and makes unique bridal gowns by hand,” says make-up artist Amy Wooden. “We carried out this shoot at The Castle Westenhanger, which has recently had a revamp and is slowly revealing its new rooms.”

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

Heidi and Michael first crossed paths as children at church. “I attended with my family and Michael was an altar boy along with my brother,” says Heidi. “Years later, I caught Michael’s eye on social media, but he did not recognise me at first. He messaged me asking why I had numerous photos with celebrities; my brother was manager at a nightclub at the time. I read the message, recognised him immediately, and shocked him with my response, ‘Didn’t you used to be an altar boy?’ We arranged to meet and quickly became friends, which soon developed into a relationship.”

Michael popped the question in January 2022. “It came as a complete surprise,” shares the bride. “Michael, out of the blue, asked if I wanted to go for a walk, which was completely out of character as it usually takes a lot of persuasion to get him to come out for a walk. As we were about to leave the house, Michael suddenly disappeared to look for a selfie stick, again completely out of character. We drove to a favourite walking spot of mine and he suddenly got down on one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket. It took me a few moments to register what was happening, but I enthusiastically accepted. We celebrated after the walk with a pub lunch.”

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

If you’re currently in the midst of planning your wedding, you understand the significant amount of time, effort, consideration, and resources required to ensure that the floral arrangements for your special day are perfect.

At Daisy’s Flower Preservation, owner Kate specialises in creating exquisite keepsakes using the very same bouquet that accompanied you down the aisle. “I carefully preserve your beautiful flowers and present them in frames, either as a complete bouquet or as a smaller selection, tailored to complement your home décor,” shares Kate. “And let’s not overlook the buttonhole! Many of my brides have been moved to tears upon seeing their finished piece, as it transports them back to that enchanting day.”

Flower preservation is a blend of art and science, and to guarantee top quality, Kate will focus on one bouquet at a time. “With years of experience in flower preservation and a commitment to using trusted materials, I can assure you that you will be captivated by the results,” adds Kate.

These framed flowers also make ideal gifts as a gesture from the bride and groom to bridesmaids, mothers, or another special individual – there is a size to suit everyone. So, don’t let those stunning flowers fade away!

Your Kent Wedding has teamed up with Daisy’s Flower Preservation to offer readers 10 per cent off when you use the exclusive discount code, YKWM10. To claim this fabulous offer, contact Kate via Instagram or Facebook.

See more offers in our Freebies and Offers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Here at Your Kent Wedding, we understand how important it is that you look and feel fabulous on your big day. Jewellery is a key part in helping you achieve your desired look, but finding pieces that will complement your gown without upstaging it can be tricky! To help, we’ve asked the team at Eden b. Studio to share one of their favourite on-trend pieces...

“Statement pearl earrings are a big trend for 2024. We’re finding a lot of our brides are going for simple dresses, which allows them to make more of a statement with their accessories. These Kit Drop Earrings are made with freshwater pearls and cost £195 from www.edenbstudio.com.”

See more on-trend jewellery and accessories in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download

Liberty Rose Haynes, a wedding hair and make-up designer, has returned from maternity leave and is ready to help brides look their best on their big day. Liberty has been working with wigs, hair, make-up and grooming for 17 years, from comedy to creating personal red carpet looks for A-list clients, and is excited to bring this experience to Kent and get involved with the magic of Kentish weddings, helping make memories for couples.

Liberty tells us: “I made the decision to transition from travel and film production make-up to be more local for my daughter. This means I can use my 17 years of industry hair and make-up experience to help you create your dream look. In addition to hair and make-up for brides, I can also help the groom-to-be look and feel like his best on the day.”

Liberty also has a new role lecturing make-up for film and production at UAL universities, teaching the hair and make-up artists of the future at degree level – congratulations!

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

Samantha and Craig met at a pub. “I was working there and Craig would regularly visit,” says Samantha. “I was attracted to Craig from the moment I saw him, especially his dazzling blue eyes and his gleaming white-toothed smile. Later, I realised he also had a great sense of humour and personality. He always made me laugh; there was never a dull shift at the pub when he was there. We got chatting quite often and after a few months, we went out on our first date.”

Craig proposed in Edinburgh in spring 2021. “We travelled there for the weekend and I had no idea he was going to propose,” shares the bride. “The day before we were leaving, Craig said he had work to do, but really he was asking my mum, Cath, for her permission to ask me to marry him! We spent the first day there together and on the second day, we were walking around, almost in circles, before he decided to pull a box out of his inside jacket pocket and open it to show a ring! I was in shock and replied, ‘Are you joking?’ Then he got down on one knee and asked me again, to which of course I replied, ‘Yes’ and then we hugged and kissed and shared the news with our friends and family.”

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

Talía at Wonderland Sprinkles shares one of her favourite cake designs.

"The three-tier design was a time-demanding, alluring design, and by far the most rewarding wedding cake I’ve created. Coated in a mountain of edible glitter squares, subtle stencil detail and artificial autumnal flowers in fluffy, flavorful Victoria sponge with a trio of delectable fillings: chocolate orange, lemon curd and raspberry jam. I idolise this cake for the sheer determination I needed to complete it into the early hours of the morning, but mainly it was due to the bride and groom being in absolute awe at the glamorous artwork I delivered for their special day, along with a tasty treat table of dreams."

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

Hair and make-up artist Holly O’Connor tells us how to plan your day if you've got a big bridal party.

"Depending on where you are getting ready in the morning, you will need to check what time the venue will allow you to arrive before working out a schedule. With a large party, I’d advise booking separate hair and make-up artists so two people can be in the chair at one time, working in rotation until everyone is ready. I always allow one hour for the bride and do her make-up second to last (so she doesn’t feel rushed), and then 45 minutes each for everyone else.

"You will want to aim to be ready at least an hour before the ceremony; this allows plenty of time for getting dressed, taking photos, doing touch-ups, etc. Since you have quite a large party, I recommend having a later ceremony to ensure everyone is ready on time."

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