Editor loves and inspiration

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

Purdie and Steve met many years ago. Initially, Purdie wasn’t interested in meeting anyone, but when she met Steve, she decided to give him a chance and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

Steve fell in love with Purdie’s iconic and unique laugh, while Purdie fell in love with Steve the moment he, without question, got into the back of her car because her dog Zac was taking up the front seat.

After a romantic proposal, the big date was set for July 2023, with a private farm in Faversham creating the big-day backdrop. Purdie and Steve have many lovely memories of their time together walking in the fields of the valley in Faversham and knew that the vantage point over the valley was where they wanted to say, ‘I do’. They had to be somewhat flexible with their plans, however, as the rain in the week leading up to the event was significant and the grounds of the field proved trickier to navigate for the suppliers than initially anticipated. The ceremony moved from one side of the valley to the other, where the ground was flatter and the rest is history.

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

We spoke to Florrie de Havilland, designer/maker, to find out more about their company de Havilland Memories.

"De Havilland Memories specialises in producing refined wedding stationery, signage and calligraphy. Using only the highest quality, sustainable materials, your invitations are carefully curated to tell your love story, leaving a lasting impression for your guests and remaining a timeless keepsake. With a background in design engineering, our attention to detail is paramount when creating wedding stationery and calligraphy. Boasting years of experience, we are a multi-award-winning company for our Commitment to Excellence, providing a work of art for couples to treasure forever.

"What is the most popular product you offer? Wedding and on- the-day stationery. We bring your ideas and inspirations to life via a seamless, stress-free process, to get a cohesive look and theme throughout your wedding, from your save the dates, to your signage and menus, all the way through to your thank you cards.

"Why is it important to choose local suppliers? As a supplier proud of its sustainability, choosing local companies means that you can reduce your carbon footprint. It also gives us the opportunity to meet our couples for a more personal experience, and to create a generally better service.

"What does your dream customer look like? We love traditional, elegant weddings with a modern twist, especially when our couples want letterpress as we do this in-house on our beautiful machine, Penelope. It’s a labour of love, but absolutely worth it, with clients of ours calling us in tears of joy with the results."

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

Wedding couples can now head to the Kent countryside in Shoreham to make their own wedding rings with Elizabeth Anne Norris Jewellery. New to the area, Elizabeth moved her business to Shoreham in Kent in November 2023.

In this half-day workshop, with the help of expert jeweller and teacher Elizabeth, you’ll be guided step-by-step to make your wedding rings according to your designs (discussed and decided prior to your arrival). While learning traditional jewellery making, you’ll be spending quality time together, having fun and making wonderful memories as part of your wedding planning process.

What’s more, you can take away your handmade bespoke rings at the end of the day, and celebrate with your goodie bag containing champagne, chocolates and discount vouchers!

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

Wedding planner Lydia, of Ella Parisa, was the creator of this gorgeous styled shoot at Kent’s Hever Castle. The inspiration was to seamlessly blend a traditional English civil wedding with the vibrancy of Indian cultural elements which were woven throughout the design.

“Reflecting the rich hues of Indian weddings, we embraced a palette of blush and pink tones complemented by pops of bright berry and burgundy,” shares Lydia. “Gold accents throughout added a touch of luxury, while vibrant pink chairs and linens brought a sense of elegance and romance.”

Hever Castle’s lakeside Loggia and Italian gardens provided a breathtaking backdrop. “The rich history and stunning architecture of the castle seamlessly blended with the vibrant fusion of cultures, creating a setting that was both majestic and intimately personal,” adds Lydia.

“To infuse the shoot with personality, we incorporated meaningful and personalised elements throughout the styling. The Embroidered Napkin Company’s velvet ribbons adorned each place setting with the initials of every guest, while table names paid homage to special places in India close to the couple’s hearts. Ester & Erik taper candles featured hand-calligraphed romantic sayings by the talented Beeta Taylor-Sadeghi, adding an extra layer of romance and intimacy."

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

Jewellery designer and maker, Elizabeth Anne Norris tells us how you can make your own wedding rings.

"Most couples who come to make their wedding rings have no prior experience. After a 30-minute consultation about your rings, there’s a four-hour workshop with step-by-step tuition showing you how to create your wedding rings to your design. I break the process down into easy to follow steps, demonstrating each step before you go and carry out the step yourself.

"You’ll have expert support, where I check your progress at every stage and, rest assured, I can fix any mistakes − doubtful that’ll happen though!

"Provided you don’t want them hallmarked, laser-engraved or stones added you can take your rings with you on the day. If you do want any of the additional services, I can arrange all of that for you and let you know how long they will take."

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