Editor loves and inspiration

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

Amy and Dan met when they were 17 and hit it off straight away. “I worked in a tearoom and Dan worked in a fruit and vegetable shop and delivered to us. Dan was the guy that all the ladies fancied so I thought there was no chance; he was handsome with dark hair and chatty, I thought: he's a bit of alright!” Dan adds, “Amy was always chatty too, she never stopped talking; plus, as she worked in the tearooms I would always get a free breakfast!” After a relationship beckoned, Dan proposed on the 10th July 2021. Dan had planned to do it at Cirque Du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall, however this was cancelled due to Covid. He then decided to propose at Trafalgar Square by the fountains, but little did he know, England would make the World Cup finals! “He had no choice but to try and find somewhere else to propose,” shares Amy. “Luckily we had a nice walk along the embankment and strolled down to the London Eye, where Dan proposed on one knee! This took me by complete surprise, I was not expecting it whatsoever! It also took Dan by surprise as London was so busy with lots of England fans so he had a big audience!” The date was set, 2nd September, 2023, with Chilston Park Hotel setting the scene. “Chilston Park Hotel blew us away! It has so much to offer; beautiful interior and décor, and stunning grounds. It just looked stunning from the moment we drove down the driveway!” recalls Amy. “Sophie, our coordinator, was exceptional, going above and beyond to help make sure everything was perfect, which it was!”

Read more about their wedding in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!

Sophie and Sam instantly clicked 10 years ago when they met on a night out at Kent University; Sophie was a student and Sam was out with his rugby team. After starting a relationship Sam later proposed while the couple were in Thailand after a day of exploring the Phiphi Islands on a secluded beach. “He felt like it was the right moment, after carrying the ring in a box on a wobbly boat for the entire day!” shares Sophie. “It was near the beginning of the holiday, so it gave us a good excuse to celebrate for the remaining duration!” The big date was set, 8th July 2023 with Chapel House Estate setting the scene.

Read more about their day in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!

Jess and James met through mutual friends in 2012 and found mutual interests in music and festivals for a relationship to soon blossom. James proposed to Jess on 17th December 2021 on a cold Christmas getaway to Berlin, Germany, which was a surprise to the unsuspecting bride-to-be. The big date was set, 13th May, 2023, with Reach Court Farm setting the scene.

Read more about their day in the latest issue is available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!

The Bromley Court Hotel
020 8461 8600 | https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk

The Bromley Court Hotel is a 200-year-old building which was once a manor house and then extended in the 1970s. The landscape gardens provide plenty of photo opportunities including: a ceremony gazebo, an original 1800s urn and beautiful walkway with steel arches decorated with seasonal flowers. Years of hospitality experience has gone into fine-tuning the hotel's bedrooms and event suites. Its wedding suites include features such as chandelier lighting, ornate fireplaces, large bay windows, floor-length drape curtains, stylish bars as well as some of the building's original features especially the grand main staircase perfect for photos.

Fine more local venues from the Kent area in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!

The Castle Westhanger
01303 261 068 | www.westenhangercastle.co.uk

The Castle Westenhanger is situated just outside the historic market town of Hythe. The scheduled ancient monument is surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent countryside, where couples can find countless photo opportunities. This fortified, quadrangular manor house, dating back to 1343, is a hidden gem and has been sympathetically restored in recent years; beautiful sash windows symmetrically line the front of the manor house and ancient ruins surround the venue.
The venue’s interior is quirky and full of character, with surprises to be found at every turn: flagstone flooring, exposed brick walls, beautiful wooden beams − all tell the story of this historic venue. There’s also a unique and romantic dovecote with 400 nesting boxes, glowing candles, and twinkling lights cascading from the ceiling. The quirky room is perfect for intimate wedding photos and holds a special place in the hearts of many couples who have tied the knot at The Castle Westenhanger.

Find out about more local venues in the Kent area in the latest issue is available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!