Editor loves and inspiration

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, has four new luxury Lakeside Lodges. Nestled within more than 500 acres of historic and seasonal parkland, a haven of tranquillity, the lodges offer an exclusive escape for guests seeking a serene getaway. Accessed via a private walkway that meanders through the captivating Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, guests enjoy direct entry to the historic Grade I listed Leeds Castle, steeped in more than 900 years of history. The highlight of the lodges is the magnificent view they offer over the Great Water from the private deck, as well as extraordinary nighttime views through the stargazing rooflight directly above guests' beds. Designed by Koto in its signature style, the lodges feature sculptural forms that maximise natural light, connecting guests with the outside world. They allow guests to fully immerse themselves in nature, fostering a sense of calm and tranquillity. The lodges will also have private spaces where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while enjoying a soak in the luxurious Lusso stone bathroom, featuring a sleek black external bathtub. They also benefit from large opening sliding doors that promote natural ventilation, and a motorised blind system. “Our new Lakeside Lodges will add another exciting opportunity for guests to enjoy a luxury stay within the grounds of Leeds Castle,”said Helen Bonser-Wilton, chief executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation. The Lakeside Lodges are priced from £325 per night on a bed and breakfast basis for two adults.

Visit https://leeds-castle.com/stay/lakeside-lodges

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Canterbury's Beautiful in Curves is pleased to add Sydney's Closet, and its sister label Michelle's Bridal, to its boutique. Sydney's Closet share the brand's ethos by using curvy models in its images showing how brides will look in their dream dress on their special day. “Our shared belief is you shouldn't have to imagine how a dress may look or fit,” says Beautiful in Curves owner Zoe. “We believe that you should experience that special moment of seeing and feeling your dress during your appointment.” With sizes 16 to 34 available in the boutique to try on, Zoe selects gowns to provide the support you're looking for in a dress. “We will then spoil you with choice!” adds Zoe. “Sydney's Closet offers glamorous satin gowns, mermaid styles, boho dresses and, not forgetting, the sparkling princess gowns which are still as popular as ever!” Visit www.beautifulincurves.co.uk

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Alex, Alex Hilder Celebrant, www.alexhildercelebrant.co.uk

Q When couples book a celebrant service for their wedding day, how do you work with couples in the run-up to the event and on the day itself?

A We talk (and laugh!) a lot! This is where designing and creating a ceremony that is absolutely 'you' starts. Choosing to have a bespoke wedding ceremony with an independent celebrant means that this moment will be the heart of your day; and to get it just right, takes a lot of talking (usually on Zoom), a lot of questions, both in our chats and on your questionnaires, and a lot of laughing from us all! If you're comfortable enough with your celebrant to share all your stories and a smattering of your secrets (knowing that unlike the best man's speech you'll have full editorial control over what goes into the final script), then we can create a ceremony for you that's totally you and will leave your guests wondering how long we've been friends! And that's how it will feel on the day itself. Your celebrant will steady your nerves and welcome you with a big smile into that special space we create together, the one where you can stand up in front of your friends and family, open a window for them into the fun of your world and make some truly meaningful promises.

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“I'm Emily, owner and creative director at emilyssdesign, an illustration-led design studio from my small art room in Kent! I specialise in bespoke wedding stationery, illustrations, prints and original artworks. Your wedding stationery could consist of save the dates, invitations, name cards, table numbers, table plans, welcome signs, just to name a few and I can cater for all of these!"

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“A Touch of Kent stands as a pinnacle in the realm of luxury wedding styling and bespoke floristry, redefining the standards of elegance and sophistication in the industry. Renowned for our commitment to excellence, we offer a curated experience that transforms weddings into timeless and extraordinary celebrations. As a high-end establishment, our avant-garde approach seeks to modernise the wedding industry by seamlessly blending traditional charm with contemporary aesthetics. With meticulous attention to detail, we craft personalised designs that reflect the unique essence of each couple, setting a new standard for opulence and innovation in the world of weddings. A Touch of Kent is not just a service; it is an embodiment of refined luxury that transcends expectations and leaves an indelible mark on the most special day of your life.”

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We're getting married at Christmas and I really want to be able to get outside for some photographs. What can I wear to keep me warm that will complement a wedding dress? Fran Smith at Birchington Brides (https://birchingtonbrides.co.uk) says: From wraps to bridal capes, fur to cashmere, there are so many options for a bride to keep warm and remain stylish at a winter wedding. A shawl, wrap or pashmina can help keep your arms warm during outdoor festivities and, while available in neutral tones, could be used to add a pop of colour to your attire.

For a winter fairytale twist, a bridal cape can be the perfect option. Opt for soft shades for a demure look or brighter colour from your palette for a striking contrast to your gown. For a boho vibe, why not consider a crochet or knitted shawl, which are gaining popularity and would add to the festival feel.

Ladies, don't forget to keep your feet warm during that outdoor photo shoot! With many brides choosing long dresses for winter weddings, no one can see what's on your feet, so why not pop on a pair of warm winter boots? They'll help to keep your feet warm and may stop your teeth from chattering as you smile for the camera. 

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COLOURS OF WINTER
Louise from Louise Roots Florist (www.louiseroots.com) says: Whatever the season, white wedding flowers are always stunning. For white winter weddings, use hellebore, contrasting ivory and white roses, with white cyclamen stems, ranunculus, large white amaryllis, ivory hydrangea and anemone. For a warmer, glamorous design, add to this flecks of gold fern with ample gold table dressing. Or, for a cooler, wintry vibe, use lots of silvery grey foliage instead with scented eucalyptus, spruce and pine.

For a more traditionally Christmas feel, I suggest a design with warm jewel colours such as greens, burgundy and terracotta. Add deep claret roses with dusky pink hellebore and plum ranunculus, with mottled hydrangea. For a slightly softer look, pair with dusky, neutral and beige roses. Then, if your venue allows, add lots of warm, romantic, cosy candlelight. It always transforms a room.

Alternatively, if you prefer warm rustic designs, opt for terracotta and copper hues, with toffee roses and mixed burnt orange ranunculus. Add textures with plenty of mixed winter foliage such as magnolia and cedar.

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Magenta and teal are set to make waves in wedding colour palettes for 2024, so shoot coordinators Amy from Amy Charlotte Makeup and Petrina from Photography by Petrina decided to showcase these bold hues set against traditional dresses.

“We wanted a more editorial feel to the shoot,” Petrina says. The duo were keen to support other small local business so set about hand-picking their collaborators for their project.

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When photographer Nicola Tulip began gathering ideas for this shoot she created a moodboard of autumnal colours featuring oranges and soft textures such as pampas grass and floaty dress designs. Her aim was to complement the character and structure of The Vines in Rochester with deeper, richer tones and the pretty, soft aesthetic. It was later that she decided to incorporate the safari inspired theme, complemented with a nod to the 1920s and textured animal print accessories.

Nicola says, “The suppliers involved did a wonderful job providing well matched flowers, the hair was stunning and the dresses were perfectly coordinated for the look we wanted to achieve. Our models were just wonderful to work with, and Bruno was the perfect pooch for the job. So, well behaved and what a gorgeous young doggy he is too!”

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This beautiful local shoot was rooted in a passion for celebrating diversity and for taking wildlife conservation seriously. “We wanted to celebrate same sex marriages in an inspirational woodland setting, showing the true natural beauty that's accessible in our local environments,” says shoot coordinator Rebecca White from Flutes Events.

The enchanting wedding breakfast tablescape echoed the woods and was set amidst an abundance of bluebells to create a sense of tranquillity and calmness. Bluebells are known to symbolise everlasting love so their presence here is significant.

Rebecca continues, “We wanted to connect with the excitement for the natural environment, which was amplified when the hawk flew between the models arms.” Indeed, the shoot's avian pals were on hand to offer the images oodles of wow factor. The turkey vulture displayed his impressive wing span above the outstretched arms of the model bride, a truly magnificent bird. Meanwhile, the gorgeous burrowing owl showed both intelligence and bags of cuteness, and the hawk was only too happy to show off his skills and speed.

The flowers, gold tableware, and stationery all married together with the rest of the design elements to bring a sense of beauty, refinement, indulgence, individuality and splendour. All a far cry from the threatened and persecuted life of the vanishing vultures.

See more of this styled shoot in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!