OUT NOW
September/October 2011

September/October 2011
 
Up close
All the latest gossip from the world of weddings

Setting up home
Get romantic at home with a French boudoir theme

Real weddings
Take a look at newlyweds big days

The return of elegance
Glamorous gowns with decadent vintage detailing

Little maids
Pretty dresses flowergirls will love

Tried and tested
The County Wedding Magazines team tries out a range of perfumes

The kids are alright
Keep the little ones entertained

Green is the new black
How to reduce your carbon footprint on the big day

Engagement shoots
We llok at the modern-day appeal of engagement shoots

Grooms' news
Check out the latest news and products on the market

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
28th October 2011

Sweet treats
 
Sweet treats
Image provided by Honey Bunz
 
New in town

These colourful creations come from recently launched Honey Bunz which specialise in vintage and personalised cupcakes. Natalie, the founder of the business, says, "I wanted to explore my creative side further and I love baking so I decided to take the plunge and create wedding cupcakes. A lot of my inspiration comes from growing up in Kent, amongst the picturesque countryside. This is reflected in the designs with the intricate English garden rose detail."

For more details call Honey Bunz on 07792 742 593.

To read on see page 37 of the current issue.

A traditional setting
 
A traditional setting
Image provided by Colin Mason Photography
 
Fiona and Stephen had a winter wedding at Chilston Park which was full of elegant touches

Fiona and Stephen met through a mutual friend and soon began dating. Four years later, while on their travels in Argentina, Stephen popped the question in the romantic setting of Iguazu Falls. "The risk of packing and then losing an engagement ring was too high so while we were in Buenos Aires and I had a moment alone, I ran down to Calle Florida and searched for a shop that sold costume jewellery and a ring I could propose with," says Stephen. "We then chose the official engagement ring in Southern California - it's stunning and Fiona absolutely loves it. Fiona was also happy that she could have some input into picking her ring," he adds.

With all the excitement of their engagement, the couple started to plan their big day while they were still on their travels.

Being a fashion account manager, Fiona loved putting a creative spin into her gown and opted for a classic style which was then customised to make her dream dress. "I had a vision of the dress I wanted, which included an oversized bow, but I had never seen a design like it before," says Fiona. "On my first visit to a bridal shop I found a gown that I felt would make the perfect starting point and fortunately I met a wonderful seamstress who was able to turn my vision into a reality." Fiona enjoyed seeing her dress evolve - the changes included a sweetheart neckline, a shoulder strap inclusive with a bow and buttons down the back. To add the finishing touches, the bride also wore a Swarovski crystal headpiece with matching earrings and brooch.

To read on see page 73 of the current issue.

A moment in time
Prior to my engagement and meeting my fiance I was never obsessed with weddings just for the sake of it. However, since accepting the proposal I have come to view them in an entirely different light. A few people have said to me, "it's only one day", but I disagree. Yes, it may just be one day for the guests, but it's a landmark occasion for any newlyweds as it's the starting point for their next journey together as a couple - marriage. A union of friendship and love, it's the day that you commit to taking on life together as a team and cement your relationship.

This doesn't mean you have to remortgage your house to pay for an over-the-top, lavish ceremony - just stay true to yourself and plan a day that represents both you and your husband-to-be.

Enjoy the issue!

Louise Prance, Editor
 
Make sure your email editor@yourkentwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news

Win a photography package worth £1,195
 
Win a photography package worth £1,195
 
Sean O'Dell Photography, based in Maidstone, is fast becoming one of the leading documentary wedding photographers in the region and has a modern and relaxed approach, capturing the day's events through natural images."I would consider myself one of a new generation of professional wedding photographers that brings a youthful energy and style to the big day. I pride myself on capturing stunning yet unobtrusive photos and blending in with your guests to help create images that re-tell your wedding story as authentically as possible," says Sean.

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important aspects of planning your nuptials and the photographs will be ever-lasting memories for you to treasure forever.

For more information about Sean O'Dell Photography, visit www.seanodellphotography.co.uk

Your Kent Wedding has teamed up with Sean O'Dell Photography to offer one lucky reader the chance to win their wedding photography for the big day. The prize includes:

  • Pre-wedding consultation

  • Full day coverage

  • 300 professionally edited photographs

  • DVD of images
 
Enter here

Relocation relocation
 
Relocation relocation
 
Woodlands Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapies has moved to Bridge Village, Canterbury. The salon, previously near Herne Bay, has relocated in order to include more therapy rooms, staff members and training rooms. The salon can now incorporate holistic therapy into its treatments and it provides an idyllic setting with its luxurious wooden cabins set within the beautiful Wildwood Wildlife Park. One-off treatments and pamper days are available for pre-wedding indulgence.

For more information, telephone 01227 830 120 or visit the website www.woodlandshairandbeauty.co.uk

Discussion room
 
Q Should the bride's parents pay for the wedding?

Certainly... says Lauren Dowey: It's in-keeping with British tradition for the bride's parents to cover the cost of the wedding. Parents know that when a girl is born, they are one day likely to be giving her away - and stumping up a hefty fee for the privilege. With this in mind, parents often have money put aside for their daughter's big day. However, with modern weddings becoming more and more expensive, it's understandable if a bride's parents are not able to pay for everything. Besides, money-savvy couples often have savings of their own to put towards the big event, which is great. Having said that, I will certainly expect my folks to give me a decent-sized helping hand!

Absolutely not... says Francesca Lee: In this day and age, I don't think the bride-to-be should expect her parents to pay for the wedding. Although tradition dictates
the contrary, it's important to remember that we are only just coming out of a recession, where times have been tough and money has been stretched to its limit. With the average price of a wedding now costing over £18,000, it's a huge amount that most parents would find hard to afford or even make a large contribution towards. I feel that if a bride and groom choose to opt for an elaborate wedding, they should save up and pay for it themselves or decide on a smaller celebration.

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Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from businesses in your area who will help you with your dream wedding.
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...



Maidstone and Medway
 
Maidstone and Medway
 
Kent Life
Kent Life is set in 28 acres of land, with period buildings that include a Victorian farmhouse, an original village hall, chapel, oast houses, hop garden and many other traditional farm buildings, all of which add to the appeal of a countryside wedding. Cermonies are held in the hall and can accommodate up to 100 guests and hold a maximum of 200 people for the reception with use of an additional room. Brides- and grooms-to-be can also put their own stamp on the venue with their choice of décor. After the vows, guests can enjoy a drink on the green and a wedding breakfast in the well-known Kentish Wagon Store.

Find out more 01622 763 936,
www.kentlife.org.uk


For more venues in the region see page 17 of the current issue.

By the water's edge
 
By the water's edge
 
The Weald of Kent

The Weald of Kent is a waterside venue perfect for golfing enthusiasts. The clubhouse overlooks stunning lakes and countryside and it features a bar, restaurant, function suites and a large patio area, ideal for entertaining wedding guests. The venue is easily accessible, located between Ashford and Maidstone and close to the surrounding villages of Sutton Valence, Headcorn, Stapelhurst and Tenterden. There is also a wedding coordinator on hand to help the bride- and groom-to-be plan the big day as well as the in-house caterers who can provide an extensive range of menu choices. The function suite and nearby Headcorn Lodge is available for exclusive hire.

Find out more... 01622 891 671
www.weald-of-kent.co.uk

For more waterside venues see page 25 of the current issue.

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