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November/December 2011

November/December 2011
 
Brides' bulletin
Catch up on news from around the county

Inspiration
Ideas on how to create an art deco-themed reception

Real weddings
Inspiration for your big day

Ohh la lace
We take a look at one of this season's most romantic trends

Statement hair accessories
Finish your bridal look off with these show-stopping pieces

Entertainment ideas
How to keep everyone occupied on the big day

Photography inspiration
Some of the must-have snaps to feature in your wedding album

Future forecasts
We predict the must-have trends for the year ahead

Steal their style
Real brides always have fantastic style, we pick three of our favourites

Winter venues
Tie the knot in these festive settings

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
23rd December 2011

Win a spa package worth £750
 
Win a spa package worth £750
 
Champneys in Tunbridge Wells is the perfect spot for a little rest and relaxation before the big day. Your Kent Wedding has teamed up with the luxurious haven to offer one lucky reader the chance to win three pamper packages. Unwind with a range of beauty treatments, from manicures and pedicures to full-on pampering facials and massages.

For the lucky winner, the first part of the prize is a private in-spa hen package which the bride-to-be can enjoy with up to 25 of her friends and family. It includes wine on arrival, a mini facial, make-up and skin care demonstrations and a goody bag to take home.

For the second part of the prize, the bride-to-be and mother-of-the bride will be treated to a 25-minute express manicure and pedicure, a personalised 55-minute facial and a make-up trial with one of the Champneys experts.

Finally, not forgetting the groom and his best man who will get to enjoy 85 minutes of pampering heaven. Their package can be tailor-made to include a selection of treatments such as a skin buff facial, neck, shoulder and scalp massage, express manicure and pedicure, and eyebrow, nose and ear trim, ideal for looking shipshape on the big day. For more information about Champneys in Tunbridge Wells, telephone 01892 530 111 or visit www.champneys.com.

One lucky reader has the chance to win all three pamper packages at Champneys in Tunbridge Wells. The prize includes:

  • A hen party, worth £375

  • A package for the bride-to-be and mother-of-the-bride worth £215

  • A groom and best man treatment experience worth £160
 
Enter here

Planned to perfection
 
Planned to perfection
Image provided by Storm Photography
 
Edward and Katy married at St Peter's Church, Ightham, and celebrated their nuptials with an English countryside reception at Mountains Country House, Hildenborough

Edward and Katy met in Vilamoura, Portugal, while having a few glasses of wine and dancing in an Irish bar. "I don't think you could say it was love at first sight but once we got to know each other we soon began to fall for one another," says Katy. She adds, "I fell for Edward's sense of humour, the fact that he is so down to earth and that I feel completely at ease with him."

Edward says, "I love Katy's quirky and loveable personality, she is such a happy and fun character and she really brings out the best in me."

Four years later, Edward woke Katy up at two o'clock in the morning and told her to pack a suitcase as they were leaving for the airport in one hour's time. To Katy's surprise, the couple were flying to Faro and heading back to where they had originally met. They arrived at a five-star luxury resort and that evening after dinner, Edward took Katy back to where they had first kissed and popped the question. They both went back to the Irish bar and celebrated in style.

The ring that Edward proposed with was a simple solitaire diamond that Katy had chosen a few years before. "I picked out a beautiful ring from a shop in Norwich. I had cheekily drawn a map before giving it to Edward," she says. He adds, "I didn't mind that Katy had already picked her ring, it meant that I didn't have to guess the style she wanted."

To read on see page 37 of the current issue.


Festive fun
With winter firmly upon us the lazy summer evenings are a distant memory. However, the change in season opens up a whole wealth of options in the world of weddings, and allows newlyweds-to-be to really think outside the box when it comes to their nuptials. I chose to get married later in the year as I adore the darker evenings and the atmosphere they evoke - think cosy barns lit by the glow of candles and fairylights, what could be more romantic? And with Christmas just around the corner, this particular part of the season gives you the chance to organise a big day filled with festive touches. Your venue will no doubt be displaying a Christmas tree, so why not ask to decorate it yourself and incorporate it into the theme of your wedding? Use some cheery baubles as place names and your guests can get them out year after year as a reminder of your celebration.

Finding the perfect venue for this time of year is important, and we are lucky to have a plethora of stunning options in the Kent region. Check out page 17 where we discover some winter wonderland locations worthy of any joyous occasion.

Happy reading,

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

Dairy delights
 
Dairy delights
 
Coming soon in 2012, All Shapes & Slices Cake Co is launching a range of cheese wedding cakes. Working closely with a long-established producer based in the Weald, the company has decided to incorporate cheese wedding cakes into its range due to popular demand for alternatives to the traditional offerings such as fruit cakes.

There will be a number of designs available and the cakes will range from three to five tiers to suit all budgets. A bespoke service will be offered to suit the couples requirements and the cake can also be delivered and set up at the venue. For more information, telephone 01689 838 262 or visit www.allshapesandslices.co.uk

Winter wonderland
 
Winter wonderland
 
We take a look at some of the most festive venues in which to wed

Bradbourne House
Bradbourne House is a beautiful Grade I listed building, dating back to the Tudor times and situated in the village of East Malling. The Great Hall is the largest room with floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors which let in plenty of light and open out on to a flagstone patio area which overlooks the parkland surrounding the house. The banqueting room offers stunning chandeliers, noble fireplaces and has views over the private lake. There are two ceremony rooms for the bride- and groom-to-be to wed, with the committee room seating up to 60 guests and the Great Hall accommodating 120 people.

Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01732 897 436
www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk

For more festive venues see page 17 of the current issue.

Let me entertain you
 
Let me entertain you
 
Whether you're keeping an eye on your budget, looking for something a little bit different, or seeking activities to keep the kids occupied, local experts handpick a range of ideas to keep everyone entertained

Keeping the kids occupied

If children are invited to your nuptials, it's important to keep them busy throughout the day too. Here are our suggestions to keep the little ones happy:

  • A children's entertainer. Keep them smiling with a professional performer who will keep their attention with shows throughout the day.

  • A goody bag. Kids revel in the idea of receiving a party bag so why not incorporate this idea into your wedding and give them lots of treats, such as colouring pens and sweeties?

  • A table of their own. If you have enough space to accommodate an additional table at your venue, create a kids corner which you can fill with books, jigsaws, colouring books and arts and crafts materials.

  • Creche hire. If there are lots of children invited to your nuptials, be organised and take the pressure off the parents with an all-day creche company.

  • A mini sports day. Tiring the kids out can work wonders! Stage an event in the afternoon which could consist of traditional sports such as a three-legged race or egg and spoon contest. Also, make sure you have trophies or certificates to hand to present to the winners.

To read on see page 51 of the current issue.

Theatrical blooms
 
Theatrical blooms
 
Bamboo Flowers is a new company in Tunbridge Wells, run by experienced florist Nadia Carney. Nadia works closely with the bride- and groom-to-be to achieve the look they're after and also has a background in theatre design and in the past has arranged flowers for historical venues such as The Royal Opera House, The Banqueting Hall in Whitehall and The Tower of London.

For more information about blooms for the big day, telephone 07543 590 164 or email nadiacarney@btinternet.com

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...

The Wedding Experience

Freebies & offers
 
Freebies & offers
 
Hamper of goodies
Dockside Factory Outlet, Chatham, has teamed up with cosmetics company All Wellan Good to offer Your Kent Wedding readers the chance to win a Calvin Klein make-up hamper. Crammed with designer cosmetics, the set contains a whole host of beauty treats for the big day. Products from the range include a selection of eye, lip and cheek make-up to ensure that the lucky bride-to-be achieves a picture perfect look. For more information, visit www.docksideshopping.co.uk.

The closing date for this giveaway is 16th December, 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

Bridal-ale
 
Bridal-ale
 
Moodley's micro-brewery has launched a bespoke service for future newlyweds so they can create an ale specifically for their wedding day, along with a bespoke label. The made-to-order ale can be produced in as little as three weeks, following a free-of-charge initial consultation with the couple. Tastings can also be completed via post at £10 per dispatch. Here at Your Kent Wedding we love this bottle, which was brewed especially to commemorate the Royal wedding. For more information, telephone 07788 889 877 or visit www.moodleys.co.uk

Canterbury
 
Canterbury
Image provided by www.charlottemay.co.uk
 
Impressive locations in and around this historic city

TOR Spa Retreat
TOR Spa Retreat is the ideal venue for couples seeking a relaxed wedding. The room where couples marry overlooks the garden and guests can be seated inside or out on the lawn, weather permitting. There is a capacity number of up to 50 guests and additonal members of the wedding party can be accomodated in a marquee. The venue has some stunning features which provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01227 728 500
www.torsparetreat.com


For more venues in Canterbury see page 25 of the current issue.

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