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| OUT NOW |
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Baby, it's cold outside
Perfect accessories for a glam winter look
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Get budget-savvy
How to get the reception look you want... for less
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Wedding of the year
Meet our four finalists and find out who won the last heat
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Love your home
Heartfelt inspiration and furnishings
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Home brew
How to choose wine from one of the many vineyards across England and Wales
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Planet Dubai
Adventure and romance await you in the city of the future
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Thanet, Shepway and Dover
We look at some of the most picturesque settings in the area
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Old world charm
Historical venues in which to wed
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Dresses at the ready
Insider info and advice on how to dress your bridesmaids
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With this ring
Experts from across the county share their advice on how to pick the perfect wedding band
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 24th February 2012 |
| Dresses at the ready |
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| Image provided by Kelsey Rose at www.gobridal.com |
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There's no doubt all eyes will be on the bride as she walks down the aisle but don't forget to make sure your maids stand out from the crowd too. With help from the experts, we give you the lowdown on trends and tips to achieve a picture perfect look
Finding your dream gown isn't always the simplest task. There are so many different styles on the market it can be easy to get caught up in trying to find the one. Acting as a support team, the bridesmaids are often on hand to help the bride find the perfect dress, but what about when it comes to choosing theirs? Where do you start?
It's important to not only keep the colour scheme of the big day in mind, but also the theme, as this can be accentuated through their outfits. A 1950s look could be set off perfectly with Aline skirts for an Audrey Hepburn feel, while more fashion-forward outfits would look great for a contemporary do. If you have yet to decide on a trend or colour scheme for your nuptials, why not let the dresses do the talking and take your inspiration from them?
Whether you're looking for high-end or high street, there are many options to choose from. Remember, your bridesmaids will most likely want to have some input into choosing their gowns, so when you take them on the hunt make sure you have a clear idea of what you're looking for beforehand.
To read on see page 43 of the current issue. |
| Celebrations in the snow |
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| Image provided by Rachel Luckurst Photography |
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Nicola and Damon had a Christmas-themed big day incorporating Asian influences at Mountains Country House
In the beginning
Nicola Martin and Damon Singh met through friends at a barbecue during the summer of 2003 and soon began dating. "I wouldn't say it was love at first sight but I quickly came to realise what a warm and genuine person Damon was, plus he used to be a mechanic so he could fix my car for free!" says Nicola. Damon adds, "I think Nicola first took an interest in me because of my Craig David looks. But on a more serious note, we both soon realised how compatible we were and how much we had in common."
Damon popped the question during a two-week break while the couple were travelling around the UK. "In the second week of the holiday, I decided the moment was right and, armed with the engagement ring, champagne and chocolates in my rucksack, I asked Nicola for her hand in marriage while we were on a walk in the Lake District," recalls Damon. Nicola adds, "I had an inkling he was going to propose and although he didn't get down on one knee, it was very romantic." When Nicola and Damon arrived back home they started to eagerly plan their big day.
Fun and games
Nicola wanted a relaxed affair for her hen party. "I didn't want too much fuss so decided to go for a meal and dancing with a small group of friends. The girls also organised a hen game; they each bought a pair of knickers and I had to guess which pair belonged to whom and if I got it wrong, I had to pay a forfeit!" she says.
Damon had a weekend away for his stag do. "Me and the guys went to Brighton and stopped off along the way for a spot of competitive go-karting. We later went to a fantastic Thai restaurant and onto a club. We had a great time with lots of male bonding," says Damon.
To read on see page 31 of the current issue. |
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To buy a copy for just £2.95 post free or to order a subscription of six issues for just £15, please visit our web site...
www.yourkentwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Wedded bliss |
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It's official - I'm a newlywed! And I'm happy to report our big day was worth the hours of blood, sweat and tears that went into making it a celebration to remember. The day before the wedding didn't go quite as smoothly however; one of my bridesmaids went into labour, our car broke down and the weather took a dramatic turn for the worse. However, as I awoke to rather ominous skies on the morning of our nuptials, I felt a surreal sense of calm and the realisation that it was all going to be OK - as long as Gary and I made it to aisle to say 'I do', everything else would fall into place. And it did - and my new husband and I were beaming from start to finish.
I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has written in with helpful hints and tips over the past few months, you definitely gave me the insight to step back during the day and take it all in. And the best part of the day? Marrying the man of my dreams. As cliched as that might sound, it really made the whole day special.
Enjoy the issue!
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| Louise Prance, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourkentwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
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| Win your wedding entertainment worth £750 |
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Blue Attic provides a range of live music, whether you're looking for classic swinging 60s tunes or modern-day hits. Established in 2005, the group formed at Cardiff University where each member studied, and have since played for a range of audiences across the UK and Europe. The band members include Rick Pearson on vocals and guitar, Dave Jennings on drums, Trevor Boxall on bass and Thom Chapman on saxophone. Taking its influences from rock `n' roll groups, such as The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and Van Morrison to more modern-day guitar groups, such as Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes, the band can play a range of songs to get your wedding party up on the dancefloor.
If you're still on the hunt for your wedding entertainment, Blue Attic can enhance the setting of your nuptials and will also take requests from guests. For more information about the band, visit www.blueatticband.com
Blue Attic is giving readers the chance to win live music performed at their wedding. The prize includes two sets, each lasting between 45-60 minutes at the evening reception. |
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| Enter here |
| Naughty but nice |
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| Image provided by www.davidburkephotography.co.uk |
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To celebrate the launch of Froufrou Bridal Boutique, located in Tunbridge Wells, the shop has teamed up with Your Kent Wedding to offer readers the chance to win a pair of Ell & Cee silk knickers. Made from soft silk chiffon, the pretty undergarment comes from a collection of luxurious bridal lingerie. The hipster-style briefs are also embellished with 'The Mrs' on the back in Swarovski crystals. Opened on 22nd October, 2011, the boutique stocks gowns by Stewart Parvin, as well as the new bridal collection by Matthew Williamson. It also offers bridal accessories including veils, jewellery, shoes and lingerie. The closing date for this giveaway is 17th February, 2012. Terms and conditions apply
Enter online at www.yourkentwedding.com |
| Thanet, Shepway and Dover |
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Check out some of the most picturesque coastal venues in the county
Stoneless
This venue is not only great for golf enthusiasts, but for those who love the countryside too. The Saxon Suite offers panoramic views over the rolling hills of the highly maintained courses and has floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out onto a balcony. Both the ceremony and reception take place in the suite, holding up to 90 guests, with a maximum of 120 people for the evening buffet. For larger wedding parties, a marquee can also be erected in the grounds.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact 01843 823 133
www.stonelees.com |
| Old world charm |
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We take a look at some of the most historic settings in which to wed
Finchcocks, Goudhurst
Finchcocks is a Georgian Grade I listed manor house which has retained many of its original features. Ceremonies are held in the main hall which has a sweeping staircase, perfect for brides who wish to make a grand entrance. The venue also houses a world renowned musical museum and has a collection of historical instruments, some of which can be played during the wedding ceremony or evening reception. All wedding parties have exclusive use of the manor, ensuring newlyweds and guests have complete privacy on the big day. For the wedding breakfast, up to 80 guests can be seated in the Cellar Restaurant, and a maximum of 120 can be accommodated in a marquee adjacent to the manor house.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01580 211 702
www.finchcocks.co.uk |
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| 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. |
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| Find your local wedding suppliers... |
| Thanet, Shepway and Dover |
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| Image provided by www.awakeimaging.com |
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Pines Calyx
Are you looking to host an eco-friendly wedding? Then the Pines Calyx is the venue for you. The design of the building has not only received a handful of awards, but is also recognised as the UK's most sustainable wedding venue. Guests can enjoy the six acres of grounds and the large garden terrace is only a stone's throw away from St Margarets Bay beach. Pines Calyx can cater for up to 80 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and a maximum of 150 people for the evening festivities.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01304 851 737
www.pinescalyx.co.uk |
| A decadent occasion |
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Tea-licious is a new company providing afternoon tea parties across the county. Run by Maxine Gregory, the venture was a natural progression from her vintage crockery hire service. Why not have an afternoon hen party and get the girls together to talk about your upcoming nuptials? As well as a selection of sandwiches, tea and cakes, brides-to-be can choose from a range of activities to take part in, such as tea leaf reading, beauty packages or burlesque lessons. With the vintage trend being all the rage at the moment, a pop-up party will certainly get your guests talking.
For more information, telephone 01634 721 850. |
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