Your Kent Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 88)

Check out the news that’s local to you Nearlywed NEWS A BARNSTORMING SUCCESS Just 10 months after the launch of The Oak Barn, an exclusive-use wedding venue in the heart of Kent, it’s received acclaim at the South East regional finals of the Rural Business Awards. Named runner up for the Best Rural Start Up Business, the venue started out as a derelict site, which took owners Deana and Tim Maw three-and-a-half years to restore. Deana says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected as runner up for this award. We’ve put our heart and soul into our new business and we’ve loved restoring the farm into a viable business that’s now bringing economic growth into the area.” The Grade II listed barns provide a stunning setting for weddings. Grouped around a traditional farmyard they’re surrounded by 25 acres of gorgeous land, featuring a stunning wildlife pond and magnificent views across The Weald. For further information check out the-oak-barn.co.uk BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY The Wedding Experience welcomed thousands of visitors to The Kent Showground in October, and the newly launched Boho Showcase proved an overwhelming success. Recognising the rise in popularity for woodland-themed weddings, event director Tina Green believed it was time to expand the selection of specialist suppliers, embracing the trend for festival, rustic and organic styling. So, with an entire arena dedicated to these suppliers, she set about creating a drool-worthy bohemian bonanza! Venue stylists were on hand to help couples create the perfect layout and theme for sailcloth, tipi or woodland venues, with a vast display of furniture, props, crockery and glassware all available for hire. Visitors were also able to talk to catering experts showcasing grazing tables, and rustic florists giving advice on in-season blooms. Displays included vintage chalkboards, illuminated signs, and mood lighting, as well as stationery and cakes to complement the style. The immersive experience also featured an outside display of stunning tipi and glamping bell tents alongside street food suppliers. Check out wedding-experience.co.uk for The Wedding Experience’s 2020 dates for your diary. PREP PERFECTION Over the autumn and winter, whilst adding a new pavilion for outdoor ceremonies, the super-busy team at Hayne House has also been hard at work on another exciting feature. The Pamper Cottage is a wooden, chalet-style house, located within the beautiful 35-acre estate. Once converted, it will become a gorgeous dressing-house for the venue’s couples. Owner Fleur Record-Smith says, “The launch of the Pamper Cottage will provide the perfect wedding morning prep sanctuary for either the bride tribe or the groom’s crew. With plenty of natural light and minimalist clean lines, it will create an inviting yet practical space where the wedding party can enjoy every amenity they’ll need for those all- important preparations, along with a glass of champagne.” The Pamper Cottage will be available from the end of March 2020. See haynehouse.co.uk for further details. whiterosephotography.co.uk stevebarberphotography.com unp.co.uk foto-memories.co.uk whiterosephotography.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9