Your Kent Wedding -November/December 2020 (Issue 93)

Lockdown love During the dark days of lockdown we reported that an incredible and generous team of Kent wedding suppliers had come together to offer an amazing competition to win a wedding day, as a huge thank you to one, or indeed couple, of our amazing NHS workers. The competition opened for entries on 19th May, and the winners of the prize worth a jaw-dropping £35,000 have now been selected. We're thrilled to reveal that the winners are Tim and Kelly, from Greenhithe, who’ve been together for nine years, and have two young children. Kelly is a nurse and Tim's a fire fighter. Kelly contracted Covid-19 and was terribly unwell, but with support from Tim and their families in caring for their two young children, she thankfully recovered. This deserving couple thought they'd never get to have their dream wedding as they’ve always had one thing after another get in the way of being able to save up. So, naturally they’re over the moon to have won and we're delighted for them. For a full list of the generous suppliers involved in this competition head over to www.weddingforthenhs.co.uk SMALL AND PERFECTLY FORMED When an experienced group of local wedding suppliers realised that elopement may become a realistic and popular option for many couples, disenfranchised by the pandemic, they got together to form E-lope. One of the founding members, Sam Lloyd, The Wedding Owl, says, “E-lope is for couples who want their elopement to include all of the elements of a beautiful wedding, just without the guest numbers.” This talented team of knowledgeable wedding professionals will undertake all of the project planning on behalf of their couples to a high standard, and includes photography, cake, flowers, styling and venue. All that remains is for the nearlyweds to take care of accommodation, transport, wedding rings, attire and license to wed. Sam concludes, “Our dedicated team frees the couple to enjoy their adventure and spend more time focusing on each other.” Discover more at www.e-lope.co.uk The way forward Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel has recently launched a new package to fit in with the government guidelines for weddings. This all-inclusive intimate wedding package is priced at £1,295 for 15 people, taking care of everything for you. It includes the ceremony and private function room hire, reception drink, three-course meal with coffee, half bottle of house wine, prosecco for toasts, a dedicated on-the-day manager to act as toastmaster, chair covers and more. We love that this also includes a two-night stay in the bridal suite for the newlyweds, with breakfast. That’s your wedding day literally tied up in a neat little bow! For further information see www.mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk WINNING NEWS Kent-based wedding and event catering company Touchays is celebrating a big win at the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards, scooping the accolade for Wedding Catering Company of the Year 2020. Owner Clare Smith said, “We’re honoured to be recognised with such a prestigious and coveted award. It means so much to the whole Touchays team. We deliver excellence throughout every wedding-planning journey. We strive to create dream feasts and drinks receptions by working closely with couples to ensure we understand their requirements, and match the menu to their venue. Winning further inspires us to continue to develop and grow our business, and we’ll continue to work closely with all our clients and handpicked suppliers to deliver the absolute best customer care and client service possible.” To find out more check out www.touchays.com www.fleu rchallisphotography.com www.stra wberryphotos.co.uk www.nico ladawsonphotography.co.uk SWEET SPOT News just in! Chelsea Buns Cake Design is opening a new cake studio and school in Maidstone town centre. With plans to be open by the end of November, the new site will be offering cake and sugarcraft classes, as well as being home to a beautiful consultation showroom for Chelsea’s wedding couples who visit to discuss their big-day bakes. So, next time you’re passing the Royal Star Arcade pop your head in and check it out. For further details see the website www.chelseabuns.co.uk www.sam mytaylorweddingphotography.com 10