We're looking for Kent newlyweds who have said 'I do' this year. Any couples can enter the competition: it doesn't matter whether the event was large or small; modest or spectacular. Just click on 'I want to enter' link above to put your wedding forward. If you've been successful, we'll be in touch.
Here are our most recent shortlisted couples - vote for who you'd like to see go through to the final, which will be held in spring next year.
Voting for this round closes on 25 May 2012.
Meet the contenders
Couple: Emma Penn and David Jones Date: 17th February, 2012 Venue: St Stephen’s Church, Lympne, followed by a reception at Lympne Castle Colour scheme: Dark red, yellow and orange
Memorable moments “The most memorable part of the day was the ceremony,” says Emma. “We learnt our vows beforehand so our words would flow. After we tied the knot, we headed to Lympne Castle for our reception. It was full of fun and laughter and we did a group sing-along led by our friend Chris who played the guitar.”
A personal touch “We loved customising the favours and the décor, and David made a table plan in the shape of a Lego castle,” says Emma. “Instead of a traditional cake, we opted for two giant chocolate caterpillar creations, one with a top hat and the other with a veil.”
Couple: Hayley Freund and Lee Nortcliffe Date: 4th February, 2012 Venue: High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells Colour scheme: White and purple
Memorable moments “We loved spending time with our friends and family as we hadn't seen them for three years since leaving England to live in Australia,” says Lee. “The weather was also a great feature of our day as it snowed. We had some photographs taken outside and even built a snowman in all our finery,” adds Hayley.
The highlights “We loved the venue and the food was delicious,” says Hayley. “The resident DJ also kicked off the evening celebrations and got everyone up on the dancefloor.”
Couple: Sarah Stockbridge and Chris Challiss Date: 17th December, 2011 Venue: Minster Abbey, Isle of Sheppey, followed by a reception at Ferry House Inn, Isle of Sheppey Colour scheme: Burgundy and gold
Memorable moments “Chris proposed by leaving a treasure hunt of clues across Swale and the second to last clue led me to the Ferry House Inn, which is where we decided to hold our reception,” says Sarah. “On the morning of our wedding I opened the prize which was a sentimental card with some thoughtful presents,” she says. “This was one of my favourite moments of the day, as was sitting at the top table and seeing all of our family and friends together.”
It's all in the décor “We loved how our winter theme came together, from the candlelit church ceremony with carols, to the Christmas trees, open fires and mulled wine at the reception,” says Sarah.
Couple: Heather Donkersley and Daniel Sargent Date: 31st March, 2012 Venue: Brandshatch Place Hotel, Fawkham Colour scheme: Purple
Memorable moments “The most memorable moment of the day was when I walked down the aisle and saw Daniel standing at the altar,” says Heather. “His speech at the wedding breakfast was touching and full of anecdotes and love. My dad also made an unexpected but beautiful speech. It was heartfelt and made me well up.”
Fun and laughter... “The evening celebrations were fantastic,” says Heather. “It was great for our families to get to know each other and everyone made such an effort to join in our day.”
The overall winners will not only claim the all-important Wedding of the Year title and a two-page feature in the magazine, they'll also win an indulgent two night stay at Rowhill Grange. The prize includes two night's accommodation, with dinner and breakfast included, and full use of the spa with a one-hour treatment each. Terms and conditions apply; dates are subject to availability.
Rowhill Grange is a 18th century country house hotel surrounded by acres of gardens and a picturesque lake. The award-winning Utopia Spa has a range of treatments available and is ideal for both newlyweds and hens parties alike. Located just half-an-hour outside of London, the wedding venue is set in the heart of Dartford, with great transport links.
Each bedroom at Rowhill Grange has been individually designed with luxury in mind, with an exquisite marble en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy the new restaurant which showcases a range of seasonal dishes and ingredients from local suppliers.
As a wedding venue, Rowhill Grange has a plethora of areas in which to wed and hold a reception, with the hotel catering for both small and large weddings of up to 150 guests. For more information, telephone 01322 615 136 or visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
Terms & Conditions
Must be taken by June 2013.
Competitions are not open to employees (or their immediate families) of KD Media Publishing Ltd.
The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
The winner(s) will be notified in writing.
The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value.
If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
No purchase necessary to enter and there is no charge to enter via the website.
What do you get the couple that have everything? Well if you're anything like me some luxury champagne flutes never go a miss, and this elegant set is the perfect gift to add to your wedding list. Go classic or ask your guests for the personalised option and have your names engraved as a personal memento of your day. Visit www.gettingpersonal.co.uk
Planning your big day? Search our comprehensive directory of suppliers from your area:
