A Festive Maidstone Wedding Venue: Jenna & Luke’s Magical Winter Celebration

A sparkling Maidstone wedding venue, a festive December date and a dress that made her feel like a princess — Jenna and Luke’s celebration at The Orchard was pure magic. From a heartfelt New York proposal to dancing the night away under twinkling lights, every detail of this winter wonderland wedding was filled with love, laughter and a touch of Christmas charm.

How Jenna and Luke met

Jenna and Luke met on Tinder in January 2017. “Luke ‘super liked’ me,” says Jenna. “And, amazingly, we only lived down the road from each other. After a few days of chatting, he asked me on a date to the local pub. Then, the very next day, I asked Luke to come round to mine to watch Suicide Squad. On both of these dates I was waiting for a kiss but Luke was a complete gentleman.”

“A couple of days later he took me on our third date to our now favourite restaurant, Miller & Carter. Later, he took me home and we sat outside my house speaking for three hours before he finally kissed me. I know, it’s just unheard of now! He asked me to be his girlfriend a couple of weeks later on Valentine’s Day.”

A romantic New York proposal

“We decided to go to New York for our five-year anniversary,” says Jenna. “I made a joke and said it would be the perfect time to propose but I never expected it. Luke carried the ring around in his pocket the whole week. He was nervous of when and where he would do it, as he wanted the perfect spot. We even went through a metal detector at the Empire State Building and he was worried I would find out.” 

“In the end it was at an amazing steak restaurant on Valentine’s Day, our anniversary. We were tucked away in a corner and it was early so the restaurant wasn’t busy. Luke knows I like a picture, so he said, ‘Should we get a picture?’. I quickly grabbed someone. We took a couple of pictures, and then Luke said, ‘Hang on one second, I’ve got a present for you' and went to his coat. He then turned round and got down on one knee. I really didn’t expect it, as he said he wouldn’t propose for a long time. I was so shocked and started crying. It was just amazing.”

Finding the dream dress at wed2b Chelmsford

“I know lots of people who bought dresses from wed2b and had been told the prices were great with many beautiful options,” says Jenna. “So, I knew it was the best place for me. From being welcomed into the store in Chelmsford to buying my dress and taking it home, I had a great experience. The sales assistant got me a few different styles to try on and my dress was the fourth one. I just knew it was ‘The One’, it had everything I wanted. I was worried I wouldn’t feel beautiful on the day but I absolutely did!”

"The one": Shannay by Viva Bride

Jenna chose Shannay, an off-the-shoulder A line by Viva Bride. “It had everything I wanted in a dress; off-the-shoulder, some lace detail at the top with the ballgown bottom, all covered in subtle glitter,” says Jenna. “It was just beautiful. I was worried I wouldn’t look great on my wedding day and I did actually lose two dress sizes just before the wedding without even trying. I had my dress taken in but I felt like this just added to how amazing it made me feel.”

 “I’m not a confident person and I don’t take pictures of myself but the way this dress made me feel, it honestly was like a movie. I felt like a princess for the first time in my life. It actually made me so emotional and everyone said I just smiled so much all day and looked beautiful. I wish I could wear the dress every day! I also bought a belt and tiara and I absolutely loved them too. They really added to my dress and made me feel even more beautiful.”

A Maidstone wedding venue at Christmas

The couple married at The Orchard in Maidstone on 14th December. “Pictures of this Maidstone wedding venue came up on my Facebook a few months before we got engaged. So, it was on the top of my list to visit first if we ever got engaged,” says Jenna. “When we went, even Luke said it was beautiful and he doesn’t normally say things like that. We were initially undecided, as it was a little far away, but when we visited others venues, nothing matched up. The Orchard offered an amazing service and it was decorated beautifully for Christmas so, in the end, it was an easy choice.”

The big day

“I got ready with my four bridesmaids, my mum, my mother-in-law, my son and my niece and nephew,” says Jenna. “To start off, the morning was a little dingy and cold but eventually the sun did come out, which was amazing considering the time of year. My grandad had not been well and had been in hospital most of the year. So, I was so happy he was able to walk me down the aisle for my special day.”

Ceremony & music inspired by Movies

“We had a movie/Christmas themed wedding, so the bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the theme from Harry Potter by John Williams. I walked down the aisle to Danny Elfman’s ‘Ice Dance’ from Edward Scissorhands and then Luke and I left to Hans Zimmer’s ‘Maestro’ from The Holiday. During the canapés and wedding breakfast we had songs playing from the movies we love.”

"Our wedding breakfast included options of Chinese pork belly bon bons, prawn cocktail and roasted cauliflower steak. For mains we had slow-cooked chicken leg, Jacob’s Ladder beef and tomato and basil pappardelle. Then dessert was chocolate brownies and baked blueberry cheesecake.”

Dancing the night away 

“For our first dance we had ‘Never Seen Anything Quite Like You’ by The Script,” says Jenna. “We chose this because I took Luke to see the band after a couple months of being together and from then on he loved them. In the three months leading up to the wedding, we also had dance lessons, which was Luke’s idea. We didn’t tell anyone and surprised all our friends and family with our first dance."

Christmas Decor & colour palette

“I love the colour burgundy and I knew this would be the perfect colour for a Christmas wedding,” says Jenna. “The venue had multiple Christmas trees everywhere with entrance door garlands and twinkling lights hanging over the main suite. It just made it look so beautiful. We had a DJ for the evening, a light-up dance floor, light-up ‘LOVE’ letters, a chocolate fountain, a sweet cart and a photo booth.” 

“I really wanted to put my own ideas and creations into the wedding to make it personalised and really unique,” says Jenna. “I think it’s the little things that people notice that make a wedding. The day invitations/evening invitations and centrepieces were all homemade. I also made the menu place settings, the name cards and the movie names with quotes on the back (tables numbers), as well as the cookie favours. Our cake was movie themed with a surprise reveal of Marvel/DC on the back.”

Favourite memories

“The whole day was just memorable for me,” says Jenna. “From feeling so beautiful and like a princess, to everyone actually coming to the wedding and not cancelling last minute like you hear about sometimes. Also, everyone telling me how beautiful I looked and saying it’s the most lovely ceremony and amazing wedding they’d ever been to. Plus, declaring my love for my best friend and the love of my life in front of all our family and friends.” 

“It was such an emotional day and the best day of my life (joint with the birth of our son last year). I also loved that our son was part of our day. He was amazing and so good all day. It was the first time most distant relatives got to meet him too, which was great.”

Quick Takeaways: Jenna & Luke’s Magical Maidstone Wedding

• The venue: The Orchard — a stunning maidstone wedding venue beautifully decorated for Christmas.
• The vibe: Cosy winter celebration with twinkling lights, rich burgundy tones and movie-inspired music.
• The dress: Shannay by Viva Bride — off-the-shoulder, glittering ballgown that made Jenna feel like a princess.
• The details: Homemade centrepieces, Marvel/DC cake reveal and personalised touches everywhere.
• The moments: A romantic New York proposal, a proud walk down the aisle with Dad, and a surprise first dance to The Script.

Feeling inspired? Explore more real weddings and browse our latest wedding dress collections to find your own fairytale look.

Jenna's top tips for future brides

“When you’re trying on a dress, take family or friends to help with opinions. However, it's only your opinion that really matters and whether you feel beautiful in the dress you choose,” says Jenna. “It's also easy to worry about things not going right but remember your guests have no idea what's supposed to or not supposed to happen. So, if things go wrong no one else will know. You'll have the most perfect day marrying your best friend, no matter what.

FAQs: Maidstone Wedding Venue Inspiration

Planning a winter celebration at a maidstone wedding venue? Here are quick answers to the questions we’re asked most about Jenna & Luke’s magical day.

Where is The Orchard Maidstone wedding venue?

The Orchard is a popular maidstone wedding venue in Kent, with elegant indoor spaces and landscaped gardens — perfect for festive celebrations.

What made Jenna and Luke choose this venue?

They loved the warm Christmas atmosphere, beautiful lighting and helpful team. After viewing other venues, nothing matched The Orchard’s feel.

What wedding dress did Jenna wear?

Jenna chose Shannay by Viva Bride from the wed2b Chelmsford store — an off-the-shoulder A-line with subtle sparkle.

Can I visit wed2b without an appointment?

Yes. All wed2b stores are appointment-free — pop in when it suits you, browse the collections and try on as many dresses as you like.

Is The Orchard suitable for a winter wedding?

Absolutely. Festive décor, cosy interiors and great lighting make it ideal for December weddings and Christmas-themed celebrations.

Jenna and Luke’s Little White Book 

Photographer: Liam Gillan Photography

Maidstone wedding venue: The Orchard

Wedding dresses Chelmsford: wed2b

Flowers: All You Need Wedding Styling & Floristry 

Cake: Occasions Cake Studio 

Makeup: MakeupbyPolly

Hair Stylist: Leanne at Twinnie Hair

DJ: 1 Entertainment

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this day at a lovely Maidstone wedding venue, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest wed2b is closer than you think, click here for your local store and here for what to expect when you visit.