These newlyweds chose an historic venue for their elegant castle wedding in May…

Maria and Stephen met online, five and a half years ago. “For our first date we went to Brettington’s, a steak and lobster restaurant in Rochester, Kent,” says Maria. “Steve picked me up and it was the first time he's ever got lost! He later proposed to me on Christmas Day 2021, on a beach in Barbados.”

Shopping for the dress

“A friend recommended wed2b to me,” says Maria. “So, I looked them up online and saw my dress straight away! The service at the Ashford store was brilliant and very friendly.” 

Maria’s dress was a striking strapless A-line with a flattering ruched bodice. “I thought it was stunning and it skimmed my figure perfectly,” she says. “My five bridesmaids also wore black Eden dresses and I bought a veil, tiara, mermaid underskirt, belt and a hair clip, too.”

A castle wedding venue

The couple chose Cooling Castle Barn in Kent for their wedding on 26th May. “It was so pretty and the perfect venue,” says Maria. “The staff were amazing, the food was delicious and everything was great from start to finish.”

The big day

“My daughter, Yasmin, was my maid of honour,” says Maria. “I also had my sister-in-law-to-be, Steve’s niece, my niece and Steve’s daughter, Bethan, as my bridal party. Esme and Summer, Steve’s granddaughters, and Sloane, Steve’s niece’s little girl, were my flower girls. The pageboys were Kaiden and Leyton, Steve’s grandsons, and five-month-old Louie, my grandson.”

“My brother Henry gave me away, because my dad passed away in 1982. We had a string quartet play Glasgow Love Theme from Love, Actually as I walked down the aisle and my son, Connor, and Steve’s sister, Ali, read out poems.”

Let’s celebrate!

“After the ceremony there was Champagne and canapés,” says Maria. “Then, for the wedding breakfast, a starter of pork belly or heirloom tomatoes, followed by rump beef, sea bream or vegan Wellington and vanilla white chocolate tart or sticky toffee pudding and ice cream for dessert. Our first dance was to Simply Red’s ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, as we loved the words.”

A classic black and white theme

“The colour scheme was a mix of black, white, cream, pearl and silver,” says Maria. “My bridesmaids wore black dresses while the groomsmen were in black suits and white shirts. The men also had emerald green ties and bow ties. Our flowers were from Chic in Gravesend and our friend Lindsey made the cake. It was decorated with buttercream and had one tier of Victoria sponge, one of lemon and one of raspberry and white chocolate. In the evening we also had a DJ from Cooling Castle Barn and our toastmaster, Steve, who was amazing.”

The best bits…

“The most memorable moment was seeing our two families and friends bond like one big happy family,” says Maria. “Also, seeing Steve’s face looking proud and happy when I walked down the aisle.”

My top tips…

“Definitely visit wed2b for affordability, friendly atmosphere and expert knowledge,” says Maria. “Plus, plan ahead and make the day the most amazing day.”

Maria and Stephen’s Dream Team 

Photographer: TJG Photography

Castle wedding venue: Cooling Castle Barn 

Wedding dresses Ashford: wed2b

Bridesmaids’ dresses: wed2b

Grooms wear: Bennett’s Menswear

Florist and Stylist: Chic Wedding Interiors 

Hair and Makeup: Stacey’s Hair and Makeup 

Music: Estilo Strings 

Stationery: Blossom Stationary 

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this castle wedding, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest wed2bis closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.