It’s an absolute delight to share the enchanting Whistable beach wedding of Kimberley and Joshua with you, as they exchanged vows at East Quay Venue in Kent on a warm summer day marked by a gentle breeze. The outcome was a truly unforgettable celebration that seamlessly blended bohemian rustic charm with a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. The stylishly attired wedding party, including the happy couple, made for a visually stunning spectacle. The event featured gorgeous yellow blooms, a show-stopping buttercream cake, and beautiful beachside portraits that perfectly captured the joy of the occasion. To top it all off, the talented musicians from Freshman Year, courtesy of Tailored Entertainment, got everyone in high spirits. I’m deeply grateful to Nicola Dawson Photography for sharing these breathtaking images of this very special beach wedding, allowing us to relive the magic and romance of the day.
Whitstable Beach Wedding
The Proposal
Last summer, our holiday in Cornwall was the perfect backdrop for Joshua’s proposal. The scenic Fistral Beach holds a special place in my heart, and I’m so grateful it wasn’t too crowded – I would have been overwhelmed! Having my family with us made the evening even more special. We celebrated together, enjoying a fun round of mini golf followed by toasts of champagne and cocktails.
The Vision
After attending numerous weddings together, we were determined to do something that deviated from the norm. Formality was not on the agenda; instead, we yearned for a relaxed and unconventional celebration.
From the outset, I had envisioned a bohemian- rustic aesthetic, which eliminated the possibility of traditional attire. Joshua’s wardrobe consisted of anything but a suit. We flirted with the idea of hosting a festival-style wedding or renting a trendy pub in East London, but it was the enchanting seaside setting at East Quay that stole our hearts from the moment we laid eyes on it.
Budget
The Venue
The East Quay holds a special place in our hearts. Our journey to this seaside gem began with an online search, which led us to discover that it wasn’t too far from our home in Essex. As lovers of the sea, a seaside proposal sparked the idea of a seaside wedding, and we were inspired by a friend’s beach wedding just a few years prior. The moment we caught sight of the stunning sea views from the ceremony room and drinks reception space on the beach, we knew we had found our perfect match. Without hesitation, we reserved the only remaining Saturday in August for the following year, securing our special day at this picturesque venue.
The Ceremony & Music
The ceremony at East Quay’s picturesque setting was nothing short of breathtaking. The sea view behind us added an extra layer of romance as we exchanged vows. To set the tone for our celebration, we hired a bagpipe player to greet our guests and provide lively tunes during the drinks reception. What made it even more special was that my Dad is from Scotland – we kept this surprise hidden from our friends and family until the big reveal, which left everyone delighted and impressed.The real showstopper of the day was the live band that played pop punk and rock covers in the evening. This was a highlight for me personally; their incredible performance had all of our guests raving about how much fun they were having, and it was like reliving old times. Going to concerts together is one of our favorite date nights, so it meant the world to us that we could share this experience with our loved ones on our special day. We deliberately chose not to opt for a standard wedding disco, instead going all out to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Your Outfits
I had the pleasure of wearing a stunning dress by Pronovias, sourced from Bella Sposa Bridal in Upminster. The unique colour and bohemian vibe perfectly captured my wedding style, while also providing an unparalleled level of comfort – I felt absolutely radiant in it! Meanwhile, Joshua and his groomsmen opted for chinos and jackets from popular high street shops, which beautifully complemented the beach setting with their light, airy hues. To further tie everything together, we had bespoke pocket squares created by a talented friend, using fabric from the bridesmaid dresses. I was thrilled to discover that the bridesmaid dresses were another one of my favourite finds from the day, and it’s amazing how well all the outfits harmonized in the end.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our experience working with photographer Nicola Dawson was truly exceptional. Her passion and dedication to her craft were palpable from the start, and it’s no wonder why we’re absolutely delighted with our wedding photos! While we didn’t commission a formal wedding film, we did ask one of our bridesmaids to capture some memorable moments on camera throughout the day, including the speeches. As a result, we have an abundance of video content to cherish for years to come.
The Styling & Decor
The venue’s aesthetic was expertly crafted by Helen at Blubelle Creative, with her stunning florals bringing the entire space to life. The bridesmaid dresses served as the foundation for our color scheme, guiding us towards a palette of ‘wild’ greenery, soft whites, and vibrant yellows. This bold choice perfectly captured the joyful atmosphere of our special day.
The flowers exceeded my expectations in every way; Helen truly outdid herself in interpreting our vision. The pops of bright yellow added a contagious energy to the space, reflecting the happiness and excitement that filled the air. We felt incredibly fortunate to have so many talented individuals involved in our wedding celebration, from friends who handled the cake and sign-writing to another friend who styled our hair – it was a wonderful way to share our special day with people we love.
The Honeymoon
As the wedding celebrations continued into the bank holiday weekend, many of our nearest and dearest decided to prolong their stay in Whitstable. We kept the good times rolling with an impromptu gathering on the following day. With the momentum still going strong, we even managed to squeeze in a few more nights together in London. For me, being a teacher meant I had a short reprieve before returning to work the week after, but excitingly, my next adventure is already booked – a trip to Santorini for October half term. We’re counting down the days until our Greek getaway!
Memorable Moments
The highlight of the day for me was undoubtedly the series of impassioned speeches delivered by my dad, Joshua, who served as our best man and man of honor. His words left not a single tearless face in the audience – I recall people wiping away tears and smiling through the emotional moments. The energetic performance by the band, which played a memorable set featuring Rage Against the Machine tracks, came a close second in terms of unforgettable experiences.