When Dean and Natalie finally tied the knot on May 10th, 2025, it was a celebration more than 15 years in the making, and one that proved love has no timeline. Their coastal wedding took place at the The Ferry House Inn on the Isle of Sheppey, a beautiful, wildlife-filled setting overlooking the estuary, the perfect relaxed backdrop for a day of love and meaning.
The couple first met back in 2007 and were engaged just a year later, but life, family, and time took the lead until they decided in late 2024 that it was finally time to make it official. Here, Natalie shares their experience, from planning a wedding later in life to finding the perfect dress, enjoying the little moments, and embracing love the second time around.
“We met in 2007 and got engaged in May of 2008, which was very quick! We then did absolutely nothing about getting married until late 2024, when we decided it might be nice to do it finally. We chose the Ferry Inn as our venue, overlooking the estuary on the Isle of Sheppey, with lots of wildlife and birds, and we used their website and Pinterest to find inspiration to create our dream day”
“I knew exactly what type of dress I wanted and didn’t think I’d find it, and then, googling one Saturday morning, it suddenly appeared. We drove up from Kent to Derby just after the new year to get it, and it fitted almost perfectly. Lace with a boat neck and sleeves. This was mainly because I worried I might get chilly in the evening!”
“My two adult children, Joe and Bethany both walked me down the aisle. Dean had breakfast with Joe on the morning of the wedding, and Bethany got ready with me, along with my daughter-in-law, Joe’s wife.”
Did you experience any anti-ageing pressures or challenges from the wedding industry or suppliers?
“Absolutely not. Everyone I worked with was amazing, from the girls in the dress shop to my make-up artist and hair designer.”
What was different about this wedding compared to the first one?
“EVERYTHING. At my first wedding, I was 18 and 7 months pregnant. It was in the local registry office with a reception above a pub afterwards. This wedding, 34 years on, was the polar opposite.”
What was the best part of your wedding day?
“I actually really enjoyed the getting ready part. That and walking into the wedding room. I love the anticipation of anything.”
And any advice for finding LOVE again?
“Ha, I have no idea. I found mine quite by accident when I was least expecting it.”
The Team / A Relaxed Coastal Wedding on The Isle of Sheppey
Photographer Matt Trott Photography @matttrottphotography
Venue and Cake The Ferry House Inn @theferryhouseharty / Dress The Wedding House @theweddinghouseofficial_ / Groom Suit Next / Florist Flowers Creations @flowerscreations.sittingbourn / Hair and Makeup Millie McGrath Makeup
IF YOU LOVED THIS COASTAL WEDDING, PIN IT FOR LATER!
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