From a beautiful barn and stunning grounds, to carefully curated food and drink menus and amazing accommodation on-site - Cooling Castle Barn has it all!

But who is the team behind it that ensures each and every one of our couples have a day they’ll never forget?

In the second feature of our new series introducing some of our hard-working staff, who help us bring everything together, we chat to wedding co-ordinator Emma.

What path did you take to get to where you are today?

I’d worked in hospitality but had always wanted to do something to do with weddings. Why wouldn’t you want to be involved in the happiest day of someone’s life?

I was never really sure what aspect, but going behind the scenes rather than being front of house as I was in hospitality, was the natural step. 

I’ve now been a wedding co-ordinator for four years and love it!

A wedding co-ordinator is often talked about as one of those dream jobs – what makes it so special? 

I love seeing people on the day of the wedding, but that is a cliché. I enjoy seeing the progression from soon after they have got engaged, to their big day. So, watching a couple through the whole journey. A few weeks ago, I was duty manager for a couple I had shown around two-and-a-bit years ago. I saw them just after they got engaged, was there while they planned it and then it was lovely to be the duty manager on the day they finally married. 

It’s a rewarding career, I expect?

Day-to-day you are planning the best day of someone’s life - you can’t really go wrong. If you are helping them plan the best day of their life, you are making them happy, fulfilling their dreams, especially brides. All of their dreams, from when they are little are now coming true, which is lovely to see.

What are the challenges?

Everything at Cooling runs like clockwork, so there are very few issues on the timings, part. We do in excess of 300 weddings a year and are so used to it. There is really hardly anything that goes wrong, ever!

The hardest part was having to ring couples during COVID to postpone their weddings. We were saying to them we weren’t able to host their wedding through no fault of their own. It was very upsetting. We had no indication from the government of when we would be able to put their weddings on and these were the questions we were being asked. Normally, we have all the answers, but this time, we just didn’t.

What is the best thing about Cooling Castle Barn?

All the staff, definitely. It’s such a nice team atmosphere. We are very good at bringing people on board that ‘fit’. We had a few wedding co-ordinators start recently and we really look at personality. 

One of the most common bits of feedback we get back are that the staff really enjoy working there – and we really do. Everyone enjoys working and doing their job. I come into work and just have the best time with my friends. 

It’s so true, that if you have a job you enjoy you don’t work a day in your life. Obviously, there are days when you feel it a little bit, but I enjoy it and that’s a lot to do with the staff.

We are all a family, even up to the owners and they are very good to us. They are very fair. They did everything they could during COVID to look after us and keep things going in really difficult circumstances. 

What are your most memorable moments?

Halloween weddings. They are so fun! When some couples look at dates they are concerned about going for a wedding then, but for me, when you look at the designs, such as pumpkins carved out with flowers arranged in them, you can really play around with it all and make it fun. You have to make the most if it around Halloween! 

What’s your life like out of work?

I’m planning my own wedding right now. It’s very odd being on the other side of it. I’m getting married in Spain - my partner is Spanish - in a rustic farmhouse in the middle of the mountains. I can’t talk Spanish which doesn’t make it easy. I was just saying the other day, I wish I could fly out Danny, one of our recommended florists! They are a little behind in terms of style of flowers and make-up. But we get married in May next year, so that’s taking up a lot of free time at the moment.

Christmas just around the corner; the hint of excitement in the air; soft snow falling; Christmas trees and decorations lighting up all corners: what could be more magical than a winter wedding?

At Cooling Castle Barn, we REALLY love winter. It’s the perfect time of year to get creative - and if you choose the right dates, snow is even guaranteed! 

With our stunning Christmas trees and decorations already up in the barn, couples opting for a wedding during the winter weeks can use them as their own backdrop, adding their own twist to proceedings, if they wish.

Jody and Keith Poynton-Brewis added huge displays of log slices and foliage, with fake snow in different areas, for their December wedding three years ago.

Jody told us: “I’m a massive Christmas-crazy person and I loved the look of the extended barn at this time of year. We had a huge tree as a centre piece, massive displays of log slices and foliage and fake snow around the bar.”

Many brides think having a hot sunny day is important for a wedding. Our winter wedding couples disagree!

Jody continued: “With a winter wedding you know what you are getting. So many brides stress about the weather, but if you go for a winter wedding, you are expecting to be inside. We had a crisp day with a bright blue sky and you have the anticipation of Christmas coming, it’s very magical.”

Jody chose a dress that was perfect for the venue and time of year.

She said: “I went for a silver dress that looked a bit lilac-y in a certain light. It was a beautiful, heavy fabric with roses embossed into it. I wanted a big dress, but I saw this and it jumped out on me.

“I loved it, although a few days later had a bit of a panic! But we went to an amazing seamstress called Together Forever Brides and she transformed the dress. She created a big silver bow for the back – the bow in itself was so unique.”

For food at this time of year, think warm and inviting – with lots of flavours.

Jody continued: “The Barn chef was experimenting at the time and we had a pulled pork croquette or a scotch duck egg, with little soldiers, for starter; main, was guinea fowl Christmas dinner or rolled leg of lamb and dessert was sticky toffee pudding or a chocolate pudding melted in the middle. It was amazing!”

There were plenty more memories from the day, of course.

“We had a caricature-artist going around in the drinks reception which gave the guests something tangible to take away,” she added. “We also did a DIY photo-booth - we made it really wintery and hung it up alongside a polaroid camera.

“As it’s a barn, it has a lovely warm, rustic feel. There’s plenty of space that flows through. You are supported from day one and it’s a relaxed vibe, but everything’s under control. There’s no stress on the day. The team are amazing. They blew my mind how good they were at what they do. Everything runs like clockwork.

“We managed to get in two Christmas songs to finish on – one by Michael Buble and The Fairytale of New York - and the Barn’s snow machine made it a really magical end to the night!”

Want to find out more about our winter weddings? Contact us today!

Photos courtesy of Kate Hennessy Photography

Halloween: a time for pumpkins, Trick or Treat and scary costumes. Oh….and weddings! 

As these amazing photos show, Kiera and Gokhan Karakas used the spooky celebration to get really creative for a stunning wedding at Cooling Castle Barn, two years ago.

The couple married in Gokhan’s home country of Turkey, but wanted a Kent wedding for Kiera’s friends and family, too.

And with a Halloween date the only option left, it couldn’t have worked out any better.

Kiera explained: “Halloween has always been my favourite day of the year. They don’t celebrate it in Turkey and it was something I missed after moving there. We got engaged in February 2019 and in Tukey it is usual to get married quite quickly after the engagement. 

“We wanted a wedding in the UK too and when we looked at the dates Cooling Castle Barn had, the only one left was 30th October. It was fate!”

The couple opted for a Halloween theme, with black and orange rather than traditional white.

She continued: “My favourite colour is black and so is my husband’s and it worked really well for us. 

“We are photographers and are at weddings all the time and so we didn’t really want the whole white wedding, so we said let’s go for a black – a Halloween wedding for our guests.

“Danny our florist incorporated pumpkins in candelabras onto our table. We decorated the ceremony hall ourselves. We got all the pumpkins and decorations and my mum and I did it all in the morning. Women’s hair and make-up and decorating the ceremony room – the morning was a little stressful!

“My veil had black lace at the back and my dress had a black corset lace at the back and I hand-made my own shoes as I couldn’t find any black wedding shoes. 

“I desperately wanted a black dress but my mum said ‘no way!’ so I compromised! But I tried to get black and dark items into my outfit!”

Things didn’t end there, with other areas of the wedding fitting into the theme, too.

Kiera said: “Our wedding cake was black which was really different and Danny decorated it with flowers to match our table decorations and we had a Turkish buffet in the evening and a chocolate fountain. We also had a sweet cart in the evening with the sort of sweets you’d give out for Trick or Treat, decorated in orange and black.

“Being photographers ourselves, we knew what we wanted for our pictures so we did a lot of searching for the right person. We found Noemi from Thyme Lane Photography, who specialises in darker autumn colours and alternative shots and the smoke was her idea. We went with orange and black smoke bombs as she suggested they would look good against the orange autumn leaves and fit in with the theme.”

And for an autumn, winter or Halloween wedding, Kiera believes Cooling should be your first port of call. And she has some advice for any brides thinking about doing something similar. 

She added: “If you’re going for a Halloween or winter wedding, I would definitely recommend it. If you can find a local pumpkin farm like I did, you can get a good deal to get the pumpkins in by bulk. At the end of the night, we let all our guests take a pumpkin home so next day they all had one for Halloween!

“If you want something autumnal, or Halloween-y, dark, or winter-themed, just go hard with it. Don’t be nervous, people will always remember it. 

“The venue is perfect for these types of weddings. The barn is so beautiful. There’s so much you can do with it. But also the staff were so helpful and lovely all day. I organised a Turkish band to surprise my husband with and everyone was so helpful in keeping it a secret. I’d definitely recommend it as a venue, for the people and the look you can create – it was perfect!”

For more information on a winter, autumn, Halloween or alternative-style wedding, please get in touch today!

Photos courtesy of Noemi at thyme lane photography

There’s nothing quite like a romantic story to warm the heart – and Storme-Chantelle Maltby-Wady’s marriage to Andrew has all the right ingredients.

Growing up within walking distance of Cooling Castle Barn, Storme-Chantelle always dreamed of celebrating her marriage at the venue.

In August – after four changes of date – she finally got her wish. The ceremony took place at the nearby St Helen’s Church, before the celebrations continued at the barn.

Storme-Chantelle told us: “I am originally from Cliffe, just down the road – I’ve lived there my whole life. I’ve always wanted my wedding day at Cooling since I was a little girl! There wasn’t anywhere else I would have got married. 

“I’d been to a few weddings there, but that doesn’t mean you are going to do the same thing.

“Andrew surprised me with a viewing at the Barn, I’d never gone for a proper look around and it just made us both really want to get married there.”

With four postponements it was a difficult build up to the special day – although their final date couldn’t have been more perfect.

She continued: “We had to move the wedding four times in the end, first through pregnancy and then Covid. The team at Cooling were amazing about it, although it was hard.

“But it made us appreciate it more – it gave me a different outlook on what it meant. We had to wait, but in the end, I just really wanted to get married.

“At one stage it didn’t look as though we would get married this year, but when they came back with a date, we ended up getting married on our actual anniversary. Cute!”

The couple had an amazing day with some words of advice for anyone thinking of opting for the Barn for their big day. 

Storme-Chantelle added: “We were so happy with how the day went. The food is amazing and the staff were brilliant and helped make it even more special. Nothing was too much trouble – not all venues would have such supportive staff. It was all I ever wanted.

 “Getting ready in the morning in such an amazing space was a dream. It starts your day off amazingly. It’s picture-perfect too. I was so excited about getting ready there and had my mum and four bridesmaids with me.

“But the whole venue and location is stunning. You know the photos will be perfect and give you lasting memories of your day. 

“If you’re thinking of getting married at Cooling Castle Barn, my advice is don’t worry about what day of the week you get married – I think too many people get worked up about having a Saturday, but Cooling is amazing on whatever day you get married. It doesn’t matter. We had several days booked in and we never thought we would get married on a Monday, but it was a brilliant day. It’s perfect whatever day you go for.”

With thanks to Hollie Carlin for use of the photos.

From a beautiful barn and stunning grounds, to carefully curated food and drink menus and amazing accommodation on-site - Cooling Castle Barn has it all!

But who is the team behind it that ensures each and every one of our couples have a day they’ll never forget?

Over the coming months, in our new series, we will introduce you to some of our hard-working staff who help us bring everything together.

So, say hello to our new head chef Kieran Jones!

Where were you before Cooling Castle Barn?

I did an apprenticeship at a well-known pub chain before completing most of my training at The Swan in West Malling. I have been working at Cooling’s sister venue The Vines over the summer and accepted this new position a few weeks ago and ’m really excited about the opportunity. 

What made you take on your latest role?

It’s a different challenge and a different working space. It’s going to be a change of pace, but I like changing things up and trying different things. 

What’s the best thing about working at a wedding venue?

From a chef’s point of view, it’s a different experience from a restaurant. At a restaurant every day is different and you often don’t know what is coming in terms of orders. At a wedding venue like Cooling, you know what you have to do ahead of time, so you need to be extremely organised. But with both, you still need a high level of detail and timing in order to deliver.

Can you sum up what it’s like working for the company?

This company is lovely to work for, they are very friendly and a good work and life balance is important to them, which I really like.

What are your favourite dishes?

I’m a big fan of family-style dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese, although with my own twist on them and obviously not made in the same way a lot of people would make it at home. I also really like Italian cuisine.

What do you do enjoy outside of work?

I spend a lot of time reading about food and looking at influencers and chefs online for ideas and inspiration. I follow some of the well-known, established names like Gordon Ramsey, Tom Kerridge and Marco Pierre White and I also like Gennaro Contaldo, widely thought of as the chef who taught Jamie Oliver everything he knows about Italian cooking.

The first time you met; the first time you kissed; your favourite holiday together: the first dance track is an essential feature of most wedding days, often signifying a special occasion unique to each couple. By marking your very first dance as a married couple, it can also be a truly unforgettable moment!  

But what happens if you don’t have a special song? How do you choose one? 

With more than 20 years behind the decks at Cooling Castle Barn and The Vines, our resident DJs James Johnson and Robin Chappell know a thing or two about tracks that set the stage for the rest of your lives.

We spoke to them to find out which songs are rocking your worlds right now – and what have been the most popular in getting the party started over the past decade. 

James said: “At the moment you are seeing a lot more original and unique choices, but over the years there have been some popular ones that have come up often – Ed Sheeran has definitely been one of the most requested artists.

“Right now, John Legend’s You and I (Nobody in the World) has to be up there in terms of popularity.

“Over the last decade, James Blunt’s You’re Beautiful; Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and Perfect; Kodaline’s The One; James Arthur’s Say You Won’t Let Go and I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith, have all been popular choices.”

Robin agreed with Ed Sheeran as one of the most popular choices over the years but threw a few different names into the mix as well.

He said: “There was a time where one whole summer was either Ed Sheeran or John Legend. 

“Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, Perfect and Tenerife Sea have all been popular, as well John Legend’s All of Me.

“Others include Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, Lonestar’s Amazed and Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years.

“We had quite a unique one recently, Frank Sinatra’s My Funny Valentine, which was a bit out of leftfield, but I thought really cool.”

Our advice? If you don’t have a special song, you don’t have spend hours stressing out to pick the most unique song you can find. Find something you both like, that sounds nice, with romantic lyrics – and that you can both dance to - and enjoy the moment!

We LOVE getting feedback from our happy couples after their wedding day. What did they think of the food? What did their guests say? Was the day all that they had dreamed of?

While many couples spend months looking for the perfect wedding venue, it was amazing to hear from Harriet and Thomas Cooper who called off the search for a venue after the very first day.

Despite living in Purley, Surrey, it was ‘love at first sight’ when the couple looked at the photos of Cooling Castle Barn together online. After booking a visit to take a look around, they quickly agreed on a date – without even looking at another venue!

The couple finally married last month and when we caught up with them post-celebration, they told us they couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

Harriet said: “We fell in love with Cooling Castle Barn as soon as we looked at it online and knew immediately that it was the venue for us.

“When we visited, nothing changed our minds. It’s in the middle of nowhere – and a bit of a hidden gem. It’s a beautiful venue, not too over-the-top and for us was just perfect. All our guests commented on how stunning it is.

“I stayed onsite the night before and so I didn’t have to rush about on the morning of the wedding. From the moment we got there, to the moment we left, everything was taken care of. We didn’t have to worry about a thing.

“We loved the toastmaster – everyone said she was brilliant. The food was amazing too – it was great to be able to have so many choices for guests.

“It was just perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more and wouldn’t change a single thing!”

To find out more about Cooling Castle Barn wedding packages, please get in touch today.

Photos courtesy of Fay Andrew Weddings