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From Arizona to the London Eye a Real Wedding at Solton Manor

A destination real wedding weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the English countryside.

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Real Wedding
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A real wedding blog celebrating a love story that spans continents, starting at Jarrod’s Ain Mesa, Arizona, followed by a sky-high proposal on the London Eye, and a timeless celebration at Solton Manor.
The bride and groom, Kaitlyn and Robbie from America, held their blessing in Godric's Garden with a celebrant at Dover in Kent, here they enjoy a Hollywood style dip kiss in front of their guests
The bride, Kaitlyn from America, walks with her Bridal Party in the grounds of Solton Manor in Kent with her bridal party

Could Solton Manor be your dream wedding venue?

Could Solton Manor be your dream wedding venue?

When Robbie and Kaitlyn found Solton Manor, they knew it was the one. Nestled in the Kent countryside with a rich history spanning 1000 years, stunning gardens, and a mix of heritage charm and modern elegance, it ticked all their boxes. With on-site accommodation and the White Cliffs of Dover just a short drive away, it was the perfect place to turn their wedding into a three-day celebration.

As Robbie and Kaitlyn were travelling from the States, they didn’t want to cram everything into one day. So, they made the most of their time at Solton Manor with a full wedding weekend, and honestly, it was the best decision ever. Because why have just one wedding when you can have three!

What happens the night before the real wedding?

Upon their arrival at Solton Manor, the couple checked into the Manor House and the Dovecote Cottage, getting settled before the festivities began. That evening, they hosted a rehearsal dinner, beautifully curated by Invicta Food Design – bringing their family and closest friends together for good food, heartfelt toasts, and that exciting “it’s really happening” feeling.

The Dovecote Cottage

For parties needing a little extra space, the Dovecote Cottage, just a short stroll from the main house, offers two additional bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to four more guests. Dovecote Cottage also boasts its own private hot tub – at the end of a long day, immerse yourself in the warm water and feel your worries simply disappear…

A real couple from America make time on their wedding day to leave Solton Manor and go to the White Cliffe's of Dover for their couple shots over looking the English Channel across to France
A real couple from America make time on their wedding day to leave Solton Manor and go to the White Cliffe's of Dover for their couple shots over looking the English Channel across to France

What’s it like to wake up on your wedding day at Solton Manor?

When the couple woke up on their wedding day, the excitement was real!

Kaitlyn got ready in the Pamper Suite, surrounded by her best friends with music playing and champagne flowing.

Robbie and his groomsmen hung out in Dovecote Cottage, swapping stories and sharing a few pre-ceremony laughs.

And then it was time…

Where did Robbie & Kaitlyn say “I do”?

In Godric’s Garden, surrounded by lush greenery and romantic ruins, Robbie and Kaitlyn exchanged deeply personal vows in a heartfelt ceremony led by their Minister. It was intimate, emotional, and absolutely magical.

Kaitlyn walked down the aisle to a recording by Robbie playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. This audio recording transported Kaitlyn back to the first time Kaitlyn heard Robbie play the piano, so it was a really heartfelt touch.

Guests made their way to the front lawn of the Manor House for drinks, enjoying cocktails from our stylish horsebox bar and champagne from a beautifully styled drinks cart under the shade of the trees. Meanwhile, the newlyweds were showered with biodegradable confetti, creating the ultimate just-married moment.

How did the White Cliffs of Dover fit into their wedding day?

After the ceremony, Robbie and Kaitlyn took a romantic drive to the White Cliffs of Dover, just a short distance from Solton Manor. Here, they shared quiet, intimate moments and captured breath taking wedding photos. With Songbird Wedding Videos filming, their love story was set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the UK.

What was their reception like?

Back at Solton Manor, The Dutch Barn had been transformed into an elegant, rustic reception space, with stunning floral styling.

  • The couple made their grand entrance to cheers and applause.
  • Guests enjoyed a gorgeous three-course meal by Invicta Food Design.
  • The speeches? A perfect mix of laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt moments.

How did they end the night?

As the night went on, the dance floor was packed and music filled the air. Robbie and his best man stepped outside for a cigar moment in the Smoking Yard. Later, the couple stole away for a private twilight toast by the ornamental pond, sipping champagne in the Summer House as the sun set.

Returning to their guests, Robbie and Kaitlyn wowed everyone with their first dance, before the evening wrapped up with a BBQ buffet to keep the celebration going just a little longer.

Robbie and Kaitlyn’s wedding day timeline:

13:00 Ceremony

13:30 Cocktail Hour

13:30 Wedding Photos

15:45 Dinner

19:40 Cake Cutting

20:00 First Dance

20:10 Party Time!

20:15 BBQ Buffet

23:30 Bar Closes

Cute additions to their special day

We loved Robbie and Kaitlyn’s ‘Leave us a Message’ vintage phone audio guestbook!

They celebrated their guests with an ‘award’ given to a guest who travelled a staggering 5,536 miles from Los Angeles, California to join them. Another received an award for being the first to RSVP to their Save the Date.

What happens the day after a Solton Manor wedding?

The next morning, Robbie and Kaitlyn woke up as newlyweds, taking a stroll through the grounds before enjoying a relaxed brunch with their family and friends. Saying goodbye to Solton Manor was bittersweet, but they left with memories to last a lifetime.

Could this be your perfect wedding venue?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s romantic, timeless, and filled with personal touches, Solton Manor might be exactly what you’re looking for.

We can make it happen, even if you don’t live in England like Robbie and Kaitlyn! Get in touch today to start planning your dream wedding.

 

The bride, Kaitlyn from America, and her bridesmaids show off their purple bouquets in the grounds of Solton Manor in Kent
Image credits

Videography: Songbird Wedding Videos

Photographer: Mykola Tsap Photography

Music and DJ: Sussex DJ Company

Food: Invicta Food Design

Local Attraction: The White Cliffs of Dover