Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Couple face losing wedding deposit after dad falls ill
Search for new pair to marry at dream venue
After securing their dream wedding spot on Whitstable seafront, fiancées Kasia and Heidi began eagerly planning their big day.
But after Heidi’s father fell ill, the Canterbury couple scrapped their plans - deciding to tie the knot earlier to ensure he could be there.
Now, they are hoping to find another couple to take up their original wedding slot in just six months’ time - so they can recoup their deposit, which they have offered to share. Kasia and Heidi Senyszyn first met in September 2018.
“It was a proper whirlwind romance,” said Kasia, a PHD student who also works at the University of Kent and manages Parrot Theatre Company. They got engaged four months later and knew they had found the perfect spot while visiting a wedding fair at East Quay Venue on Whitstable seafront. “We loved it as soon as we saw it,” said Kasia. “It’s quite rustic with lovely long tables and right by the sea - it just felt perfect.” But they then received the devastating news that Heidi’s father, Christopher, was unwell. “He had been diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of years ago and he was doing pretty well, but then he began experiencing some symptoms again,” said Kasia.
“For Heidi, it was a very real thing that maybe he wouldn’t be able to walk her down the aisle. “We realised that if the worst was to come, having a big white wedding without him there would be too much.”
The couple abandoned their plans for a 100-guest wedding in Whitstable, instead opting for a 15-person ceremony at Canterbury registry office, where they married on February 1. While their deposit at East Quay Venue was non-refundable, the company has agreed to return the cash if another couple books their original date. Heidi and Kasia are now hoping to find someone to take the slot on August 10.
“If we get the £1,600 back, we’re happy to give the couple that books £500 towards their wedding,” said Kasia.
“It’s a bonus for us anyway.” East Quay Venue spokesman Clare Potten added: “We’re delighted that Kasia and Heidi have tied the knot - we wish them all the best. “There is now a great summer wedding date available for another couple.” Anyone interested in taking the slot should contact East Quay Venue on 01227 772157 or email info@eqvenue.com.