& Sam
Cherrybrook Orchard, Faversham, Kent
&
Samuel James Whitlock
invite you to a picnic wedding in the orchard
at two o'clock in the afternoon
Cherrybrook Orchard
Faversham, Kent
The weekend
Welcome drinks on the shingle at Whitstable, from six. Wellies optional.
Vows under the cherry trees at two, supper on the grass, dancing in the barn.
A lazy brunch back at the orchard, from eleven, for anyone still standing.
Our story
A slipped bicycle chain, a borrowed spanner and a strawberry tart. Seven summers later, here we are, asking you to come on one more picnic.
The picnic diary
Sam's chain came off outside the bakery where Poppy worked. She lent him a spanner and a strawberry tart. He came back the next day for another tart.
Every Sunday from April to September: a blanket, a flask and wherever the bikes took us. We kept count in a little notebook.
Under the cherry trees at Cherrybrook, with a ring tied to the basket handle with a blue satin bow.
Summer snapshots
The Day
Order of the day
Under the old cherry trees. Find a hay bale and get comfy.
Elderflower spritz, croquet and an egg-and-spoon race.
Scones, Kent strawberries and pots of tea on the grass.
A hamper for every table, speeches as the sun drops.
Strawberry shortcake, then the band starts in the barn.
Bicycles away! Taxis and the shuttle bus wait at the gate.
Summer garden party
Sundresses, linen suits and straw hats. We'll be on grass all day, so leave the stilettos at home, and bring a cardigan for the evening. Pastels and gingham very welcome.
Our favourite people
Travel & stay
The orchard sits in Kent's cherry country just outside Faversham, an hour from London. Pack a cardigan for the evening and comfy shoes for the grass.
Getting there
Southeastern high-speed from London St Pancras to Faversham, about an hour. Our shuttle bus meets the 12:52 arrival.
Leave the M2 at junction 7 and follow signs for Faversham. Park in the meadow by the farm gate.
Gatwick and Heathrow are both about 90 minutes away by car.
Cycling over? There's a rack by the barn, tied with bows, naturally.
Where to stay
A friendly inn on the market square, with rooms held for us.
Seaside rooms by the harbour, handy for Friday's fish and chips.
A sweet bed and breakfast among the orchards, with famous jam.
Kindly reply by 1 May, so we pack enough strawberries for everyone.
Little questions
Yes, please! There's a games corner and a kids' picnic.
Flats or block heels. It's grass all the way.
The whole picnic moves into the barn, and the bunting comes with us.
Plenty, in the meadow by the farm gate.
Your invitation names everyone we've saved a seat for.
Tell us on the RSVP form and the kitchen will look after you.
Gifts
Having you there is the best present. If you'd like to give something, we're saving for a cycling honeymoon through the Loire Valley, and there's a little list at John Lewis too.