After securing their dream wedding spot on Whitstable seafront, fiancées Kasia and Heidi began eagerly planning their big day.

But after a sudden family illness, the Canterbury couple scrapped their plans - deciding to tie the knot earlier.

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.

"We got engaged four months later in January 2019, and soon started looking around for venues."

But they 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 for us. We booked it a few days later. Our deposit was about £1,600."

But they then received the news of the family illness.

The couple abandoned their plans for a 100-guest wedding in Whitstable, instead opting smaller, 15-person ceremony at Canterbury registry office, where they married on February 1.

Afterwards, the newly-weds celebrated with a meal at The Parrot in Canterbury, where they had been for their first date.

"It was far more intimate," said Kasia.

"We were actually really really glad that's what we decided to do because it was really relaxed - it was lovely."

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 as we'd be getting back nothing otherwise."

They have posted several times on Facebook, but the date has not yet been taken.

Situated within a working harbour by Whitstable's shingle beach, the East Quay Venue features a mezzanine room with sea views and space for up to 100 wedding guests, as well as a ground floor area for up to 70 guests, which couples with an evening dance floor space.

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 by emailing info@eqvenue.com

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