The village of Dode
A medieval chapel deep in the Kent countryside, around the corner from the village of Luddesdown, Kent, An 11th century Norman chapel limited to 45 guests
This wedding is from July 2014, one of the most exclusive venues in Kent. A chapel of its own, set in a valley with a history dating back to the iron age and possibly long before, remains of a “Roman road” next to the chapel.
Having never been to the lost village of Dode. This would be my first wedding as a wedding photographer at these most different wedding venues.
Hay was strewn on the floor, seat benches covered in wool, torches emitting flames, natural light streaming from stain glass windows, Yet privately owned.
The Wedding of Paul & Christine at the Lost Village of Dode, 26th July 2014. A perfect day for any wedding, hot, slightly overcast but not a rain cloud in sight (unusually good British summer).
Bridal prep began at Christine’s parent’s house, moving onto the chapel.
Paul and his sons as best men, top hat and tails, without the top hats, jovial and bubbly and up for anything. The guests were bused in on minibuses as the car parking was very limited to a handful of cars.
Arriving in a vintage Rolls – Royce, Christine looked very much the stunning Bride, dad in tow.
With the guests seated, Groom ready, a violinist in the balcony, and the bride about to begin her grand entrance, the service begins.
A wedding full of laughter is the best in the world, no hiccups, no nervous Bride, beautiful violin music, natural streaming light, lovely wedding, perfect summers day and the professional says it all.
With no bar all refreshments were bused in, lagers and wine chilled in buckets of ice, canape’s served by waitresses from the evening venue, The Duke of Wellington in Ryarsh.
Group and family shots done, confetti shot, bouquet toss, Bride and Groom shots around the grounds, what grounds they are! valley views into the distance and best of all the chapel itself, finishing with a romantic. shot next to the Rolls.
A truly romantic wedding venue that has to be seen to be believed, brash wedding venues there are in abundance, small intimate non-denomination chapels there aren’t. A unique experience.