Your Kent Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE 01622 734 205 dodevillage.com Did you know? This little Norman church was built during the reign of William Rufus, the son of William the Conqueror. Standing on an ancient prehistoric mound overlooking the valley of Dode is a beautiful Norman church looking much as it did when it was built, 900 years ago. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, its walls comprise local flint, and its Kentish peg tile roof is partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy. The history of the building is palpable with its straw-covered floor and torch-lit walls. It’s dressed as a Medieval chapel, with dried flowers and hops setting the scene. The minstrels’ gallery is a dramatic theatre providing space for musicians and photographers alike. The venue provides a free wedding rehearsal, and for those using the services of the in-house caterers, a free tasting session. SPACE TO CELEBRATE ❤ The Norman Church plays host to civil ceremonies and blessings (40 guests), as well as receptions (42 guests seated), which are laid out in a Medieval banquet style. ❤ The Stone Circle also welcomes wedding blessings. mattjamesphotography.co.uk mattjamesphotography.co.uk THE OAK BARN 01580 441 571 the-oak-barn.co.uk Frame Farm, home to The Oak Barn, is nestled in the valley below the village of Benenden in the High Weald AONB. Surrounding the farm buildings, the gardens have developed informally but offer wonderful photo opportunities, particularly around the lily pond and waterfall. The Oak Barn is an oak-framed threshing barn that has been beautifully restored to retain its historical features while subtly incorporating contemporary design elements. The cat- slide roof slopes down to meet sliding hardwood doors, and a huge glazed porch opens up the entire front of the barn on to the courtyard. Across from the barn stand the five weavers’ cottages offering luxurious accommodation for 18 guests. SPACE TO CELEBRATE ❤ The Oak Barn can host ceremonies in a variety of gorgeous spots, from the higher level of the stage to a cosy corner next to the wood burning stove (150 guests). Choose where to hold welcome drinks and how to serve your wedding breakfast (134 seated, 200 standing). ❤ The Byre is a contemporary space modelled on the original sheep shelter. Here ceremony guests can be seated on oak benches crafted from the farm’s oak trees (77 seated, 100 standing). It can also host formal dining or reception drinks accompanied by wonderful views (50 seated, 100 standing). Did you know? The Oak Barn was built using recycled timbers in around 1780, and the weavers’ cottages date back even further to 1607. matildadelvesweddingphotography.com matildadelvesweddingphotography.com 30