Your Kent Wedding -November/December 2020 (Issue 93)

THE VINES info@thevinesofrochester.com www.thevinesofrochester.com Formerly Rochester’s old archdeaconry, The Vines is steeped in history, which has been showcased through the beautiful restoration of its original features. Eight of the 13 bedrooms on site are in the main house, with a further five housed in the landscaped gardens. One such room is the bridal suite. The venue also boasts two restaurants, a separate bar and an outdoor kitchen. Each of these fab entertaining spaces will be able to host wedding celebrations. There’s also the standout Nordic-style tipi providing a romantic backdrop to ceremonies. There’ll be two types of wedding available: traditional or festival. The former package includes all of the well-established elements key to a time-honoured English wedding and will host up to 70 day guests. The innovative and exciting festival wedding offering is the venue’s take on a relaxed and interactive all-day celebration with inventive food and drink stands and capacity for 120. The Vines is now available for exclusive wedding bookings for 2021. The venue will look to officially launch as a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar in early 2021 too. THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE 01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com A beautiful 900-year-old Norman church is now the only trace of The Lost Village of Dode. With straw covering the floor and torches lighting the scene, it now witnesses ceremonies similar to those that would have taken place almost 1,000 years ago. The atmosphere and silence within this ancient building are palpable. Standing on a prehistoric mound and overlooking the valley of Dode, evoking memories of times past, this simple two-cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland. Its walls comprise local flint with a roof of Kentish peg tiles, partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak in the style of 16th-century buildings. Civil ceremonies take place within the ancient church building itself, accommodating up to 40 guests along with the happy couple. Blessings are also permitted either in the church or in the grounds, including the stone circle. Receptions also take place inside the church building, which are laid out in a Medieval banqueting-style – think Henry VIII throwing chicken bones over the shoulder! It can seat 42. Dode provides a free wedding rehearsal prior to the ceremony and for couples using the services of the in-house caterers, a free tasting session. You’re also offered the option to regularly attend various events throughout the year, along with the chance to hold a one-year anniversary hand-fasting ceremony. www.mat tjamesphotography.co.uk NEW VENUE ALERT! www.chlo emaryphoto.co.uk 28