Nicholas & Caitlin

We can't wait to share our special day with you.

Friday September 1, 2023

The Lost Village of Dode in Kent

709 days 14 hrs 48 mins ago

Welcome

Yes! We are getting married!

We are so excited! We are on cloud nine and we want to share our love with you. We are planning a wedding that will be lots of fun.

As we wait for the big day to arrive, we have created this website with lots of sections to keep you up-to-date with everything and answer any questions you may have.

We kindly ask you to RSVP by Friday the 21st of July 2023. Please use the ‘Attendance’ button above to respond. If you need anything at all, such as help with flights, accommodation or transport, please let us know! The wedding shuttle will leave from Gazehill House in Sittingbourne (click here to see the exact location: ).

In the meantime, enjoy the site and see you soon, lots of love!

Tidbits

How is Dode a "lost" village?

Dode (in Old English, Dowde) was a village in England that was abandoned over 600 years ago, due to the Black Death. All that remains is the deconsecrated church, which was painstakingly restored in the 1900s.

For over 9 centuries the spiritual centre of the village, Dode church, has been a place of peace, worship, tolerance and respect.

Shrouded in romance and history the church is the ideal place to for a truly unique ceremony. The church has been silently standing guard over the lost village for centuries and is the most appropriate place to celebrate the joy of marriage celebrating the love of two people.

Who are we?

If you don't know, you are on the wrong website!

Where is the honeymoon?

We're not sure but it will be in 2024!

Schedule

Travel

Q & A

You probably have some questions! If your question is not answered below, please pop us a message.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Our wedding ceremony is indoors, but our drinks reception will be outside on the grass while the stone chapel is being transformed into a banquet hall.

What will the weather be like?

Welcome to England, all of you from across the pond! The weather here can be funny. It may be very hot because it is summer (and there is no Air Con here!) or it may be rainy and cool, more like autumn weather. Super unhelpful but be ready for anything and check the forecast.

What should I wear?

Formal attire

What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?

There is a straw floor in the church and grass outside so we recommend avoiding stiletto heels.

Is there WIFI at the venue?

There is no Wifi and no cell/mobile service at Dode.

Are kids welcome?

Yes, kids are welcome. Please let us know in the RSVP if your little ones are attending.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, please us know if you require this and we will make sure everything is available on the day, including a wheelchair accessible coach.

What is a Wedding Breakfast? What about a Drinks Reception?

British to Canadian translation:
Wedding Breakfast = Dinner
Drinks Reception = Cocktail Hour

What kind of drinks will be served?

There will be soft drinks, beer, wine and traditional mead for toasting. The drinks are on us, the hangover is on you.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

We are having a nut-free day with vegetarian and lactose-free options. Please let us know if you have any other restrictions so we can let the chef know.

What kind of food will be served?

Canapés:
Bacon wrapped dates filled with Manchego and chorizo with a quince marmalade

Mini tubs of fish and chips with tartare and ketchup

Sticky honey and mustard cocktail sausages (vegetarian option available)

Butternut squash risotto balls with a blue cheese dip

Vegetable tempura with a sweet chilli dip


Mains:
Ultimate BBQ vegetarian platter

Hog roast with sage and onion stuffing, Kentish butchers sausage, apple sauce and Dijon mustard


Sides:
Rocket and spinach with dried cranberries, crumbled gorgonzola and pumpkin seeds and white wine vinaigrette

New potatoes with lemon, Dijon and thyme

Pan-fried chorizo, broccoli and plum tomatoes with a smoked paprika oil

Cumin roasted carrots with a honey and lemon dressing with goats cheese


Dessert:
Victoria sponge filled with strawberry jam and vanilla buttercream

Lemon cake filled with lemon curd and elderflower buttercream

Please note: The wedding cakes are dairy and nut free

Is there a gifts registry?

No, your presence is our present!

Can I drive to the venue instead of taking the shuttle?

Unfortunately, there is no car park or street parking at Dode besides a small area for the vendors. If you need to arrive or depart at a specific time, we recommend arranging a ride with a family member or a cab beforehand. There is no phone signal at the lost village.

Can I bring a date?

Check your invite for a +1 when it arrives!

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

Yes! We would love for you to take photos. However, please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony.

What time will the reception end?

Dode closes at 10 pm. The shuttle will take you back to the pick up point.