Nicholas & Caitlin

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

Friday September 1, 2023

The Lost Village of Dode in Kent

684 days 0 hrs 36 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

Friday, September 1, 2023

Shuttle

12:45 PM to 1:45 PM

Transportation is provided for all guests.

Please be at Gazehill House, Nutfields, Sittingbourne, ME10 4JP (See the exact spot here: ) by 12:50 pm, where the shuttle will leave for the venue.

The shuttle may also stop at a central hotel in the area. We will arrange this when guest accommodations have been booked.

The venue is in a secluded area with no parking.

Ceremony

2:00 PM to 2:30 PM

We're getting married! We'd like to share a few words with everyone.

Dress Code

Formal Attire

Drinks Reception

2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Get comfy, grab a drink and play some garden games! Canapés will be served.

Wedding Breakfast

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Back inside we go - this time for dinner. Please scroll down to the Q&A section to see the menu.

Speeches

6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Danny, we know you can't wait to make your best man speech.

Party Time

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Go on, have another drink!

Farewell

10:00 PM

Goodnight and thanks for the amazing day!

At the end of the evening, the shuttle will take all guests back to the pick up points. The shuttle will arrive at Gazehill House for approximately 10:45 pm.

Travel

Plane

Getting In

We recommend flying into London Gatwick Airport. London Heathrow also has direct flights from Canada, however, it is further away from Kent

Train

Getting to Kent

There are lots of ways to get into Kent! You can take the Gatwick Express train into London Victoria station and then catch a Southeastern train to Sittingbourne or any nearby town you're staying in.

Alternatively, you can pick up a rental car right from the airport if you want to explore.

We or someone else in our family may be able to pick you up. Please reach out if you need any help!

Hotel Product

Travelodge Sittingbourne, Saint Michael's Road, Sittingbourne, UK

House

The Beaumont Bed and Breakfast

"Quality Bed & Breakfast accommodation with clean, comfortable well-appointed rooms, friendly service and an excellent breakfast. Be greeted with a friendly welcome!

We are conveniently located within easy walking distance of Sittingbourne town centre and train station.

We offer a pleasant and friendly place to stay whilst working or travelling in the Sittingbourne area."

Hotel Product

Holiday Inn Sittingbourne, an IHG Hotel, London Road, Sittingbourne, UK

Hotel Product

Hempstead House Hotel & Spa

"Set in four acres of grounds and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, this traditional privately owned Country House Hotel and Spa is nestled within a handful of beautiful villages and open farmland in the heart of the Kent Countryside. Just fifty minutes from London and close to the cathedral cities of Canterbury and Rochester, the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel."

Phone
01795-428020
House

Alpaca Lodge

"Featuring a terrace, Alpaca Lodge provides accommodation in Sittingbourne with free WiFi and garden views. This apartment features a private pool, a garden and free private parking.

The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with pool views.

An outdoor swimming pool is available on site and hiking can be enjoyed within close proximity of the apartment."

Hotel Product

The Golden Hope, Park Road, Sittingbourne, UK

Assistance

Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue

Suggested Stay:

Thu, August 31 - Sat, September 02

Sittingbourne, UK

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Things to check out while you're here!

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Shuttle

Complimentary Shuttle

Calendar

Sep 1

Clock

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

A shuttle will take all guests from Gazehill House, Nutfields, Sittingbourne, ME10 4JP (what3words: shop.rooms.winter) to the venue. The shuttle will depart for the venue at 1:00 pm.

Calendar

Sep 1

Clock

10:00 PM - 10:45 PM

The shuttle will take everyone back to the pick up point for approximately 10:45 pm.

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.