Sara & Phil’s Kent winter wedding at The Lost Village of Dode took place way back in December and it was my third visit to this really unique venue which is approximately 900 years old!
When Sara and Phil came to see me before their wedding they stressed it was important to them that the photographs really capture the ambience of the venue with it’s ancient stone walls, candlelit interior and straw floors. Knowing how to balance the ambient light and flash means this is always possible what ever your choice of venue and especially in winter when the natural light soon fades, which is why I love winter weddings.
Sara chose to get ready in one of the cottages on site known as ‘The Retreat’, which is also where they and their guests moved to after the ceremony for mulled wine and mince pies while the ceremony venue was turned around for the wedding breakfast.
While there was still just enough daylight and before it started raining, we managed to do the requested group photographs outside. Most of my wedding photography is photojournalistic in style but I always think it’s a good idea to have a few group photos of close family and even friends.
With the tables laid out it was time to move everyone back into the ancient Norman building to eat. The hog roast had been cooking for some time outside by The Flying Pig Hog Roast catering company and was greatly appreciated by the guests on a cold December afternoon.
‘Dode’ is an intimate Kent wedding venue accomodating a maximum of 45 people so when it was time for the evening reception, the entertainment provided by acoustic guitarist and vocalist Jamie McGuire was just perfect. Funnily enough Jamie had been a guest at Catherine & Jonny’s wedding I had photographed back in the summer.
I didn’t know he was such a talented vocalist and musician, great music for Sara and Phil to enjoy doing their first dance to!
If you’d like to see more examples of my winter wedding photography please take a look at Marcus & Frances Elham Church Wedding in January.
If you’re having a wedding in Kent and like my style of photography please get in touch via my Contact page as I’d love to hear from you.
