A story, a question, (and many idioms). Here’s a funny story; at least I think so, well I really don’t have any alternative! For more years than I care to remember I gave talks about Kentish history throughout the county, and it was natural that when I purchased Dode I should include its history in my schedule. Although I no longer do this, I still, (along with a number of other talks in aid of our charities) give a couple each year in the church itself. Towards the end of th

As the sun lifts over the hill, the silence of Dode gathers around us, not an emptiness, but a listening. Here, where the world once folded in on itself and a village slipped into memory, we return again, as if answering a call we half‑remembered. Beneath this earth, within the holly barrow, our ancestors keep their long vigil. Not watching, but accompanying a presence felt the way one feels a path beneath the feet before seeing where it leads. The grass still carries the las

For a little place in the middle of nowhere, that was empty and alone and unloved for 650 years, it’s a busy, beautiful Beltane. Celebrations started as the sun set on Beltane Eve - guests spread across the meadow where both Holly Henge and of course the Church both played their magical part. The Henge was the focal point for dancing and mayhem provided by the WolfsHead and Vixen Morris side and the Church , the backdrop to Kensei Taiko, the Japanese Drumming Group, whose thu

I’m based in Kent, where I share life’s adventures with my best friend (my husband) Russ, Our little dog Cookie and beautiful twin daughters who keep us on our toes. I specialize in natural makeup and effortlessly relaxed, boho, and romantic hairstyles, perfect for brides who want to embrace their individuality. Whether you’re planning a barefoot beach ceremony, a woodland elopement, or a wedding at Dode, I’m here to help you feel like the most authentic version of yourself.

We understand that our pets are our family and we treat every pet as an extension of our own! We pride ourselves in the personal experience that a smaller business can provide, mirroring our clients routine, training and care when looking after your pet. Which is why our founder Kyra completely understands why couples would have their beloved pets featured in their big day. We provide a bespoke and tailored wedding chaperone service for each couple, with transparent prices an

We are a third generation catering company led by Molly and Jordyn, specialising in plant based food. Together, we bring our passion for food, to your plate. We aim to wow even your most devoted meat-eating friends and family with the delicious vegan food we provide. We offer plant-based food, tailored to each individual wedding event. As no two weddings are ever the same, we will work closely with you to ensure that your wedding is one to remember. We love hearing your ideas

Dode is a place of a million stories, I’ve said it before and no doubt I’ll say it again! Here’s another: It was a January evening in 1995 or perhaps ‘96, Colin and I were sitting quietly chatting in the dimly lit church, a few candles providing the only illumination (no electricity yet) when there was a gentle knock on the new door. Surprised, because we had heard no vehicle pull up, I opened it to meet, for the first time, a young man who was to become a regular, and now pe

From an idea, to a (big) plank of wood in my driveway, a couple of maquettes, a question designed to maintain domestic harmony and a jumble of timber In Jack’s Axework Arts workshop. To this beautiful table. Its sheer size sets it apart; made of a single piece of good English Oak, the top measuring almost three inches deep, on sturdy oaken legs, and weighing a ton, it’s designed to last for at least 200 years. The idea is for our smaller celebrations to enjoy, if they wish, t

Here’s a little throwback to a few weeks ago, at Imbolc (1st.of February for those who haven’t yet got used to the way we acknowledge and celebrate the passing of time at Dode). Perhaps Imbolc, is the ‘pausing point’ on the Wheel of the Year that offers most promise - the rain did nothing to dampen everybody’s spirits as we gathered to wake up our tiny orchard area. Illuminated by flaming torches, accompanied by drumbeat and shouts of ‘Wass Hail’ the trees could have been in

Today I did something this is eagerly anticipated each spring, I returned our Tree of Life to Dode following its annual trip to the engravers. The tree carries the names of all those who have chosen this special place to mark and celebrate important milestones in their lives. Be it welcoming a new life, a marriage, or saying final goodbyes, these ‘Rites of Passage’ are something that we all need. When we built Holly Barrow there was much discussion as to wether the names of t

Mary's Kitchen was established in 2015. Having been brought up on a traditional farm in Sussex I have always had a love of home cooking and eating seasonal, quality good. I began my career organising conferences and weddings in the hospitality industry and then spent 15 years in London organising events. After having my family I decided to set up Mary’s Kitchen and return to what I love. Simple food, made with fresh, quality ingredients, mixed with friends and family makes fo

My name is Laura and Fantasy Flute is my passion project, born from a dream to bring the enchanting sound of the flute to fantasy-themed events and create a world where the ethereal meets the extraordinary. Through this journey, I share my love for music, storytelling, and creativity by posting videos that blend the art of flute playing with the beauty of nature, whimsical costumes, and the fantasy worlds I hold dear. All while embracing the natural acoustics of the outdoors

At Finickity Fayre we supply all things vintage for the perfect celebration. Whether you are looking to hire award-winning funfair games for your special day, or rent elegant china crockery for a vintage afternoon tea, we can add that traditional touch. Our rustic wooden fairground games are all traditionally handcrafted and handpainted, inspired by the vintage carnival. Our vintage crockery is dated from the Art Deco 1920's through to the swinging 60's, and we've handpick

The Cake Witch is a cake place with a difference. We don’t just bake, we don’t just decorate and we certainly don’t just make a nice a sponge (although we do make a very nice sponge). We live cake. We breathe cake. We dream cake. We are here to indulge all your sugary desires, from inception to ingestion, we want every second of your cakey journey to be epic.

4YaParty Weddings & Events is a venue styling and prop hire service based in Bexley, on the South London and Kent border. We cover most areas in South London and West Kent down to Ashford and the surrounding areas. We specialise in eco-friendly and sustainable wedding and event decor, upcycled wedding decor, prop hire and sweet treats. Once upon a time, parties were full of colour — and plastic. Balloons that lasted a night, decorations that ended up in the bin, and beauty th

Have one of our beautiful, trained owls deliver your wedding rings to the person of choice during the ceremony. (You will also have the opportunity to have a photo with the bird directly after the wedding!) Why not add a static display? Static displays are a fantastic way of getting your guests talking! They will get to meet, greet and take photos with some of our amazing feathered team!

Rich Nairn, The Artful Doodler provides fun caricatures of your guests, providing laughs and entertainment on the day and a unique memento to take away with them.

Vintage Carnival Games is a family run business that specialises in bespoke handcrafted wooden outdoor carnival-themed games, designed to make your special occasion a unique, fun-filled experience.

Lovingly homemade with quality ingredients Prinsa’s Celebrations can provide a range of Bespoke grazing platters to suit your special day, set up in the church or outside whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds at Dode. Our signature grazing events, platters and boxes have grained a lot of appreciation as one of the most creative and loved grazing companies in Kent and London. We receive repeated compliments on how delicious and good quality our food is. And it's only made bett

Sandra & Paul are an outstandingly versatile act that can fit into almost any occasion. They have an eclectic and imaginative repertoire of pop, jazz, Irish, folk, and Ceilidh. They also provide a high-quality and compact sound system that brings out the very best-sounding performance. They are happy to perform indoors or outdoors, and they can perform acoustically if necessary. Whether you are after an elegant and refined duo dressed to the nines at reception, an upbeat and

Our own Lost Village of Dode highland piper has performed at many events for over 15 years at Dode. They include: Weddings, Private Functions, Burns Nights, Funerals and many fund raising charity events. Our Highland Piper has a large repertoire of tunes to cater for any occasion and has a natural way of understanding exactly what is required from his clients and always offer them a professional reliable and friendly service. Contact enquiries@dodvillage.com for more informa

Ramona is an accomplished, professional harpist and has been performing for over twenty years. Her repertoire includes Irish, English, classical and modern music. She plays a beautiful Clarsach celtic harp which has a full, sweet tone. The harp is portable and can be moved inside or outside – a perfect musical accompaniment to a romantic wedding in the Lost Village of Dode! Here is a guide to where it is customary to have celtic harp music at your wedding or civil ceremony. R

Matt James Photography is pleased to be part of the team at Dode, Matt is not just a wedding photographer but shoots everything from portraits to boudoir from events to products, Photography is Matt’s full-time occupation and he feels that a wedding includes many of the disciplines required for portraits, landscape, low light, reportage, fun and natural is the key. In addition, Matt can offer video services and also has a unique photo kiosk for continued fun at the after part

Flower Power! It’s what makes me tick. I adore flowers and what I can create when working with them. Based in the beautiful county of Kent, Moody Blooms is a florist with over twenty years’ experience specialising in wedding and event flowers. Offering a highly personal, friendly and attentive service to provide a memorable experience and flowers that will delight the senses. If you’d like to share my flower vision, please get in touch.