Ancient walls & Pagan rites: Ema and Simons Wedding at The Lost Village of Dode

Blog

20 Jul

When it comes to planning an alternative wedding, finding a space that holds energy, history, and intimacy is no small feat. But for Ema & Simon, The Lost Village of Dode provided the perfect sacred ground. With its ancient stone walls, wild Kent countryside, and deeply spiritual atmosphere, it became the setting for a celebration that honoured not just their love — but their shared soul.

Held on May 2nd, 2025, this wedding was a powerful blend of legal ceremony, pagan ritual, and personal storytelling. It was also a shining example of how meaningful, magical weddings don’t have to break the bank — and how DIY creativity, intentional choices, and a bit of theatrical flair can bring your vision to life.

An Alternative Wedding at The Lost Village of Dode

Inside the ancient stone church of Dode, the couple exchanged vows in a legal ceremony led by A Kentish Ceremony — made unforgettable by a ring delivery from a majestic owl, courtesy of Kent Owl Academy. Afterwards, they stepped outside for a deeply personal handfasting ceremony with celebrant Paul, binding their lives together in a ritual that felt ancient, earthy, and entirely their own.

The venue’s strong energy and perfect weather felt, in their words, “unimaginably strong” — a moment of cosmic alignment and ancestral love.

Intimate, Thrifted, and Handmade: A Wedding Built with Heart

What made this celebration truly magical wasn’t the budget or brand names — it was how personal and handmade everything was. From the bride’s DIY wedding dress to the thrifted décor, this was a wedding where every detail held meaning. As the couple shared:

“You don’t need to spend a fortune to create something magical!”

Hosting their day in a small, intimate venue meant every guest was present, involved, and emotionally connected. It felt less like an event and more like a shared moment in time — one they could carry forward forever.

Feasting, Folklore & First Dances

Food was provided by the incredible Flying Pig Kitchen, with small bites before a main meal inside the church. Their cake — a dark delight from The Cake Witch — was “utterly delicious” and perfectly on-theme.

Music was carefully curated through a personal Spotify playlist — a simple, stress-free way to shape the mood with only the songs that truly mattered. From walking down the aisle to “Light” by Sleeping At Last to a dramatic exit to Phantom of the Opera (Prague Cello Quartet), every note told a story.

Their first dance to “Work Song” by Hozier melted hearts — and was followed by a heavy shift to “Counting Worms” by Knocked Loose, setting the tone for a joyful, head-banging celebration.

They ended the night with a private last dance to “Fair” by The Amazing Devil — a tender, quiet moment to reflect and exhale.

Advice from Ema & Simon: Keep It Real, Keep It Yours

Like many newlyweds, this Ema & Simon found the wedding world daunting at first:

“It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and like things are out of reach. It’s also okay to compromise on some ideas to fit your budget.”

Their top tips?

Create a shared wedding email inbox to keep everything organised
Choose a venue with a supportive team that cares about your experience
Don’t sweat the small things — “Whether things go wrong or perfectly, you’re with the love of your life surrounded by your people.”

A Final Reflection

This Lost Village of Dode wedding is proof that gothic, heartfelt, and alternative weddings can be just as warm and personal as any fairy-tale fantasy. It's about building a day that reflects your love, not someone else’s Pinterest board. With a deep respect for history, a touch of magic, and a whole lot of soul, this celebration was more than a wedding — it was a ritual of becoming.

For anyone planning their own offbeat, sacred, or spellbinding wedding, this story is a reminder:
You don’t have to follow the rules to create something unforgettable. You just have to follow your hearts.