Matt James photography

02/08/2024

Very nearly finished just to electricals to finalise then test run

29/07/2024

I did some more to it.
It's looking good

29/07/2024

It's getting there slowly

24/07/2024

Building another party booth
This time to look like an old medium format camera.....ish

21/07/2024

My shots from Dode in no credit so just so you know these are mine :-)

21/07/2024

She's been pimped the desktop photobooth now has a larger faster screen, new software and has the camera in a more kid and adult friendly position and is ready to rock your party!

20/07/2024

Some natural shots of Paul at Dode last Thursday, the flowers were beautiful. wonderful florest

20/07/2024

The desktop kiosk is being pimped, larger screen better software, watch this space

19/07/2024

The flight case kiosk set up at The Lost Village of Dode (Official)

08/07/2024

This is a re visit to a wedding at Dode from September 2019, where does the time go, I wonder how Rachel and Mark are doing now, they are always welcome back to The Lost Village of Dode (Official) of course.

07/07/2024

Honestly it's wonderful

✨Elope to The Lost Village of Dode! Tell us your love story for a chance to win your wedding.✨

We’ve had a great response to the competition so far with some beautiful stories coming through….but the competition doesn’t close just yet. You have until the 20th August to submit your entry so keep sharing and tagging someone you know who deserves a special day 💞

Imagine running away to get married, just the two of you, and having an intimate wedding ceremony in a beautiful setting, without the pressures of a traditional ‘Big Day’.

Our special little place was built for romance. Hidden away in an almost lost valley among the trees, it really is a secret escape for lovers. It’s perfect for the old-world romance of an elopement - the two of you, so in love that you just want to run away to get married so that you can spend the rest of your lives together - no stress, no hassle, no guest lists.

So as a very special early Christmas gift, we are offering one lucky couple the chance to escape to Dode for an intimate elopement valued at over £5,500 including your civil ceremony on the 21st December 2024, seasonal bouquet and flowers, photographer, intimate champagne celebration dinner and a 3 night stay in our onsite retreat cottage.

Along with our superb team of 'Dode Friends' bringing this special elopement package together, one lucky couple will win;

💗 Your civil wedding ceremony in Dode’s decorated church or stone circle on the Saturday 21 December 2024 (prize must be taken on this date) for the couple and up to four guests.
💗 Stunning seasonal bridal bouquet and button hole from our supplier Moodyblooms (https://moody-blooms.co.uk/).
💗 Photographer to capture the ceremony and couples shots with Matt James Photography (https://www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk/).
💗 A special intimate champagne celebration dinner for two (option to include additional guests) on the wedding night cooked and served in Dode’s secluded onsite timber framed cottage by Dode’s caterers The Flying Pig Kitchen (http://www.flyingpigkitchen.co.uk/).
💗 Locally produced bottles of Prosecco for your celebration dinner from the surrounding vineyards at Dode - Silverhand Estate (https://silverhandestate.com/)
💗 Accommodation in Dode’s 2 bedroom hot tub retreat cottage for the night before the ceremony and a ‘mini moon’ of two nights following.

*please note that the prize excludes KCC registration fees. We will advise you on the registration process.

To enter, simply:

- Like this post and follow our page, tag your friends, couples, engaged mates whoever you think deserves a special wedding
- Share on your stories
- Send us an email to [email protected] with a brief story (200 words or less) of how/when did you know they were the one?

We can’t wait to read your stories and help make one couple’s dream wedding come true. Good luck to all entrants, and may your love story shine bright!

*Competition terms and conditions apply, please see link for details.
*Prize is not affiliated to Instagram / Facebook.
*Winner will be notified no later than 27 August 2024.

https://www.dodevillage.com/stories/win-a-wedding-competition/

27/06/2024

I have been asked by the couple not to share images of people on this occasion but I assure you there are some beautiful pictures of them, such a shame I cant share but I respect their request.
Venue: The Lost Village of Dode (Official)

09/06/2024

Just a few shots from a portrait shoot, I don't just do weddings! this was via an agency for a dating app, hopefully these shots will get this lady a date with someone nice.

28/04/2024

Here at the Kent Showground, Detling with The Lost Village of Dode (Official) today, if you're looking to get wed in a beautiful intimate location then pop by and avoid the rain!

26/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/35C51RF1VyHgZHUd/
Do you need a specific cake for your celebration well my bro in law bakes amazing cakes, he did a guitar for my birthday and it was yummy

Bakery

24/04/2024

Beltane celebration at Dode
I'm there on the 30th

Traditionally regarded as being the beginning of Summer and also known as May Day, Beltane is one of the eight points celebrated in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, bringing us into the warm embrace of spring, we find ourselves on the cusp of Beltane, a time of fire, fertility, and celebration. It's a moment when the earth seems to breathe a sigh of relief, cloaking itself in vibrant colours and life anew. This Beltane, on April 30th and May 1st, we extend a heartfelt invitation to you, to join us in embracing the beauty and warmth that this special day brings.

Beltane is more than just a mark on the calendar; it's a spiritual journey that connects us to the earth, to each other, and to the fire within that drives us forward. It’s a day to revel in the beauty of life and to light bonfires that symbolize the sun's returning strength. As we gather together, we create a space that’s both sacred and joyous, blending ancient traditions with the heartfelt connections of today. It's a chance to break free from the confines of the everyday, to share stories and laughter, and to plant seeds—both literal and metaphorical—for the future.

So, whether you've celebrated Beltane a hundred times or are just curious about what Beltane has to offer, we warmly invite you to be part of our celebration. Come as you are, bring your hopes for the coming year, and let's together welcome the summer. There's something profoundly beautiful in the act of gathering with open hearts, celebrating the earth's fertility, and acknowledging the cycles that guide us.

On the the 30th April at 6-30pm Dode celebrates Beltane Eve with drumming and dancing in the company of Wolfs Head and V***n Morris, at the end of which the traditional Bale Fires will be extinguished in readiness for the following day.

On the 1st of May a ceremony led by Dodes celebrant Paul Mannering to welcome summer and will commence at 7pm with the relighting of the Bale Fires.

Both events will be accompanied by a brief explanation of exactly what this time of year meant to our ancestors and are free to the public although a small donation to this year’s charity The Wisdom Hospice is always appreciated. If you would like to join us please email [email protected] to confirm so we are aware for numbers/parking.

Let’s make this Beltane a memorable one, filled with warmth, laughter, and community.

Let's light the fires of celebration together!

17/04/2024

Like a phoenix Dode rises year by year to offer the most unique wedding experience, however if you are looking to have a special 50th or 60th or something intimate to celebrate with direct friend's or family this is also a fantastic venue, and lookout on the The Lost Village of Dode (Official) page for up and coming events.

05/04/2024

With The Lost Village of Dode (Official) – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉 good job as I'm there almost every week in the summer:-)

25/03/2024

The built in photobooth wall is on tonight at the Donnington Manor Hotel in Sevenoaks

19/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XtsyrMa9EujCJeYV/

We have an open day at Dode
Come and say hello :-)

Calling all engaged couples searching for their dream venue.

We welcome you to come along to our Wedding Open Day on Sunday 14th April, your chance to meet the team, view the venue and meet some of our recommended suppliers who can help make your special day come true 💖

celebrations


Finickity Fayre - China Crockery Hire and Vintage Garden Games Hire in Kent
Double Bubble Bars

Bookings will be open for 10am, 12pm or 2pm please email [email protected] to confirm your slot, spaces will be limited.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dode.

19/02/2024

Time for a clear-out in the studio, so far one huge 4.5 yard hippo bag almost as big as my car! and yes I have been ruthless 10 years worth of leads, a tv, two pcs, a sampler all with issues or I would not have thrown them, the room now is amazing, its taken three days so far, back there tomorrow and Wednesday to finish up.

16/02/2024

at home Pure beauty pure photography

16/02/2024

Thoughts and emotions and some fun that's what I like doing :-)

01/01/2024

Starting 2024 off with 103 reviews on Google and a 5 Star Rating! and here is my latest review received on New Years Eve after shooting a wedding on the 28th December the gallery is up already and this is what the client said:

10 hours ago
Matt photographed our wedding on Thursday for us and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better to capture our special day. He was professional, kind and put us at ease throughout the day. We have received a copy of our photographs today and were blown away at how they captured every minute detail and were very natural so so pleased with them and would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks so much Matt

As you may know I am the in house photographer at the wonderful The Lost Village of Dode (Official) if you are looking for a smaller more intimate wedding, or perhaps you are looking to Jump the Broom, Tie the knot or have a handfasting in a totally unique location set in beautiful countryside then get in touch and I will pass your details on to Becky at Dode.

Finally Happy New Year 2024 and may there be peace in the North, South, East and West x

22/12/2023

What to do on a day off... go to the place you work, I am so privileged to be the recommended photographer at Dode so much so that when I have a day off...I go back for fun! Merry Christmas to you and yours see you in 2024

19/12/2023

https://www.facebook.com/stories/100927965374781/UzpfSVNDOjE5MzA0NDIyNzIxODk0OQ==/?view_single=1

05/12/2023

A huge thank you
101 Google reviews!
(And all good :-) )
As a reward here is a photo of me (For you to laugh at) when I used to be Dave Gahan (So people said) I am now an old David Essex or Peter Gabriel, those with me are Peter my old Bass player and Tim Chapman who is still my drummer (Well not mine I don't own him or anything we are just in a band together) That photo was taken along the river front in Greenwich, just up from the Cutty Sark outside the church, I don't look any different do I lol!